356 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Deckers sits at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the South Platte River, and most of the camping here orients around river access. Developed campgrounds along the canyon road have designated sites with vault toilets and water in season, and the river fishing draws a consistent crowd through the warmer months. The Dyrt campers who check in here rate the access roads as manageable for most vehicles, though the canyon road gets heavy weekend traffic from Denver and the southern suburbs. What's available for dispersed camping near Deckers covers the no-fee Pike National Forest options off the main road.
Buffalo Creek is about 15 miles northwest with additional national forest access. Morrison is about 35 miles northeast toward Denver. Most developed sites here fill quickly on summer weekends, and reservation windows are worth checking well in advance for peak dates. The river corridor stays busy from May through early October.
"The "Buffalo Creek Recreation Area" is ONLY the 35 designated dispersed campsites that start just west of the intersection marked on the map(Redskin Rd/County road 550 AND Deckers Road/hwy 126)."
"Most spots are near the road, as you can see from my photo but the further up the road you get, the traffic will calm down. We did not see this as a problem at all."
"Regardless, the lake is pretty and the trail is fun for hiking. Word of caution- every year I see/hear about multiple dogs going down the waterfall. No major injuries but it scares the owners."
"The campground and lake are very nice. There are several campsites that sit right on the water. There are also campsites that sit further up on the mountain."
from $40 - $120 / night
Check Availability"Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!! Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Very accessible to Deckers. Most of the shops close by 6PM."
"We hear that the cafe In Deckers may be getting wifi. The campground is open all year but the water is shut off in the winter. Sites are close to each other."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"We came up Sunday and drove around for an hour trying to find a spot. It was so busy with campers and there were dirt bikers everywhere!"
"My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."
"Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Welcoming campground, spur trails connecting it straight to the Colorado Trail and other connections in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area."
"The site was large (could easily fit a large RV) and tree lines but was pretty close to the road. There were cars going in an out but everyone was being super cautious and going slow."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"My first time In Colorado. It was a little busy but once we found our campsite you would never know it! Awesome views! Campsites very far apart."
"This is a primitive CG that is walk-up only and popular on the weekends..."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Goosecreek campground Access is via CR 211 either from CR 24 via Tarryall Road which turns into Matukat Road from Lake George or alternatively from the north from deckers."
"Lucked out and got site 6 around noon on a Saturday. Had access to the creek and hiking trails. Felt secluded. One of our favorite spots in Colorado!"
from $27 / night
Check Availability
GuideSmall lot at the Rich Creek Trailhead. Dispersed camping allowed along the trail, stayed for a night in late Sept ‘24. Got significantly colder than the group packed for but still beautiful and tons of aspens! I enjoyed the hiking more than the camping.
GuideThere are a ton of different spots, I think 35 so it’s nice there are a lot of options. Lots of cool spots near rocks that are great to climb. Some with better views than others. Most of the spots are pretty good. Close to the road but not terrible, decently spaced from other spots, close to wellington lake and many trails which is nice, a lot of people were out camping and biking and fishing at the lake, no creeks or water near really any campsite but plenty of river parking farther past all the dispersed spots. All the spots were taken but we got lucky and grabbed a spot from a couple we found leaving.
TravelerYou need decent clearance because there is huge ruts in the road. We tried to view past Camp Site 6 and almost got stuck. I would stay with the first few unless you got some good tires. Not a good road for a trailer. We didn't get a pic of Camp Site 2 because someone was in it but is very nice (fav spot). Camp Site 3-5 are a stone throw apart with Camp Site 1 being solo. Camp site 2 is within view of Camp Site 3 (bundle of trees a part)
Camp Site 6 is also solo but has very bad ruts and is down a decent hill. We had to get a running start to get past the ruts. Didn't get pics of Camp Site 6 due to someone being in it.
Decent with a truck. We had a high clearance 2 wheel drive and was able to make it to the first few camp sites. Jeeps should be fine.
ScoutWe got there and weren't sure if we would be able to stay, but then we saw another person already set up to camp. In the end, there were about four people there.
We could hear hikers arriving at Mount Sherman sometimes at night or early in the morning, but in general, it was a very comfortable place to stay in a 20-foot RV. We were able to easily level the RV and stay the night.
TravelerClean grounds, great views, and the fire pits are wonderful. Plenty of places to choose from.
TravelerGreat options to park, some built out fire pits.
TravelerExtremely windy. No trees or break the straight winds.
ScoutThis incredible place is conveniently located just down the road from 11 Mile Res and right in the heart of Pike National Forest. It offers breathtaking views and a variety of camping options to suit different preferences, from tents to pull-behinds to motorhomes. However, I must say that the spots closer to the main road are more suitable for larger campers. As you venture further up the trails, they become increasingly rutted out, which I managed to navigate with my pickup and our pull-behind popup, but might pose some challenges for lower vehicles. So, keep that in mind when planning your camping trip.
ScoutI couldn’t make it up the road with my 19’ travel trailer. I’ve got high clearance but one spot had me bottoming out on the jacks. Oh well!
Dispersed camping areas near Deckers, Colorado provide access to outdoor recreation in the Pike National Forest at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but drop to 45-55°F at night, requiring campers to pack layers. Most dispersed sites in this region lack facilities, so planning for water needs and proper waste disposal is essential.
Tubing on the South Platte River: At Lone Rock Campground, campsites along the river offer convenient water access. "Spot 7 along the river was perfect. Shade, river access, bathroom & trash drop off nearby," notes Todd B. The shallow sections make it ideal for families wanting to cool off.
Mountain biking trail networks: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area connects to extensive trail systems. One visitor explains, "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels." Trails range from beginner-friendly to technical routes through former burn areas.
Hiking the Colorado Trail sections: Several campgrounds connect directly to the Colorado Trail. According to Sierra T., Buffalo Campground offers "spur trails connecting it straight to the Colorado Trail and other connections in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area." Day hikes of various lengths can be arranged using these connector trails.
Creek-side camping spots: Goose Creek Campground offers premium waterfront sites. "If you can get sites 7-10, 6 also pretty good, you'll have a beautiful site next to the creek," advises Lydia P. These sites tend to fill quickly on weekends but provide direct water access.
Secluded forest sites: Rampart Range Recreation Area provides more isolated camping options. One camper shared, "We researched the spots in this area, and were surprised at how far spread the sites actually are... The site area was mostly secluded." Many of these sites offer privacy while still being accessible by standard vehicles.
Proximity to Denver: For those seeking quick getaways from the city, Chatfield State Park Campground offers convenience without long drives. As one reviewer notes, "This is one of our favorite spots to stay when visiting Denver area. Great for biking and all kinds of water sports." Sites here have more amenities than forest camping but fill quickly on weekends.
Fire restrictions change frequently: During dry periods, bans may be implemented with little notice. A Buffalo Creek visitor warned, "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk. If you are going to be camping in BLM or Wildlife Areas please follow the restrictions."
Sites fill early on weekends: At popular campgrounds, arriving mid-week makes a significant difference. "We went up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," shared one Buffalo Creek visitor about weekend availability.
Road conditions vary dramatically: Some areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Dakan Road Camping, visitors note "First mile in the road is completely washboarded" while others mention "4x4's are suggested to get up to the sites. However, a Subaru Forester and similar cars can do it as long as they plan their round around the bigger rocks."
Select sites with shade: Summer temperatures can make exposed sites uncomfortable. At Colorado Campground, "With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade." This becomes essential during summer months when daytime temperatures climb into the 80s.
Look for campgrounds with creek access: Children enjoy water play during hot days. A Lone Rock Campground visitor shared, "We had an awesome time between 6 adults & 7 kids! It is so much fun tubing down the river. The kids were old enough to walk up the path, tube down a little ways, then get out to do it all over again."
Pack for variable temperatures: Even summer nights get chilly at elevation. One camper at Colorado Campground mentioned, "The shower house itself was heated, which was appreciated in the middle of the 30 degree night." Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common in this region.
Site selection for leveling: Many forest camping areas have uneven terrain. At Buffalo Campground, one camper noted "There are only a few sites with a good flat spot" for larger vehicles. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable even for designated campsites.
Length restrictions: Some of the best places to camp near Deckers have size limitations. At Devil's Head Campground, one reviewer observed "No large trailers are getting in this CG, but if there are no sites available or you're too big there are many along the way on Rampart Range rd that are free/dispersed."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Deckers lack full services. At Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake, sites provide lake access but no hookups. Prepare for boondocking with full water tanks and power management systems for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Deckers, Colorado?
Deckers offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Goose Creek Campground is particularly beautiful, situated right on Goose Creek with amazing valley views. Access is via CR 211 from either Lake George or from the north from Deckers. For those seeking waterfront camping, Lone Rock Campground is ideal, with site 7 offering the only spot directly on the water with good shade coverage. The South Platte River Corridor provides convenient camping with easy access to downtown Deckers, perfect for fishing enthusiasts. For more adventurous campers, Fall River Reservoir offers dispersed camping with beautiful scenery, though 4x4 vehicles are recommended for access.
What amenities are available at Deckers campgrounds?
Amenities vary significantly across Deckers area campgrounds. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers spacious sites with privacy, particularly site 5 which is excellent for larger groups. Mueller State Park Campground provides level gravel tent pads, large tables, fire pits, and easy access to trails and the visitor center. Most established campgrounds feature basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets. Facilities range from primitive (dispersed sites with no services) to more developed campgrounds with pit toilets and picnic tables. For full hookups and resort-style camping, options are limited in immediate Deckers area. Most sites allow campfires in designated fire pits, and some locations sell firewood on-site or in nearby towns.
Do I need reservations for camping in Deckers, CO?
Reservation requirements vary by campground around Deckers. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake is a private facility that requires reservations, particularly important during peak summer months and weekends. Colorado Campground near Woodland Park also operates on a reservation system through Recreation.gov. For dispersed camping options like those in the South Platte River Corridor and Rampart Range Recreation Area, no reservations are needed, but these operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer weekends, arrive early (Thursday or Friday morning) to secure a spot at non-reservable sites, as they fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Deckers?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best camping conditions in Deckers, with summer providing ideal temperatures. Rampart Range Recreation Area experiences peak crowds on summer weekends, especially with dirt bikers, but tends to clear out by Sunday evening, making weekdays more peaceful. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is popular throughout the warm season, with some campers returning multiple times during summer. Early autumn brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds while still offering comfortable camping conditions. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and awareness of possible road closures due to snow or mud conditions.
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