Handcart

Star4.52
9 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

May 9, 2025, to Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

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Handcart
$0.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulfriendly

"The campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, friendly camp hosts, and peaceful riverfront atmosphere. However, some complained about road conditions and noise from off-road vehicles."

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Fees & Passes at Handcart

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$24/night

Stay Limit: 14 nights

Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur the $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first ni...

Prices verified December 7, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.

Best Time to Camp at Handcart

Summer transforms Handcart into a camper's paradise, with crystal-clear skies gracing the landscape nearly 55% of the time. While temperatures can dip to a crisp 15°F during cool mornings, afternoons warm to a comfortable 38°F, creating perfect conditions for both adventure and relaxation. The moderate chance of snow (28%) adds a touch of alpine magic to the experience, though savvy campers will find the driest weeks offer the most spectacular stargazing opportunities under those famously clear mountain skies.

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: June 21, 2025, to September 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 9, 2025, to September 20, 2025 (FCFS).

About Handcart

Escape to Handcart Campground, where the spirit of adventure meets the tranquility of untouched wilderness. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with pristine campsites nestled among towering trees. To claim your spot in this secluded paradise, you'll need to arrive in person – a journey that adds to the authentic camping experience. Once you've selected your perfect site, payment is simple through QR codes using the Recreation.gov mobile app, provided you have cellular service in the area.
Handcart Campground offers standard non-electric campsites which operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the open season. Sites are located among trees and near a river.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Handcart into a camper's paradise, with crystal-clear skies gracing the landscape nearly 55% of the time. While temperatures can dip to a crisp 15°F during cool mornings, afternoons warm to a comfortable 38°F, creating perfect conditions for both adventure and relaxation. The moderate chance of snow (28%) adds a touch of alpine magic to the experience, though savvy campers will find the driest weeks offer the most spectacular stargazing opportunities under those famously clear mountain skies.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's symphony plays continuously at Handcart, where a babbling stream winds its way through the campground, providing a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor retreat. Each campsite is thoughtfully positioned among mature trees, offering natural privacy and shade while maintaining easy access to the creek that meanders past numerous sites. This harmonious blend of forest and water creates an enchanting atmosphere where morning mist dances through the branches and the gentle murmur of flowing water lulls you to sleep each night.
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Campsite details

Sites Privacy"Some reviews noted privacy, particularly site #8 which was described as having the most privacy."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the creek provide peaceful settings. Site #8 is noted for privacy.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 nights
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Campsites are spread out among the trees by a stream."
Open and Closed SeasonMay 9, 2025, to September 20, 2025 (FCFS).
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app for Scan & Pay.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites available on a first-come, first-served basis starting June 21, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur the $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees. No refunds for cancellations made on the check-in date.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers proximity to a river with opportunities for relaxation and a great atmosphere. However, users have noted the presence of off-road vehicles, which may cause noise disturbances.
Wildlife viewing
"Users reported seeing bears near the campground. Campers are advised to be careful with food and trash."
Winter Activities
"The road to the campground is generally closed during winter unless visitors are equipped with shovels and prepared for an adventure."
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazards"Bear in camp, so be beary careful with food and trash."

Weather at Handcart

20
°F
Dec 8
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 40%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 23.3 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 21, 2025, to September 20, 2025.
Trash and recycling"No trash service. Visitors should be prepared to pack out all trash."
Proximity to water features"Creek runs near a bunch of the sites." "Seated right on the river."
Common complaints"Road from the highway is shambolic, with huge, water-filled potholes. Proceed with care." "Lots of 4 wheelers and off-road vehicles all day and night. Can be noisy at times."
Host"The camp host is wonderful. He was helpful and conscientious." "Rick the host was superb!" "Host Rick was friendly."

Campground Map

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5
9 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Handcart is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, friendly camp hosts, and peaceful riverfront atmosphere. However, some complained about road conditions and noise from off-road vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Campground is peaceful and offers access to a river." "Friendly and attentive camp host."
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

"The road leading to the campground is in poor condition with water-filled potholes." "Noise from off-road vehicles can be disruptive."
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Arrive early as spots fill quickly." "Bring your own drinking water due to the pump's yellowish water."
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the campground is less accessible during winter due to road closures. Summer reviews highlight the natural beauty and bear sightings.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground, got there around noon on a Saturday and by evening all the spots were taken." "Campsites are spread out among the trees by a stream." "Bear in camp, so be careful with food and...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"We stayed in #8, which had the most privacy."
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 7, 2025
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