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.
$28 / night
"The campsites here are really cool, mixed in between really rugged rocks and lake shore."
"Another great Colorado State Park, it sits above Eleven Mile Reservoir. The sites offer everything from tent sites to full hook up. There is limited shade, but most sites are exposed."
$28 - $270 / night
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
$28 - $36 / night
"Eleven mile is a large reservoir by Colorado standards and has tons of campsites, all around the lake from great walk-in tent sites, lake shore and small to large loops. "
"Plenty of drive up tent sites and a few walk in campsites that feel a little more remote."
$24 / night
"This is a wonderful campground at the end of the road near the dam and right next to the Platte. This is a wonderful spot for fly fishing, and can get busy sharing the river with day visitors."
"There is a trail above the camp that will take you up to some beautiful views through a meadow. Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp."
"Fun to explore by day through the little canyon or along the rocks above, there's a walk for everyone here. Best enjoyed in fall and spring, summer is quite hot. The campsites are basic and roadside."
"Some great spots close to red bluffs and seasonal river. Went in the autumn and hike along the river bed and climb the falls. Vaulted toilets, fire rings, covered tables and Flatish camp spots."
$24 / night
"There were lovely trees to provide lots of shade from the hot Colorado sun. Some fun hiking from the campsite, so you don't even have to drive to the trailhead!"
"One of the highlights was walking to the campground entrance to watch the sunset each night. Spent a day fishing and hiking the 11 mile canyon overlook trail."
"Only downfall is that it was a bit of a drive to many main attractions in Colorado, but it was worth the drive."
"Convenient location to Cripple Creek CO. Mountain views. Situated on meadow hillside. Hiking trails, full hookups, fire rings with grills, picnic tables. Level sites with many pull thrus."
"Great camp near the lake away from everything. Good off-roading both sides of the road"
"Great location, 2.5hrs from Denver and about an hour from the Springs. Had great space for our setup. Only a 5-10 min drive to the state park with great fishing."
$25 / night
"Beautiful 4 mile drive up a winding dirt and gravel road through the canyons with the stream next to you. Camp sites a little close but not so bad. The scenery is out of this world."
"Close to the trailhead that will take you up. This is on the backside of the mountain if you are in Colorado Springs."
$20 / night
"Right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado, the highest suspension bridge in North America ! Do the Segway tour over the bridge!!"
"Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."
GuideVery quiet Sunday night-Tuesday. This campsite is a little hub for a great trail system around the area. Was able to hop some trails with my bike just a few feet away from my campsite. Seemed like every site had a great fire pit.. although there was a fire ban. Recommend if you want a weekend exploring the Royal Gorge.
GuideLooks like it’s me and the fly fishers. Great spot.
LegendNewer RV park that feels open and has nice view of the mountains around Salida. One clubhouse with bathrooms and showers. Two stalls in the women’s room and two showers. The park is filled with tiny homes for semi-permanent residents. Close to Salida. We plan to ride our e-bikes but have to go along Highway 50 for a bit. Wish there was a bike lane.
ScoutIt's about 20 mins outside of Salida. There are a few sections of the road that are pretty rocky/bumpy, but I think anyone could get up here. There are tons of large spread out spots between Loops A,B and C. Great views of the mountains and good Verizon service. I'm up here on a Monday and have not had a single car drive by my camp.
GuideClean spots with picnic tables and fire rings at each spot. (Although no fires allowed at this time.) Two porta-potties at the entrance. Nice and quiet. Only negative is that the spots are very close together so there’s very little privacy. There were many big horn sheep in camp at dusk which was a cool surprise.
ScoutAs of March 27, 2026, Stage I Fire Restrictions have now been expanded to include ALL National Forest System lands, roads, and trails, as well as all designated dispersed campsites within the exterior boundaries of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
Under Stage I Fire Restrictions, the following are prohibited within unincorporated Chaffee and Fremont County: • Igniting, building, maintaining, or using any open flame fire — including campfires — except within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds or picnic areas. • Outdoor smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable materials.
85-90% of all wildfires are caused by human activity. ‘If you light it, be prepared to fight it.’
ScoutAs of April 2026, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for all National Forest System lands, including dispersed campsites in Pike-San Isabel National Forests (Browns Creek area). That means NO open campfires are allowed in dispersed sites, even in existing rock rings. Please check all fire ban restrictions in areas where you might be camping in Colorado due to the state’s significant drought. Nationally, 85-90% of wildfires are caused by human activity. “If you light it, be prepared to fight it”.
TravelerVery pretty dispersed spot. Roads were a little muddy from the rain. Need a vehicle with awd and decent clearance to use roads further down. Our tent spot isn't very flat but is ok. Here on May 1st, 2026 and its pretty chilly but no snow, lots of rain
TravelerFlat graveled tent/RV spots, super clean. Right next to the river. You can hear the traffic from the highway unfortunately but its not terrible.
Camping spots near Guffey, Colorado range from 7,000 to 10,000 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. The area sits within the Pike National Forest which spans 1.1 million acres and includes rocky formations, alpine meadows, and diverse terrain. Access to many campgrounds requires traveling on dirt roads that can deteriorate substantially following rain or snow melt.
Hiking at Crags Campground: Located near the backside of Pikes Peak with direct access to multiple trail systems. Campers can access the Devils Playground trail that leads to Pikes Peak summit or take the easier Crags trail. "The Crags trail (also right from the campground) was super low key, about 2.5 hours round trip with great views at the top," notes one visitor to Crags Campground.
Fly fishing: The South Platte River below Eleven Mile Reservoir offers premier fly fishing opportunities at Spillway Campground. The area enforces catch and release regulations with flies only. As one angler reported, "Water and vault toilets only, no power at the sites. The road in is a long dirt road. There's lots of fishing all along."
Rock climbing and bouldering: Several established bouldering routes exist directly in Spillway Campground with additional sport routes nearby on Pine Cone Dome. "Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp," explains a visitor, making this location suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The higher elevation campgrounds provide excellent wildlife viewing. At Mueller State Park Campground, campers frequently spot deer and other wildlife. "We saw some deer that came through our site. Just a real nice relaxing place!" reports one visitor. Early mornings and dusk offer the best viewing times.
Riverside camping spots: Sites along the South Platte River at Blue Mountain Campground provide peaceful settings with flowing water sounds. "There's a nice hike over the ridge that will take you to Riverside campground and cross the road to the river," mentions a camper. These sites fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Secluded backcountry sites: Several campgrounds offer more private options away from the main camping areas. At Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area, the backcountry sites provide significant separation from neighbors. "I've always camped in the backcountry sites because of the isolation and scenic charm. Your closest neighbor is about 100yrds away depending on which site you're at," writes one visitor.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. While some areas have surprisingly good coverage, others have none. At Forest Service Road 250, there's typically no signal, whereas Blue Mountain Campground often has reliable service. "Online reservations showed most sites booked, but on a weekday in September I had almost the entire campground to myself! I had consistent LTE data connection via Verizon."
Weather fluctuations: Due to the high elevation, summer storms develop quickly, and temperature drops of 30+ degrees can occur within hours. Nights remain cold even in summer. "Got below freezing so be ready for the cold," warns a camper at Mueller State Park.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require traveling on rough dirt roads. Accessing Spillway Campground involves a particularly challenging drive. "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," explains a visitor.
Playground access: Mueller State Park offers family-friendly amenities including playgrounds near comfort stations. "We stayed in conifer 25. Close to comfort station and playground. Coin showers but are super clean," shares a family that visited the park.
Easy hiking options: Look for shorter trails appropriate for children. The East Ridge Campground offers "The Smores trail is a fun little 1 mile loop around the campsite, good for stretching your legs once you arrive," as one visitor described. These trails provide accessible outdoor experiences without overexerting younger campers.
Water activities: Eleven Mile State Park offers water recreation opportunities during warmer months. "The lake is stunning and perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing by the shore," reports one regular visitor, making it ideal for families seeking activities beyond hiking.
Site selection for larger rigs: At Cripple Creek KOA, located at 10,000 feet elevation, larger RVs and trailers should reserve pull-through sites well in advance. "Lots of level, well maintained sites," notes one RV camper, though they caution about the altitude affecting both people and vehicles.
Generator needs: Eleven Mile State Park lacks electrical hookups, requiring self-sufficient power solutions. "There are no electrical hookups, so if you're bringing an RV or need power, make sure to bring a generator," advises a regular visitor who camps there annually.
Water and dump station access: Most campgrounds around Guffey have limited services. Blue Mountain Campground provides water access points and dump station facilities, making it convenient for longer stays. "Dry camping and pit toilets, but we're in a solar powered converted Van, so we were glamping," reports one visitor, highlighting the importance of being prepared for limited hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Guffey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Guffey, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 394 campgrounds and RV parks near Guffey, CO and 126 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Guffey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Guffey, CO is Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Guffey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 126 free dispersed camping spots near Guffey, CO.
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