Hayden Creek

4.21

40 reviews

Quick Facts

7,792 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,792 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Hayden 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...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(661) 702-1420N/A

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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 40 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Hayden Creek

38.3297, -105.8236

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season is quiet and uncrowded; reviews praise summer experience.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens imply strong fall color; campground remains scenic into fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens mid‑May; spring conditions variable with lingering snow at elevation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct–May; winter stays not offered.

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.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutVery small and intimate with only 11 sites, each separated by trees for privacy.

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.

AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative materials, and user reviews do not provide detailed information about accessibility for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are best suited for tents, vans, and small trailers or RVs under 25 feet.

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 SitesChoose sites near the creek for peaceful ambiance and seclusion. Sites best suited for tents or small trailers; optimal for vehicles under 25 feet.

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.

HikingHiking 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.

BikingATV and dirt bike trails are mentioned in user reviews as nearby recreational options. Specific details on biking trails are not provided.

Wildlife viewingWhile 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.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampground has seen minimal bear activity per user reviews. Trash services may not be available during off-peak times.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hayden Creek

Reviews

4.2

40 reviews

Satisfactory

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 40 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 40 reviews

Common 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 40 reviews

Pro 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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Camper 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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility of the campground for disabled visitors is not addressed in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Minimal information about pet policies. One user noted minimal bear activity but did not specify pet experiences.

Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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