Best Tent Camping near Cripple Creek, CO
Several tent campsites dot the landscape surrounding Cripple Creek, Colorado, offering diverse camping experiences within Pike National Forest and nearby public lands. Red Canyon Park provides primitive tent camping with sites situated among striking red rock formations. Rampart Range Area offers dispersed tent campsites at higher elevations, while Phantom Canyon provides more secluded options along a scenic byway.
Access to tent sites varies significantly across the region. Red Canyon Park features dirt road access that most vehicles can navigate when dry, though some sections become challenging after rain. Most tent campsites include basic fire rings but limited amenities. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Red Canyon Park and Shelf Road Sites, but not at all primitive areas. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies, as drinking water is unavailable at most dispersed sites. The 72-hour stay limit applies at several locations including Red Canyon Park.
Tent camping in this region offers exceptional solitude, particularly at sites farther from main roads. Many campsites provide flat tent pads with surrounding terrain varying from pinyon-juniper woodlands to open meadows with mountain views. The higher elevation sites typically offer cooler temperatures during summer months. Dispersed tent sites throughout Pike National Forest remain less crowded than established campgrounds, especially on weekdays. Areas near Shelf Road provide tent campers with convenient access to climbing routes. One camper noted, "Red Canyon Park was absolutely beautiful with very spread out campsites. I barely saw anyone drive by the whole time, with so many fun places to explore, like climbing on rocks to see the mountains around you."
