How much does camping cost at Columbine Campground?

Camping fees at Columbine Campground range from $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Columbine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Columbine Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Columbine Campground before I book?

Yes! Columbine Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Columbine Campground?

Columbine Campground is open May 15 to September 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Columbine Campground?

Columbine Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Columbine Campground?

Fire policies at Columbine Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Columbine Campground have?

Columbine Campground has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Columbine Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Columbine Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Columbine Campground?

Columbine Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Columbine Campground?

Popular activities at Columbine Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Columbine Campground

4.15

198 reviews

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Columbine Campground

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00; WALK TO: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$26.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Columbine Campground

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Campground Map

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Columbine Campground

9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465

Nearby places

Central City (2 miles, 5 minutes)

Denver (approximately 37 miles, 1 hour)

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.

Weather at Columbine Campground

Current alerts(11)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Limited first-come, first-served sites are available during and outside the reservation season

Best Time to Camp at Columbine Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and weather at 9,200 ft — expect warm, sunny days (typically mid-60s to mid-70s°F) and cool nights (30s–40s°F), ideal for full-day hikes, mountain biking, and fishing the nearby streams. Trails, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, and campground services are fully available (campground open May 16–Sept 20), and wildflowers and good fishing make summer the activity peak. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August and be prepared for common high-elevation午後 ( Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 16–Sept 20) with reliable daytime temps; busy weekends but strong summer access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. 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.

About Columbine Campground

Columbine Campground sits at 9,200 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Central City, operated by American Land and Leisure. Large, well-maintained sites attract tent and RV campers seeking summer access to off-road trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing streams. Wildlife sightings—including moose—are common, and the campground serves as a staging area for OHV recreation along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway corridor.

Columbine Campground offers diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV-friendly sites, and walk-to sites. All sites are non-electric.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and weather at 9,200 ft — expect warm, sunny days (typically mid-60s to mid-70s°F) and cool nights (30s–40s°F), ideal for full-day hikes, mountain biking, and fishing the nearby streams. Trails, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, and campground services are fully available (campground open May 16–Sept 20), and wildflowers and good fishing make summer the activity peak. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August and be prepared for common high-elevation午後 ( Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pines and aspen groves mix at this elevation, creating a transition zone between forest types. Mountain pine beetle activity has opened the canopy in places, expanding views to surrounding peaks and improving stargazing opportunities. Ancient rock formations show through the forest floor. The varied terrain creates microclimates throughout the campground, from sheltered pockets to exposed ridges. Sites range from sun-dappled to more open, depending on tree cover. Wildlife is abundant. Moose sightings are common.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum during the peak season, and reservations are limited to 14 nights within a rolling 60-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityNot specified, but some sites have uneven or rocky terrain, which may impact accessibility.

Site SizeSites are described as large and able to accommodate multiple tents or RVs. However, some reviewers noted that the sites are uneven or rocky.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are described as secluded, particularly in the second loop, while others are noted to be close together.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #4 for tents due to uneven terrain. Site #22 is difficult for trailers due to its reverse angle. "Site #6 had many ant-hole mounds, with huge ants, though they leave you alone.

Best CampsitesSite 24 is the most secluded. The second loop offers more privacy overall. Walk-in site 6 works well for tent campers. Outer loop sites provide better spacing and less through-traffic noise.

Need help booking Columbine Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Columbine Campground offers a range of amenities, making it a comfortable base for both tent and RV campers. The campground has 46 sites across two loops, five of which are tent-only sites. Each site includes a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Other amenities include vault toilets, water spigots, and trash service. 'Vault toilets are clean and well-maintained,' notes one user, with another adding that the camp manager sells 'bundled firewood on-site.' However, there are no electrical hookups.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; users report 'clean vault toilets' instead.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided for safety in bear country. "Bear bins for trash."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

198 reviews

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

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want large sites near off-road trails and don't mind vehicle traffic and generator use in camp.

Skip if

You need quiet evenings or paved access roads suitable for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby Campgrounds

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Pickle Gulch sits in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, a high-elevation alpine campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors come for stream fishing, mountain biking, and hiking, with group sites available for family gatherings. The small layout and scenic setting appeal to campers seeking a quieter mountain experience within reach of Denver.