Columbine Campground

Star4.16
198 reviews
9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Columbine Campground
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $26 per night for all site types during the peak season. Off-season reservations are unavailable.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$26.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 198 reviews

82 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the campground's scenic location and popularity with off-road enthusiasts. Positive aspects include clean facilities, spacious sites, and abundant wildlife. Complaints often center on noise from ATVs and the road's poor condition."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Columbine Campground

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Driving directionsFrom I25 in Denver, take 6th Ave West to state Highway 6, through Clear Creek Canyon. Proceed north on State Highway 119, turn left on Gilpin County Road 279 (Gregory St. next to Bullwhackers Casino) in Black Hawk, follow signs to Central City. Gregory St. changes to Lawrence St. at Central City limits, then changes to Eureka St. midway through Central City. Proceed on Eureka St. until road turns to gravel and follow signs to the campground. Campground is located 2 miles northwest of Central City on County Road 279. Two and one-half miles Northwest of Central City via Gilpin County Road 3 on Forest Road 176. At the top near the cemeteries, follow the signs to the campground.
Access is via gravel road (Highway 279) and interior roads are dirt. The road has potholes and uneven terrain, which may require an SUV or high-clearance vehicle. "The drive up is a long dirt road with lots of potholes, so be advised. Definitely couldn’t make it up without an SUV."
Nearby places
Central City (2 miles, 5 minutes)
Denver (approximately 37 miles, 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can be found in Central City, 2 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Columbine Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Colorado's mountain weather at 9,200 feet, where summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for outdoor adventures, while evenings cool down to sweater weather around the campfire. The high-altitude climate keeps you on your toes – spring and fall can surprise visitors with sudden snow flurries that dust the landscape in pristine white. Winter transforms the area into a frigid wonderland, with regular precipitation creating a snowy paradise. For the most comfortable camping experience, plan your visit during the glorious summer months when wildflowers bloom and the mountain air is at its most inviting, though brave souls who venture during shoulder seasons are rewarded with fewer crowds and spectacular seasonal transitions.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 16–Sep 20; warm days, cool nights and peak-season access to trails and activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Aspen groves imply strong fall color but campground closes Sept 20 limiting prime fall window.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid‑May; high elevation brings cool, changeable spring weather and shorter season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Sept 20; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16 to September 20 during the peak season with no reservations available in the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry conditions.

About Columbine Campground

Discover your mountain escape at Columbine Campground, where the legendary Peak to Peak Scenic Byway leads adventurers to 46 thoughtfully designed campsites tucked among Colorado's high country. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies or settling in with your RV, each site welcomes you with its own picnic table, campfire ring, and grill – everything you need for those cherished outdoor moments. Two distinct camping loops offer variety for every traveler, while modern amenities including vault toilets, fresh water spigots, and regular trash service ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Adventure awaits just beyond your campsite, with endless trails for hiking and biking, plus designated routes for off-road vehicle enthusiasts ready to explore the rugged mountain terrain.
Columbine Campground offers diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV-friendly sites, and walk-to sites. All sites are non-electric.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during the peak season, and reservations are limited to 14 nights within a rolling 60-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Columbine Campground provides a variety of recreational activities tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. Key activities include hiking, biking, off-road vehicle use, fishing, and scenic driving. The proximity to numerous jeep trails makes it a favorite for off-road enthusiasts.
HikingThe campground is near many hiking trails. One reviewer said, 'We enjoyed hiking down to a stream and saw a little spring. We also hiked up Columbine campground road.' Another noted, 'Turn left out of loop one towards loop two for a nice shaded path with wildflowers.'
FishingFishing is available in nearby creeks, rivers, and lakes. Specific details about fish types or quality are not provided.
BikingColumbine Campground is described as a good location for mountain biking. One reviewer mentioned, 'Close to good mountain biking trails.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting is a highlight, with moose sightings being frequently reported. One reviewer shared, 'We briefly spotted a moose while hiking.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; campers are advised to store food properly. "Found some cool bones, meaning this is clearly bear territory, hike smart!" Some roads are "very steep and narrow with a cliff on one end."
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry conditions.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided for safety in bear country. "Bear bins for trash."

Weather at Columbine Campground

Reviews

4.2
198 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Columbine Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's scenic location and popularity with off-road enthusiasts. Positive aspects include clean facilities, spacious sites, and abundant wildlife. Complaints often center on noise from ATVs and the road's poor condition.
Review Summaries
Based on 198 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, large and well-maintained sites, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to off-road trails. Moose sightings and other wildlife are frequently mentioned.
Based on 198 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from off-road vehicles and generators, narrow and poorly maintained access roads, and occasional issues with campsite privacy due to close proximity.
Based on 198 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Bring earplugs if sensitive to noise,' advises one reviewer. Another suggests, 'Try to get a site in the second loop for more privacy.' Several recommend avoiding the campground during holiday...
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Based on 198 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and off-peak seasons. Noise and crowding are common on weekends and holidays.
Based on 198 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Bathrooms were clean and satisfactory for being vault toilets.' 'We saw a moose while hiking!' 'The road to the campground is rough, so drive carefully.' 'This is a party campsite, NOT a nature...
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Based on 198 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6: 'Flat area, less rocks, and grassy.' Site #23: 'Uneven and needs leveling.' Site #24: 'Most secluded site.' Site #18: 'Difficult for larger rigs due to uneven terrain.'
Based on 198 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviewers noted that uneven and rocky sites could pose challenges for accessibility.
Based on 198 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One reviewer noted, 'Other dogs at the campground didn't disturb.'
Based on 198 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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