Hayden Creek
4.2314 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Season opens May 16,...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Season opens May 16,...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsHayden Creek
$0.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season. The price is $22 per night for a standard, non-electric site during the peak season. Other fees may apply for...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(661) 702-1420N/A
What Campers Say
4.23
Satisfactory
Based on 14 reviews
38 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanshadehikingsites
"Users describe Hayden Creek Campground as a secluded, quiet, and primitive campsite with basic amenities. It is favored for its privacy, proximity to Hayden Creek, and clean vault toilet. The lack of potable water and rough road conditions are common complaints."
Fees & Passes at Hayden Creek
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum stay allowed per trip.
Cancellation: Cancellations are subject to $10 fees, and late cancellations incur additional penalties including f...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation.gov website.
Best Time to Camp at Hayden Creek
The mountain climate here tells its own story through the seasons. Winter nights often dip below freezing, with gentle dustings of snow transforming the campground into a pristine wonderland. Spring arrives slowly, melting away winter's touch as wildflowers begin their colorful parade. By late spring, conditions become ideal for camping, with crisp mornings giving way to sun-dappled afternoons. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair. Early fall paints the aspens gold and offers perhaps the finest camping weather of all—cool, clear nights perfect for stargazing and comfortable days ideal for hiking. Throughout the year, mountain breezes whisper through the trees, occasionally picking up to remind visitors of the raw power of this high-country environment.
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)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 5, 2026 - September 19, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Season opens May 16, 2025, and closes October 11, 2025.
About Hayden Creek
Tucked away in a hidden mountain valley, Hayden Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 carefully placed sites along the babbling waters of Hayden Creek. This rustic retreat sits at the foot of the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where towering pines and aspens create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. Here, camping returns to its roots—you'll find essential amenities including sturdy fire rings for evening gatherings, weathered picnic tables perfect for morning coffee, and a single vault toilet. This is where adventurers come to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the wilderness.
Hayden Creek Campground is a primitive camping facility with basic accommodations. It caters to tent campers, small RVs or trailers, and van campers. There is no specific mention of group sites, cabins, or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate here tells its own story through the seasons. Winter nights often dip below freezing, with gentle dustings of snow transforming the campground into a pristine wonderland. Spring arrives slowly, melting away winter's touch as wildflowers begin their colorful parade. By late spring, conditions become ideal for camping, with crisp mornings giving way to sun-dappled afternoons. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair. Early fall paints the aspens gold and offers perhaps the finest camping weather of all—cool, clear nights perfect for stargazing and comfortable days ideal for hiking. Throughout the year, mountain breezes whisper through the trees, occasionally picking up to remind visitors of the raw power of this high-country environment.
ElevationPerched in the embrace of mountainous terrain, this high-country haven sits at an elevation where the air is crisp and pure, and every breath feels like a gift from the alpine wilderness above.
Natural Features and SceneryHayden Creek serves as the campground's gentle soundtrack, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones as it winds through the camping area. The renowned Rainbow Trail passes nearby, beckoning hikers to explore miles of spectacular mountain scenery. Each campsite is thoughtfully nestled among mature conifers, creating private woodland sanctuaries where morning light filters through the canopy in golden streams. To the east, the dramatic peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range rise like ancient sentinels, their rocky faces catching the alpenglow at sunset and creating a backdrop that transforms from purple to pink to gold as the day unfolds.
Geological RegionThe campground rests in the geological wonderland at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, one of the longest and most dramatic mountain chains in North America. This ancient range, whose name means 'Blood of Christ' for the crimson hues that paint its peaks at sunrise and sunset, creates a stunning backdrop of jagged granite peaks and gentle forested slopes. The secluded valley cradles the campground in a protective embrace, where centuries of geological forces have carved out a perfect refuge. Dense forests of pine, fir, and aspen blanket the lower elevations, creating a verdant sanctuary that feels worlds away from civilization.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative materials, and user reviews do not provide detailed information about accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are best suited for tents, vans, and small trailers or RVs under 25 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are secluded and separated by trees, offering a high degree of privacy. Some sites are closer to Hayden Creek.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the creek for peaceful ambiance and seclusion. Sites best suited for tents or small trailers; optimal for vehicles under 25 feet.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay allowed per trip.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 2 vehicles or one RV per site included, with an additional $10 fee for a third vehicle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutVery small and intimate with only 11 sites, each separated by trees for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 16, 2025, and closes October 11, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app or website, but this campground primarily operates as first-come-first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis during peak months.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to $10 fees, and late cancellations incur additional penalties including forfeiture of one night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hayden Creek Campground offers activities suited for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a secluded and natural environment. Hiking trails are accessible nearby, including the Rainbow Trail. ATV and dirt bike trails are mentioned by reviewers. Wildlife viewing opportunities are likely due to the area's remote and wooded nature. Users did not report designated swimming or fishing areas.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are plentiful, including access to the Rainbow Trail. User reviews mention the trails as a highlight of the area. Difficulty levels and lengths are not provided.Biking
ATV and dirt bike trails are mentioned in user reviews as nearby recreational options. Specific details on biking trails are not provided.Wildlife viewing
While wildlife viewing is not explicitly discussed, the secluded and natural environment makes it likely. Some reviews note minimal bear activity, though no specific wildlife sightings are detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are provided at each site, but no specific fire restrictions were mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground has seen minimal bear activity per user reviews. Trash services may not be available during off-peak times.
Weather at Hayden Creek
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Peak season datesJune 5, 2026 - September 19, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available seasonally. Prior to Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day, trash service may not be provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Hayden Creek, providing natural water sounds and scenic beauty.
Common complaintsRoad access to the campground is challenging, with rough and unpaved sections. "Road leading to it is dirt/gravel and very rough in places but passable" (user review).
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
14 reviews
Hayden Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users describe Hayden Creek Campground as a secluded, quiet, and primitive campsite with basic amenities. It is favored for its privacy, proximity to Hayden Creek, and clean vault toilet. The lack of potable water and rough road conditions are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, clean vault toilet, and shaded sites near Hayden Creek. Hiking and ATV trails nearby are also praised.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water and other amenities, rough dirt/gravel roads leading to the site, and minimal bear activity in the region.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring potable water, cash for the iron ranger fee tube, and possibly high-clearance vehicles for the 4x4 road near the bottom campground entrance. Download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During peak summer months, the campground remains quiet and uncrowded according to user reviews. Trash services may be unavailable outside the summer season, which should be considered by visitors.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We were looking for a secluded site with shade and found this great location. $18 per night. Only 11 sites but nice primitive campground near a rushing creek." - Jim McFaul; "Always a great, quiet...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users praise sites near Hayden Creek for their proximity to the water and shaded privacy. None explicitly identify site numbers as better or worse.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility of the campground for disabled visitors is not addressed in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Minimal information about pet policies. One user noted minimal bear activity but did not specify pet experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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