Sleeping Elephant Campground

Star4.43
25 reviews

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

$16.5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open as of June 25, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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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
Sleeping Elephant Campground
$16.50 - $16.50 / night
Campsite Fees
The cost for reserving a campsite is $16.50 as confirmed by user reviews.
Standard Site Fee$16.50
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

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

small

"The campground has received generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.18 for camping-specific experiences. It is described as a quiet and scenic spot with clean facilities, but smaller sites and lack of running water are notable drawbacks."

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Campground Map

Sleeping Elephant Campground

40.6825, -105.7727

Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 43 miles to the campground.
The campground is adjacent to Highway 14 and accessible via paved roads. However, it is noted that the facility is older and will not accommodate larger RVs.
Nearby places
Fort Collins (approx. 53 miles, 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including firewood ($9 per bundle), can be purchased at another nearby campground. The area also features mom-and-pop stores for other camping essentials according to user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Sleeping Elephant Campground

Summer transforms Sleeping Elephant into a warm mountain haven, with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures and restful nights under canvas. As autumn approaches and winter settles in, the campground takes on a different character—light snowfalls dust the ponderosa pines while crisp mountain air carries hints of woodsmoke from campfires. The area's moderate humidity levels and generally dry conditions make it comfortable for camping, though visitors during shoulder seasons should pack layers and be prepared for the occasional snow flurry that adds magic to the mountain landscape.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer described as most enjoyable with comfortable temps; note increased activity and strong river currents.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn is pleasant; fewer explicit reviews but scenic fall colors and cooler temps likely appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers cooler temps but higher river flows; mixed conditions and limited spring-specific reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Icy conditions mentioned; campground is not highlighted as a winter destination.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific dates listed, though summer reviews indicate increased activity.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open as of June 25, 2023, per user reviews.
  • Current Alerts: The campground was closed due to the 2020 fire but has reopened as of June 2023.

About Sleeping Elephant Campground

Nestled beneath the watchful silhouette of Sleeping Elephant Mountain, this intimate 15-site campground invites you to experience the timeless beauty of Colorado's ponderosa pine forests. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While the facilities carry the charm of a well-loved retreat, the campground's rustic character only adds to its authentic mountain experience. Cast a line in nearby waters, explore winding forest trails, or simply cruise the scenic mountain roads that snake through this stunning landscape. Note that the campground's vintage design and mountain access roads are best suited for tents and smaller RVs rather than large recreational vehicles.
Sleeping Elephant Campground features primitive camping options suitable for tents. RVs are not recommended due to the campground's older design.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sleeping Elephant Campground offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and scenic driving due to its proximity to Sleeping Elephant Mountain and the Cache la Poudre River. Wildlife viewing and river access are also notable attractions.
HikingHiking is a popular activity. While there is no designated trailhead for Sleeping Elephant Mountain, some visitors have bushwhacked and followed elk trails to reach the summit, which stands at approximately 9,100 feet.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby Cache la Poudre River, although access to the river requires crossing the highway.
Wildlife viewingCampers may encounter bears and other wildlife in the area. Bear lockers are provided at each site for safety.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential bear activity noted. "Be very careful with your small pets as bears like to stroll through from time to time."
Active AlertsThe campground was closed due to the 2020 fire but has reopened as of June 2023.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes bear lockers for food storage. "I really like the bear locker each site has."

Weather at Sleeping Elephant Campground

Reviews

4.4
25 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sleeping Elephant Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has received generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.18 for camping-specific experiences. It is described as a quiet and scenic spot with clean facilities, but smaller sites and lack of running water are notable drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, bear lockers at every site, and the scenic beauty of the area, particularly the view of Sleeping Elephant Mountain.
Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the small size of some sites, lack of potable water, and the need to cross the highway to access the Cache la Poudre River. Some sites lack shade and are in full sun.
Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing enough potable water and being prepared for full-sun exposure at some sites. Firewood must be purchased at another location, so plan accordingly.
Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during the summer months. However, visitors should be cautious of high river currents in summer and icy conditions in winter.
Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets were very clean and the campsites were nice and clean too.' - Taylor Springs. 2. 'Campsite 14 is great and cozy. Clean vault toilets but no running water at the spicket.' -...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 14 is noted as being cozy and well-liked. However, some sites are described as small, with limited space for large tents.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews about accessibility features are available.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but visitors are advised to keep small pets safe due to bear activity in the area.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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