Primitive camping near Deckers, Colorado sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet where summer thunderstorms occur almost daily from July through August. The Pike National Forest landscape features rocky ridges with ponderosa and lodgepole pine interspersed with aspen groves that turn gold in September. Spring camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing even in May.
What to do
Mountain biking on Buffalo Creek trails: Over 40 miles of connected singletrack trails through burn areas and pine forests near Buffalo Creek Recreation Area. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels. Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals."
Rock climbing access: Several camping spots along Matukat Road offer direct access to boulder fields and rock formations. "We found a spot on one of the turn offs and had some of the best views we've had while camping this year... Such a gem. Was approached by a polite guy who said we were fine as long as we didn't take any minerals since he owns rights to them. Then after a long chat he must of deemed us worthy since he gave us permission to pick up a rock or two."
Fishing Tarryall Reservoir: Located 30 minutes from Deckers with both shoreline and boat fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon. "Tarryall reservoir is beautiful and a great fishing spot! The camping here is all dispersed with the exception of maybe 8-10 spots in one identified camping 'loop' by the lake which is really just a few spots in a gravel lot."
What campers like
Numbered sites with established fire rings: Redskin Creek Road offers 32+ designated dispersed sites along an easily accessible road. "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road. Eventually there is a campground that is pretty packed on the weekends, but some great spots with room for cars and groups, most are secluded from others."
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed areas offer good separation between camping spots. "This dispersed camp site has numerous spots with rock fire pits. There are a lot of dirt bikes and atvs driving during the day however I didn't find it overly disruptive. Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down. We didn't hear anyone late into the night due to the distance."
Cell service availability: Many higher elevation spots receive surprisingly good coverage. "The site at the very end is very large and has a perfect view of Pikes Peak and plenty of hammock trees. We had AT&T service in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access roads range from smooth gravel to challenging 4x4 routes. "The road in is gravel and pretty choppy, but the weather was good and my car made it fine but I was going like 5 mph. If the weather wasn't good you would probably need 4x4."
Weekend crowds arrive early: Popular free camping areas fill completely by Thursday or Friday. "We arrived early on a Saturday and there were quite a few people already around and two spots available. It is clear the sites are heavily used though, with small pieces of plastic and glass scattered about. The area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day."
OHV and shooting noise: Mount Herman Road and other sites may have significant recreational noise. "This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook. We did help a couple with a rig a bit smaller than ours (23ft I believe) through using boards in the ruts and some guidance."
Wildlife encounters: Bears and moose are present in the Deckers area. "There was bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen. I have AT&T, my wife has mint mobile, both were able to doom scroll while it was raining."
Tips for camping with families
Avoid party spots on weekends: Some dispersed camping areas near Deckers attract noisy groups. "We had worst camping experience here this week. We initially planned to do disperse camping for 4 days but ended up having to leave early after 3 unbearable nights. The third night, a 3 car convoy of teenagers with beers came to camp right next to us, again same story partied all night long despite strong wind and rain."
Seek camping with natural playgrounds: Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide offers rock formations for climbing and exploring. "This dispersed camp site has numerous spots with rock fire pits. We had a moose and deer at our campsite during the mornings so I suggest being weary of wildlife. Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down."
Pack extra water for dust control: Many sites are dry and dusty in summer months. "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. After so many horrible roads and places closed, it was a blessing to find this spot. The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado."
Tips from RVers
Scout sites before bringing large rigs: Many Deckers area roads aren't suitable for longer trailers. "I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks. About half way up looking for a way to turn around. We got lucky and found a space just barely large enough to back in to carefully."
Level parking at Rainbow Falls: The Rainbow Falls area offers some spots suitable for small to medium RVs. "Nice area that has some flat or flatish spots for smaller RV and campers. It is normally busy with atv, dirt bike and jeeps. 15 min drive from woodland park."
Conserve water with limited resupply: No water sources exist at most dispersed sites. "We stopped at a campground in Woodland park on the way in and were able to fill up with water before heading up the mountain for $10. If you are heading south from Woodland park on highway 24 to the left is a brown wooden sign that says PROPANE."
