Camping sites near Granite, Colorado range from primitive dispersed options to established campgrounds with basic facilities, all situated between 9,000-10,000 feet elevation. The area's high mountain ecosystem creates dramatic daily temperature swings, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. Most camping locations require advance preparation as cell service remains inconsistent across many sites.
What to do
Morning fishing: 5-6am is prime time at Clear Creek Reservoir where the reservoir shoreline provides ample access. "The sites were pretty spacious, but a handful are right off the road that tends to be pretty busy," notes a camper who visited to fish the reservoir.
Colorado Trail sections: The trail passes directly through several camping areas, making day hikes convenient. "The Colorado trail/CDT passes close by and was a great evening hike from our camp," reports a visitor at Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West, offering hikers immediate access to portions of the 567-mile route.
Mountain biking: Forest roads and designated trails offer routes for different skill levels. "Turtle rock is a bit difficult to get to in an RV, but is a great spot with climbing mountain bike and hiking trails," mentions a camper who frequently rides the area trails.
Winter camping: For those prepared for extreme conditions, some areas remain accessible year-round. "I drove up this past weekend for some mid January winter camping and was not disappointed. The road appeared to be rarely traveled and it took some effort just to get my Tacoma to the start of the dispersed camping with no hopes of making it further down the road due to deep snow."
What campers like
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers often spot diverse wildlife near campsites. At Forest Road 130, one camper noted, "This general area is also the only region in the US where you can see gray jays. They're mainly in Canada but can also be found along the Rocky Mountains. They're weirdly tame and so so cute."
Low bug populations: Many higher elevation sites report fewer mosquitoes than lakeside options. "Definitely the place for some space and solitude without hiking out to a spot. Just up the road from Turquoise Lake and away from the apparent popularity of that spot you can drive up this well-maintained forest road for some peace and quiet and minimal bugs!"
Swimming opportunities: Several creek-side camping spots offer natural swimming holes. At Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed, a camper reported, "We didn't see a single fish in this river BUT there was an awesome little swimming hole, maybe 5 feet deep with a little make shift diving board already in place."
Proximity to 14er trailheads: Many campers use these sites as base camps for summit attempts. "We ended up just claiming the first one that caught my eye with no one around didn't even try going to the one I had initially planned on going to, you'll be driving around 5 mph with all the rocks and bumps in the road."
What you should know
Road conditions change seasonally: Expect challenging access early and late season. "As of March 3rd, 2021 the lakes are frozen and snow still on the ground. The road is loose gravel, and seems to be maintained well as the only person I saw was the truck plowing what snow was leftover."
Weekend crowding: Summer weekends can reach capacity by Friday afternoon. At Turtle Rock Campground, a camper observed, "I came here planning on staying a couple of nights, but I think I'm going to go ahead and stay an entire week. This place is fantastic. I don't think I've been anywhere that is this nice for free before."
Generator noise: Unrestricted generator use can impact tent campers' experience. "We spent the limit. By the time I left the Brinkly had departed (48') but the meth head (per rumors) spent a few nights in county so maybe those days don't count. His dogs have been barking this long gruesome groan since day one. The wkends are total chaos and noise of all kinds."
Vault toilet maintenance varies: Availability and cleanliness of vault toilets fluctuates throughout the season. "The pit toilets were DISGUSTING (I'm talking far worse than other campgrounds)."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots for kids: Several camping areas offer safe creek access for children. One family at Clear Creek Reservoir reported, "This spot was awesome for kids! Labor Day weekend and as we drove around we could see plenty of spots left in the surrounding area."
Optimal tent sites with shade: Identify tree-covered areas for temperature regulation. At White Star Campground, a family mentioned, "The weather was awful this past weekend with snow, rain, and cold temps, but we had a great time. Sites were clean with a table and pit. The hosts sold firewood which was a huge plus, as the cold temps had us burning more wood than normal."
Early arrival timing: For family-friendly sites with adequate space, Thursday arrivals are recommended. "My kids and I have camped here many times. The hosts are always nice. The grounds are clean and uncrowded. Views of the lakes surrounded by mountains are gorgeous!!"
Bathroom access planning: Know which sites have facilities within walking distance. "The vault toilets are always clean & always have TP. Great views of the lakes & the mountains. Can't wait to get back there this summer!!!"
Tips from RVers
Turnaround limitations: Many forest roads lack adequate turnaround space for larger rigs. "If you go on 130S, only go to the first big site you see on the left if you have a trailer. If you go past that, there is NO good turnaround and the road ends. I learned this the hard way."
Generator quiet hours: Established campgrounds enforce specific quiet hours. "The latrines were well maintained and RV'ers were considerate of the generator quiet hours."
Designated RV areas: Look for the front sections of dispersed areas. "Open space for Rv/campers/ect in the front with little shade. If drive farther back though shaded campsites and river can be seen (larger vehicles can get father back as well just remained more up front during our stay)."
Cell service for work: Several dispersed camping areas offer surprising connectivity. "I work remotely so sadly cell signal is something I look for and I've had consistent reception here. It's usually 5G, sometimes drops to LTE but still usable."
