Pike National Forest encompasses Weston Pass Campground, a first-come, first-served site that accommodates just 14 campsites along the historic Weston Pass route. This US Forest Service campground sits at elevation between Fairplay and Leadville, accessible via an 11-mile rocky road that can challenge low-clearance vehicles and requires nearly 40 minutes of careful driving from Highway 285.
The compact layout spreads sites among mature fir trees, with Rich Creek flowing within yards of several camping spots. Fire rings and picnic tables equip each site, though campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. Pit toilets serve the campground and reviewers consistently note their cleanliness despite the basic facilities. Sites vary in levelness, with some requiring extra effort for tent setup on uneven ground.
Mosquitoes emerge heavily at dusk during summer months, particularly in July and August. The campground provides direct access to Rich Creek Trail and serves as an entry point to the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area. Despite its remote location, the campground often has available sites even on busy weekends, with David R. noting "6 sites to choose from on Friday" during Labor Day weekend.
An honor-system fee collection box requires $15 per night, and the campground operates from May through October when road conditions permit access.
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
Weston Pass Campground is adjacent to Buffalo Peaks Wilderness on the east side. It has 14 campsites with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet. The elevation is 10,200 feet. Dates are weather dependent. All services may not be available early or late in the season. Facilities include toilets, tables, and fire rings. There is no water or trash service at this campground. Please pack it in, pack it out.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 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 & DirectionsWeston Pass Campground is located in Colorado near Granite
Coordinates
39.076341 N
106.134533 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- 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
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 2 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 3 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 12 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 16 min from Pueblo, CO












