Dispersed camping around Franktown, Colorado sits at elevations between 6,500 and 8,500 feet, creating variable temperature conditions throughout the camping season. The area's pine forests provide natural windbreaks and shade for summer camping, while rocky terrain makes proper site selection crucial. Located at the transition between Denver's plains and the Front Range, seasonal access varies with snow levels in winter months.
What to Do
Mountain biking at Buffalo Creek: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area features extensive trail networks for various skill levels. Trails range from beginner to advanced with many connecting to the Colorado Trail. "Great place to spend a day to a few weeks depending on lifestyle. Fire pits and hiking near," notes one Buffalo Creek Recreation Area visitor.
Hiking at Mount Herman: The Mount Herman trails provide access to panoramic views of the Front Range. Trails vary from 1-4 miles with moderate difficulty ratings and 500-1,200 feet of elevation gain. According to a visitor at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded."
Water recreation options: Chatfield Reservoir offers boating, fishing and swimming from May through September with required day-use passes. "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos," reports a Chatfield visitor.
What Campers Like
Privacy at dispersed sites: Dakan Road camping areas provide more solitude than established campgrounds. Sites are typically spaced 100-200 yards apart with natural barriers. "We stayed at site 93 in late May. The roads were maintained and we didn't have any issues getting to the site. This site by far had the best views and enough space for multiple cars and tents," explains one Dakan Road Camping visitor.
Family-friendly established options: Jellystone Park at Larkspur offers structured activities for children throughout the camping season. "Great campground. Clean. Pine trees give great shade all day. Hook ups and dump station. Just outside Elizabeth and an easy drive to Colorado Springs area and the Parker/Denver areas," reports a visitor to Casey Jones RV Hideaway.
Convenient location: Most campgrounds provide easy access to both Denver and Colorado Springs attractions. "This place is huge and has many amenities. It's very well maintained. The bathrooms were very clean and the showers were pay only and only with a bank card. $1.50 for a five minute shower," notes a Cherry Creek State Park Campground visitor.
What You Should Know
Weekend crowding: Most free dispersed camping fills by Thursday afternoons during summer months. "This area is very busy with off road vehicles, dirt bikes and 4 wheelers. As long as you don't mind some noise it shouldn't be much of an issue," warns a Dakan Road visitor.
Fire restrictions: Local fire bans frequently affect dispersed camping areas during dry periods. Check county websites for current restrictions before departure. "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk," cautions a visitor at Buffalo Creek.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage in all camping areas near Franktown. Use bear canisters or vehicle storage. A visitor at Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur mentioned, "We drove around in the nearby quaint town of Larkspur and even spotted a bear!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Specialized facilities: Treehouse Magic offers a pet-friendly cabin option with fenced areas specifically designed for dogs. "Ashley here with The Dyrt. I'm SO excited to have this property on our platform. I'm in love with the beautiful decor and the amazing architecture. Complimentary coffee, gel foam full mattress, a fenced yard for your fur friends, and so much more," notes a Treehouse Magic reviewer.
Activity planning: Jellystone Park provides scheduled kids' activities throughout summer months. "This place is great for little kids. From flag raising in the morning to hay rides, all day activities to the camp fire story times there is something for every kids to keep busy," explains a visitor.
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, even in summer. "Great campground, we camped back by the little lake. It was quiet as there were few campers at the time. The train was expected, so it didn't bother me to much," reports a visitor to Jellystone.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many forested sites require significant leveling equipment. "The campsite that I had was very uneven. It was practically a down hill slope. I had a hard time getting my camper level," warns a Casey Jones RV Hideaway visitor.
Space considerations: Colorado Heights Resort accommodates larger rigs but with some limitations. "Nice place to stay. I have a 42ft trailer. It's a little tight at the entrance with the tree of shame. I didn't hit the tree. So get there early enough that light is still out," advises a Colorado Heights Resort visitor.
Electrical variations: Be prepared for power fluctuations at some campgrounds. "Electricity fluctuated throughout the park 104 to 118. Be careful," notes a Colorado Heights Resort camper.
