Tom Bennett Campground

Star4.36
32 reviews

Quick Facts

8,600 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Roosevelt National Forest site

Official Website
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Tom Bennett Campground
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$14 per day. Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes provide cardholders half price for basic fees.
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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

4.36

Recommended

Based on 32 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's remote and primitive nature. Positive aspects include the serene wilderness setting and access to hiking trails. However, issues such as poor maintenance of vault toilets, lack of water, and overflowing dumpsters are commonly mentioned."

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Campground Map

Tom Bennett Campground

40.5744, -105.5824

Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 26 miles. Turn left (south) onto Pingree Park Road (County Road 63E). Drive approximately 17 miles to the campground. Alternatively, from Rustic, CO, take State Rt. 14 east 5.1 miles to Pingree Park (County Rt. 63E) sign. Turn right onto Pingree Rd. (County Rt. 63E) and go 12.1 miles to an intersection (County Rt. 44H). Continue straight onto Rt. 44H and go 3.6 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 145). Turn right onto Rt. 145 (narrow and dirt) into campground.
Pingree Rd. is a two-lane dirt and gravel road with some long steep grades and sharp curves.
Nearby places
Rustic, approximately 5.1 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Tom Bennett Campground

At nearly 9,000 feet, Tom Bennett sits in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park, where afternoon thundershowers arrive like clockwork during summer months, refreshing the pine-scented air. Mountain weather rules supreme here—sunny mornings often give way to dramatic afternoon cloudbursts before clearing into crisp, star-filled nights. When darkness falls, temperatures plummet dramatically, transforming warm days into nights that demand fleece jackets and campfire gatherings. Wise campers layer up and prepare for nature's daily weather show.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with hiking and riverside scenery; expect afternoon thundershowers and cool nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 18; high-elevation fall colors and chilly nights, good for solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening begins May 24, so spring use is limited/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside the May 24–Oct 18 season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 24 to October 18.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 24 to October 18.

About Tom Bennett Campground

Escape to the rugged wilderness of Tom Bennett Campground, where the South Fork Cache la Poudre River whispers through stands of towering lodgepole pines. This intimate retreat features 10 primitive sites, each offering a genuine back-to-basics camping experience with picnic tables and fire grates beneath the forest canopy. Perfect for tent campers and small trailers seeking solitude, this historic facility challenges visitors to embrace the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos—bringing their own water and leaving only footprints behind. Adventure awaits on the renowned Emmaline Lake Trail, while anglers can try their luck casting for elusive brook trout in the crystalline mountain streams.
Tom Bennett Campground offers primitive camping, primarily catering to tent campers and small RVs or trailers. There are no designated group sites, cabins, or glamping options.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Tom Bennett Campground offers limited but engaging activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking and fishing are the primary attractions, with access to a trail leading to Rocky Mountain National Park and Comanche Peak Wilderness.
HikingThe Emmaline Lake Trail #354, accessible from the campground, is a 5-mile trail that accommodates both foot and horse travel. It provides access to the Rocky Mountain National Park and Comanche Peak Wilderness. One user review mentioned a '12-mile round trip' hike, likely referring to an extended version of this trail.
FishingFishing opportunities in the South Fork Cache la Poudre River include catching brook trout. No additional details on fishing conditions are provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention overflowing dumpsters and poorly maintained pit toilets, which could attract wildlife. Campfires may be restricted during certain periods, and visitors are advised to check for any fire bans.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Tom Bennett Campground

Reviews

4.4
32 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Tom Bennett Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and primitive nature. Positive aspects include the serene wilderness setting and access to hiking trails. However, issues such as poor maintenance of vault toilets, lack of water, and overflowing dumpsters are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the scenic wilderness setting, proximity to the South Fork Cache la Poudre River, and access to hiking trails. One user called it 'a real gem' and praised the '4 good sites...
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Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and an overflowing dumpster. One reviewer noted, 'The lack of trash pick-up (the dumpster was overflowing) and...
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Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring their own water and check with rangers regarding fire bans or bear activity. A user mentioned, 'If the signs say no fires, go down the road and talk with them.'
Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from late May to mid-October. Many reviews recommend dressing warmly, as temperatures drop significantly at night due to the elevation.
Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground is a real gem... There are 4 good sites directly on the river.' - Jugadora De las montañas 2. 'Stayed over the weekend and absolutely loved it. Little over 50 miles from Fort...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites directly on the river are highly recommended, as they offer the best views. However, some sites have been negatively impacted by tree remediation.
Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related reviews were mentioned, but the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be on a hand-held leash at all times. A user noted, 'Long hikes can be hard on puppies too,' suggesting that visitors consider their pets' stamina when hiking.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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