Springer Gulch Campground, a 15-site campground in Pike National Forest, sits at 8,300 feet in Elevenmile Canyon west of Colorado Springs. The popular campground, tucked into Springer Gulch north of the South Platte River, makes a great base camp for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing in the canyon. Campsites are spaced below ponderosa pines in a shallow valley. The campground is for tent campers, RVs, and trailers. Parking spurs are from 20 to 28 feet long with a maximum vehicle length of 25 feet. The narrow loop access road is gravel. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring, while the campground has vault toilets, water, and a dumpster. Reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays. Campfires are allowed in grates only, unless restrictions are in effect. Dead and downed wood may be picked up, and firewood is sold by the campground host.
Pro Tips
Springer Gulch Campground, 45 miles west of Colorado Springs, is southwest of Lake George and U.S. 24. Reach the campground by driving west from the Springs on U.S. 24 for 39 miles to Lake George. Turn left or south on Park County Road 96 and drive a mile to a junction with County Road 244. Go right to the Elevenmile Canyon entrance station and continue another five miles to the campground on the right or north side of the road.The campground is popular on summer weekends and holidays so reserve a site before visiting. Campsites can be reserved from four to 180 days in advance. Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age and Golden Access pass holders are charged half price for camp fees. An additional fee is charged for advance bookings. There is a two-night minimum stay on weekends and three-night minimum stay on holidays if you reserve. An additional day-use fee is also charged.Campsites hold up to eight campers and tents should be placed on existing tent pads to minimize environmental damage. All vehicles must be parked on designated parking spurs, with a maximum of two vehicles per site. No off-road parking is allowed.The South Platte River traverses the floor of Elevenmile Canyon from a dam at its head to Lake George. It’s an excellent fishery, particularly the stretch from Springer Gulch Campground to the dam. This tailwater section is one of the best fly fishing areas in the Front Range with big brown and rainbow trout. The upper two miles are a gold medal catch-and-release river.Recommended season(s): Mid-May to mid-October.
—Stewart M. Green
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