Spillway Campground
4.61114 reviewsP.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827
Quick Facts
8,500 ftPrice
$24/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,500 ftPrice
$24/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSpillway Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard non-electric and tent-only sites are $24 per night. There is a one-time fee of $11.00 to enter Eleven Mile Canyon...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$24.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(661) 702-1420tbolton@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
4.61
Top-Rated
Based on 114 reviews
123 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"User sentiment about Spillway Campground is overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of its stunning scenery, clean facilities, and welcoming camp hosts. Complaints include narrow roads, occasional maintenance issues with bathrooms, and limited cell phone reception."
Fees & Passes at Spillway Campground
$24/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 canc...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Spillway Campground
Summer transforms this mountain retreat into a camper's dream, where crisp, cool air provides welcome relief from the heat of lower elevations. The unique combination of gentle cloud cover and low humidity creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, whether you're casting a line at dawn or stargazing around the evening campfire.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16 - October 12.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 16 to October 12. Not reservable outside these dates.
- Current Alerts: No current alerts reported.
About Spillway Campground
Nestled where the South Platte River winds beneath the towering Eleven Mile Reservoir dam, Spillway Campground offers an enchanting escape into Colorado's rugged beauty. Here, dramatic granite cliffs rise like ancient sentinels while the river beckons anglers and adventurers alike. Miles of scenic trails weave through this high-country paradise, inviting you to explore every corner of this remarkable landscape.
Spillway Campground offers tent-only and standard nonelectric campsites. It does not support large RVs due to narrow access roads and a maximum trailer length limit of 25 feet.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you in the heart of prehistoric Colorado, just a stone's throw from the world-renowned Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. This ancient landscape tells stories millions of years in the making, where once-tropical forests have given way to today's stunning mountain scenery, preserving a remarkable window into Earth's distant past.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into a camper's dream, where crisp, cool air provides welcome relief from the heat of lower elevations. The unique combination of gentle cloud cover and low humidity creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, whether you're casting a line at dawn or stargazing around the evening campfire.
ElevationAt 8,500 feet above sea level, Spillway Campground invites you to experience the authentic Colorado high country. This significant elevation demands respect and preparation—take time to acclimate when arriving from lower altitudes, stay hydrated, and move at a pace that allows your body to adjust to the thinner mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering spruce and ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 8,500 feet, their evergreen canopy providing dappled shade throughout the campground. The landscape reveals nature's artistry at every turn—weathered granite cliffs catch the changing light while creating a dramatic rocky amphitheater that frames your mountain retreat.
Geological RegionSpillway Campground sits at the gateway to spectacular Eleven Mile Canyon, where millennia of patient carving by the South Platte River has created a geological masterpiece. Polished gray granite walls, sculpted smooth by ancient waters, rise majestically from the canyon floor while groves of spruce and ponderosa pine soften the rugged terrain with their verdant presence.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content. User reviews suggest that access to trails and fishing areas is relatively straightforward, but the narrow roads may pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious in several user reviews, such as "Camp spots are very spacious" (Courtney Moya).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site; some are secluded while others are closer together: "A lot of spots are close together so it can get noisy especially when there's inconsiderate campers" (Will).
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites requiring larger RVs; recommended tent camping and smaller trailers due to narrow access roads.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Stated limit: null.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites arranged in a loop with reported close proximities at some sites. Features gravel parking aprons and prefabricated camp pads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 16 to October 12. Not reservable outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, or call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information available on walk-up availability, but reservations are strongly recommended due to popularity.
Cancellation PolicyIndividual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations starting from midnight 1 day before scheduled check-in forfeits the first night's recreation use fee and taxes. Refund requests must be made within 7 days of reservation end date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spillway Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, birding, rock climbing, and camping. The Overlook Trail is a popular hiking destination, providing stunning views of Eleven Mile Canyon and Reservoir. Fishing enthusiasts can catch rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and pike. "Great fishing 20 yards away and innertubing downstream" (L'Aura Montgomery Williams). Wildlife viewing is abundant, with chances to observe Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles during spring.
Hiking
The Overlook Trail is a major highlight for hikers, offering breathtaking views of Eleven Mile Canyon and Reservoir. User reviews praised the trail, but noted challenges such as losing trail markers: "The Overlook trail was a bit harder for me... I lost the trail markers coming down" (bj platz).Climbing
Climbing 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.Fishing
Fishing is celebrated as one of the best activities at Spillway Campground. Anglers can expect rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and pike. "Great fishing 20 yards away... Fly fishing is extremely popular at this campsite" (Jessica Graves). The stretch of waters is restricted to artificial lures and catch-and-release policies.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is excellent, especially for Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles during spring. "Saw some deer, fish, chipmunks and a lot of birds" (Jennifer P).Winter Activities
No explicit winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Inner tubing in the river downstream is noted by user reviews.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires limited to designated rings. Firewood available for $10.00 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are Extended quiet hours not explicitly stated but reviews note responsiveness to noise complaints.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity reported; food must be stored securely. Narrow roads and rocky terrain pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Active alertsNo current alerts reported.
Weather at Spillway Campground
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 18.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - October 12.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is facilitated through dumpsters available on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresClosest campground to Eleven Mile Reservoir and the South Platte River.
Common complaintsRoads are narrow and in some cases washboarded. Limited water and bear activity were noted.
HostHosts are praised for their friendliness and availability. Firewood sold onsite.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827
Driving directionsFrom Lake George, Colorado, turn off of Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about one mile turn right to the Eleven Mile Canyon entrance. Spillway Campground is the last campground which is about 9 miles up Eleven Mile Canyon near the dam.
The access road is narrow in some places and has washboarding reported by user reviews. The road is described as challenging for RVs over 20 feet and requires careful navigation. 'Glad we took the suburban and not the Camry!' noted one reviewer.Nearby places
Lake George (approx. 10 miles, 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies may be available at Lake George. Firewood is sold onsite for $10.00 per bundle.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
114 reviews
Spillway Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment about Spillway Campground is overwhelmingly positive, with frequent mentions of its stunning scenery, clean facilities, and welcoming camp hosts. Complaints include narrow roads, occasional maintenance issues with bathrooms, and limited cell phone reception.
Review Summaries
Based on 114 reviews
What Campers Love
Campground hosts are widely praised for their friendliness and attentiveness: "Dave and Christie are amazing campground hosts! Very friendly and welcoming!!" (Alicia K). Scenic views, spacious...
Based on 114 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include narrow roads unsuitable for large RVs: "If you have an RV over 20 feet this is NOT the campground for you" (Sue B). Some users noted maintenance issues: "The toilet seat is...
Based on 114 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Book in advance as the campground is popular: "They book out 6 months in advance, and I recommend booking as close to that 6 month out mark as possible" (Jessica Graves). Bring cash for fees and...
Based on 114 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and summer are ideal for bird watching and fishing. Fall offers spectacular views of changing colors in the canyon. Winter usability is not discussed.
Based on 114 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The stars look amazing. The overlook trail was a bit harder for me... I lost the trail markers coming down" (bj platz). "Camp spots are very spacious. It does get windy in the valley though"...
Based on 114 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 13 offers great views of the river (Luke Lynch). Campsite 17 provides personal access to the water (Matt Rivera). Site 24 is noted for its seclusion and proximity to trees (Bobbie Hubler). Site...
Based on 114 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility concerns primarily involve narrow roads and steep trails. "Road to the campground requires off-road vehicle" (Tanasha L).
Based on 114 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Spillway Campground is pet-friendly, with opportunities for dogs to swim: "Places to take our dog swimming" (Sandra M).
Based on 114 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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