Dispersed camping areas near Heeney, Colorado provide access to remote fishing and wilderness experiences at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet. The forest service roads near Green Mountain Reservoir typically open by mid-May depending on snow conditions and remain accessible until late October. Summer temperatures range from 40-80°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fly fishing access: Radium Recreation Site offers direct access to the Colorado River for trout fishing. "Trout fishing, hiking, and Geocaching are available in the Southfork area," notes a camper at South Fork Rustic Campground.
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trail networks connect to camping areas at different difficulty levels. At Reverend's Ridge Campground, visitors report "plenty of hiking trails in the park some easy some difficult. Make sure you leave out prepared."
Wildlife viewing: The high mountain valleys support diverse wildlife populations. "We saw moose almost everyday, a fox, ospreys and eagles everywhere feeding and trout," writes a visitor to Meadow Creek Reservoir who spent eight days camping in the area.
What campers like
Early season access: The camping season extends from late spring through fall at most sites. "We got there at 1:30am and there were still sites open. The views in the morning were awesome!" states a reviewer who visited Sugarloaf Campground.
Creek-side camping: Many dispersed sites offer water access for both recreation and livestock. A camper at Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site reports: "The spots around the lake were all full so we took one of the spots along the road in. I think we got a better spot! We couldn't hear anyone else, saw a couple moose and got to fish right off our campsite!"
Natural hot springs: Some camping areas provide access to geothermal features. At Radium Recreation Site, a visitor notes that "the hot spring is definitely the highlight of this campground and a major draw for me. It is a beautiful natural hot spring located at the bottom of a cliff along the banks of the Colorado River."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites have minimal facilities. "This is a bare bones remote campground with assigned sites and vault toilets. There is no potable water on site, so bring plenty of water for your stay," explains a reviewer at South Fork Rustic Campground.
Weather variability: High elevation means unpredictable conditions. A camper at Guanella Pass Campground advises, "Whether you've got a 2-person tent or a whole corral, plenty of options here and all with great views. Watch for drainage flow paths during spring so that you don't wake up in a temporary river or mud bog."
Road conditions: Access to many equestrian camping areas requires navigating forest service roads. "While you can get to the campground in a standard automobile the gravel road is rutted in places as you get close to the campground and can become dicey in heavy rain or snow for the last mile or two," shares a South Fork visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some areas are ideal for first-time campers while still providing access to trails. A visitor to Reverend's Ridge notes it's "pretty close to your neighbors and it's busy. We went with friends with adjacent campsites, so that made it fun... The bathrooms are clean and park rangers monitored the area often."
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy the wildlife and domestic animal interactions. At Winding River Resort, "Horses within the ranch roam free and will come right up to you... They also have horse rides available for purchase."
Site selection: For equestrian camping with families, finding the right spot is crucial. "We have a 38ft travel trailer and we were able to go only about 3 miles up but found a great off the road spot by a creek," reports a Meadow Creek visitor about finding suitable family camping with large rigs.
Tips from RVers
Trailer accessibility: Not all equestrian sites accommodate larger trailers. A visitor to Sugarloaf Campground explains: "There are 11 spaces many of which will accommodate RVs (we were able to fit our 30' class C), most will fit small travel trailers/pop-up campers, and all have space for tents."
Site features: RV sites in established campgrounds often include basic amenities. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables," notes a camper at Reverend's Ridge.
Camping with horses: Beaver Creek Campground offers options for equestrians with RVs. "We've camped up Beaver Creek many times over the years and have enjoyed plenty of Dispersed Camping spots. Some are big enough for a group and some are small enough for a family. Great fishing spots for small brookies and plenty of backroads for ATVs."
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