Thunder Ridge

Star4.22
312 reviews
601 S. WEBER, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903, USA
StargazingFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Thunder Ridge
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $28 per night for standard non-electric sites during the peak season. Additional fees include $11 per night for a third vehicle. Firewood is...
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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
719-636-1602
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 312 reviews

171 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews for Thunder Ridge Campground are mixed, with a weighted average sentiment of 4.21. Positive reviews praise the cleanliness of the facilities, breathtaking views, and the trail system. Common complaints include uneven tent pads, road conditions leading to the campground, and occasional issues with camp hosts."

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Campground Map

601 S. WEBER, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903, USA

Thunder Ridge

601 S. WEBER, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903, USA

Driving directionsFrom the I-25 and Hwy 24 intersection in Colorado Springs, Colorado, travel west on Highway 24 for 17.4 miles to Baldwin St. in Woodland Park. Turn right (north) on Baldwin (which turns into Rampart Range Road). Travel approximately 3 miles to Loy Creek Road, turn right at the Y, and travel 1.5 miles to Rampart Range Road (Forest Road 300). Turn right (south) on Rampart Range Road. The Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area entrance is approximately 4 miles up the road on the left. Thunder Ridge Campground is approximately 0.7 miles on the left.
The road access is challenging with unpaved routes that are often in poor condition. Several user reviews mention 'washboard and loose sand,' requiring very slow travel speeds, sometimes as low as 2 MPH for safety. Campers have noted incidents like flipped vehicles due to the road conditions.
Nearby places
Woodland Park (3 miles), Green Mountain Falls (17 miles), Colorado Springs (21 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Woodland Park, approximately 3 miles from the campground. A Walmart Superstore offers convenient shopping options.

Best Time to Camp at Thunder Ridge

Summer afternoons at Thunder Ridge often announce themselves with dramatic flair—rolling thunder echoes across the peaks while afternoon cloudbursts refresh the forest floor. As evening falls, the high-altitude air turns crisp and cool, reminding you to pack that extra layer for stargazing sessions. When winter arrives, this mountain paradise transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a crystalline landscape that rewards the hardy souls who venture here in the off-season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season; temperate weather, open facilities and most activities available; highly reviewed in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter season with aspens in color but weather is unpredictable; campground switches to FCFS after Sept 13.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers quieter visits but unpredictable weather; campground opens late May for reservations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter is less accessible; services and access are limited and no winter-sport features are described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from May 23 to September 13, with reservations available from June 24. After September 13, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis until October 4.
  • Current Alerts: None currently noted.

About Thunder Ridge

Perched high above the shimmering waters of Rampart Reservoir, Thunder Ridge Campground beckons adventurers to experience Colorado's raw mountain beauty. This alpine sanctuary, wrapped in towering ponderosa pines, serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—from sunrise hikes along ridgeline trails to lazy afternoons casting lines into crystal-clear waters. Here, where eagles soar overhead and the reservoir stretches like a sapphire mirror below, you'll discover why generations of campers have made Thunder Ridge their mountain escape.
Thunder Ridge Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. With its scenic views and accessibility to the Rampart Reservoir, it appeals to both casual and seasoned campers. The campground is particularly suitable for small groups and families.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay per visit is limited to 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Thunder Ridge Campground provides a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and biking. The nearby Rampart Reservoir is a focal point for many visitors, offering opportunities for fishing and boating. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the 14-mile Rampart Reservoir Trail, which accommodates both hikers and mountain bikers. Wildlife viewing is a common delight, and the natural surroundings enhance the experience for campers.
HikingThe Rampart Reservoir Trail, a 14-mile loop, is popular among hikers and bikers. The trail offers moderate difficulty and scenic views. Some sections may be challenging, especially for novice bikers, as one reviewer noted, "A lot of hike/bike scrambling/hiking over rocks and roots. Don't be deceived by the low elevation gain—it is strenuous."
FishingFishing at the Rampart Reservoir is a highlight of this campground. Rainbow and mackinaw trout are plentiful, and the serene setting adds to the experience. A user commented, "Great trout fishing! Lots of deer and chipmunks," reflecting the abundant opportunities for angling.
BikingHiking trails are shared with bikers, offering a mix of terrains. The Rampart Reservoir Trail is described as strenuous with natural obstacles, making it ideal for experienced mountain bikers.
BoatingThe reservoir supports hand-launched boats and paddleboards. Motorized boats are permitted but have restrictions, including inspection requirements for aquatic nuisance species. One reviewer highlighted, "If you brought a kayak or other watercraft device, drive to the fishing spot down the road," due to steep access paths.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, chipmunks, and coyotes. One camper described watching a baby deer feed, adding, "The hike to the reservoir is absolutely stunning!" Another noted coyotes' nighttime howls as a memorable experience.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh altitude poses risks of altitude sickness. Wildlife hazards include bears and aggressive squirrels. Campers are advised to store food securely.
Active AlertsNone currently noted.

Weather at Thunder Ridge

Reviews

4.2
312 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Thunder Ridge is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Thunder Ridge Campground are mixed, with a weighted average sentiment of 4.21. Positive reviews praise the cleanliness of the facilities, breathtaking views, and the trail system. Common complaints include uneven tent pads, road conditions leading to the campground, and occasional issues with camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 312 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent praise for clean facilities, scenic views, and proximity to the Rampart Reservoir. One user remarked, "The starry night and beautiful sunrises are unforgettable."
Based on 312 reviews

Common Concerns

Campers frequently mentioned uneven ground for tents, steep or rough roads, and inconsistent experiences with camp hosts. "The 4-mile road leading to Thunder Ridge is always in TERRIBLE shape," one...
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Based on 312 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sturdy footwear for hikes and plenty of water. Consider arriving early to secure the most level campsites. Be prepared for steep climbs if accessing the reservoir with watercraft.
Based on 312 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular due to temperate weather and open facilities. Spring and fall offer quieter experiences but may have unpredictable weather. Winter is less accessible.
Based on 312 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were sparkling clean every minute of every day!" "The views from the campsites closest to Rampart Reservoir were spectacular." "If you brought a kayak or paddleboard, be ready for a...
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Based on 312 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 offers great lake views but limited level ground. Site #7 is praised for its proximity to amenities and spacious tent pad. Site #2 is noted for privacy, while some sites like #10 have uneven...
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Based on 312 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight the accessibility of certain campsites and toilets but mention challenges for those requiring level ground. One user noted that some sites have steps, making access difficult for...
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Based on 312 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but users caution about wildlife interactions. One review mentioned that ground squirrels could be a nuisance for pet owners.
Based on 312 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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