Make reservations in person at Jeffco Open Space in Golden - those ladies are the best! Easy drive and a half-mile hike with moderate increase in elevation from parking to tent pads, numbered 1-5.

Campsite 1 is at the top, 5 is at the bottom, and in the middle of that row, there's a very clean outhouse, along with pre-cut firewood and non-potable water for campers' exclusive use! Bear boxes sit between each campsite.

The Park Ranger lives at the base of the trailhead and replenishes regularly. Didn't see him/her once while we camped there for 3 nights, and again, after a booked weekend.

Make reservations in advance, if possible! We were solo for our first stint there, and shared only one night with a quiet neighbor and his dogs we met at site 1 while we were at site 5; then the whole place was packed with friendly families the next week.

We saw deer all over the place, and heard reports of bear and/or lion sightings in previous years. Fire pits and tables are at every site, and there's plenty of shade! Sites 4 and 5 were our faves! Happy camping!