Ryan N.
Scout
ScoutDenver West-Central City KOA
Quiet, nice views, friendly staff
This is the fourth KOA site I have visited in the past week and it's probably the best. Staff is nice. Place is quiet but still cost $70 just to park near a bench.
Camping near Sedalia, CO
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Pike National Forest surrounds Sedalia, Colorado with diverse camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote dispersed sites. Devil's Head Campground, located directly in Sedalia, operates seasonally from May to October and provides basic amenities with toilet facilities but no hookups. The Rampart Range Recreation Area offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest service roads branching off the main Rampart Range Road. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Chatfield State Park Campground in Littleton with full hookups and year-round availability, or the family-oriented Jellystone Park at Larkspur with 415 sites including tent spaces, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted about Rampart Range Road, "The southern portion is open year-round while the northern half is closed seasonally during winter. Some smaller trails that branch off do better with a 4WD with high clearance." Elevation plays a major role in camping conditions, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months. Cell reception is spotty or nonexistent in many areas, particularly in the more remote forest service sites. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and weather patterns in the mountains can differ dramatically from nearby Denver, often being 20 degrees colder at night.
Ponderosa pines provide welcome shade at many campgrounds in the area, though privacy between sites varies considerably. Visitors frequently mention the proximity to excellent hiking trails, with the Colorado Trail accessible from several nearby campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with mule deer and various bird species regularly observed. Noise levels depend largely on location—campgrounds near highways may experience traffic noise, while those on forest service roads might contend with OHV traffic during peak periods. One reviewer of Dakan Road Camping mentioned, "It's very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It's a lot like off-roading on some parts." Water access for fishing is available at several locations, particularly along the South Platte River.
Best Campgrounds near Sedalia (332)
1. Chatfield State Park Campground
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!! Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Cherry Creek State Park Campground
"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
"It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability3. Rampart Range Recreation Area
"My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."
"Fun place to camp lots of sites and pretty trails, however this is known for its off-road ATV riders. If you're staying for a night or you're ATV for the weekend this is your spot."
4. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park
"This was our first time staying at Bear Creek Lake. The park is not part of the Colorado Wilds or CPW State Park system, but daily vehicle fees are included with your camping reservation."
"Note: If the GPS takes you to a dirt road with a closed gate at the end, get back on the highway and take the next exit to the park entrance."
5. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur
"We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."
"When we arrived we found out our spot was by the train we asked to be moved and they were extremely accommodating and put us in another spot up higher away from train."
from $50 - $170 / night
Check Availability6. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
"There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."
"The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."
7. Dakan Road Camping
"Dakan Road is mostly known as an Off-Road vehicle Road, so 4x4’s are suggested to get up to the sites."
"The only issue I found is that being so close to civilization/the city is that there was a lack of camp etiquette from neighboring campsites."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. Dakota Ridge RV Park
"This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."
"Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."
9. Indian Creek Equestrian Campground
"Indian Creek is lush and wooded, while still being close to Denver. The drive in is easy, following a paved road most of the way. Great spot for car camping."
"Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Devil's Head Campground
"My first time In Colorado. It was a little busy but once we found our campsite you would never know it! Awesome views! Campsites very far apart."
"This is a primitive CG that is walk-up only and popular on the weekends..."
from $27 / night
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Drive Time
- 31 min from Denver, CO
- 44 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 52 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 20 min from Greeley, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Sedalia, CO
842 Photos of 332 Sedalia Campgrounds
Savanna M.
Indian Creek
Lila B.
Indian Creek Campground
Danny A.
Rampart Range Recreation Area
Natalie B.
Indian Creek Equestrian Campground
Kate G.
Chatfield State Park Campground
Mitch A.
Osprey
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Ouzel
Alex M.
Idylease Campground
Lindy S.
Cherry Creek State Park Campground
Todd J.
Platte River Campground
Matthew P.
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Sedalia, CO
2228 Reviews of 332 Sedalia Campgrounds
- William F.
GuideRampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
Windy but great views
This campground was a great area has a great viewpoints everywhere. Great boulders to climb great area overall we had our two kids and two dogs as well as me and my wife. We’re here in a pop-up and the only downside was it got really windy on our first two nights
Jen H.ScoutJellystone Park™ at Larkspur
Awesome campground!
This campground is awesome!! Funnest one we’ve ever stayed at. Tons of things to do for the whole family! We spent three nights there and had the best time. Looking forward to staying again. Spacious lots.
- AAndi J.Scout
Dakota Ridge RV Park
Close to road lots of amenities
Clean. Just off the highway. Convenient for that reason.
Ben G.
TravelerRedskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite
Great spot!
A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place. Great access to trails for hiking or mountain biking. Arrived Thursday afternoon and there were still plenty of spots to choose from.
Connie D.ScoutCheyenne Mountain State Park
Great campground
We love this campground and come every spring. The sites are clean and love the cement pads . And what a view. We do have one issue with this park. The entrance road all the way to the sites is horrible. We counted 103 severe deep cracks in the road. In addition there are numerous manholes that have sunk. Perhaps the state park can ask for more lottery money to get this road fixed!
S M.TravelerYork Gulch Road
Somewhat Confusing
Vehicle: KIA Soul (FWD- slightly more clearance than a standard sedan, but not as high up as a full size SUV) Campsite type: TENT ONLY, not even mini trailer friendly! . Beautiful views on the way back down from camp, somewhat secluded- quiet. There are residences along the way up, on neighboring roads, AND there's a commercial camp of somekind nearby. Verizon service is largely non existent. You might get lucky and catch one bar. Might
ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD. Do NOT try to take some low riding car like a Tesla up this. Heck, dont even take a cybertruck (too big and clunky to fit in tight spaces). Signs say NO OFFROAD VEHICLES, meaning this is a road road, not a backwoods trail. You'll pass an old (but functioning) fire station on the way up, the pinned location on this post is where camp sites are. It doesnt "look like it" so you might get confused and keep going. If you do, you end up in a turnaround area out by that "Camp Always Choose Adventure" place that shows up on the gps map, a field, more housing, and a road that goes off to somewhere else in the mountains. Theres lots of roads out here so make sure you dont turn off the gulch road once youre on it. Without a high clearance vehicle, youre going to go about 15mph tops due to the washboard and dips once you get up higher. The first half is pretty smooth. If its rainy/muddy, I wouldnt chance it without a 4WD or AWD. Drive safely/carefully- ROAD DOES NARROW IN SOME PLACES/AROUND SOME CORNERS. Do not drive like Denver drivers in town. You'll either hit someone going the opposite way or force them over the edge and off the mountain side. I had a couple of 4WD vehicles come racing around corners. Be kind. Be smart. Respect that this is not a normal road and just BEHAVE.
SITES: There are rock stacked fire rings and some cleared space among the trees around them. Thats it. Woods camping. Nothing is marked, so I couldnt tell if there were others than the few where I stayed. There are signs up saying private property around the camp sites, but theyre not blocked off and are supposed to be on Forestry Service land 🤷♂️ Nobody came out to say anything. During the day some people take their 4WD vehicles out on the other roads and you might run into them leaving when youre going up the gulch road. At night its dead silent. Some people do take dirtbikes thru the area to get out to their trails, but they didnt stay in the area running laps or anything like that.
PETS: If you bring them, I wouldnt let them run off leash. There is hunting land further down the road, that Camp Always Choose Adventure place, lots of houses, and lots of roads that ARE well used. Its not safe for dogs etc to run free any more than on a neighborhood block in town. Besides, if other campers set up, you dont want your pets running over to strangers. Long tie out ropes/cables will be just fine. Wrap one end around the base of a tree and now your pet goes nowhere.
WILDLIFE: Considering all of the human settlements and activity, there doesnt seem to be that big of a threat. Youre not that isolated or "remote". Idaho Springs is a short drive of about 15 min or so.
- TThomas D.Traveler
Cross Creek Campground — Eleven Mile State Park
Quiet lake-side
Lovely views of Eleven Mile Reservoir, forested hills to one side, bare terrain around the campsite, and mountains to the west. Cow patties and prairie dog holes everywhere. Plenty of waterfowl.
On the other side of the reservoir is the main campground—more services are there (showers, visitor center etc)
Campsites are close together, no shade. No hookups. The fire pits and picnic tables for sites 3 & 4 are right next to one another (we’ll move to avoid the lighter fluid enhanced fire pit smoke from our friendly neighbors). 7 sites total, pit toilets a short walk away, no motor boat launch here.
Plenty of day parking for big rigs (see signage for fees).
Xfinity wifi works fine.
Why are we here? Access to the Dream Stream (aka Charlie Meyers SWA) is minutes away and we’re going to cast some flies!
Michael M.Guidepike national forest (CR 511)
Pike national forest
Found the spot that we were able to fit in in Pike national Forest outside of divide. Stayed for a week in early June and the temperatures were great. Very little AT&T cell phone coverage. The spot does have some tree cover, so Starlink is a little bit obstructed as well are solar panels.
Guide to Sedalia
Camping options near Sedalia, Colorado range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature variations throughout the year. Sites on Forest Service Road 67 leading to Devil's Head can drop to freezing temperatures even in July, while lower-elevation campgrounds maintain milder overnight conditions. Morning fog often settles in valleys during spring and early fall camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking the Devils Head Trail: Access this popular trail directly from Devil's Head Campground. The trail leads to a fire lookout with panoramic views. "This is a popular trail with a great attraction at the end. The view is worth it and the Ranger makes it a great learning experience," notes one visitor who hiked the 1.4-mile trail.
Mountain biking at Buffalo Creek: The trail system at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers routes for various skill levels. A camper describes it as "A mountain biker's dream. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels." The trail network connects to the Colorado Trail for more advanced rides.
Water activities at Bear Creek: During summer months, Bear Creek Lake provides swimming and paddle sports opportunities. A camper at Indian Paintbrush Campground reports, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We had a peaceful quiet night and crisp sunny morning sans disturbance," reports a camper at Devil's Head who enjoyed watching chipmunks at their site.
Secluded camping spots: Many campers value the privacy found at Dakan Road Camping. "There are some really great campsites with some pretty amazing views here spread along Dakan Rd and the network of roads and spurs in the area," writes one reviewer, noting the best sites are found farther up the mountain.
Spacious group sites: Campers with larger parties appreciate the room at Rampart Range. "The spots have tons of space for you and friends. If you have ATV's you really need to discover this area," explains a reviewer who frequently camps in the area with family.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. For Dakan Road, a camper advises, "There are many designated campsites off Rampart Range Road and it feels like the road just keeps on going. The sites are spacious and pretty isolated from other campers."
Weekday vs. weekend camping: Campgrounds near Sedalia experience significant usage patterns. At Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, "This area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day," warns one camper. Another notes, "We came up Sunday and drove around for an hour trying to find a spot. Sunday evening it cleared up and we were the only ones there mon-tues!"
Noise considerations: Some areas have more recreational traffic than others. A Dakan Road camper reports, "Very active OHV trails so the dirt bike traffic can ruin your weekend if you were looking for peace and quiet here. I've found the OHV traffic is not bad during the week or in late fall when it gets colder."
Tips for camping with families
Best family campgrounds: Jellystone Park at Larkspur offers extensive amenities for children. "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," writes one family camper.
Kid-friendly activities: Family camping opportunities extend beyond traditional sites. At Bear Creek Lake Park, "Great views of the mountains. Big boulders. We had a wonderful experience with our kids who enjoyed the archery range and swim beach," writes a reviewer with children.
Scavenger hunts: Some trails offer built-in activities for children. A camper at Indian Creek Campground shares, "The trail heading North out of the parking lot is great, well maintained and also has hidden 7 dwarfs along the trail to try and find. We did it four times just to make sure we found all 7."
Tips from RVers
RV-friendly options: Larger RVs have limited options in the immediate Sedalia area. A camper at Chatfield State Park advises, "Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites."
Site selection: Leveling can be challenging at some campgrounds. One RVer notes, "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primitive spots," regarding Chatfield State Park, one of the more accommodating options for RVs.
Hookup availability: When staying at established campgrounds, plan for limited services. "Sites were big and far enough away from neighbors. Would recommend," reports a Buffalo Creek visitor, though noting the absence of electrical hookups or water connections requires proper preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Sedalia, Colorado?
Where can I find campgrounds in Sedalia, Colorado?
Sedalia offers excellent access to diverse camping options in the surrounding area. Devil's Head Campground is located near Sedalia and provides drive-in access with toilet facilities. For those seeking a family-friendly experience, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur is conveniently situated close to the highway with easy access to attractions in both Colorado Springs and Denver. Additional options within driving distance include dispersed camping along Rampart Range Road and Dakan Road areas, where you can find more secluded spots. These locations offer a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities to suit different preferences.
What amenities are available at camping sites near Sedalia, CO?
What amenities are available at camping sites near Sedalia, CO?
Camping sites near Sedalia offer varying levels of amenities. Colorado Campground is situated near Manitou Lake and provides essential facilities while being close to the Pikes Peak wilderness area with numerous nearby trails. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake offers beautiful lakeside camping with bathroom facilities and a visitor center where you can purchase firewood. For dispersed camping options, Rampart Range Road provides more primitive experiences with few amenities but greater privacy. Developed campgrounds typically offer fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while some sites include water access. RV-friendly options may have additional hookups, though these are limited in the immediate Sedalia area.
Do I need reservations for camping in Sedalia during peak seasons?
Do I need reservations for camping in Sedalia during peak seasons?
Reservations are highly recommended for camping near Sedalia during peak seasons (late spring through early fall, especially holiday weekends). Mueller State Park Campground fills quickly during summer months due to its easy access to trails and scenic views. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins also requires advance booking during busy periods. For those seeking more spontaneous options, dispersed camping areas like those at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area or Dakan Road may offer more availability, even during busy times. However, even these dispersed sites fill up on summer weekends. The best strategy is to reserve developed campgrounds 3-6 months in advance for summer stays, or arrive mid-week for first-come, first-served sites.
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