Pike National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping sites near Larkspur, Colorado, at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. Weather conditions shift dramatically throughout the year, with summer nights typically dropping into the 40s-50s°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Weekdays provide significantly more camping availability than weekends, with Thursday arrivals recommended to secure prime spots.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area provides access to fishing, kayaking and hiking trails. According to one visitor: "We reserved the site ahead of time, right above the reservoir with an easy path down to the water. Garbage and bathrooms available."
Mountain biking: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area features extensive trail networks for various skill levels. A reviewer notes: "Great camping spot, esp. if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities for spotting local wildlife. One camper at Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide reports: "We had a moose and deer at our campsite during the mornings so I suggest being weary of wildlife."
What campers like
Isolated sites: Many side roads branch off main routes leading to more secluded options. A camper at Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide observed: "Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down. We didn't hear anyone late into the night due to the distance."
Convenient access: Despite feeling remote, many camping areas remain relatively close to supplies. At Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, a reviewer mentioned: "The Pilot in Monument has showers and was an added bonus for being 15 minutes from our spot."
Seasonal changes: Fall camping offers unique visual experiences. At Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park, a visitor shared: "The trees were turning yellow in the Fall and the weather was perfect. You could see mountains all around and the roads were really great getting there."
What you should know
Trash concerns: Previous campers sometimes leave garbage behind. At Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest, someone reported: "We also had to clean up the site. Beer cans and broken bottles all over the place. Some people have no respect for our beautiful state."
Noise factors: OHV traffic and target shooting occur frequently throughout the area. One camper noted: "If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is just not the spot for you. No wildlife of course because of the noise and very few birds."
Site competition: Free camping near Larkspur fills quickly during peak seasons. At Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, a camper warned: "Beautiful spot with easy access to lots of trails and Wellington lake. Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Glass hazards: Multiple sites contain broken glass from previous campers. A visitor at Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2 cautioned: "Found a great little campsite and had a fox as a neighbor! Only downfall was there was broken glass everywhere."
Specific site recommendations: Sites further from main roads typically offer better family experiences. A camper suggested: "The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood."
Wind exposure: Higher elevation sites experience significant wind. A camper at Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area advised: "This area is beautiful and very easy to get to but some of the sites with the best views you will be dealing with lots of wind."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Many sites have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. At Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping, an RV owner shared: "Most of the sites were inaccessible in our 33 foot travel trailer but we found one last minute. We were right on the road in and OHV traffic was common along with the noise and dust."
Road conditions: Unmaintained forest roads can damage vehicles. One camper reported: "The road up is rough but totally doable with pickup truck with slide in camper. This campsite was nice and level."
Turnaround limitations: Many narrow roads lack adequate turning space for larger rigs. A visitor warned: "Don't go up if you are pulling anything larger than a tear drop trailer. I didn't go all the way up, so I don't know if there is any kind of turn around up there."
