Pines Campground
5.006 reviewsnull
Pines Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
"$10 per night, additional vehicles are $5 per night. $20/site, exact cash or check only, payment instructions are found on the kiosk." - Official Source.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.
Pines Campground accommodates tent camping and RVs. While group campsites, cabins, or glamping options are not explicitly mentioned, the campground offers 11 individual campsites with fire grates and picnic tables.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom June through mid-October, Pines Campground awakens to welcome adventurers seeking high-altitude escapes. Summer brings crisp mountain mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons reaching into the low 70s—perfect for hiking and exploring. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape while temperatures begin their descent. Winter transforms this area into a snow-laden wonderland, with temperatures plummeting as low as 5°F and heavy snowfall closing access until the following summer. The short season makes each visit precious, offering a window into Colorado's dramatic seasonal transitions.
ElevationPerched at 9,200 feet in Colorado's high country, Pines Campground places you firmly in the realm of mountain air and alpine adventures. At this elevation, the air is crisp and thin, offering spectacular views but requiring visitors to pace themselves as they acclimate. The altitude brings cooler temperatures even on summer's warmest days, making it a refreshing escape from lower elevations. Visitors should come prepared with extra layers and plenty of water, allowing time to adjust to the thinner air that characterizes this mountain sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork of the Michigan River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over rocks and creating peaceful pools that reflect the surrounding peaks. Despite the beetle-affected forest opening up the tree canopy, visitors consistently praise the area's raw beauty. The more open landscape now offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and creates perfect conditions for wildlife watching and photography. Nearby trails wind through diverse terrain, from riverside paths to mountain meadows bursting with wildflowers, earning enthusiastic reviews from hikers who describe the area as 'beautiful country' with 'great trails' for exploration.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Pines Campground occupies a special corner of Colorado's geological tapestry. The South Fork of the Michigan River has carved its path through ancient rock formations, creating a dramatic mountain valley at 9,200 feet elevation. This region showcases the powerful forces that shaped the Rocky Mountains, from glacial activity to volcanic uplift, resulting in the stunning peaks, valleys, and waterways that define this spectacular landscape. The campground serves as your basecamp for exploring this diverse ecosystem where forest meets grassland, and mountain streams nurture life in the high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the official description or user reviews.
Sites SizeAs per user reviews, the campsites vary in size, accommodating everything from tents to large trailers. For instance, Randall W. mentioned, 'There are a variety of site sizes from tent to large trailer sites.'
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer little to no privacy due to the lack of shade caused by beetle kill, as per the official description.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLarge campsites suitable for RVs and a variety of site sizes, including both tent and large trailer sites, as noted by user reviews.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonJune (weather dependent) - Mid to Late October (weather dependent)
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"Great little campground that's easily accessible." - User review by Randall W. No reservation platform is mentioned; appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pines Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, OHV riding, and hunting. 'Beautiful country!' and 'great area and trails,' as noted by user MossiFett, highlight the appeal of the surrounding natural environment.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, with user MossiFett emphasizing the 'great area and trails.' Specific trail details, such as difficulty or length, are not provided.Fishing
Fishing in the South Fork of the Michigan River, a 'scenic mountain stream,' is mentioned in the recreational opportunities, but no additional details are given about the types of fish or fishing quality.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire grates are provided at each site. No additional fire policy information available.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"Due to the beetle kill campsites offer very little to no shade." - Official Source. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling facilities were provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Fork of the Michigan River, a scenic mountain stream.
Common complaints"No water, lots of bugs." - User review by Gary Snelson. "Due to the beetle kill campsites offer very little to no shade." - Official Source.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Walden, go east on Highway14 for 22 miles to Gould. Take County Road 21 (Forest Road 740) south 4 miles to the campground. Follow the signs.
"Great little campground that's easily accessible." - User review by Randall W. The campground is accessible via paved roads including Highway 14 and a county road (Forest Road 740). Seasonal closures apply due to weather conditions.Nearby places
Walden (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Gould (4 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Pines Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Pines Campground for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility. Highlights include comments on the picturesque environment, spacious campsites, and well-maintained vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include the 'awesome sunrise view' and 'beautiful area' (Northeasy Iowa Outdoors), 'clean and beautiful' facilities (Mark Marquardt), and the ability to...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water and shade. Gary Snelson highlights the 'no water' issue and 'lots of bugs.'
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users suggest bringing your own water due to the lack of potable water and considering the area's suitability for ATVs, as suggested by MossiFett: 'Definitely bring your ATV.'
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The open season is June to late October, with typical activities being highly weather dependent. Fall brings cooler temperatures, while summer may have more bugs, as noted by Gary Snelson.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great place to camp no water lots of bugs.' – Gary Snelson
2. 'Awesome sunrise view. Beautiful area nearby. Perfect rustic campground.' – Northeasy Iowa Outdoors
3. 'Great little campground...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Randall W. pointed out the variety of site sizes, making it suitable for both tents and large trailers.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash, as per the official site rules.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025