Dakan Road runs through a forested stretch of Pike National Forest and connects more than 100 numbered campsites, most of them drive-in spots marked by tent signs along the road and its network of spurs. Fees run $20 per night for one vehicle, with additional vehicles at $10 each, paid via an envelope drop box near the entrance off Highway 67. A fee collector also circulates through the sites, which makes the process easier if your site is deep in the system. Site 88, for instance, sits roughly an hour's drive along a washboard road from the entrance.
OHV activity defines the character of this campground more than anything else. Dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, and side-by-sides use Dakan Road as a primary access route, and traffic runs from morning into evening on weekends. One reviewer described the noise as "the last thing I heard going to sleep and first thing I heard when I woke up." Campers who prefer quieter conditions will have better luck visiting on weekdays or in late fall, when colder temperatures thin out the OHV crowd considerably.
Site 93 draws consistent praise from reviewers for its sightlines toward Devils Head and enough flat space to accommodate multiple vehicles and tents. The nearby Devils Head campground and Jackson Creek are worth considering if you want a managed alternative in the same area. AT&T provided workable cell signal at the sites; Verizon coverage was limited. Permanent fire rings are present at some sites, and pets are welcome throughout.
Road conditions matter here. Dry weather makes the washboard manageable for most vehicles, including higher-clearance all-wheel-drive cars, but wet conditions can make the road significantly more difficult. Proximity to the Denver metro area means summer weekends bring crowds and, at times, neighbors with loud music or loose camp etiquette. Those who pick a site farther up the road and time their visit for a weekday in September or October tend to have a quieter experience. Camping near Larkspur provides additional context for planning a broader trip in the region.
If you go in with realistic expectations about the OHV traffic and road surface, Dakan Road can deliver a forested Forest Service stay with solid views and room to spread out.
Description
Dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only on the South Platte Ranger District. Designated sites are posted with "Parking" and "Tent" symbols.
Dispersed camping is primitive, undeveloped, frontcountry "car camping". Several areas across the District allow dispersed camping, however certain areas are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activites only.
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Please practice Leave No Trace.
Designated dispersed camping is located along NFSR 300, 502, 507, and 563.
Please observe these requirements when dispersed camping:
Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Be aware that where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDakan Road Camping is located in Colorado near Larkspur
Public CampgroundCoordinates
39.26546781 N
105.05837667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 35 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 53 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 5 min from Pueblo, CO
