Established Camping
Spillway Campground
Spillway Campground, near Lake George, Colorado, is a scenic spot that offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With sites right along the South Platte River, it’s perfect for those who love fishing and hiking, with easy access to some beautiful trails.
The campground is known for its stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite among visitors. Many campers have praised the cleanliness of the facilities and the friendliness of the hosts, who are always ready to help with any questions. One camper noted, “The hosts were extremely friendly and answered a bunch of questions for us,” which really adds to the welcoming vibe.
While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground allows for campfires, and you can bring your pets along, making it a cozy spot for families. Just remember to bring your own water, as the potable supply is limited. As one reviewer mentioned, “Limited potable water and no hookups but this place is beautiful!”
If you’re up for some adventure, the area is great for hiking and fly fishing, with the river being a popular spot for both. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride on the way in, as some campers have pointed out that the road can be a bit rough. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Spillway Campground is a solid choice for a memorable outdoor experience.
Description
US Forest Service
Pike National Forest
Overview
Spillway Campground is perched along the South Platte River near the base of the dam of Eleven Mile Reservoir. Adventurists and families alike will find things to do here. Birding is excellent, as is hiking. Rock climbers enjoy the solid rocky cliffs of the canyon and fly fishermen find abundant catches in the river.
Recreation
Hike the Overlook Trail for breathtaking views of Eleven Mile Canyon and Reservoir. Occasionally, Golden Eagles can be viewed nesting in the nearby granite cliffs and crags. Springtime brings higher chances of spotting Bald Eagles. Visitors enjoy fishing by shore or canoe. Rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon and pike are among the species anglers are likely to find.
Natural Features
The campground, at altitude 8,500 feet, is located at the edge of Eleven Mile Canyon, furthest from the canyon entrance. Some campsites are shaded by scattered spruce and ponderosa pine. Spillway is the closest campground to the Eleven Mile Reservoir, which spans 3,405 surface acres and 5 miles in length. Eleven Mile Canyon was cut by the South Platte River and is bordered by polished gray granite cliffs.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
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.
Location
Spillway Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Lake George, Colorado, turn off of Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about one mile turn right to the Eleven Mile Canyon entrance. Spillway Campground is the last campground which is about 9 miles up Eleven Mile Canyon near the dam.
Coordinates
38.9066667 N
105.4677778 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Colorado Springs
- 1 hr 28 min from Pueblo
- 2 hrs 5 min from Denver
- 2 hrs 28 min from Boulder
