Burning Bear Campground

Star4.44
88 reviews
19316 Goddard Ranch Court

Quick Facts

9,813 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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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
Burning Bear Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates are $28 for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or additional...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
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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Provider
303-275-5610
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 88 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhiking

Some mention

smallcell service

"Overall, Burning Bear Campground is praised for its cleanliness, scenic views, and proximity to trails. However, campers have reported issues with water quality, privacy levels, campsite sizes, and occasional concerns about host behavior. The average sentiment is positive, with a rating of approximately 4.31."

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Campground Map

19316 Goddard Ranch Court

Burning Bear Campground

19316 Goddard Ranch Court

Driving directionsTravel from Denver south on US Highway 285 toward Fairplay to the town of Grant. Turn north on Park County Road 62, towards Guanella Pass. Burning Bear Campground is 5 miles north on the right.
The road to the campground is accessible year-round but expect rough road conditions, including erosion, potholes, and washboarding.
Nearby places
Grant (~5 miles), Georgetown (~25 miles), Bailey (~30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies available at Grant (5 miles)
more options available in Bailey (~30 miles). Firewood is sold by the camp host or can be obtained near Grant.

Best Time to Camp at Burning Bear Campground

At nearly 10,000 feet, Burning Bear welcomes visitors with crisp mountain air and ever-changing weather that adds drama to your outdoor experience. Summer days bring cool, dry conditions perfect for hiking, though afternoon thunderstorms may roll through with refreshing rain showers. As seasons shift, light snow dustings transform the landscape into a wonderland. The thin air at this elevation reminds you that you're truly in the high country—take time to acclimate and let your body adjust to these lofty heights.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open and peak season May 23–Aug 31; ideal for hiking, wildlife, cool summer temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Aug 31 despite positive notes about autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed until May 23 for reservations; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside reservation window; winter camping not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025, for reservations. Closed outside of this window.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts, but visitors should be bear-aware and cautious of altitude effects.

About Burning Bear Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 9,813 feet, Burning Bear Campground serves as your gateway to Colorado's high-altitude adventures. This mountain sanctuary, where summer temperatures offer a refreshing escape from valley heat, sits along the spectacular Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Here, the boundaries of Mount Evans Wilderness beckon just beyond your tent flap, promising encounters with majestic wildlife and access to world-class hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through pristine alpine landscapes.
Burning Bear Campground accommodates RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground has 13 sites, including first-come, first-serve options, and offers a mix of standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 12:00pm local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00pm local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Burning Bear Campground provides a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and fishing. With trails like the Burning Bear Trail and Abyss Trail nearby, campers have easy access to scenic routes. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, deer, elk, and birds. The area is also suitable for mountain biking.
HikingNumerous hiking trails are accessible, including the Abyss Trail and Burning Bear Trail. The trails vary in difficulty and proximity, with trailheads within a short walk from the campground. Scenic views and wilderness exploration are highlights.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby streams and rivers. Geneva Creek is mentioned as a water source near the Burning Bear Trailhead.
BikingMountain biking is permitted and popular on trails like the Burning Bear Trail, which offers a scenic and enjoyable ride.
Wildlife viewingThe area is excellent for wildlife viewing, with possible sightings of moose, elk, deer, marmot, pika, and bear. Early mornings offer the best opportunities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (moose, bears), rough road conditions, and altitude sickness.
Active AlertsNo current alerts, but visitors should be bear-aware and cautious of altitude effects.

Weather at Burning Bear Campground

Reviews

4.4
88 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Burning Bear Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Burning Bear Campground is praised for its cleanliness, scenic views, and proximity to trails. However, campers have reported issues with water quality, privacy levels, campsite sizes, and occasional concerns about host behavior. The average sentiment is positive, with a rating of approximately 4.31.
Review Summaries
Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the campground's cleanliness, particularly its bathrooms and grounds. The proximity to hiking trails and stunning views are constant highlights. Wildlife sightings, such as...
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Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include concerns about water quality (rusty and brown), campsite sizes (small and uneven in some cases), issues with trash disposal, and occasional negative interactions with...
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Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing filtered or bottled water due to the pump water quality, preparing for altitude sickness, and ensuring proper camping gear for uneven sites. Firewood can be purchased...
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Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most suitable during the summer months for wildlife viewing and hiking. Autumn camping is praised for its tranquility and colorful scenery. Winter trends are not detailed.
Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were kept super clean on a regular basis." - Russ Dale "The water is by pump only and is yellow, so bring your own water or purification tablets." - Austin Waskey "Clean bathrooms that...
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Based on 88 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6: Described as small, difficult to back into, and not level. However, offers great views. Site 8: Includes a climb up a hill leading to shelf rock; spacious and scenic. Site 3: Large but not...
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Based on 88 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not reviewed by users.
Based on 88 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews related to pet policies or experiences from pet owners were noted.
Based on 88 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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