Reservations are available at Ouzel, a drive-in campground in Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado, with nightly fees running $24 and sites open year-round. The campground is small, with roughly 8 to 10 sites total, and fills up on weekends even in winter. Full hookups with water and sewer connections make it accessible for RVs, though one reviewer noted that a 39-foot motorhome fit only with difficulty, and larger rigs should plan accordingly.
River proximity is the defining feature here. Several sites sit directly alongside the water, and campers consistently note that those spots go first. The terrain is open with limited natural shade, so warm-weather visitors should come prepared for sun exposure. Cell coverage is unreliable, with at least one report of zero signal on T-Mobile. "Right on the river, exactly as I hoped," writes Andrew B., who also noted the ability to walk freely in the river itself.
Amenities include drinking water, toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and a trash dumpster, though availability of some services like firewood and running water has varied across visits and seasons, so confirming current conditions before arrival is worth the effort. Pets and alcohol are permitted. The campground sits within camping areas outside Pike National Forest, a broader zone with additional options if Ouzel is full. Platte River Campground to the southwest provides a nearby alternative for campers who want a different setup along the same stretch of river.
Description
Facilities
This campground__has 13 campsites (8 campsites are first come first served and 5 are reservable) available for tent camping only. At an elevation of 6,200 feet, it is open year-round. This campground has picnic table and fire ring at each campsite. Portable toilets are available during peak season.There is no water available in this campground. You must bring all water needed for the duration of your stay.All dates are weather dependent. Visitors may expect full service from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The area also has an extended season when services such as trash or a host may not be available during the fall, winter and spring.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (617) 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 & DirectionsOuzel is located in Colorado near Deckers
Public CampgroundCoordinates
39.320598 N
105.187773 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 10 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 26 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 30 min from Pueblo, CO
