Camping near Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
Pike and San Isabel National Forests contain a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options across Colorado's mountain terrain. Eleven Mile State Park offers multiple campgrounds including Rocky Ridge, Lazy Boy, and Witcher's Cove, with sites accommodating both tents and RVs. Mueller State Park Campground provides more developed facilities with electric hookups, showers, and laundry services, while also offering cabin and glamping options. For more primitive experiences, Forest Service Road 250 offers free dispersed camping without amenities, allowing campers to experience the forest with minimal infrastructure.
Road conditions can significantly impact access to camping areas within the region, particularly at remote sites and canyon areas. The 11-mile dirt road leading to Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area features washboard sections that can be challenging for vehicles towing RVs or trailers. Most established campgrounds like Spillway and Cove require reservations well in advance, especially during summer months, while dispersed camping areas have limited water access and no facilities. Elevation changes affect temperatures year-round, with cooler nights even during summer months. "The roads in are so rough and created so much vibration that it was actually damaging to our A-Liner camper. The speed limit is 55 and we weren't able to go much faster than 10 mph without the vibration becoming unbearable," reported one visitor to Eleven Mile State Park.
Campgrounds adjacent to water receive particular praise from visitors. The South Platte River runs through Eleven Mile Canyon, providing excellent fly fishing opportunities at campgrounds like Spillway. Several campgrounds feature unique geological formations, with Spillway offering camping near rock walls that appeal to climbers. A visitor to Spillway noted, "You can nestle your two-man tent perfectly in a flat spot in between some rocks and it is in the shade for almost the entirety of each day." Wind exposure can be an issue at sites without tree cover, particularly at higher elevations like Rocking Chair Campground. Despite their proximity, the campgrounds vary significantly in privacy levels - Cove Campground has only 4-5 sites providing quiet and space, while other campgrounds have sites positioned closer together.
