Hikers targeting Pikes Peak from the western approach will find direct trailhead access at Crags Campground, a 17-site Forest Service facility reached by a 3.4-mile dirt road climb from Divide. The campground sits at elevation alongside a creek that flows through several sites, providing the sound of running water for campers positioned along the stream side of the road.
Sites are spaced with natural tree and brush barriers between them, though the overall layout keeps neighbors relatively close. Hannah B. found "sixteen campsites, fairly private with trees and bushes between" during her September visit. The creek creates a draw for wildlife and contributes to a mosquito population during warmer months. Vault toilets earn consistent praise from visitors for cleanliness, and a camp host provides firewood sales and area information.
The access road presents challenges for larger RVs and trailers, with steep grades, erosion channels, and narrow sections that limit suitable sites to just a few spots. Most campers arrive in cars, conversion vans, or small trailers. Two hand-pump wells provide non-potable water for filtering. Cell service disappears once you leave the paved highway, making this a true disconnect from digital life.
First-come, first-served sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly Saturday evenings, though weekday availability remains better. Neil T. noted arriving Wednesday afternoon to find "about half the spots were available" at 3 PM. The campground operates year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions. Day hikers create steady traffic on the access road, but the camping area stays relatively quiet once evening settles.
For those exploring the broader region, Mueller State Park Campground offers a developed alternative with reservations and hookups. Crags works best for tent campers and small RV users seeking creek-side sites with immediate trail access to Colorado's most famous fourteener.
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.
Reservation Info
This is a first-come, first-served campground. No reservations.
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 & DirectionsCrags Campground is located in Colorado near Midland
Public CampgroundCoordinates
38.872025 N
105.123644 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/14/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/14/26
- 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
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 46 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 6 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 35 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 58 min from Boulder, CO
