Elk Wallow Campground

Star4.78
11 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,829 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

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Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Elk Wallow Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are mentioned to be found in the forest-wide campground table. No specific details provided in the source material.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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What Campers Say

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlocationsites

"Overall, reviews highlight the campground's quiet setting and its blend of simplicity and natural charm. There are positive remarks about the cleanliness of facilities and the well-maintained area. Some users note the presence of cattle due to the open range, which can be a unique or bothersome experience depending on individual preferences."

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Campground Map

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Elk Wallow Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Basalt, travel East on Frying Pan River Road for 24 miles, past Ruedi Reservoir. Take a left on Forest Service Road 501 and travel for 4 miles until you reach Elk Wallow Campground.
Campground roads are not paved, and driving directions involve traveling on Frying Pan River Road and Forest Service Road 501. Seasonal road conditions should be considered.
Nearby places
Basalt (approximately 28 miles, travel time not specified)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Elk Wallow Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make Elk Wallow a year-round adventure destination. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, with heavy snowfall creating opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though frigid temperatures demand proper preparation. As spring melts into summer, the campground reveals its gentler side with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and fishing, punctuated by refreshing afternoon rain showers that keep the forest lush and the creeks flowing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Quiet summer use, clean facilities and creekside relaxation cited in reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-elevation forest and solitude imply good fall colors and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely offers melting creek and renewal, but no specifics provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Site notes heavy snowfall and winter transformation but no access or services details.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Elk Wallow Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Elk Wallow Campground, where the rhythms of nature replace the noise of modern life. This intimate, back-to-basics retreat welcomes adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences with accommodations for tents, small trailers, and pickup campers. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a table for outdoor dining, a fire ring for evening gatherings, and a dedicated parking spur. While the unpaved roads and single vault toilet reflect the campground's rustic character, they're exactly what makes this hideaway perfect for those craving a genuine connection with the Colorado wilderness.
The campground supports tent camping, RV camping for small trailers, and pickup campers. It caters to primitive camping with no modern facilities like hookups or flush toilets.
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Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Elk Wallow Campground include fishing and picnicking. While the remote, quiet setting might encourage relaxation and wildlife viewing, no specific trails or additional activities are highlighted.
FishingFishing is available in North Fork Mormon Creek, which is adjacent to the campground.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews highlight the presence of open-range cattle that may visit campsites, potentially causing disturbances during the night.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Elk Wallow Campground

Reviews

4.8
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Elk Wallow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews highlight the campground's quiet setting and its blend of simplicity and natural charm. There are positive remarks about the cleanliness of facilities and the well-maintained area. Some users note the presence of cattle due to the open range, which can be a unique or bothersome experience depending on individual preferences.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

- Quiet and secluded atmosphere - 'Very well maintained' as noted by a user. - 'Toilets were super clean,' according to an August 2023 review. - Campsites offer enough space for multiple tents at...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

- Proximity to a road: While the traffic is minimal, some may find this less appealing. - Open range for cattle: 'We had many visitors all throughout the night,' as noted by a user.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Be prepared for cattle roaming through the campsite. - Ensure self-sufficiency due to the lack of potable water, showers, and other modern amenities.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsites aren't too close to each other and some offer enough flat space for a few tents or a large one.' 2. 'Although right next to a road, the traffic is minimal.' 3. 'Very well...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or detailed breakdowns of the best and worst sites are provided in the reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the source materials or reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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