Go if
You want high-elevation summer camping and don't mind cool nights or planning around afternoon weather.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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38.7155, -106.1961
You want high-elevation summer camping and don't mind cool nights or planning around afternoon weather.
You need warmer nighttime temperatures or want to avoid frequent thunderstorms.
Context for the broader area surrounding Bootleg, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<p><strong>Peaks to Prairies - Tracks to Trails</strong></p> <p>Pike and San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (<a class="offsiteicon" href="http://www.fs.fed.us/locatormap/index.php?lat=37.59&long=-104.77&zoom=7" target="_blank">forest locator map</a>) cover nearly 3 million acres, between the prairies of western Kansas and some of Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. These sprawling forests and grasslands are an eight hour drive from boundary to boundary. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.</p> <p>The rolling prairies to the east are home to prairie chickens, wildflowers, paleontological resources and historical areas. The snow-capped Rockies to the west are a scenic backdrop to millions of residents and a draw to forest visitors. The forests are home to nearly half of <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/recreation/?cid=stelprd3798321">Colorado's fourteeners</a> with numerous alpine lakes, reservoirs and key rivers. Over 385,000 acres of <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/recarea/?recid=37201">Wilderness</a>, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Colorado Trail, and Santa Fe National Historic Trail are special areas worth exploring.</p> <p>People who live near these areas maintain a strong relationship to the lands. The commitment and volunteerism that these community members have for these public lands is the foundation for our ability to maintain a quality, sustainable recreation program in the face of intense, and growing, urban demand.</p> <p><strong><strong>Critical Information about the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems</strong></strong></p> <p>Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “drones” are increasing in popularity and can provide wonderful opportunities to explore the forest. Please be aware that these drones are regulated and must follow certain laws to be safe and legal.</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3846515.pdf">Recreational Drone Tips</a> (.pdf)</li> <li><a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/fire/unmanned-aircraft-systems">Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy</a> (fs.fed.us)</li> </ul>
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Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest daytime temperatures at this high-elevation (8,396 ft) campground, making it easiest to find a site and get out on day hikes or enjoy long evenings around camp. Expect daytime highs roughly 55–75°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s and frequent afternoon thunderstorms—plan activities for mornings and pack warm layers. Summer is the peak season for casual car camping and stargazing; weekends can be moderately busy while weekdays remain quiet. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February
Summer noted as best access; highs 55–75°F and warmest conditions, though afternoon storms occur.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
The campground at Bootleg offers first-come, first-served sites with the option to pay using the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature. Visitors should download the app before arriving as cellular service may be limited. No specific mention is made of showers, potable water, fire rings, or other amenities specific to this campground in the authoritative content.
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