Off a well-maintained gravel road in Pike National Forest, Michigan Creek operates as a first-come, first-served campground with 12 sites spread across terrain near Michigan Creek and scattered beaver ponds. The Forest Service facility sits accessible from US 285, providing an alternative to the often-crowded reservation campgrounds along nearby Jefferson Creek Road.
Sites offer generous spacing with most tucked under fir and aspen cover, though shade concentrates toward the front of the campground while back sites remain more open. The layout includes two double sites for groups camping together and a loop section that works well for multiple families. Kate S. notes "a creek and beaver ponds scatter the area" with direct hiking access from camp. Road 54 continues past the campground toward French Pass Trailhead, offering dispersed camping options for those seeking more solitude.
The campground provides vault toilets and seasonal drinking water during summer months, though campers should pack out all trash as no collection service operates here. Cell coverage varies by carrier, with T-Mobile reportedly working while other services may be limited. RV length restrictions apply at 25 feet, and the campground prohibits pets. For additional options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds around Jefferson or dispersed sites along the access road.
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
Michigan Creek Campground is four miles northwest of Jefferson off CR 35 and CR 54. It has 12 campsites with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet. The elevation is 10,100 feet. Facilities include toilets, tables, and fire rings. There is no trash or water service at this campground. Dates are weather dependent. All services may not be available early or late in the season.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Reservation Info
Campsites are first-come, first-serve.
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 & DirectionsMichigan Creek is located in Colorado near Jefferson
Coordinates
39.411563 N
105.88441 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/17/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/17/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 32 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 42 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 58 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 18 min from Fort Collins, CO















