How much does camping cost at Handcart?

Camping fees at Handcart range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Handcart first-come first-served or reservation?

Handcart accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Handcart?

Handcart is open May 22 to September 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 Handcart?

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

Are dogs allowed at Handcart?

Pets are not allowed at Handcart. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Handcart

4.19

36 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,783 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Visitors may expect ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,783 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Visitors may expect ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Handcart

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

jvalentine@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Handcart

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Handcart

39.4824, -105.7999

Weather at Handcart

Best Time to Camp at Handcart

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear winner because the campground is officially open (May 9–Sept 20) and trails, the babbling stream, and wildlife-viewing opportunities are all at their peak. Expect mountain conditions: cool-to-chilly mornings (it can dip toward ~15°F on early-season mornings at 9,783 ft) with afternoons warming into the upper 30s°F; rapid afternoon cloud build-up and occasional thunderstorms are possible. Wildflowers, longest daylight, and the best access make summer ideal for backcountry dayh Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sep with peak season in summer; reviews highlight summer beauty.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Visitors may expect full service from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The area also has an extended season when services such as water or a host may not be available during the fall, winter and spring. All dates are weather dependent

About Handcart

Handcart is a high-elevation alpine campground in Colorado's PSICC recreation area, sitting at 9,783 feet with river access and managed by an attentive camp host. The budget-friendly site draws tent campers seeking mountain solitude during its May-through-September season, though the access road requires careful navigation and off-road vehicle traffic can break the quiet. Summer brings peak trail conditions and wildlife viewing, with cool mornings and afternoon thunderstorm potential typical of the elevation.

Handcart Campground offers standard non-electric campsites which operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the open season. Sites are located among trees and near a river.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear winner because the campground is officially open (May 9–Sept 20) and trails, the babbling stream, and wildlife-viewing opportunities are all at their peak. Expect mountain conditions: cool-to-chilly mornings (it can dip toward ~15°F on early-season mornings at 9,783 ft) with afternoons warming into the upper 30s°F; rapid afternoon cloud build-up and occasional thunderstorms are possible. Wildflowers, longest daylight, and the best access make summer ideal for backcountry dayh Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9783 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryA stream runs through the campground, providing water sounds and access from multiple sites. Mature trees offer shade and natural screening between campsites. The high-elevation setting brings mountain scenery, though the exact terrain and views depend on which site you claim. Reviews consistently mention the scenic beauty and the river as key draws.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app for Scan & Pay.

PrivacySome reviews noted privacy, particularly site #8 which was described as having the most privacy.

Recommended SitesSites near the creek provide peaceful settings. Site #8 is noted for privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 8 gets mentioned in reviews for having the most privacy. Spots fill quickly, so arriving early improves your chances of snagging a preferred site along the stream.

Need help booking Handcart?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground has 10 sites available for tent camping only. Off of Park County Route 60, from US Hwy 285, the Handcart Campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine trees.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers proximity to a river with opportunities for relaxation and a great atmosphere. However, users have noted the presence of off-road vehicles, which may cause noise disturbances.

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

36 reviews

Satisfactory

Handcart is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, friendly camp hosts, and peaceful riverfront atmosphere. However, some complained about road conditions and noise from off-road vehicles.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

"Campground is peaceful and offers access to a river." "Friendly and attentive camp host."

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

"The road leading to the campground is in poor condition with water-filled potholes." "Noise from off-road vehicles can be disruptive."

Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"We stayed in #8, which had the most privacy."

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Arrive early as spots fill quickly." "Bring your own drinking water due to the pump's yellowish water."

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the campground is less accessible during winter due to road closures. Summer reviews highlight the natural beauty and bear sightings.

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground, got there around noon on a Saturday and by evening all the spots were taken." "Campsites are spread out among the trees by a stream." "Bear in camp, so be careful with food and...

Based on 36 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want budget mountain camping with river access and don't mind OHV traffic or a challenging drive in.

Skip if

You need a smooth access road, guaranteed quiet, or can't handle high-elevation cold snaps.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.3

(33)

Hall Valley Campground

PSICC

Hall Valley Campground sits high in the Colorado Rockies along a wooded creek corridor, managed under the PSICC recreation area. This very small alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Fall brings peak aspen color and crisp mountain air, though ATV traffic can be noisy and rule enforcement varies by host.

Hall Valley sits high in the Colorado Rockies within Pike & San Isabel National Forests, offering a handful of dispersed-style sites for tent and RV campers who want alpine access without crowds. The campground serves as a staging point for high-country trails and fall color viewing, with spacious sites and clean facilities maintained by an attentive host. Visitors come for the big views, cool nights, and quiet that comes with a very small footprint.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(73)

Timberline Campground

PIKE NATIONAL FOREST.

Timberline Campground sits in high-elevation alpine terrain near Grant, Colorado, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation with access to the Colorado Trail. The mid-sized campground accommodates tent, RV, and primitive camping along Hoosier Creek, where visitors hike, fish, mountain bike, and watch wildlife. Facilities include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with camp hosts maintaining the grounds during the seasonal operating window.

$27.00 - $54.00 / night

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827, USA

Aspen Campground sits at nearly 9,900 feet in Pike and San Isabel National Forests near Lake George, Colorado. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike wildflower ridgelines, fish for trout, and spot moose in a high-alpine setting that operates seasonally during peak summer months.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO 80827

Jefferson Creek is a high-elevation alpine campground near Lake George, Colorado, operated by Explorus and open seasonally during peak months. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, plus access to hiking, fishing, and boating on nearby Jefferson Lake. Reviewers praise the spacious, private sites and clean facilities, though the access road is rough and generator noise can be an issue.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(106)

Geneva Park Campground

PIKE NATIONAL FOREST.

Geneva Park Campground sits at high elevation in Colorado's Pike and San Isabel National Forests, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, serving as a base for hiking the Abyss and Burning Bear trails, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable mountain weather, with mornings in the low 40s and afternoons in the upper 60s to mid-70s.

$27.00 - $27.00 / night

Highly Popular

Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

4.2

(279)

Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827, USA

Lodgepole sits at high elevation near Jefferson Lake outside Fairplay, Colorado, operated by Explorus with tent and RV sites scattered among aspen groves. The small campground offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, drawing anglers and hikers who come for shoreline access and trailheads into the surrounding alpine terrain. Fall transforms the aspens into gold, and wildlife sightings are common throughout the season.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Kenosha East sits at 10,036 feet in Colorado's high country, a first-come, first-served campground that fills the reservation gap for visitors chasing fall color or quiet summer weekends. Campers pay on-site by scanning a QR code with the Recreation.gov app. Download it before you arrive, because cell service is unreliable this high up.

8.494 km

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(88)

Burning Bear Campground

19316 Goddard Ranch Court

Burning Bear Campground sits at 9,800 feet in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests near Morrison, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation as a seasonal high-alpine retreat. Small in scale with tent and RV sites, it offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and access to trails with views of Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(171)

Kenosha Pass Campground

19316 Goddard Ranch Road, Morrison, CO, USA, 80465

Kenosha Pass Campground sits at 10,000 feet along US 285 in the Pike National Forest, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation. The small alpine campground serves as a trailhead for the Colorado Trail and becomes a destination in fall when surrounding aspen groves turn gold. Tent and RV sites offer mountain views, vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, with camp hosts on-site during the seasonal operating window.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF, 101 Highway 103, Clear Creek Ranger District

Guanella Pass sits high in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Idaho Springs, managed by American Land and Leisure. This small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Summer brings wildflower displays, trout fishing in South Clear Creek, and trail access to alpine lakes, with marmots, elk, and ptarmigan active throughout the season.

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Selkirk sits at 10,500 feet in Colorado's high country, offering wooded tent and primitive sites managed by Recreation.gov. The small campground delivers seclusion and alpine scenery during its seasonal operating window, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for crisp summer days, wildflower meadows, and star-filled nights under clear mountain skies.

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

4.0

(19)

Rivers End

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Rivers End sits at 9,364 feet in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping with vault toilets and primitive tent sites. Visitors come for the scenic views, fishing opportunities, and tranquil atmosphere during the summer season when access is most reliable and alpine streams run full. The campground provides a quiet base for anglers and those seeking cooler mountain temperatures.

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

4.3

(49)

Devils Head Campground

PSICC

Devils Head Campground sits in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests at high elevation, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The campground serves as a base for the popular Devils Head Lookout hike and offers vault toilets in a forested alpine setting. Summer brings reliable access and dry trails for hiking and mountain biking, though motorized recreation is common on surrounding routes.

Reservable

64.147 km

$27.00 - $27.00 / night

4.1

(33)

Cement Creek

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Cement Creek is a high-elevation alpine campground in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest operated by Recreation.gov. This primitive campground accommodates both tent and RV camping along a mountain river corridor surrounded by aspen and mixed-conifer forest. Reviewers consistently praise the clean vault toilets, wildflower displays, and peaceful setting that stays accessible for early-season camping.

Campgrounds

Handcart

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Handcart sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Off Park County Route 60, from US Hwy 285, the Handcart campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine trees. The campground has 10 campsites for TENT CAMPING ONLY.All dates are weather dependent. Dates of operation below are dates visitors may expect full service. The area also has an extended season when services such as water, trash or a host may not be available during the fall/winter/spring.

About the campground

The elevation is 9,800 ft. The campground, pack it in, pack it out, is located next to Hall Creek in a dense grove of mixed conifers. Most of the camp sites are walk-ins. This is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts. Close by is an active mine (weekends) which produces the reddish color of Hall Creek.

Seasons & access

Services provided May 22 through September 8 - weather dependent

Facilities

The water spigot is a hand pump.

Directions

From Jefferson, CO, take US Rt. 285 east 8.5 miles to County Rt. 60 sign. Turn left onto Rt. 60 (dirt and rough) and go 4.9 miles to campground on left.

National Forest: Pike National Forest
Ranger District: South Platte
Elevation: 9800
Rate: $22 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: year-round

About PSICC

Context for the broader area surrounding Handcart, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Peaks to Prairies - Tracks to Trails 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. 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. 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. Critical Information about the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems 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. <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>