Duane V.
Traveler
Travelerpike national forest (CR 511)
Not to far off of a paved road. You do have to open and close 1 gate. Just a lot of people walking dogs on the nearby trail.
Camping near Sedalia, CO
360 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 (360)
1. Chatfield State Park Campground
"The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions"
"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."
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. Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite
"Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."
"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."
8. 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. 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 Availability10. 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
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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
860 Photos of 360 Sedalia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Sedalia, CO
2412 Reviews of 360 Sedalia Campgrounds
Robert T.TravelerDakota Ridge RV Park
Nice large park. Spaces are not level so bring blocks. Bathrooms and showers are clean but out dated. Laundry facilities is available at $3 per wash and $2.50 per dry.
- BBrynn O.Traveler
Lostfork Basecamp
This place is incredible. The sound of the river alone will calm your nervous system. Whether you’re camping or staying in one of the cabins, you will not be disappointed.
Kylee R.
RangerCherry Creek State Park Campground
Cherry Creek State Park
Bathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
Tom J.
GuideBoulder County Fairgrounds
Logan Fairground
Clean facility quietly located in a metro area.
Kevin H.
ScoutCastle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake
Beautiful family and dog friendly campground!
Lake Wellington is a beautiful family and dog friendly campground just about 90 minutes from Denver. There are 75 sites, and even when it's pretty full they are decently spaced out that you don't feel too on top of other guests. We brought our dogs and a group of friends and had a great few nights, even seeing Bald Eagles mating!
Mariena M.ScoutDenver Meadows RV Park
Convenient
Not the nicest but the owners have helped me out a lot.
Shannon F.ScoutPikes Peak RV Park
New owner are not good people
I want to start on a positive because that is the type of person I am, and because this review is going to have a lot of negative. This park is a great location for sightseeing, especially if you are going to Pikes Peak by way of the Cog or shopping in Manitou. My GM and I worked hard to make the park as great as we could with the very little funding that we got. As seen in the reviews we had excellent customer service and had high standards for keeping the park clean. I was very good at my job and I loved doing the work until the new owners took over. When the park was sold, we had high hopes that the new owners would be good people and want to put real work into the park. We were very disappointed that they turned out to be money grubbing horrible people. Ken, one of the owners, treats people and his business very Trump like. He and his wife must state that they are religious more than a few times when having a conversation; I personally think this is to make themselves look good to cover the toxicity that truly lies under the surface. When they meet people, they put on a façade and lie and say whatever they think people want to hear to get what they want; proven to me by the broken verbal promises they made to me. They are not community driven; they are money driven; you can make money and still be good people, but they chose not to be. They practice wage theft just like big corporations by over working employees and under paying them; in their words“you must wear all hats”. They are the type of people that use others until they don’t need them then throw them away like garbage. I was bullied into quitting on a phone call where Ken was very disrespectful and unprofessional with me. The phone call was me trying to explain that I could no longer do the FB post due to our deferent ethical viewpoints, and he would not let me talk by saying“you are not doing your job, are you going to quit” repeatedly. I found out that I was not allowed to post about Manitou Pride parade because he said,“it is not family friendly, and the company and I do not promote the LGBTQ+ community”. I am a proud member of that community and so I should not be the one to post on FB for the company. The groundman quit a day later because of disrespect and broken verbal promises. Then a few days later my boyfriend was fired and then Sheryl the GM was fired.(I believe they were fired for retaliation) Ken only wants employees that are easy to exploit or controlled, because he is incapable of managing people without fear and bullying. He boasted that he is called the grim reaper in business, but I don’t think that is the flex he thinks it is. But yes, he was the destruction of the community we put so much work into. I also want to voice my disappointment in Dana, who Sheryl worked hard getting to be allowed to come back as an employee. Dana did great work her first summer with us, so it was a shock to see her true colors show when she started to brown nose Ken. She spread multiple rumors, I feel the worst one was about Melinda’s daughter and the things she wrote about in her diary. I also did not like how she used David, the guy that does the golfcart tours in Manitou, was nice to his face then talked so badly about him when he was not around. I truly think Jesue and her father would be ashamed of her for how she acted to get her new position.
- CCaroline B.Traveler
Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping
In the clouds
So beautiful, dispersed camping at 11,200 feet surrounded by mountains. Area is busy with day hikers, go past the parking lot and set up at one of the handful of spots. Definitely for small rigs or tents, don’t come up here with a non 4x4 vehicle, and trailers would be close to impossible.
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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