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Established Camping

Kenosha East Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kenosha East Campground is located near Jefferson, CO, within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. The terrain consists of forested areas and open spaces, providing a natural setting for camping. Nearby attractions include the Kenosha Pass and the Colorado Trail, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring.

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Location

Kenosha East Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Denver, drive southwest on US Highway 285 for approximately 50 miles. Kenosha East Campground/Picnic Area is located off of Highway 285, at the top of Kenosha Pass.

Coordinates

39.41414509 N
105.754354 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Michigan Creek

Michigan Creek

16 min away

Meadows Group Campground

Meadows Group Campground

53 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

Great campgrounds with some caveats

We had reservations at Kenosha Campground and were diverted to Kenosha East. The camp hosts were protecting us from a bear that had visited the campground a few too many times. We were thankful that they put our safety first.

Kenosha East is designed primarily for tent camping. A small trailer or camper van can be accommodated. Large fifth wheels or RVs can be accommodated at the disbursed sites located East and South of the campground, just follow the dirt roads back into the forest. Sites are designated for camping and/or parking.

We stayed at camp site #10. It had a lot of space between the other camp sites but the trees are not thick enough to create a lot of privacy. Our site was located in an aspen grove with lush grass and wildflowers. It was beautiful to look out on the grove and watch the bees collect pollen.

This campground is at the start of the Colorado Trail. A hiking trail that is frequented by backpackers. The trail is also surrounded by aspen grove with thick wildflowers and wild grasses. The reward on the short hike we did is the view of the South Park valley. It was amazing, even with the haze that blew in from the California wildfires.

The caveats: this is a highly trafficked day use area. There is a parking lot at the entrance for day use with two well used vault toilets. The campground is visited by non campers on foot, on bikes, and in cars and campers. There are a lot of people around all day on weekends.

This campground is located right off of Hwy 285. This is the main thoroughfare to the central mountains in Colorado. The traffic is heavy day and well into the night. Semis and motorcycles are the loudest culprits. If you are looking for quiet and solitude, you may want to look elsewhere. Kenosha Pass and Kenosha East are built for recreation and lots of people.

For the ladies: Bathrooms, especially vault bathrooms, can be a deterrent for some. The camp hosts take great care of the bathrooms. We stayed 3 nights and there was always toilet paper. The bathroom smelled as good as it could possibly smell with the amount of people that used it all weekend. It was never gross. Which is so nice. If you are a little squeamish when it comes to camping and vault bathrooms, I think this is a safe bet.

Overall, I would stay at this campground again and bring my bike. I’d also spend more time out on the trail. I’d stay somewhere else if I was looking for quiet and solitude.

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Kenosha East Campground by Megan S., August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Kenosha East Campground by Megan S., August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Kenosha East Campground by Megan S., August 10, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2018

Lovely, but too close to highway

We stopped at this site on a whim. When we arrived on Friday afternoon there were plenty of sites available at 3pm. By the evening it was 90% full. This site does not take reservations. The campground itself was beautiful! There are lots of tall pines trees, aspens, and wild flowers. There was pretty good space between sites. The campsite host informed us moose frequent the area. The big downside is the highway is very loud here which really took away from the peace. This is on the opposite side of the highway of Kenosha Campground which was equally as nice, but also suffered from proximity to the highway. The Colorado trail runs alongside both campgrounds.

  • Review photo of Kenosha East Campground by Abby O., July 29, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kenosha Pass East Campground located and how do I get there?

Kenosha Pass East Campground is located along the Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass in the Pike National Forest, Colorado. The campground sits at a high elevation with beautiful mountain scenery. It's situated near Highway 285, making it relatively accessible by car. To reach the campground, follow Highway 285 to Kenosha Pass, where you'll find the campground entrance. The area features pine forests, aspen groves, and wildflower meadows, creating a picturesque setting for camping.

Do I need reservations for Kenosha Pass East Campground or is it first-come, first-served?

Kenosha Pass East Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Sites tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends. By Friday afternoon, you might find plenty of sites available, but expect the campground to be nearly full by evening. For the best chance of securing a spot, arrive early in the day, particularly on weekdays. During peak season and weekends, having a backup plan is recommended if you arrive later in the day.

What recreational activities can I enjoy near Kenosha Pass East Campground?

The area surrounding Kenosha Pass East Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities. Hiking is particularly popular, with direct access to the Colorado Trail right from the campground. The landscape features beautiful wildflowers, aspen groves, and pine forests to explore. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though be aware that bears are occasionally present in the area. During fall, the aspen trees provide spectacular foliage viewing. Photography, bird watching, and stargazing are also rewarding activities in this scenic mountain setting. For more extensive adventures, the surrounding Pike National Forest offers additional trails and outdoor experiences.

What amenities and facilities are available at Kenosha Pass East Campground?

Kenosha Pass East Campground is primarily designed for tent camping with more limited options for RVs or trailers. The campground features campsites nestled among tall pine trees and aspen groves. Basic facilities include vault toilets, but no showers or running water are available. Campsites typically come with a fire ring and picnic table. The campground has camp hosts on site who help manage the area and address safety concerns. Be prepared for a more rustic camping experience with minimal amenities. Visitors should bring their own water supply and pack out all trash.