Go if
You want high-elevation solitude with trout fishing and don't mind rough road access or primitive facilities.
This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Seasons of Use June ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Seasons of Use June ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →North Fork Campground
38.6116, -106.3192
You want high-elevation solitude with trout fishing and don't mind rough road access or primitive facilities.
You need developed amenities, clear signage, or easy road access to your campsite.
Context for the broader area surrounding North Fork Campground, 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, the warmest daytime highs, and the best trout fishing on North Fork Reservoir — daytime temps commonly range from the mid-50s to low-70s°F with nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F. Lakes and high alpine water remain open and fish active, trails and the primitive campsites are usually free of snow, and afternoon thunderstorms are common so pack rain gear. Because the site is remote and requires a high‑clearance vehicle, even peak season feels uncrowded Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January
Most reliable season; mid-50s to low-70s daytime temps and peak fishing/activity.
North Fork Campground offers a high-altitude camping experience at 11,000 feet, providing stunning scenery alongside its primitive facilities. The campground is situated on the north shore of the North Fork Reservoir, offering opportunities for fishing and exploration. However, the road to the site is extremely rough, requiring high-clearance vehicles, which limits accessibility. Notably, there is no trash service on-site, so visitors must pack out all trash.
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