Luders Creek Campground

4.00

7 reviews

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Mid-May to mid-Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Saguache Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Mid-May to mid-Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Saguache Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Luders Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 per night for single/double unit for overnight or day use. First come, first serve basis. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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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USFS

Provider

719-655-2547

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

3 Google reviews

"User feedback highlights Luders Creek Campground as a favorite for hunters and those seeking a remote, rustic camping experience. The high elevation provides cool nights even during summer."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Luders Creek Campground

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Driving directionsThe campground is accessible via historical toll roads built by Otto Mears in 1876 leading west from Saguache. Snow and muddy conditions may limit access during certain times of the year.

Access road quality varies seasonally; snow and mud may impede entrance, and parking is narrow, limiting large trailers.

Nearby places

Saguache (approximately 27 miles, 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including groceries and fuel, may be found in Saguache, approximately 27 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Luders Creek Campground

At this lofty elevation, Luders Creek rewrites the rules of summer camping. July afternoons might feel pleasant, but as darkness falls, the thin mountain air releases its warmth quickly, reminding visitors they're camping in the realm of eagles and alpine flowers. Smart campers pack layers and warm sleeping bags year-round. Spring and fall visitors should prepare for nature's wild card—sudden snow squalls can transform the landscape overnight, while shoulder seasons often bring muddy conditions that may challenge access roads. The brief but glorious summer window typically runs from late June through early September.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer with pleasant afternoons and cool nights at 10,000'.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Highest use during fall hunting season; prime time for wildlife and foliage.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May; late‑spring access possible but variable conditions at high elevation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-November to mid-May; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May to mid-November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Mid-May to mid-November.

About Luders Creek Campground

Perched high in the clouds at over 10,000 feet, Luders Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. This intimate retreat features five thoughtfully designed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for larger rigs. Horse enthusiasts will discover a welcoming basecamp complete with three sturdy corrals, while the campground's strategic location along the legendary Continental Divide Trail makes it a coveted launching point for backcountry explorers and big game hunters alike. Even summer nights carry winter's whisper at this elevation, where crisp mountain air and star-filled skies create memories that last a lifetime.

Luders Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping experiences with a focus on primitive camping and equestrian use.

Historical SignificanceEvery turn of your wheels follows in the tracks of frontier history as you approach Luders Creek. The very road beneath your tires tells a tale of ambition and ingenuity—originally carved from wilderness as a toll road in 1876 by the legendary Otto Mears, Colorado's 'Pathfinder.' This mountain entrepreneur's vision connected isolated communities and opened the high country to commerce and adventure. Today, the campground serves as a gateway to the Continental Divide Trail, where modern hikers trace paths once traveled by Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers crossing the backbone of North America.

Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Luders Creek rewrites the rules of summer camping. July afternoons might feel pleasant, but as darkness falls, the thin mountain air releases its warmth quickly, reminding visitors they're camping in the realm of eagles and alpine flowers. Smart campers pack layers and warm sleeping bags year-round. Spring and fall visitors should prepare for nature's wild card—sudden snow squalls can transform the landscape overnight, while shoulder seasons often bring muddy conditions that may challenge access roads. The brief but glorious summer window typically runs from late June through early September.

ElevationBreathing becomes an conscious act at Luders Creek, where the campground's position above 10,000 feet places you firmly in Colorado's alpine zone. This rarified atmosphere means you're camping higher than many mountain peaks in other states. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer feels like spring, nights demand cozy campfires regardless of the calendar, and the thin air amplifies both the brilliance of stars and the intensity of sunshine. Visitors often find themselves moving a bit slower on their first day as bodies adjust to the altitude—a natural reminder to pause and savor the extraordinary landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the Rio Grande National Forest's pristine wilderness, Luders Creek Campground rests in a natural amphitheater of towering Engelmann Spruce and trembling Aspen groves. These ancient sentinels create a living cathedral where sunlight filters through emerald needles and golden leaves dance in mountain breezes. Just one mile west, the Continental Divide Trail traces the spine of the continent, offering ambitious hikers access to some of Colorado's most spectacular high-country vistas. The surrounding Cochetopa Pass region unfolds in layers of geological wonder, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting have created a landscape that shifts from intimate forest glades to sweeping alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers.

Geological RegionThe Rio Grande National Forest surrounding Luders Creek tells a story written in stone and forest over millions of years. Here, where Engelmann Spruce reach skyward and Aspen colonies shimmer with collective consciousness, the land reveals its volcanic past through weathered peaks and mineral-rich soils. The historic Cochetopa Pass serves as a natural gateway through the Continental Divide, a geological feature so significant it determines which raindrops flow to the Atlantic and which journey to the Pacific. This dramatic landscape, carved by ice ages and shaped by tectonic forces, creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures while reminding visitors of nature's patient, powerful artistry.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time stated.

Check-out

No specific check-out time stated.

Stay Limit

Max stay unclear

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum trailer length is 25 feet. Exact guest limits unclear.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutConsists of five campsites, three pull-through, and accommodates horse camping with three corrals.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; campground operates on first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is entirely first-come, first-serve; $10 per site per night.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided.

AccessibilityThe campground does not mention specific accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campground includes 5 campsites, 3 of which are pull-through. Sites are likely moderate in size to accommodate trailers up to 25 feet long.

PrivacyPrivacy details for campsites are not described in the source materials.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesGenerally recommended for horse camping; proximity to Continental Divide Trail noted.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Luders Creek Campground have a range of recreational activities available, including big game hunting, hiking, mountain biking, 4WD driving, and horseback riding. The proximity to the Continental Divide Trail adds to the campground's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

HikingThe Continental Divide Trail is located 1 mile west of the campground, providing opportunities for both day hikes and backpacking.

FishingFishing is allowed in nearby rivers and streams, though no specific details about fish species or fishing quality are mentioned.

BikingMountain biking is a popular activity on the area roads.

Wildlife viewingThe location is ideal for big game hunting, suggesting opportunities for wildlife viewing as well.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential bear encounters, cold temperatures even in summer, and muddy or snow-covered access roads.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires restricted to designated fire rings; must be completely extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesSaguache Ranger District, located at 46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149, phone: 719-655-2547.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack in and pack out all trash. No recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesNearby creeks and springs require purification for drinking; no potable water available on-site.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts provided.

Weather at Luders Creek Campground

Reviews

4.0

7 reviews

Satisfactory

Luders Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User feedback highlights Luders Creek Campground as a favorite for hunters and those seeking a remote, rustic camping experience. The high elevation provides cool nights even during summer.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the campground's beauty and its suitability for hunting. The remote and tranquil setting is frequently praised.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited amenities, such as the lack of potable water and tight parking spaces, are noted concerns.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend preparing for chilly nights due to the campground's elevation above 10,000 feet.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground sees its highest use during hunting season in the fall. Summer visitors enjoy cooler weather at high elevations.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My favorite camping spot for hunting season. It's above 10,000 feet so even during summer months the nights are a tad chilly. It's absolutely beautiful there." - Joseph Myers

Based on 7 reviews