Tent camping near Kittredge, Colorado offers options at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet, with significant temperature variations even in summer months. The area features mixed conifer forests dominated by ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen groves that provide natural shelter for many camping areas. Campsite availability becomes extremely limited on summer weekends, with many dispersed areas filling completely by Friday afternoon.
What to do
Fishing at Fall River Reservoir: Take a 45-minute drive up a bumpy trail requiring 4WD to reach this secluded fishing spot. A camper at Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail reported, "Had a successful time fishing. The res holds browns and cutthroat as well as some other species."
Bouldering and climbing: Several areas near Kittredge provide opportunities for rock climbing. The Dream Canyon Campsites area includes climbing routes within walking distance of camping areas. One visitor noted, "Lots of climbing routes nearby and easy to find some good spots away from others."
Morning wildlife watching: Look for moose, deer, and bears in early morning hours near campsites. A camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area observed, "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at certain campgrounds. At Sawmill Hiker Campground, one visitor noted, "The campsites are well maintained and quite spread out from one another, so it did not feel crowded or noisy despite multiple groups camping nearby."
Creek-side camping: Several dispersed sites offer the chance to camp next to running water. A visitor at Fall River Reservoir mentioned, "Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly."
Night sky views: Higher elevation sites provide excellent stargazing opportunities when clouds and light pollution permit. A Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2 visitor remarked, "It overlooks the town of Idaho Springs in faces mostly westbound at the continental divide. It was peaceful and beautiful, but extremely windy."
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for cold nights even in summer. A camper at Aspen Meadows Campground advised, "Make sure you bring a heater or good sleeping bag because it can get pretty cool at night here in the summer time."
Fire restrictions: Many areas implement seasonal fire bans, especially during dry summer months. At Dream Canyon, one camper noted simply, "No fires allowed ever. I brought stoves no bigger than a jetboil/MSR dragonfly."
Access road conditions: Many camping areas require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. A visitor to Fall River Reservoir warned, "The road is a mixture of rocks, small water crossings, and potholes. If you can tackle it, it is absolutely worth it!"
Weekend overcrowding: Arrive on weekdays or early Friday for best site selection. A Gordon Gulch camper observed, "Throughout the summer they are all frequently occupied so it may be hard to find a spot at times."
Tips for camping with families
Wagon-friendly campsites: Some walk-in sites can be accessed with a wagon for gear transport. A camper at Staunton State Park Campground described their system: "When camping with a whole posse of kids, we used a wagon to haul all that crap up. No problems with the wagon getting stuck. Trails are very clear."
Boulder exploration: Many sites offer natural rock formations for kids to climb safely. A visitor at Staunton State Park Campground recommended site 19: "Behind 19 are rocks and boulders. You could scramble up with or without kids (my kid was 2 and climbed with some help) and explore for about an hour just by the site."
Secure food storage: Bear activity requires proper food management. A camper at Idylease Campground mentioned, "Bear boxes sit between each campsite. We saw deer all over the place, and heard reports of bear and/or lion sightings in previous years."
Tips for RVers
Parking limitations: Many sites cannot accommodate larger RVs or trailers. A camper at Winiger Ridge warned, "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV."
Electric hookups: For those needing power, options are limited but available. A visitor at Bear Creek Lake Campground reported, "The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area. Only drawback might be the bathrooms have no night lighting and you have a dumping station instead of sewage hookups."
Leveling challenges: Many sites in the area feature uneven terrain. A camper at Gordon Gulch noted, "Not all campgrounds are really that flat but it's free and it's Boulder, CO environment so I can't complain."
