Primitive camping near Divide, Colorado ranges from 8,700 to 10,000 feet elevation throughout Pike National Forest. These higher elevations create variable weather conditions with temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, even in summer months. Many secondary forest service roads become impassable after snowfall, typically from November through April, though exact dates vary by location and seasonal conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Rampart Reservoir: Located about 25 minutes from Divide, the reservoir offers trout fishing opportunities with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Access requires navigating to Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite where "the drive to get there can be tricky, but the weather was good and my car made it fine but I was going like 5 mph," according to Bailey H.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple trail systems connect to dispersed camping areas, with varying difficulty levels. At Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide, "there are lots of places to walk and explore and there was still phone signal! Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down," notes Brianna K.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife spotting times. "We had a moose and deer at our campsite during the mornings so I suggest being weary of wildlife," warns one camper. Elk, deer, black bears, and various bird species are commonly spotted in the region.
What campers like
Seclusion options: Many campers appreciate the ability to find privacy by exploring further from main roads. At Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, "smaller forest service roads branching from main routes provide more secluded spots. Going off basically any side road you can find dispersed sites to set up for the night or a long weekend," according to Hayley K.
Creek-side camping: Several areas offer water proximity for those willing to explore. Along Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed, campers found "a gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek" where "the sound of the creek completely drowned out any noises or people."
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites maintain rock fire rings from previous campers. "All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn't bother you too much," according to one reviewer. Many sites feature "nice fire pit and gorgeous views" despite their primitive nature.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: While main forest service roads are generally accessible to standard vehicles, side roads often demand higher clearance. At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, "the road getting in was doable. We didn't need to engage the four-wheel-drive so the only thing I would advise is you need some reasonable clearance to get all the way back in here."
Weekday vs. weekend experience: Weekends bring significantly more traffic and competition for sites. "We ended up a parking lot by the end of the night. Too busy with inconsiderate neighbors," notes one camper about a weekend stay, while others report "only saw one other car come by" during weekday visits.
Trash issues: Many reviewers mention finding litter at campsites. "We went through 25% of our area and collected two full grocery bags worth of garbage and there was still more around," reports one camper. Always pack out all trash and consider bringing extra bags to help with cleanup.
Cell service inconsistency: Network coverage varies dramatically by location. Some campers report "between two and three bars of Verizon service" while others find "no Verizon service" even within the same general area.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife precautions: Keep food properly stored as bear activity exists in the area. "We saw a black bear," reports one family at Rampart Range Dispersed Site. Store food in vehicles or bear-resistant containers, especially overnight.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: The area experiences significant temperature changes. "The nights were cold some lows 32° and it snowed the first night which we were hoping for," mentions one camper who experienced freezing temperatures even in September.
Medical considerations: The nearest medical facilities are in Woodland Park, approximately 10-15 minutes from most camping areas. The high elevation (8,700+ feet) can affect those sensitive to altitude, causing headaches or fatigue.
Day trip options: Plan day outings to nearby attractions. "We spent most of the days away from base camp," says one family who used their primitive campsite as a base for exploring regional attractions like Pikes Peak Highway and Garden of the Gods.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large RVs face significant challenges on forest service roads. At Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping, "the sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up." However, smaller side roads often cannot accommodate larger vehicles.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling for comfort. "It wasn't level enough so I don't think I will be back but I loved it," notes one RV camper who spent 10 days at their site despite the inconvenience.
Preparation is essential: With no hookups or facilities, RVers must be self-contained. "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," shares one experienced RVer, while another mentions "the Walmart in Woodland park 25 minutes from camp" for supplies.
