Best Campgrounds near Guffey, CO
The Pike National Forest surrounding Guffey, Colorado contains multiple campground options ranging from established facilities to more rustic sites along the South Platte River. Eleven Mile State Park features several campground areas including Rocky Ridge, Rocking Chair, and Spillway campgrounds, offering tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Mueller State Park provides year-round camping with more developed facilities including electric hookups, showers, and laundry services about 25 miles northeast of Guffey. The area primarily supports both tent and RV camping, with some locations offering cabin rentals and glamping accommodations.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months. The roads accessing some campgrounds, especially in canyon areas, feature significant washboard sections that can be challenging for larger vehicles and trailers. As one camper noted about the approach to Spillway Campground: "The road getting out there is sooooo bumpy - washboard for sure. We didn't require 4WD, just be aware that it's uncomfortable to drive on and at times it felt like our vehicle would shake apart." Water availability varies by location, with some campgrounds offering drinking water while others require campers to bring their own supplies. Elevation in the area ranges from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months.
Riverside campsites rank among the most popular options in the region, particularly those along Eleven Mile Canyon. Several visitors mentioned the quality of fishing access, with fly fishing especially noted at Spillway Campground. Campgrounds closer to the reservoir tend to experience higher winds and offer little shade. A camper at Rocking Chair Campground observed: "The campsites are totally exposed with no tree cover, but it was too windy to set up our shade tent." Campground hosts receive positive mentions in reviews, with several campers noting their helpfulness and the cleanliness of facilities. Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with smaller locations like Cove Campground (only 4 sites) offering more seclusion than larger, more developed facilities.
