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$24 / night

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$24 / night

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Established Camping

Handcart Campground

7 Reviews

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Handcart Campground, near Grant, Colorado, is a cozy spot that offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. With a creek running through the area and plenty of towering pines, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the scenery.

This campground is perfect for tent and RV camping, though it’s worth noting that there are no electric hookups or showers. Visitors have enjoyed the shaded sites and the tranquility of the location, with one camper mentioning, “This is a great site for April in Colorado.” The vault toilet and trash facilities are basic but functional, keeping the area tidy for everyone.

For those who love to hike, you’re in luck! Handcart Campground is close to trails leading to stunning spots like Gibson Lake, making it a great base for outdoor adventures. Some campers have described it as a hidden gem, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Just keep in mind that it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a smart move.

While the campground has its quirks, like a few bullet holes in the bathroom (which might raise an eyebrow), the overall vibe is peaceful and inviting. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Handcart Campground offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

Description

US Forest Service

Pike National Forest

Overview

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (303) 647-2366.

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Location

Handcart Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.482365 N
105.799906 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Michael W.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2021

Not Boat-In

Awesome campground! Totally shaded and right next to the creek.

Month of VisitSeptember
m
Reviewed May. 20, 2021

Great site for early season

This is a great site for April in Colorado. Still plenty of snow around but this site is completely empty early season. In the summer it can get very full and sites are pretty close together. Parking is difficult when there are a lot of other campers. Road in has tons of potholes so low clearance vehicles should avoid. Hall valley CG is right up the road. (I enjoy hall valley more)

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by matt , May 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by matt , May 20, 2021
Kenny C.
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Very beautiful but sketchy.

I must know, why is the bathroom full of bullet holes and it looks like someone was shooting there way in like trying to shoot someone inside, many trees in the surrounding camping area are full of bullet holes as well. We left (was not prepared for a possible shootout), I would love to come back but would really like to know what transpired at handcart.

Jordan B.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

chilled, hidden, pretty

Stayed for two nights, had a great time hiking up to Gibson Lake, exploring the Pike Forest and chilling by the creek. This is a tent-only campground and a bit of a hidden gem.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by Jordan B., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by Jordan B., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by Jordan B., August 31, 2018
L
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

Awesome Hidden CG

This is one very nice Cg. Creek runs through the CG. Peace-full and full of Pines. One vault toilet. First come first served. About 10 sites with a camp host that also takes care of another CG 1 mile up the road. Hall CG. Four wheel drive trails up ahead and a trail-head to hike to a high elevation lake. Some might not want to pay $22 per night but it is still less expensive than most vacations...

Site6
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by LEE H., July 6, 2018
  • Basic CG video
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  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by LEE H., July 6, 2018
  • (4) View All
Shaun H.
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2018

Great little camp ground!

Handcart Campground is a great little camp ground right near Bailey Colorado. It definitely is a hidden gem down a long dirt road with 11 campsites available at first come, first serve at $22 dollars a night. It had great views and a awesome river right through the whole camp grounds. The site is in the woods and comes with a fire pit and picnic table.

SiteSite 2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by Shaun H., June 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by Shaun H., June 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Handcart Campground by Shaun H., June 16, 2018
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Handcart Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Handcart Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Handcart Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Handcart Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Handcart Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Handcart Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Handcart Campground?

There are 4 campsites at Handcart Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

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