Dispersed camping opportunities near Pike and San Isabel National Forests allow pet owners flexibility for outdoor adventures at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Most free camping sites require pets remain leashed outside vehicles, with Forest Service Road 250 offering multiple secluded options just 10 minutes from Eleven Mile Reservoir. The region experiences significant temperature variations, particularly at higher elevations where morning temperatures often drop below freezing even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing access points: The South Platte River along Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities. "A short hike down to the river is a great day adventure, playing in the water or fishing. I've never had a bad experience here," notes one visitor. Gold Medal trout fishing attracts many anglers to the canyon.
Rock climbing: Located at the entrance of the canyon, the granite formations provide climbing routes for various skill levels. "Right in the camp are over 5 established bouldering routes and even more in the hill above camp. Plus, it is right next to Pine Cone Dome for some awesome sport routes," according to a climber who visited Spillway Campground.
Hiking trails: The Hard Rock trailhead at Blue Mountain Campground connects to several routes with canyon views. "There's a nice hike over the ridge that will take you to Riverside campground and cross the road to the river," reports a camper. Most trails remain open year-round, though snow may limit access December through March.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Forest Service Road 250 provides free dispersed camping options with varying levels of privacy. "The deeper you go back the better the sites appear to be. You get more privacy and the views are better," explains a camper who notes that "high clearance would be required" for accessing the most remote spots.
Diverse accommodations: Mueller State Park Campground offers developed options beyond standard tent sites. "The campsites are well maintained and have vaulted toilets and water pumps conveniently located throughout the campgrounds," reports one visitor, who also appreciated that "everybody was respectful of each other's space and quiet."
Riverside camping: Cove Campground provides a smaller, more intimate setting with just 4-5 sites. "With cliff walls as a backdrop and the Platte River in front it's quite beautiful," describes a camper. The limited number of sites means "even full it's still quiet and private compared to the other campgrounds."
What you should know
Road conditions: The access roads to many campgrounds feature significant washboarding and may be difficult for vehicles pulling trailers. "The road to get here from Salida is 12 miles of dirt road that is VERY washboard," reports a camper at Red Canyon Park. During rainy periods, some roads become impassable for non-4WD vehicles.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. "We did hear that a bear visited our campground while we were there but didn't cause any trouble," notes a camper at Blue Mountain. Multiple campgrounds post warning signs and provide bear boxes at designated sites.
Limited services: Cell service varies dramatically throughout the area, with most campgrounds having spotty or no coverage. "No cell service here for us," mentions a camper at Eleven Mile State Park. Campers should download maps and bring sufficient supplies, as the nearest stores may be 20-40 minutes away.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When staying at Rocky Ridge Campground, site selection affects amenities access. "We stayed in conifer 25. Close to comfort station and playground," notes a family who appreciated the convenient location for their children.
Water safety concerns: Despite proximity to water, swimming options are limited. "There are very few places in the river safe for kids, it can be treacherous in most places," cautions a camper at Springer Gulch. Parents should supervise children closely near waterways.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk provide the best chances for seeing deer, which frequently visit campsites. "We saw some deer that came through our site," mentions a visitor at Mueller State Park. Bringing binoculars helps spot wildlife from a safe distance.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Rocky Ridge Campground, RVers recommend researching specific loops. "If you're an RV camper and an angler definitely a decent spot. If you're a tent camper and hiker check elsewhere," advises one camper. The electrical sites are typically located further from the water.
Water access planning: Many campgrounds have limited water hookups, requiring advance preparation. "You can fill up with water there, or search for a place to fill up before you come in," suggests an RVer with a 29-foot trailer at Lazy Boy Campground. The hand pumps at many sites may be difficult to use for filling large tanks.
RV size limitations: Several campgrounds have tight turning radiuses and limited parking pads. "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," warns a camper at Springer Gulch. Vehicles over 30 feet may find many sites challenging to access.
