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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
