Fishing, creek swimming, and hiking the Rainbow Trail draw campers to this San Isabel National Forest site along Hayden Creek Road, where the creek runs close enough to several sites that the sound of moving water carries through camp at night. The campground sits within a forested corridor in the Arkansas River Valley, and places to camp near San Isabel National Forest extend well beyond this single location for those planning a longer stay in the region.
Sites include picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and access to a vault toilet. The campground has no host on-site, which reviewers note can lead to a loose atmosphere on busy weekends. First come, first served. Arrive early on Fridays, as sites fill fast. Cell service from AT&T and T-Mobile is absent here, so plan accordingly before leaving the highway.
Navigation deserves attention before the drive out. Using Google Maps rather than Apple Maps is strongly recommended, as Tommy C. notes that "Apple Maps sends you to Cuttys down the street." The access road is dirt and generally manageable, though campers towing pop-up rigs report it requires some care. Several dispersed sites line the road before the established campground, free to use but without tables or grills. Supplies are available in Cotopaxi on Highway 50.
Campers wanting a more developed alternative nearby can look into Coaldale Campground, about 1.2 miles east along the same corridor.
Description
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.
Facilities
Hayden Creek Campground is a hidden gem on the Salida Ranger District. The campground is small with only eleven sites. It is located on the banks of Hayden Creek and at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground is wooded and very secluded. Sites are best suited to tent camping or small trailers or RV's. Vehicles 25 ft. or less work best in the area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHayden Creek Road is located in Colorado near Coaldale
Public CampgroundCoordinates
38.329669 N
105.823633 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 52 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 44 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 7 min from Boulder, CO
