How much does camping cost at Guanella Pass?

Camping fees at Guanella Pass 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 Guanella Pass first-come first-served or reservation?

Guanella Pass 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 Guanella Pass before I book?

Yes! Guanella Pass 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 Guanella Pass?

Guanella Pass is open June 05 to September 11. 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 Guanella Pass?

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

How many campsites does Guanella Pass have?

Guanella Pass has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Guanella Pass?

Yes, pets are allowed at Guanella Pass. 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 Guanella Pass?

Guanella Pass 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 Guanella Pass?

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

Guanella Pass

Q: Can I have a campfire at Guanella Pass?

Fire policies at Guanella Pass: 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.

4.58

199 reviews

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF, 101 Highway 103, Clear Creek Ranger District

Top 5% in COSummer

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Denver Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado Primitive Camping Colorado +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,900 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

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

10,900 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Guanella Pass

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF, 101 Highway 103, Clear Creek Ranger District

Guanella Pass

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF, 101 Highway 103, Clear Creek Ranger District

Nearby places

Georgetown (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Weather at Guanella Pass

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

Best Time to Camp at Guanella Pass

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable alpine conditions — expect crisp mornings in the low to mid‑40s °F and daytime highs in the 60s °F, with clear skies and the best access to trails and lakes. Wildflower displays, trout fishing in South Clear Creek, and trail hikes to nearby alpine lakes are at their peak, and wildlife (marmots, elk, ptarmigan) is active and easy to spot. Weekends and mid‑July to August are the busiest, so reserve a site in advance and be prepared for quick afternoon t Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in CO

Peak season (Jun 6–Sep 13): best weather, wildflowers, hiking and fishing; weekends book fast.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from June 6 to September 13. Outside of these dates, the facility is not reservable.

About Guanella Pass

Guanella Pass sits high in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Idaho Springs, managed by American Land and Leisure. This small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Summer brings wildflower displays, trout fishing in South Clear Creek, and trail access to alpine lakes, with marmots, elk, and ptarmigan active throughout the season.

Guanella Pass Campground supports a variety of camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping for smaller vehicles (large RVs are not recommended).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable alpine conditions — expect crisp mornings in the low to mid‑40s °F and daytime highs in the 60s °F, with clear skies and the best access to trails and lakes. Wildflower displays, trout fishing in South Clear Creek, and trail hikes to nearby alpine lakes are at their peak, and wildlife (marmots, elk, ptarmigan) is active and easy to spot. Weekends and mid‑July to August are the busiest, so reserve a site in advance and be prepared for quick afternoon t Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation10900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense spruce forests cling to steep mountainsides around camp, with South Clear Creek running between the loops. The terrain is rugged, carved by glaciers, and dotted with alpine lakes just beyond the campground. Summer wildflowers. Columbines, Indian paintbrush, forget-me-nots. Bloom across nearby meadows. The Silver Dollar Lake Trail climbs above treeline for full alpine views. Wildlife is active: marmots, elk, and ptarmigan are common sightings. This is classic Colorado high country, where every direction offers peaks and water.

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

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors are allowed to stay a maximum of 14 nights at the campground within a rolling 60-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite allows one vehicle and additional vehicles are charged $8 per night.

Groups

No specific group camping facilities were described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, online, and the call center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious and can accommodate a variety of setups, including small trailers and large tents.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some sites are secluded among trees, while others are more open. Reviewers noted that tent-only sites are often private and scenic.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 "Probably one of the best camp sites we’ve stayed at. The water runs right by your tent." (#12) "We put up hammocks on the other side of the creek." (#8) "Fantastic site next to a stream...a beautiful opening between the trees so you can see the stars at night.

Best CampsitesSites 10, 11, and 12 sit close to South Clear Creek. Site 8 is good for stargazing. Site 17 gets mentioned for cleanliness and family appeal. Tent-only sites are generally more private and tucked into trees.

Need help booking Guanella Pass?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Guanella Pass Campground offers a mix of both primitive and more developed camping amenities. The campground is divided into two loops separated by a county road and South Clear Creek, with a total of 18 sites. Each site is equipped with a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a charcoal grill. Roads in the campground are gravel. The facility includes hand pumps with potable water, vault toilets, and trash dumpsters.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities focused on its scenic and remote mountain location. Fishing and hiking are the main attractions, with a number of nearby trails and the South Fork of Clear Creek providing opportunities for trout fishing.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; the campground provides vault toilets.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are provided on-site; no specific information about recycling facilities is available.

Cell CoverageOne user mentioned a faint cell signal but detailed information about coverage or specific providers is not available.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

199 reviews

Top-Rated

Guanella Pass is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Guanella Pass Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.48 out of 5. Campers frequently praised the site's natural beauty, cleanliness, and helpful staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 199 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever experienced.' - 'Spacious and spread out sites make you feel like you have a piece of the woods all to yourself.' - 'The views are unforgettable!' - 'The...

Based on 199 reviews

Common Concerns

- Issues with water pump functionality in some reviews (e.g., 'The water pump did not work, known issue.') - Bright lights disturbing night environment in some areas. - Limited privacy in certain...

Based on 199 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites #10, #11, and #12 are highlighted for being close to the creek. - Site #18 was mentioned as inconvenient due to the picnic table being 30 yards away. - Site #14: 'Very loud and disruptive...

Based on 199 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Book in advance to secure a good spot. - Be prepared for cold nights (temperatures can drop into the 40s, even in summer). - Bring bug spray to manage mosquitoes during the day. - Consider a...

Based on 199 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping at Guanella Pass Campground, with activities like hiking and fishing drawing visitors. Nights can be cold even in summer, and bugs are more active during...

Based on 199 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Beautiful streams that you can hear nearby. VERY clean bathrooms that smelled great.' - 'Used this campground as a base camp to ride the Georgetown Railroad. Had some ice cream while in town and...

Based on 199 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews about pet-friendly features beyond general leash rules were mentioned.

Based on 199 reviews

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4.2

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Clear Lake Campground

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Clear Lake Campground sits at 10,000 feet in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Georgetown, offering eight first-come, first-served sites for tents and small RVs (15-25 foot parking spurs). Sites run $21-23 per night with basic amenities: vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. No water or hookups. Reviews praise the aspen groves and hiking access but consistently mention a constant buzzing from a nearby hydroelectric plant.