Good Camping in Colorado

[keylay31]

Hey Guys,
I am from the Fort Collins area and know quite a few good places to camp and fish in Northern Colorado. I am planning on going camping this weekend (Friday night) and am down in Highlands Ranch/Littleton. Does anyone know of any good spots near there?? Maybe somewhere up 285 or down 67? Over by Evergeeen or Conifer or Bailey somewhere?

I'm looking for a place where I can set up a tent, and have a fire. Ideally the less incorporated the better. I am happy with no restrooms or water. Dirt roads a plus (aka not near anywhere). I'd like to not be 10 feet away from the next camper either. Also the closer to Denver, the better, cuz gas is expensive!!!

THANKS!

 

[keylay31]

Anyone ever head of Deer Creek Camground, Buffalo Camground, Meridian Camground, or Kelsey Camground?

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

Before the Hayden fire, I could have told you of a few good spots exactly like what you're looking for near Cheesman res. and Deckers. Good fishing on some little creeks that feed into the South Platte.

Now, however, there aren't any trees for shade/cover, and there isn't any fish left in those creeks.

You almost have to go past Bailey if you go up 285, otherwise there's too much private property. I haven't been up to Wellington lake in quite a while, but you used to be able to camp up there and be fairly well to yourself.

Sorry I couldn't be any more help. It's hard to do what you want to from this area (Denver) anymore without having to go at least an hour into the mountains. Not like it used to be, that's for sure...

If you go up I-70 to get there quickly, there are a lot of good places to go above Leadville. You can come back via 285 and avoid traffic too. Lots of places above Fairplay as well (other side of the mountain from Leadville).

 

[keylay31]

Thanks FlyFisher. Could you recommend any of those places above Fairplay? While a lake/stream would be nice, I don't need it for this particular trip.

Anyone else been to those camp sites I listed? They are right around Wellington Lake. Indeed, has anyone been to Wellington Lake recently?

 

[keylay31]

I'm going to go ahead and do a customary bump as this is time sensitive!

 

[G.I.G.]

I'm going to go ahead and do a customary bump as this is time sensitive!

Sorry dude, wanted to chime in on this yesterday.

I am not too familiar with camping off of 285 (Bailey, Conifer, etc.) but I have driven that way often and there is some beautiful scenery. I'm sure there are some good spots but I just don't know of any specific spots.

You might want to poke around Guanella Pass (between Georgetown and Conifer). I know there is some good wheel'n up off Guanella as well.

We usually camp outside of Breck, which isn't too far from Denver. Basically just off of Tiger Rd. on the North Fork of the Swan River. Decent fishing and 4-wheel'n back there. It's basically just national forest back there. No need to pay and the camps sites are not stacked on top of each other. PM me if you're interested and I can give you exact directions.

Also, RonMaiden lives in my 'hood so he might be able to help with some good suggestions. Hope you enjoy your trip. Let us know where you landed...

 

[G.I.G.]

....also wanted to mention the "Colorado Backroads and 4-wheel Drive Trails" book if you don't already have it or have heard of it. It pertains specifically to 4X4 trails, but has good information about certain areas of Colorado that would be great to camp at as well. Below is a link to the publisher. They have a few different editions for Colorado. I bought mine straight from the publisher. It has never left my glove box.

http://www.funtreks.com/

 

[keylay31]

Well, I had it narrowed down to wellington lake area, guanella, and breck area that GIG recommended. I think I'm going to try GIG's spot, although I'm a little worried since I wont be able to make it up until like 7pm. Anyone have any last inputs?

 

[keylay31]

Well, I ended up going through 285 to Grant, CO and then up about 10 miles through guanella. I ended up camping about a mile north of White Side campground (which is super incorporated). Just parked along the side of the road in a makeshift parking spot, hiked everything in about 75 yards and had quite a good time.

Thanks to everyone for the input, I really wanted to go to Breck where G.I.G. told me but I got off work at 4 and ended up leaving by 5:30. That plus 850koa told me there was a semi accident on 70 meant no breck for me.

I ended up actually calling the Jefferson County Sheriff who gave me the number for the deputy on duty in the area. The deputy then gave me the number for a forest ranger near Grant who specifically recommended these spots. These guys were all super helpful and friendly. Turned out pretty well. Next time, I think I might hit up GIG's spot.

 

[MikesToy]

Is there like any 4TR meets in Colorado?

 

[leftyguns21]

Is there like any 4TR meets in Colorado?

depending on location and time...id be down.

and this was a good thread, im fairly new to colo and do not know of any good camp spots like i did in WA. i have a book for hiking trails but now i think i need one for camp spots and fishing.