How much does camping cost at Tom Bennett Campground?

Camping fees at Tom Bennett Campground range from $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Tom Bennett Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tom Bennett Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.

What is the best time to visit Tom Bennett Campground?

Tom Bennett Campground is open May 24 to October 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 Tom Bennett Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tom Bennett Campground have?

Tom Bennett Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Tom Bennett Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tom Bennett 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 Tom Bennett Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Tom Bennett Campground?

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

Tom Bennett Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tom Bennett Campground?

Fire policies at Tom Bennett Campground: Campfires may be restricted during certain periods. Visitors are encouraged to check with campground hosts for the most current fire ban information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.13

32 reviews

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Tom Bennett Campground

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $19 per night

Standard Site Fee$14.00

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Campground Map

Tom Bennett Campground

40.5744, -105.5824

Nearby places

Rustic, approximately 5.1 miles from the campground.

Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 26 miles. Turn left (south) onto Pingree Park Road (County Road 63E). Drive approximately 17 miles to the campground. Alternatively, from Rustic, CO, take State Rt. 14 east 5.1 miles to Pingree Park (County Rt. 63E) sign. Turn right onto Pingree Rd. (County Rt. 63E) and go 12.1 miles to an intersection (County Rt. 44H). Continue straight onto Rt. 44H and go 3.6 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 145). Turn right onto Rt. 145 (narrow and dirt) into campground.

Pingree Rd. is a two-lane dirt and gravel road with some long steep grades and sharp curves.

Weather at Tom Bennett Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tom Bennett Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. Daytime temperatures typically reach 60–75°F, while nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Late-afternoon thunderstorms are common and usually clear quickly. Wildflowers peak during summer months beneath the pine canopy. Long daylight hours support extended hiking and fishing sessions. Crowds stay lighter than at front-range trailheads, though you'll see steady use during peak summer weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 24–Oct 18; summer temps 60–75°F and best access for hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 24 to October 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 24 to October 18.

About Tom Bennett Campground

Tom Bennett Campground sits along the South Fork Cache la Poudre River at 8,600 feet in Roosevelt National Forest. The campground has 12 primitive sites tucked among lodgepole pines, with basic amenities limited to vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites cost $14 per night and accommodate vehicles up to 15–25 feet. You'll need to bring your own water and pack out all trash.

Tom Bennett Campground offers primitive camping, primarily catering to tent campers and small RVs or trailers. There are no designated group sites, cabins, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. Daytime temperatures typically reach 60–75°F, while nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Late-afternoon thunderstorms are common and usually clear quickly. Wildflowers peak during summer months beneath the pine canopy. Long daylight hours support extended hiking and fishing sessions. Crowds stay lighter than at front-range trailheads, though you'll see steady use during peak summer weekends.

ElevationPerched at 8,600 feet where the air grows thin and the wilderness feels infinite, Tom Bennett Campground offers a true high-country experience. This lofty elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, keeping summer days refreshingly cool while painting the landscape with that distinctive alpine character found only in Colorado's highest reaches.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a lodgepole pine forest alongside the South Fork Cache la Poudre River. Four sites sit directly on the riverbank. The surrounding landscape was shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving, creating the rugged terrain that defines this section of Roosevelt National Forest. Recent tree remediation has opened up some areas, reducing shade and privacy in certain spots. The river provides constant background noise and is the primary water feature.

Geological RegionTucked into a pristine lodgepole pine ecosystem along the banks of the South Fork Cache la Poudre River, Tom Bennett occupies a special corner of Colorado's geological tapestry. This remote mountain sanctuary showcases the raw beauty of the Roosevelt National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving created the dramatic landscape that today offers adventurers a truly primitive camping experience far from civilization's reach.

Scenic ViewsSeveral sites offer views directly adjacent to the river, adding to the serene and remote setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging options are not offered at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per site.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 12 sites cluster along the river in a fairly tight configuration. Parking spurs fit vehicles between 15 and 25 feet. Tree remediation work has reduced natural screening between some sites, though the overall setting still feels remote and primitive.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Site SizeSites are designed for smaller setups, with parking spurs accommodating vehicles no larger than 15 to 25 feet.

PrivacyThe campground has a secluded and wilderness feel, but some sites are clustered, and tree remediation has affected privacy in certain areas.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites directly adjacent to the river for the best experience. They are described as 'large and beautiful.

Best CampsitesFour sites sit directly on the South Fork Cache la Poudre River and get the most praise from visitors. One reviewer called them the campground's standout feature. The remaining sites cluster farther from the water, and some have lost privacy due to tree removal.

Amenities available

The Tom Bennett Campground offers a primitive camping experience where amenities are minimal. The campground features 10 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grate. However, there is no potable water available, meaning campers must pack in their own water. Restrooms are available, but there are no flush toilets, showers, or other modern facilities. The campground is strictly "pack it in, pack it out," so visitors must carry out all their trash.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tom Bennett Campground offers limited but engaging activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking and fishing are the primary attractions, with access to a trail leading to Rocky Mountain National Park and Comanche Peak Wilderness.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention overflowing dumpsters and poorly maintained pit toilets, which could attract wildlife. Campfires may be restricted during certain periods, and visitors are advised to check for any fire bans.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Users have access to 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 PolicyCampfires may be restricted during certain periods. Visitors are encouraged to check with campground hosts for the most current fire ban information.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground is pack it in, pack it out, and there are no trash or recycling facilities. Reports mention an overflowing dumpster, highlighting a lack of consistent waste management.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the South Fork Cache la Poudre River.

Camp HostCampground host assistance may be available from Jack’s Gulch.

Cell CoverageCell phone service quality is not detailed in the sources.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

32 reviews

Satisfactory

Tom Bennett Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's remote and primitive nature. Positive aspects include the serene wilderness setting and access to hiking trails. However, issues such as poor maintenance of vault toilets, lack of water, and overflowing dumpsters are commonly mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the scenic wilderness setting, proximity to the South Fork Cache la Poudre River, and access to hiking trails. One user called it 'a real gem' and praised the '4 good sites...

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and an overflowing dumpster. One reviewer noted, 'The lack of trash pick-up (the dumpster was overflowing) and...

Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites directly on the river are highly recommended, as they offer the best views. However, some sites have been negatively impacted by tree remediation.

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring their own water and check with rangers regarding fire bans or bear activity. A user mentioned, 'If the signs say no fires, go down the road and talk with them.'

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from late May to mid-October. Many reviews recommend dressing warmly, as temperatures drop significantly at night due to the elevation.

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground is a real gem... There are 4 good sites directly on the river.' - Jugadora De las montañas 2. 'Stayed over the weekend and absolutely loved it. Little over 50 miles from Fort...

Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related reviews were mentioned, but the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.

Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be on a hand-held leash at all times. A user noted, 'Long hikes can be hard on puppies too,' suggesting that visitors consider their pets' stamina when hiking.

Based on 32 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

River-adjacent camping at a bargain is the draw: grab one of the four sites directly on the water, pack all your own drinking water, and use it as a base for the Emmaline Lake Trail into Comanche Peak Wilderness or brook trout fishing.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard logistics problem, and reviewers consistently flag overflowing dumpsters and neglected vault toilets, so anyone who needs reliable sanitation should factor that in before booking.

Nearby Campgrounds

6515 N. County Rd 63E, Bellvue, CO, 80512, USA

Jacks Gulch sits high in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Bellvue, offering electric hookups and equestrian facilities alongside tent and RV sites. The Forest Service campground serves as a staging area for trails into the Mummy Range, with direct access to hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing routes. Fall brings vivid aspen color and thinner crowds, though large groups can generate noise and dust on busy weekends.

Tom Bennett Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Tom Bennett Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Tom Bennett Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tom Bennett Campground

Planning Tips

About Tom Bennett Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Tom Bennett Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tom Bennett Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews