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Camping near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

2,333 Reviews

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands and user-submitted reviews.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (412)

    1. Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park

    44 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 748-3401

    $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."

    2. Rocky Ridge Camground — Eleven Mile State Park

    25 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 748-3401

    $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."

    3. Mueller State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Divide, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 687-2366

    $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!"

    4. Spillway Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    $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."

    5. Blue Mountain Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    $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."

    6. Red Canyon Park

    21 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    "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."

    7. Forest Service Road 250 Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Great camp near the lake away from everything. Good off-roading both sides of the road"

    8. Cove Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "Quick access to the river . Only has 4 campsites so even full it’s still quiet and private compared to the other campgrounds"

    9. Crags Campground

    19 Reviews
    Midland, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    $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."

    10. Springer Gulch

    4 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "An incredible location and setting!  On arrival, the road into the gulch is a total mess. It needs grading badly, but the site is so inviting. The drive up Eleven Mile Canyon is beautiful."

    "Gorgeous views and close to the river if you’d like to fly fish or tube. General store in Lake George is about 20 minutes away if you need something. Bear country, so be prepared."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

1018 Photos of 412 Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

2333 Reviews of 412 Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Campgrounds

  • Cole L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Panocha Spring

    Rough road great views

    Road is pretty rough 4wd required. Views are great, close to trails and river

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    CR 306 -Dispersed Site

    Some nice sites along the creek, easy to get to.

    Multiple sites along the creek, some of the road through a wooded area looks dicey for a large vehicle. There are multiple access points to various sites right off of CR306, some look more accessible to regular vehicles. A couple of those access roads seem pretty challenging for a two wheel drive.

    The site I camped at was just opposite the road to Avalanche Trailhead. It was a little bumpy but not challenging. All of the sites are within about 100 feet of CR306, separated by woods from the road, very quiet at night.

    I camped out in a tent in early October and temps were down in the 30 s at night. Had to keep my heater going. Camped there three nights, really peaceful.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    West Lenhardy Cutoff

    Awesome views

    We stayed 5 nights in our 25ft travel trailer. Found a great spot on fr376 that provided enough privacy even with neighbors. Fellow campers were very quiet. Beware, this area is used for OHV and can become noisy on the weekends.

  • Sue D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Magical

    Early October, no bugs. Gorgeous views if you can get on a high spot. About half an hour from any store. Fish were jumping. Gorgeous.

  • Sue D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Midland Bike Trail Dispersed

    Quiet and good views

    The road up for about a quarter mile was one lane not too bumpy. Campsite was quiet with great views of the peaks. Early October 2025.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Lost Mountain Site-3

    Remote spot

    A gem indeed. 1 star loss for the semi rough road. The steep parts are bad, but doable with 2WD (snd some clearance). I csn see it being bad with rain.

    There is a private prop early in the road. Google tried to send me through that - make sure you stay on the Forest Road.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Stayed here again! 34+ dispersed spots

    Just wanted to write another review of this spot, love it, easy road in but extremely busy even in late September on an early Friday afternoon. Completely full by Friday 6pm I wouldn’t even try after unless it’s November-April. Seriously. Lots of big spots for multiple cars and tents, fire pits in every numbered spot. Trails nearby, even found an old horseshoe! Get there early, but that’s known if you ever been there.

  • i
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Campground

    Dispersed spot above twin lakes!

    This spot is great! There are a good number of spots up here you just have to have a vehicle that can go over rocks / fit between trees. The fire pit spots are great as well. Overall 10/10! Views are seriously incredible!!!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Fooses Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great overnight for leaf peeping

    Very serene and beautiful stop. The road has alot of uneven terrain with some boulders. I would recommend 4WD & higher clearance - not for your standard sedan. Sites are spread apart and along the creek & somewhat level. The road in is a single lane so be kind & patient. Really beautiful place to boondock. No problems getting there in my 4x4 sprinter van.

Guide to Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

Camping near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands offers a fantastic escape into nature. With stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers rave about the short walks to scenic spots. One reviewer mentioned, "Short walk to Grouse Peak" at Mueller State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: The Arkansas River is nearby, making it perfect for fishing. A camper at Ruby Mountain Campground noted, "Fishing is also an option," highlighting the recreational opportunities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Turtle Rock Campground shared, "Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Mueller State Park Campground said, "Campsites 8 and 9 offer stunning views of Sentinel Point."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor at Lone Duck Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The shower room had a vent that is so DIRTY that it is no ventilation," but others appreciated the overall cleanliness.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A reviewer at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites noted, "No signal, no restroom, no water, no trash cans, no light, no noise, just nature," which many find appealing.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, "No hookups, trashy," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. A visitor at East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge advised, "If you can’t handle a little wind, this isn’t for you."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. A camper at Ruby Mountain Campground said, "You’re meant to make reservations," which is wise to ensure a spot.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. A parent at Lone Duck Campground and Cabins mentioned, "Playground for kiddos," making it a great choice for families.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Browns Creek noted, "This isn’t one of those horribly loud OHV spots," which can be safer for little ones.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy during hikes. A camper at Mueller State Park Campground suggested, "Very quiet," which is perfect for family bonding time.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Garden of the Gods RV Resort mentioned, "Our site consisted of a narrow dirt pad," which can be tricky for larger rigs.
  • Water Access: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A reviewer at Eleven Mile State Park pointed out, "No water at site but several drinking water stations," so plan accordingly.
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Wind can be an issue in some areas. A camper at East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge warned, "Winds in the evening almost made me leave site," so secure your gear well.

Camping near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, Colorado, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Pike and San Isabel National Forests?

Pike and San Isabel National Forests offer excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Road 240 - Dispersed is considered one of Colorado's best-kept secrets for dispersed camping, with numerous wooded sites along the road leading to a lake, and some spots situated right along the river. For those seeking higher elevation camping with stunning views, Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground provides peaceful surroundings with great hiking access and beach areas. Most dispersed sites in the forests require visitors to camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roads. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and check local fire restrictions before your trip, as they frequently change throughout the season.

What should visitors know about the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands portions of the forest?

The Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands offer a different experience from the forested areas, featuring vast open prairies that provide unique wildlife viewing and stargazing opportunities. Unlike the more developed mountain regions, these grasslands have fewer facilities but offer more solitude. Blue Mountain Campground near Branson West provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and can accommodate larger RVs. The grasslands are typically less crowded than the forest areas, even during peak seasons. Visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions including strong winds, intense sun, and occasional severe thunderstorms. Cell service is limited, so downloading maps and bringing sufficient supplies is essential.

What campgrounds are available in San Isabel National Forest and do they require reservations?

San Isabel National Forest offers diverse camping options, with many requiring reservations during peak season (May-September). Ohaver Lake Campground is a popular high-altitude lakeside option near Salida with approximately 35 sites and excellent trout fishing. Most sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Horn Fork Basin provides dispersed camping in the Collegiate Peak Wilderness Area, ideal for those seeking a more primitive experience without reservations. For those wanting amenities, developed campgrounds like Crags, Cove, and Spillway offer toilets and water. Reservations are highly recommended for summer weekends and holidays, while weekdays and shoulder seasons often have first-come, first-served availability.

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