Is Sleeping Elephant Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sleeping Elephant Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Sleeping Elephant Campground?

Sleeping Elephant Campground is open Open as of June 25, 2023, per user reviews.. 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 Sleeping Elephant Campground?

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

How many campsites does Sleeping Elephant Campground have?

Sleeping Elephant Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sleeping Elephant Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sleeping Elephant 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 Sleeping Elephant Campground?

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

Sleeping Elephant Campground

4.37

42 reviews

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open as of June 25, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open as of June 25, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Sleeping Elephant Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

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Campground Map

Sleeping Elephant Campground

40.6825, -105.7727

Nearby places

Fort Collins (approx. 53 miles, 1 hour drive).

Weather at Sleeping Elephant Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sleeping Elephant Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to trails and river recreation—daytime highs are typically 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool nights around 30–45°F (-1–7°C), making hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and star‑filled evenings very comfortable. Wildflower displays, steady trail access, and the Cache la Poudre’s warmest flows make July and August especially rewarding, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan hikes for the morning. The small, 15‑site campground fills on big Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season is summer: pleasant highs (60–75°F), full trail and river access noted by reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open as of June 25, 2023, per user reviews.

About Sleeping Elephant Campground

Sleeping Elephant Campground sits high in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests along the Cache la Poudre River corridor west of Fort Collins. This small alpine campground is managed by the Forest Service and offers tent and primitive camping beneath Sleeping Elephant Mountain. Visitors come for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a high-country setting with bear lockers at every site.

Sleeping Elephant Campground features primitive camping options suitable for tents. RVs are not recommended due to the campground's older design.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to trails and river recreation—daytime highs are typically 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool nights around 30–45°F (-1–7°C), making hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and star‑filled evenings very comfortable. Wildflower displays, steady trail access, and the Cache la Poudre’s warmest flows make July and August especially rewarding, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan hikes for the morning. The small, 15‑site campground fills on big Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation9100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies well-drained, decomposed granite soils typical of the Front Range's ponderosa ecosystem. Open spacing between trees creates a park-like feel in some areas, though about a third of sites sit in full sun with minimal shade. The Cache la Poudre River runs nearby, adding the constant background of moving water. Sleeping Elephant Mountain rises above camp, its sloped profile carved by volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion into the shape that gives the area its name.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites vary size-wise, some may be limited to smaller tents.

Groups

No group camping options are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available for this campground.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some sites being small and having limited space for tents.

PrivacySite privacy is mixed. Approximately one-third of the sites are in full sun and lack tree coverage for shade.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther from the road for increased shade and reduced exposure to road noise.

Best CampsitesSite 14 gets mentioned as great and cozy. About a third of the sites lack tree cover and sit in full sun all day. Some sites are closer to Highway 14 and have less natural screening.

Amenities available

Sleeping Elephant Campground offers basic amenities suitable for a rustic camping experience. Each of the 15 campsites includes a picnic table and fire pit. Vault toilets are available on-site, receiving positive reviews for cleanliness. However, there is no running water available at the spigot, and potable water must be brought in by campers. Firewood is not available for purchase at this campground, and campers must drive to another location to obtain it. Sites have bear lockers for added safety from wildlife. The campground does not accommodate larger RVs due to its older design.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sleeping Elephant Campground

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.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Bear lockers at every site and reported wildlife viewing (including bears) make wildlife a notable draw.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Icy winter conditions cited and campground is primarily enjoyed in summer; winter access/activities limited.

Water Sports2.0/5

No kayaking amenities or launches noted; river access is across the highway and not emphasized for boats.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (9,100 ft) and open tree spacing suggest strong dark-sky/stargazing potential.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes bear lockers for food storage. "I really like the bear locker each site has."

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

42 reviews

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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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.' -...

Based on 42 reviews