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.
$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."
$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."
$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!"
$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."
"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."
$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."
"Great camp near the lake away from everything. Good off-roading both sides of the road"
"Great location, 2.5hrs from Denver and about an hour from the Springs. Had great space for our setup. Only a 5-10 min drive to the state park with great fishing."
$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"
$28 / night
"All these campgrounds around this lake are pretty much identical. This one has some shaded picnic tables which is nice but only at a couple spots."
"However, when we got there we found our neighboring campground had overtaken our campground because they didn't think we were going to show up (we arrived somewhere around 4 and check-in is at 3)."
$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."
ScoutThis campground is easily accessible and has beautiful views! The restrooms are clean and well taken care of, camp host is friendly and helpful. Fire wood bundle available here for $10, really not a bad price, the fire pits are perfect size with a grill. Love love love this campground, can’t wait to come back !
ScoutNobody else here! Felt safe car camping as there was a thunderstorm. Beware of cows in the road as you enter the area, they’re kind if you are! Verizon cell coverage at the site I parked at was 1-3 bars.
TravelerLarge well-spaced sites within a short driving distance to BV. Great access to the colorado trail. Portable toilets available at the intersection of 270 and 272 (the road leading to browns creek trailhead). Minimal wash boarding as of May 2026.
TravelerBeautiful view of the Arkansas river right across, very clean, easy access, no phone service so prepare for that, have to reserve spot though ahead of time.
RangerWe spent 2 nights here on spot 9 which does not have a post at the moment. There were no envelopes for the sites when we arrived but we made it work. This spot fades the river and is flat. It looked like a few of the spots would be an issue with a bigger tent. You have to walk into the sites a bit but not super far.
ScoutWe came in on a Saturday early evening. There were a lot of riders, we do not mind this. They were very respectful. We have a Class A with a toad. We were able to find an amazing spot for our size. The road is great. We had no issues coming in. We are around a mile in. Most people cleared our Sunday evening. It is very peaceful. We would definitely come here again.
ScoutTerrible bathrooms, no wi-fi available during our visit, not honoring veterans, definitely not a Resort!
ScoutLovely spacious site with hook-ups. Clean, spacious (and warm!) restroom although only one toilet and shower for females.
ScoutI drove here and there is no camp ground. Do not come here expecting anything buy dispersed camping
Camping in Pike and San Isabel National Forests offers diverse terrain ranging from 6,000 to 14,000 feet elevation across 3 million acres of public land. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night due to the high-altitude environment, with summer nights dropping below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach 80°F. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all waste and bring their own water supply.
Fly fishing access points: The South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon provides premium fishing opportunities. "We stayed at one of the first 5 [sites] that we saw because the view was nice and we were a bit unsure of what the roads were going to be like if we kept going with our trailer. Since it had just snowed, we didn't venture too far," notes a visitor to Red Canyon Park.
Rock scrambling and formation viewing: Geological features throughout the area create unique exploration opportunities. A visitor to Crags Campground shares: "There's a stream running right by camp. Dog friendly, but keep an eye on them because there's lots of mushrooms! The dirt road was a little rough in places, but if you drive slowly and carefully any kind of vehicle can make it up to the campground."
Mountain hiking trails: Multiple trailheads connect directly to campgrounds throughout the forests. "There is a nice hike over the ridge that will take you to Riverside campground (we've stayed there previously...also nice) and cross the road to the river. We saw some deer and did hear that a bear visited our campground while we were there but didn't cause any trouble," reports a camper at Blue Mountain Campground.
Small, intimate campgrounds: Some areas provide more seclusion than larger established sites. A visitor to Cove Campground states: "Love this campsite, there are only 4-5 sites in the area which give you the quit and space I wanted, with cliff walls as a backdrop and the Platte River in front it's quite beautiful!!"
Hike-in site accessibility: Boat-in and walk-in sites offer increased privacy. At Rocky Ridge Camground — Eleven Mile State Park, a camper notes: "We really enjoyed the hike in/boat in camp site. Great for families with young kids that are not ready for full-on backpacking. Our site was about a 15 min canoe ride from parking lot."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. "Super nice facility and clean. Very busy park as a lot of sites are on the main road. If you can choose to stay off the main road areas you will enjoy more. Lots of hiking and biking. We saw some deer that came through our site," reports a visitor to Mueller State Park Campground.
Road conditions affect vehicle access: Most access roads are unpaved and may be difficult to navigate. A recent visitor to Springer Gulch observed: "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. The gulch itself is in a cozy little canyon."
Seasonal closures affect availability: Many campgrounds operate from May through October only. Forest Service Road 250 remains open year-round, providing winter access when most established campgrounds are closed.
Limited cell service throughout region: Plan communications accordingly, especially for emergencies. A camper at Blue Mountain Campground mentioned: "Online reservations showed most sites booked, but on a weekday in September I had almost the entire campground to myself! In the campground I had consistent LTE data connection via Verizon and not far up the trail was getting 5G."
Hike-in options for beginners: Some less remote sites provide a backpacking-like experience. "Stayed in a hike in site. The hike is amazing and beautiful but sucks with gear if you use the trail near the water. Teamwork, determination and a cart are mandatory if you take this route. With no gear it's the best hike I've been on," explains a visitor to Rocky Ridge Camground.
Playground accessibility: Select sites include child-specific amenities. A Mueller State Park visitor noted: "Really great views. Clean, level campsites. We stayed in conifer 25. Close to comfort station and playground. Coin showers but are super clean."
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is mandatory throughout the region. "BE SMART ABOUT FOOD! We did have a bear encounter as we were driving out of the park," warns a Red Canyon Park visitor.
Dump station availability: Limited facilities exist for waste disposal. A visitor to Crags Campground advises: "The dirt road was a little rough in places, but if you drive slowly and carefully any kind of vehicle can make it up to the campground. Firewood is available; $7 for one bundle or $18 for 3 bundles."
Road width restrictions: Some forest roads have natural arches limiting height clearance. "Additionally the loop in the campground is very tight so again if you are pulling a trailer you need to know which site you were in before going into the loop as to make sure you are going the correct way when you back up into your site," notes a Springer Gulch camper.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require leveling equipment. At Forest Service Road 250 dispersed camping, "The sites where the coordinates take you are immediately off the road. They're going to be very high traffic. They are wide-open and big enough for big rigs. The biggest issue would be dust."
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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