Castlewood Canyon State Park

Star4.43
7 reviews
2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, Colorado, 80116, United States

Quick Facts

6,175 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website
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Castlewood Canyon State Park
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
All vehicles entering the park must pay $10 for a daily Colorado State Parks pass unless they already have a valid annual or other pass.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 7 reviews

3040 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryhikingsites

"Reviews praise the park for its natural beauty, wildlife, and variety of trails. Some visitors expressed concerns about communication, particularly regarding entrance fees and trail conditions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, Colorado, 80116, United States

Castlewood Canyon State Park

2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, Colorado, 80116, United States

Driving directionsMain Entrance: Take I-25 to Castle Rock and exit onto Founders Parkway (Exit 184), eastbound. Take Founders Parkway to Highway 86. Go east on Highway 86 approximately four miles to Franktown. At the traffic light in Franktown, turn right (south) on Highway 83 (S Parker Rd.). Go five miles south and the Park's main entrance is on the right. West Entrance: From State Highway 86, approximately half a mile west of Highway 83 in Franktown, turn south on Castlewood Canyon Road (County Road 51). The Park entrance is straight ahead.
Accessible from paved roads; no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
.
Nearby supplies
Nearest towns for supplies are Castle Rock and Parker.

Best Time to Camp at Castlewood Canyon State Park

Mother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Castlewood Canyon, where mountain weather can transform from sunshine to storm in minutes. Winter brings crisp, cold days perfect for brisk hikes through frost-kissed landscapes, while summer bathes the canyon in warm golden light, creating ideal conditions for exploring the park's many trails and hidden corners.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Good for hiking and waterfalls; summer weekends tend to be busy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall events (Haunted Trail) and seasonality make fall attractive and scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Waterfalls and wildlife likely strong in spring; overview implies good spring hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter offers crisp hikes but no winter-sport facilities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Holiday weekends are busier; specific peak dates are not listed.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but no camping available.
  • Current Alerts: Bridges were washed out as of June 2023, limiting trail usability.

About Castlewood Canyon State Park

Castlewood Canyon State Park beckons adventurers seeking dramatic landscapes and outdoor exploration without the overnight commitment. This spectacular day-use park offers everything from challenging hikes to peaceful picnics, making it an ideal escape for those looking to immerse themselves in Colorado's natural beauty during daylight hours.
Castlewood Canyon State Park is exclusively a day-use park with no overnight camping options. It offers group picnic areas and a conference room for events.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Park entrance is available for day use.
Check-out
Day-use only.
Stay Limit
  • Day-use only
  • no camping allowed.


Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include hiking, bird watching, bouldering, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and photography. The park also features historical sites, waterfalls, and group event facilities.
HikingThe park has numerous hiking trails, but some trails may be affected by bridge washouts as reported in user reviews.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, pronghorns, and over 100 bird species. Visitors are advised to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs such as the Haunted Trail event are occasionally offered.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes and other reptiles are present. Occasional sightings of black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.
Active AlertsBridges were washed out as of June 2023, limiting trail usability.

Weather at Castlewood Canyon State Park

Reviews

4.4
7 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Castlewood Canyon State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews praise the park for its natural beauty, wildlife, and variety of trails. Some visitors expressed concerns about communication, particularly regarding entrance fees and trail conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the park's "gorgeous" scenery and "interesting historical sites." It is noted as a "great place to bring kids and dogs" for a day of hiking.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

A recurring complaint is the lack of communication about park conditions such as bridge washouts and entrance fees. Some trails were reported as inaccessible due to storm damage.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend checking trail conditions in advance. Bringing a single vehicle is suggested to save on entrance fees.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends tend to be busy, while fall offers seasonal events such as the Haunted Trail. Visitors recommend early arrival to avoid crowds on weekends.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The area is gorgeous!" - Erin Casey. "Another amazing visit to Castlewood Canyon." - Erin Chen. "Hidden secret off of Hwy 83. Lot of site to see, large pavilions (need reservations) with large...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The group picnic areas at Canyon Point are noted for their spaciousness and amenities. Visitors highlight the large pavilions and grills.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on most trails but must be leashed. They are not permitted in the East Canyon Preservation Area.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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