Lake Creek tumbles past this first-come, first-serve campground set in lodgepole pine and aspen forest along Colorado Highway 82. Sites spread across two loops with gravel pads, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground sits close enough to the road that sites 1 and 3 pick up highway noise during daytime hours, though traffic quiets after dark when Independence Pass sees little use.
Most sites offer decent spacing and shade from the mature forest canopy. The lower loop positions campers closer to Lake Creek, where the water rushes over rocks and boulders. N I. notes "You will spot anglers all along the creek enjoying fly fishing." A camp host stays on-site to answer questions and sell firewood, while vault toilets serve both loops.
The campground currently operates without potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supply or travel to Leadville for refills. Cell service proves spotty throughout most sites, with T-Mobile users finding limited signal near the front gate. The maintained dirt access road handles most vehicles adequately, though it's not perfectly smooth.
Elevation here brings potential altitude concerns for some visitors. Check-in starts at 2 PM with checkout at noon, and quiet hours run from 10 PM to 6 AM. The location provides access to hiking trails up Independence Pass and proximity to Twin Lakes for additional recreation.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
It sits in a shady Aspen and Lodgepole Pine forest along the whitewaters of Lake Creek. This campground is a favorite amongst anglers with a spectacular view of Parry Peak. Access to the Continental Divide Trail is just down the road.
Facilities
Parry Peak Campground has 25 first-come, first-served sites.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsParry Peak is located in Colorado near Granite
Public CampgroundCoordinates
39.067119 N
106.409499 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 9/4/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 9/4/26
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/4/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 9/4/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 9/4/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/4/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 21 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 25 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 31 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 38 min from Pueblo, CO
