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Established Camping

Tom Bennett

9 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tom Bennett, near Fort Collins, Colorado, is a unique spot for those who appreciate a more rustic camping experience. This area is perfect for tent and RV camping, but keep in mind that it’s a no-frills kind of place—no electric hookups, showers, or picnic tables here.

Visitors often rave about the stunning views and the surrounding wilderness. Many have enjoyed the nearby hiking trails, especially the challenging trek to Emmaline Lake, which offers breathtaking scenery. One camper shared, “We loved being away from the roads and the cities so we could see the stars and enjoyed lots of great hiking in the area.”

While the campground itself may not have all the amenities, it’s a great launchpad for exploring the natural beauty of the region. Some campers have opted for dispersed camping along the same road, finding private spots that offer a peaceful retreat. As one reviewer noted, “Every site was very private,” making it a fantastic choice for those looking to escape the crowds.

If you’re up for an adventure, be prepared for cooler nights, especially in August, when temperatures can dip into the low 30s. Just remember, there’s no cell service, so it’s a great chance to unplug and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Tom Bennett offers a chance to connect with the great outdoors in a beautiful setting.

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Location

Tom Bennett is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Drive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287.Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 26 miles. Turn left (south) on to Pingree Park Road (County Road 63E). Drive approximately 17 miles to the campground.

Coordinates

40.574373 N
105.582368 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Big Bend

Big Bend

1 hr 17 min away

Sleeping Elephant Campground (Temporarily Closed)

Sleeping Elephant Campground (Temporarily Closed)

1 hr 21 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

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Reviews

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9 Reviews

Drifting M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Stayed up the forest road

Didn’t stay at Bennett campground , but drove up the same road to dispersed camping sites. Found a site on 4th of July weekend . Every site was very private. No cell coverage

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Drifting M., July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Drifting M., July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Drifting M., July 8, 2022
  • (8) View All
Jesse K.
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2021

Currently closed

Unfortunately this campground is closed due to the fires that happened near by in 2020. There was no real. Damage to the campground itself from the looks of it. Talked to someone at forest service in September 2021 and they are unsure if and when it may reopen.

Siteopen
Month of VisitSeptember
Spencer B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

Disperesed Camping

We did not stay at Tom Bennett Campground, but we did find some terrific Dispersed camping on the same road!

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  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Spencer B., June 25, 2020
T
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2020

Beautiful area for hiking

We enjoyed this campsite and the views from the top of the road. My only real ding on it it that there is not a lot of room between the campsites and for many of them there are no trees in between. I think I would have enjoyed it less had it been crowded.

Month of VisitAugust
J
Reviewed May. 24, 2020

Dispersed Camping

We didnt stay in the campground we stayed right above it. It was very beautiful and I love when I can see the mountains and listen to river!! This was our first time in our jeep tent. We were a bit surprised to wake up to snow, but we had a moose come pretty close to our campsite. All worth it.

  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Jenifer W., May 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Jenifer W., May 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Jenifer W., May 24, 2020
k
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2018

Dispersed camping is great

Went on a girls hike and skipped the campground and went for dispersed camping instead past the campground, past Emmaline trailhead and found great spots near the creek bed!

  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by kelli G., July 22, 2018
Abby T.
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

Beautiful, Secluded Spot

Beautiful site tucked away in the wilderness right next door to Pingree Park. We loved being away from the roads and the cities so we could see the stars and enjoyed lots of great hiking in the area - Emmaline Lake in particular is an amazing hike if you’re up for the challenge! Lovely campsite - would definitely come back!

Month of VisitAugust
Holly R.
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2016

Girls' Getaway in August

Two friends and I went on a four day camping trip towards the end of August 2015. The campsite is remote, but well maintained. There are several hiking trails nearby, as well as the CSU Mountain Campus, Pingree Park. This campground is one of my favorite in Colorado and offers a nice secluded car camping experience. Most people only go as far as Jack's Gulch (another good campsite managed by the same camp hosts), but if you are willing to go the distance, it is a great experience. Note, because of its altitude, the nighttime temperatures at Tom Bennett can drop down to the low 30s, even in August. In addition, unless you carry around a sat phone, there is absolutely no cell reception.

  • Review photo of Tom Bennett by Holly R., June 15, 2016
Showing results 1-9 of 9 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find photos of Tom Bennett Campground before visiting?

To find photos of Tom Bennett Campground, check The Dyrt's campground listing which includes user-submitted photos showing the campsite layouts and surrounding scenery. The Forest Service website may also provide official images of the campground. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often feature tagged photos of the area. Additionally, searching Google Images using terms like "Tom Bennett Campground Colorado" can yield helpful visual references of the camping area, nearby Pingree Park, and the surrounding mountain terrain.

What do campers say in reviews about Tom Bennett Campground?

Campers highlight Tom Bennett as a beautiful, secluded destination tucked away in the wilderness adjacent to Pingree Park. Many appreciate the remote location that offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. The campground earns praise for its mountain views and the soothing sounds of nearby creeks. Hikers particularly enjoy the proximity to trails, with Emmaline Lake trail mentioned as a challenging but rewarding option. Some note the limited space between campsites and lack of privacy in certain areas. The area is also known for wildlife sightings, including moose, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.

What amenities and facilities are available at Tom Bennett Campground?

Tom Bennett Campground offers a remote yet well-maintained camping experience. The campground features basic facilities with several established campsites, though they are positioned fairly close together with limited privacy between some sites. The area provides access to multiple hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. While the campground itself has minimal amenities, the natural setting compensates with beautiful views of the mountains and opportunities to hear nearby creeks. Note that the campground's operational status may vary seasonally, so checking with the Forest Service before planning your trip is recommended.

Where is Tom Bennett Campground located and how do I get there?

Tom Bennett Campground is located in northern Colorado near Colorado State University's Mountain Campus at Pingree Park. To reach the campground, you'll need to navigate mountain roads that lead into this remote area. The same road continues past the campground to dispersed camping areas and the Emmaline Lake trailhead. While accessible by car, the remote nature of the location means visitors should be prepared for mountain driving conditions. There's no cell phone coverage in the area, so download directions beforehand. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and hiking trails in the Roosevelt National Forest.

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