Reservations are available and recommended at Burning Bear Campground, a US Forest Service site in Pike National Forest that stays open year-round at $28 per night. The access road runs through Guanella Pass and carries a rough-road warning, so drivers should factor in conditions before arrival. Sites fill quickly during holiday weekends, with at least one reviewer arriving on Memorial Day to find the campground nearly empty by arriving early.
Most sites sit under tree cover, giving reasonable shade, though a handful of exposed sites get full sun. Each site includes a fire pit with a grate, a picnic table, and enough tree spacing to hang a hammock. Wildlife sightings, including deer, moose, and various birds, are reported regularly from within the campground itself. Cell service is unreliable along the pass, which reviewers either note as a drawback or a feature depending on their expectations.
Campers should confirm water availability before arrival. At least one reviewer found the well water non-potable, with a nearby waterfall offering a filterable alternative down the road. Vault toilets are on-site, and Windy H. notes the toilets were "kept clean and stocked" during a summer visit. Firewood is sometimes sold by vendors passing through, though supply is not guaranteed. Geneva Park Campground sits just over a mile northwest for campers who need a backup option or a larger facility.
Burning Bear works well for hikers targeting the Abyss Lake or Burning Bear trailheads, anglers fishing Geneva Creek, or those using the campground as a base for Mt. Bierstadt.
Description
Overview
Located on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest at an elevation of 9,813 feet, Burning Bear Campground offers cooler temperatures during the hot Colorado summer months. Along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, this campground is near prime spots for wildlife viewing, scenic driving, landscape photography, hiking and roads open to off-highway vehicles.
Recreation
Numerous hiking trail opportunities are available along Geneva Road. Mount Evans Wilderness is directly behind the campground allowing for access to the Abyss Trail (sometimes referred to as the Scott Gomer Trail). Although Mount Evans Wilderness is closed to mountain biking, Burning Bear Trail across the road from the campground is a wonderful trail for mountain biking and hiking alike.
Facilities
Burning Bear Campground has 13 sites to accommodate RV, trailer and tent camping. Drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables and grills are provided. Parking aprons are dirt and the campground road may be rough.
Natural Features
The campground is nestled in a beautiful valley on the way to Guanella Pass. Although somewhat open, a scattering of ponderosa pines provides some privacy to campers. Mount Bierstadt (elevation 14,060 feet) is north on the Guanella Pass road a Scenic and Historic Byway, and one of the most popular scenic drives on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. The Guanella Pass road is a great place to watch for bighorn sheep, elk, deer, moose, marmot, pika, and bear
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (303) 647-2366.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Bierstadt summit is approximately 7 miles north of the campground and offers amazing views of the valley below.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators with an approved spark arrestor and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted.
A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBurning Bear Campground is located in Colorado near Grant
Directions
Travel from Denver south on US Highway 285 toward Fairplay to the town of Grant. Turn north on Park County Road 62, towards Guanella Pass. Burning Bear Campground is 5 miles north on the right.
Address
19316 Goddard Ranch Court
Morrison, CO 80465
Coordinates
39.5139111 N
105.71 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/27/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/27/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 40 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 7 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 15 min from Fort Collins, CO











