This was my first trip to Red Canyon and it won’t be my last. Views were terrific, whether you want something a bit more open or further into the canyon where it’s surrounded by gorgeous red rocks. I chose an open site and if you do, beware of the wind. Some sites had picnic tables and fire rings, and one site I saw had an awning which is perfect for picnics. Most of the spots were true primitive camp spots as was mine. Not a difficult drive at all and any vehicle can handle it if you go slow. I went mid-November and only saw two or three other cars. I imagine it’s gorgeous when it snows!

I came here at the height of summer and had no problems finding a site, but I feel like I got lucky! This area is popular with kayakers and the roads leading to this area are busy with trailers. Seems a given, since it’s close to the river!

I found a site right next to the Rio and even though it was muddy, I still appreciated being able to get in to cool down a bit. My site had plenty of room for my truck and hub tent. Only real complaint is the trash the previous campers left behind.

Days were hot as they are in NM but the nights were pleasant. People were having a good time but were chill at night, something I always appreciate at free sites.

Roads were good and any vehicle can make it. Just go slow as usual! I had a sparse cell signal but didn’t want it anyway.

Clean bathrooms and plenty of sites- maybe 12 or so?- lots of space to spread out. A great option for camping along the Rio.

Overall a great experience and just a short trip from Colorado Springs. Big, open beautiful sales and plenty of room to tow trailers. Road was a little bumpy and got more challenging the deeper into the space you went, but overall most vehicles can handle it. I came during the off season but still plenty of ATVs, Razrs and guns popping off well into the night. Didn’t bother me much but I imagine it’s a lot worse in the summer. Still a great spot for a night or two.

I stayed here at the beginning of June before it got too hot. I will say it was in the mid 90s when I arrived, but nights cooled down considerably and were into the 60s. I had one of the bigger campsites, and was surprised to find that even during memorial day weekend there wasn’t a lot of traffic coming or going. I saw a few other cars and maybe one otherfamily that set up camp. Plenty of shade in the site that I had, which is one of the first so you’ll drive onto once you’re up into the canyon area. I had decent cell service the entire time, and the road into and out of the camping area was really nice so any vehicle can make it. I didn’t venture too far away from the main camping areas, but did so on foot. I didn’t see any significant road issues. On the way out of the area, I was led through a herd of cattle by sixth generation cattle ranchers— One of the coolest things that happened during the entire trip. Views are amazing, the sunset was awesome every night, and the sunrise is equally as spectacular. The only sad part about these dispersed camping sites is that more and more people will find them. The only issue that I had, and a big one, is that there were broken beer bottles all over the side. Just a reminder to police yourselves so the rest of us can enjoy it without remnants of stupidity.

Mills Canyon was an absolutely beautiful campground. I had the place to myself, but that’s because it was too hot for most sane people to stay longer than a few hours. There was one car that drove through to use the bathrooms, but I had the entire campground to myself. It was incredibly hot, so my advice for anybody who is coming to this area during the summer months is to bring way more water than what you think you need, and some type of canopy for shade. I only stayed one night as it never cooled down and the biting insects were terrible. All that said, I will return in the cooler months. No cell service. The road down into the canyon was fine with a few legit ruts but easy to navigate.

This site rivals my favorite spot in Big Sur. I chose this campground thanks to the previous reviewers. The spot I chose on the map was already taken when I got there, which was next to the creek. After scouting out a few more sites up the road, I landed on one that was even better than I could have imagined. There was a little brook running through and I had to carry my gear over a log to the actual site (though you could definitely set up camp where I parked) and burning the extra calories was worth it. My backdrop was beautiful and even though it rained the entire time I was there, this is still one of my favorite camping spots I’ve stumbled across here in Colorado. It looks like there were multiple fire rings where I camped so I imagine it gets really busy with hikers once summer is in full swing. Totally perfect for anyone who enjoys truly primitive camping. The road up was muddy and had big divots but I think any vehicle would be fine, as long as you take it slow. No cell signal up here so plan for that. Not that you’ll need it :) Enjoy, guys!

It’s not that I didn’t like this campground, it’s that I just prefer more dispersed camping. The weekend that I went, it was very warm and this is a very popular spot with rock climbers. So I did anticipate that it was going to be very crowded but what I didn’t anticipate was that it would be hard to find a camp spot early on a Friday afternoon. That said, I was able to find a site and overall did enjoy my stay, even if I was privy to everyone’s conversations around me! A tip for anyone looking to visit this campground, starting March 2021, reservations are required for any site that is odd and any site that is even is on a first come first serve basis. Single sites are seven dollars a night and group sites are $14 a night. Ending this on a good note – the scenery around the banks is absolutely beautiful, and the bathrooms are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. I do recommend this site for anyone who is looking for a great place to climb, as long as you don’t mind being within feet of your neighbors!

I stayed here Memorial Day Weekend. I camp out of my 4Runner but there’s a lot of sites down near the water that you have to hike to (with all your gear). I believe there’s a two-week max.

When I showed up, it was desolate- maybe one or two other people/groups. By the end of the weekend, the lot was packed and all of the sites near the water were also occupied.

No toilets so you’d see a lot of people walking the railroad tracks north/south to do the do. Personally I hate being that packed in a dispersed area and knowing that… that’s just me.

Loved putting my feet in the Arkansas River and watching the kayakers and rafters. It was hot during the day and cold at night- to me, that’s good camping weather!

I’ve camped here a few times and have never been disappointed. I’ve camped next to the creek and further out away from the water. Honestly, it’s hard to find a bad campsite here!

If you want a site close to the creek, you have to get there early. I went on a Thursday in October and the sites were filled before noon.

No complaints though as this drove me to explore some sites I may never have seen otherwise. Further out, there’s less people. I had neighbors but everyone was friendly, quiet and kept to themselves aside from a friendly wave as they drove by.

Plenty of sites and great hiking. And you can’t beat the Mountain View’s after a snow storm!