Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers primitive camping sites 50 minutes from Larkspur on a rocky gravel road, with elevations providing views of the Rockies. The terrain varies in difficulty, with steeper sections requiring vehicles with higher clearance. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day while dropping to the 40s at night.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Near Rampart Range Recreation Area, trails cater to multiple skill levels across the forested terrain. "A lot of OHV riders in the area. Not a big deal b/c we expected it. Just be aware," notes Austin S., highlighting the popular motorized recreation options.
Fishing opportunities: Manitou Lake is accessible from Colorado Campground with stocked trout. "There's an easy path to Manitou Lake where lots of folks were fishing and boating," shares Mary D., who visited with her family. Colorado Campground visitor Ryan L. adds, "I picked this campground to be near Pikes peak and Garden of the Gods."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot native wildlife. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," reports Tessa S. from Lone Duck Campground and Cabins.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: At Mount Herman Road, campers appreciate the isolation despite proximity to towns. "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded," says Logan C.
Accessible camping: Many appreciate Colorado Heights Resort for its reliable facilities. "The campground is a very rustic setting with full and reliable hookups. The struggle to level up is worth it for the beautiful shady pine trees," reports Amanda R., describing the mountain camping experience.
Morning routines: Campers enjoy peaceful starts to their days. "Big camping spots, fun campground vibes, noise restrictions so don't worry your kiddos won't be able to hit a reasonable bed time," notes andrew B. at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. "The road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks. About half way up looking for a way to turn around," warns Jaymin B. about Mount Herman Road, cautioning drivers with larger vehicles.
Campsite availability: Popular areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. "There are about 30 or so sites. First come first serve but are free. Nice large sites many have room for RV's. Good distance between sites for privacy as well. Fills up very fast on the weekends," explains Matt T. regarding Buffalo Creek.
Noise factors: Some camping areas experience traffic sounds. "South side is a little rough but spread out more. Great facilities and friendly staff. Very quiet for the number of people here and proximity to highway," notes Rick at Colorado Heights Resort.
Fire regulations: Fire bans are common during dry seasons. "We stayed at site #93 in late May. The roads were maintained and we didn't have any issues getting to the site," reports Stefan G. at Dakan Road Camping, where designated fire rings are available when restrictions allow.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur offers extensive recreational options. "What a place. Hundreds of spots- a water park, a bounce pad, cabins, golf carts, putt- putt oh my! This place is a campers with kids dream," says Sarah F., highlighting the family-oriented amenities.
Educational options: Several campgrounds provide learning experiences for children. "Large campground with many sites that fill up during weekends in the summer, and can be loud in some areas of the campground," notes Amanda M. at Colorado Campground, mentioning that ranger talks are typically available at the amphitheater.
Budget planning: Family camping costs vary significantly between areas. "The cabins are very nice as they should be for $250 a night," Marcus F. points out about Jellystone's accommodations, contrasting with free dispersed options elsewhere in the region.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many RV campers recommend arriving early to secure preferred spots. "This is not a big rig friendly park. Really did not like it. A lot of trees close to the road, making it hard to move around. Sites are close together and haphazardly played out," cautions Mary T. about Colorado Heights Resort.
Hookup considerations: RV sites with full hookups are limited. "Expensive when you consider the pool and hot tub are not available for use. Our location is quite unlevel. It took four blocks under all tires on one side of our Class A to bring near level," reports Brenda A. at Colorado Heights, noting utilities should be verified before arrival.
Campground navigation: Some forest roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "This area is beautiful with lots of great sites available along mt. Herman rd. Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones," advises Evan E., emphasizing the need for caution on rougher roads.