- Pike National Forest
The best camping in Pike National Forest, CO
85% (68)
A surprisingly diverse landscape sprawled throughout a huge national forest.
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Evan
2 weeks ago
22 ft travel trailer
Tim was an awesome host, super helpful shining an extra light when we arrived after dark to park the trailer. Quiet and peaceful property to spend a weekend, will be back. Thanks Tim!
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Erika
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Aspen Forest in Evergreen Colorado
So cozy, clean, modern and relaxing getaway. Spend the day around Evergreen town, there is plenty to do around for all ages.
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Jakob
3 weeks ago
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Lexie
3 weeks ago
Group trip
Perfect little spot for a night away! We had a friend in town and just needed a space for girl's night, this was exactly what we wanted! Very cute, has everything you need, the projector was perfect, and the sauna was a nice touch! Highly recommend.
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Ana Sofia
3 weeks ago
18 ft travel trailer
Beautiful property and camping spots amongst tall pines. Teresa was very communicative and provided great informations. Quick drive from the south Denver metro area to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with mountain traffic . We hope to return soon.
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Liseli
3 weeks ago
With pets
The a frame was the perfect place to reset after a long day driving across country! The view of the stars and twinkling lights below was perfection! Nice to unplugged and watch the moon roll across the sky. I’ll definitely stop again when I’m in the area! Very cute and cozy!
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Lulu
3 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
Lovely place! The bathrooms were clean and you can’t beat a hot shower. They had several bbq grills for guest to use. It was nice to be so close to Royal Gorge. Don’t pass up your change to stay here, you won’t regret.
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Lulu
3 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
Perfect spot for the night. You’re literally in front of Red Rock Canyon, nice surprise to wake up to! Felt safe. There was a street light on all night, but didn’t bother us too much with blackout curtains. Would recommend.
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Caden
November 2025
Tent
This was a perfect place to stay as I traveled through the Denver area. Would definitely stay again in the future.
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Erica
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Aspen Forest in Evergreen Colorado
Our stay at this Hipcamp site was peaceful, scenic, and exactly what we were hoping for. Ernest was friendly and communicative, and the igloo was clean with plenty of space and privacy. We loved sitting by the mini fireplace and hot tub at night under a sky full of stars. Waking up to birdsong and fresh mountain air was also a great addition. Everything felt thoughtfully cared for and simple in the best way no distractions, just a chance to slow down and reconnect. I’d highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a relaxing, off-the-grid getaway.
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Shaun
October 2025
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Nick
October 2025
19 ft travel trailer
With pets
We loved it here! Teresa is an awesome, friendly host and the views are amazing. The nearby hiking/mountain bike trails she recommended (Sandstone Ranch Open Space) were also great. We highly recommend and will probably visit again!
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Lori
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Aspen Forest in Evergreen Colorado
Beautiful location. It was very quit and had such gorgeous surroundings. The dome was cozy, comfortable and clean. We will go back!
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Howie
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Our second annual father/son camping trip was a huge success. We had the whole property to ourselves. Each year our favorite part is exploring the boulders at the top of the property. The dozen or so turkeys that wandered through the property was the icing on the cake!
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Abby
October 2025
2 nights at Aspen Forest in Evergreen Colorado
What a magical, well cared for place. It was clear the owners thought of every special touch. We stayed in the big cabin on the property. The gorgeous views through the cabin’s endless windows, surrounded by aspens reaching to the sky, the wildlife, the peaceful quiet - all of it made for a fantastic and memorable stay. We will definitely be back and are so grateful!
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Cristian
October 2025
Tent
Nice quiet open space. Pretty scenery. More than enough firewood for the campfire. And host was extremely accommodating!
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Michael
October 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
I loved camping there, clean bathrooms and nice vintage charm
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Jared
October 2025
Tent
Was the perfect little escape from the city!
The host was very kind and responsive.
Excited to see how the site develops over time. It seems like there is a solid vision that is just beginning.
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Trevor
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Very comfortable, quiet place to get away from the noise of life.
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Grant
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Sunrise Campsites
We had an amazing time staying at the cabin. The cabin was well stocked with propane and water, and the power station looked very nice too! The cabin itself is very cute, comfortable, has a fantastic view, and definitely feels private and secluded from the rest of the grounds. Stephanie was extremely responsive and eager to help, and was able to secure a sturdy ladder for us to get to the bed mere minutes after the request. The cabin definitely still has some construction items remaining, but is more than finished enough to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Overall my girlfriend and I had a wonderful time and will most definitely be coming back next year!!
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Pike National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Pike National Forest, CO guide
Overview
About
This enormous (1,106,604 acres!) national forest sits in Colorado's Front Range, west of Colorado Springs.
Amateur mountaineers might want to challenge themselves against the famous Pikes Peak. There's a reason the view from the mountaintop inspired the classic "America the Beautiful!" It's a particularly tough hike at 13.5 miles of rugged terrain, though.
The convenient midpoint of Barr Camp lets you stop to rest, eat or sleep. Looking for a great view but not so great of a challenge? Drive partway up Pikes Peak Highway and snag the free shuttle to reach the summit.
Other major peaks in the forest include Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. All are among Colorado's 53 "fourteeners," peaks with elevations of 14,000 feet or more.
If slightly more leisurely exploration is your bag, definitely head into the Lost Creek Wilderness. A 27.6-mile loop trail takes you through gorgeous valleys and streams. Multiple campgrounds make it easy to turn this into an overnight adventure.
Nearby attractions
Experience celestial beauty while camping near the Garden of the Gods. With the orange glow of towering sandstone formations, it offers a heavenly escape for campers yearning for unforgettable views and soul-stirring sunsets.
85%
68 ratings · 35 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Pikes peak summit
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Liliane R.
4 reviews
This is the perfect place to crash for the night. Felt nice and secluded but it’s only a couple minutes from the highway. Highly recommended!!
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Austin M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Secluded, but not far off the road.
You can hear road noise all night long though on the highway.
There are no signs posted about bears, as well as the trash cans are not the bear proof type.
But be aware, there are bears.
I was in site 3. Only one other camper was in that lower loop.
A young bear, likely a problem orphan (it had ear tags) was digging in a fire pit next to the other campers.
I drove over and honked and gooted and it ran a few hundred yards, then stopped in the trees and stared and wouldn't go any further.
So this is a bear habituated to people.
Be bear aware all over this area.
Tammy H.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2020
The best thing about this campground is the first-come, first-served status. With only 13 sites, this could be scary. We went on Labor Day weekend and had 6 sites to choose from on Friday, two on Saturday night and 10 on Sunday night. Good access to the Rich Creek Trail. Creek runs just yards from camp. Fire rings and tables are in good shape. Older style toilet, but it's okay.
Downside…No water, so bring your own. And you have to take your trash out.
And the road is a little rough coming up from Fairplay. I understand it's really rough coming from Leadville.
David R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2020
Beautiful scenery and a lot of places to wander/explore. Smaller campground (12 spots). Stargazing was 100! Looking forward to returning. Bathrooms on site.
Lindsay M.
7 years on Hipcamp
May 2020
Can't wait to be here. Hope it will be open June 11 2020
Sheranda T.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2020
Great site, but could still be cold even in June (2019). We had a few snow flurrys. Great open area and creek (very full) in back of many site. Extremely wooded, lots of privacy. Just a short drive up the road to Jefferson Lake. Would recommend. Hope for less rain if you go in June.
Mark S.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2019
Nice little campground that tends to get very thick with mosquitos July thru August. This camp is right on Tarryall creek and has a vault toilet. The toilet is a fairly long walk from most of the sites. Big distances between most sites and a steep climb to some. Just dont forget your skeeter spray!
J Candcynthia S.
6 years on Hipcamp
January 2019
Kite Lake is the perfect Decalibron base camp. It is a no frills camping area, but the fact that you can wakeup at the trailhead for your alpine start makes it worthwhile. The pit toilets are the only luxury. There is a small fee (self-serve) for parking a vehicle and staying overnight. Keep in mind that the weather changes rapidly at that elevation and that you will want a tent that can withstand the strong wind gusts.
Leah R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· September 2018
There are too many rules, why have a campground next to one of the largest atv trails but you literally cant even push them around on the DIRT trails that are inside the campground? Just drive like 30 feet further and set up your own free campsite.
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Jason R.
7 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· September 2018
There are too many rules
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Jason R.
7 years on Hipcamp
July 2018
Nice place, but NO water available!
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Amy H.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
The camp hosts were a little kooky but go there on a week night, you’ll have your pick of all the sites, and the hosts might even throw you a discount.
Xanthe &.
27 reviews
Recommends
· January 2018
Great access to Lost Creek wilderness.
Terry G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
Great trout fishing along the creek and at at the beaver ponds. There are three campgrounds in the area and all are secluded. As usual with Colorado reservations are needed.
Terry G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
I'm a backcountry camper
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Ryan L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Dispersed camping where we stayed. Go early for a good spot!
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Zak L.
8 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· June 2017
Well no longer provides water. Firewood not purchasable, very open and can see everyone. No immediate hiking trails.
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Jennifer G.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
If you want privacy this is an excellent place to go. I was the only one there in my time. There's a trailhead in the camp which leads you to the Rich creek trail. There is an outlook about 30 minutes hike from camp that is a quick trip. I would also recommend driving up the trail road that goes by the camp. Disperse camping spots right by the creek. Beautiful place high on my list.
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Jake R.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
This campground was such a bummer. It's basically just a large pull-out on the side of a fairly busy mountain road. For $15/night you get a little piece of dirt, a table, and a fire ring. There were a few unlevel porta-potties in the parking lot which were the extent of the facilities. We happened to come through on a Friday, so it was very busy and loud until the wee hours of the morning. I would stay again if it was free dispersed camping, but definitely not for what they charged.
Melinda H.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
Small, quant, shady campground. Nicely spaced sites that are a decent size. Plenty of great hikes and mountain biking nearby. Site is just off a road which is frequented by motorcycle groups, can be noisy.
Amy F.
10 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
We were able to make reservations. Campground is a hub for off roaders. Site was large and roomy, and shady due to pine trees. Lot of traffic and gun range noise during the day.
Amy F.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2017
The scenery is amazing
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Matt G.
8 years on Hipcamp
February 2017
Dirt bike^
Caroline C.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2017
Devils head has awesome off-roading trails and diatribe trails
Caroline C.
8 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
This is a great place to camp the night before starting out on the Lost Creek loop backpacking trail. There is also a lot of fly fishing in the area.
Ryan R.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2016
Great little campsite right on the river, right off the highway.
About 100 yards from the parking lot to the furthest campsite.
Gets pretty busy on the weekends, lots of fishermen use the area as river access.
There is NO TRASH PICKUP here. So, for the love of all things holy, please pack your trash out.
David P.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
We camped out here last weekend to watch the Perseid meteor shower and couldn't have been more pleased! It was remote but still close to Denver. The site was HUGE and flat, perfect for our tent. There happened to be a bunch of horse trailer campers up there this weekend, and we even got to go on a little bareback ride up one of the many trails. Highly recommend this spot.
Steph W.
9 years on Hipcamp
June 2016
Do not camp at site #8; it has absolutely no decent place to pitch a tent. We tent camp often and it's safe to say this was THE WORST campsite. Ever.
Now, as for the other sites... the first ones looked nice but I'd worry about getting flooded in the event of rain. In fact most of the sites seemed to have gullies running thru them. I'd say the "best" sites are 9, 10 & 15.
The sites are extremely close together but even if they were a half mile apart, there would be no escaping the loud and fowl-mouthed group of men next to us, drinkin' round the campfire. We got to hear them debase women and use the f-word all night long. Both nights. Sigh. The campsite host was there only briefly in the two nights we spent there. What a shame.
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Patty M.
9 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
The road to kite lake is long and rough. I made it in a compact car, but it was tricky. The worst part is right before the campground. Once you're there, its beautiful, but cold, so be prepared! Its name is Kite Lake because it looks like a kite on a string from way above. You can bag three 14ers from this site; Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Democrat, and Mt. Cameron. Mount Bross is also a 14er, but it is currently on private property, so you are asked to please respect those rules. The powers that be are currently trying to gain access to the mountain and having people trespass isn't making it any easier.
Jody C.
5 reviews