Pike & San Isabel Forest

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39.31639, -105.26667

Kelsey is one of two campgrounds within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, about an hour’s drive southwest of Denver, Colorado. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and trout fishing.

The campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures are mild and range from 75-80 during the day to 55-65 at night. 

The Kelsey Overlook is just north of the campground along County Road 126, offering beautiful views of the valley below.

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39.39167, -105.10889

The Indian Creek Equestrian Campground is an ideal camping site for avid horseback riders looking to explore the Indian Creek Equestrian Trail. The area provides a pleasant atmosphere plus nearby access to the Rampart Range, a well known off-highway vehicle riding area. 

The area boasts wildlife like mule deer, turkey, elk and black bears. The Roxborough State Park is located to the northeast of the campground as has a reputation for its dramatic red-rock formations.

Campsites sit among a mix of trees that provide both shade and sun throughout the day. These include Ponderosa pine, Gamble oak, Douglas fir, aspen and spruce. 

Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet in altitude.

39.4823,-105.7999062

Located on Park County 60, off of US Hwy 285, the Handcart campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine trees.  The campground has 10 campsites for TENT CAMPING ONLY.

39.4829,-105.8053

This campground has 9 campsites at an elevation of 9,900 feet with parking spur lengths of 16-30 feet. The campground remains open year-round, weather permitting.  Facilities include picnic tables, a vault toilet, and fire rings.

Please note: there is no water available at this campground.

39.3269,-105.3556

Green Mountain Campground offers that special blend of being far enough from town that there is no corner store while being close enough that the drive to and from home is a part of the total pleasant getaway. Located southwest of Denver, CO at an elevation of 7,500 feet, Green Mountain Campground offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals or families to enjoy the great outdoors. Southfork Creek runs through the campground and numerous trails provide ample hiking and biking opportunities only a mile away.

39.17122,-105.3601

Located approximately a two-hour drive southwest of Denver, at an elevation of 7,723 feet, the Goose Creek Campground offers an opprtunity for designated camping near the Lost Creek Wilderness. Recreational opportunties in the area include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Goose Creek runs through the campground and generally runs year round. Although not deep, the buddling brook supplies soothing sounds and a quaint atmosphere for camping. TheGoose Creek Trailhead #612 is close by and affords acces to the Lost Creek Wilderness via the Hankins Pass #630 and the Goose Creek #612 trails and is the primary reason visitors use this campground.

As the only campground surviving the Hayman Fire, this little area is an oasis of green among the burnt surroundings. Being just minutes away from the Lost Creek Wilderness, this campground is a very popular site for those hiking the Goose Creek trails and does see heavy use throughout the camping season. Host is available on site.

39.5304,-105.7346

At an elevation of 9,813 feet, Geneva Park Campground offers cooler temperatures during the hottest of summer months. Along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, this campground is near prime spots for wildlife viewing, scenic driving, landscape photography, hiking, summiting 14,060 foot Mount Bierstadt, and access to 4-wheel drive roads. No dump station, electrical or water hook-ups available.

39.3274,-105.0922

Hidden in the Rampart Range, Flat Rocks is a campground ideal for the ATV and motorcycle riders in the Rampart Range Motorized Trail System. ATVs and off-road motorcycles are allowed within the campground with immediate connecting trail access. Consult the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for specific roads and trails open to off-road vehicles. There is no dump station, electrical, water hook-ups available.

39.27177,-105.10509

Devil’s Head Campground resides at the base of Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Tower and Devil’s Head Trail #611. Rock formations dot the landscape and provide outstanding views of the surrounding area. No dump station, electricity or water hook-ups available.

Peak season is 05/22-09/08 and extended season runs through 09/09-09/21. During peak season, the campground offers full service. Extended season has reduced services such as vault toilets, water, trash, or a host may not be available.

This campground appears on the following maps:

  • Pike National Forest
  • USGS Quad Devil’s Head
  • National Geographic Trails Illustrated #135 (Deckers / Rampart Range)
39.508,-105.554

Deer Creek Campground is a heavily wooded campground located at 9,168 feet. Mature trees provide shade and hiking trails are nearby. Deer Creek and Camp Creek meet to run next to the campground, providing the soothing sounds of running water. No dump station, electricity or water hook-ups available.

39.51391, -105.71

Located on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest at an elevation of 9,813 feet, Burning Bear Campground offers cooler temperatures during the hot Colorado summer months. Along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, this campground is near prime spots for wildlife viewing, scenic driving, landscape photography, hiking and roads open to off-highway vehicles.

The campground is nestled in a beautiful valley on the way to Guanella Pass. Although somewhat open, a scattering of ponderosa pines provides some privacy to campers.

Mount Bierstadt (elevation 14,060 feet) is north on the Guanella Pass road – a Scenic and Historic Byway, and one of the most popular scenic drives on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. The Guanella Pass road is a great place to watch for bighorn sheep, elk, deer, moose, marmot, pika, and bear

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39.34159, -105.32962

Buffalo Campground is one of two facilities within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, about an hour’s drive southwest of Denver, Colorado. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and trout fishing.

The campground is situated near Buffalo Creek at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures are mild and range from 75-80 degrees during the day to 55-65 degrees at night.

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37.98111, -105.06556

Nestled among aspen and tall Douglas fir trees, St. Charles Campground is in a quiet part of the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. Located on the banks of St. Charles Creek, the campground is popular with campers who enjoy the sounds of water tumbling through the shaded boulders.

The campground sits a mile west of Lake Isabel in the Wet Mountains, a beautiful range in the San Isabel National Forest. At an elevation of 8,600 feet, Lake Isabel was designed and constructed in the 1930s as a recreational haven from the dusty plains far below. Rugged mountain peaks in the area provide water for the abundant wildlife and fish populations.

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37.96778, -105.06722

Spruce Group Campground, located in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area, is a great place to bring groups for picnicking and camping on the scenic Lake Isabel. The campground accommodates 50 guests for day-use and 40 guests for overnight camping. Some RVs can fit in the paved parking area for added convenience. 

Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed purely for recreation purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts campers who enjoy hiking, canoeing, fishing and watching for wildlife. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional opportunities for fishing.

The St. Charles Creek runs next to the campground, and dense spruce trees surround the site. The shoreline of Lake Isabel meets the rocky slopes of the Wet Mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. 

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

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37.98278, -105.0575

Southside Campground is a small RV facility situated in the Wet Mountains by Lake Isabel. The popular recreation area offers a selection of hiking trails and great fishing and paddle boating on Lake Isabel. 

Lake Isabel was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, for the purpose of recreation.The 40-acre lake is stocked with trout and the nearby St. Charles Creek offers additional fishing opportunities.

Aspen and ponderosa pine help shade the campground. Lake Isabel impresses visitors with a shoreline that meets the rocky base of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. 

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

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37.2525, -105.10917

Purgatoire Campground is nestled near the headwaters of the Purgatoire River in the beautiful Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The primitive campground is laid out on two loops. One is a large grassy meadow with sites that accommodate equestrian campers and one that is wooded with aspen and spruce. The access road is very rough and is not suitable for low-clearance trailers. 

Constructed by the Youth Conservation Corp in 1976, Purgatoire was originally named Potato Patch Campground. The river provides nice fishing and a trailhead attracts hikers and horseback riders.

The campground is in an aspen and conifer forest near the North Fork River at an elevation of 9,800 feet. The river, also known as the Purgatoire River, flows 196 miles to the confluence of the Arkansas River. 

Pike-San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

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37.96778, -105.06722

Ponderosa Group Campground, located near the sparkling 40-acre Lake Isabel, beckons large groups for picnicking and camping in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. 

The campground accommodates 61-120 guests for day-use ($150 day use fee) and 60 guests for overnight camping. Visitors can enjoy entertainment like volleyball and horseshoes, or head to the lake for canoeing and fishing. 

Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed solely for recreational purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts many campers who come to hike, canoe, fish and spend time bird watching. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional fishing opportunities.

Shady pine and aspen trees are scattered throughout the campground. The shoreline of Lake Isabel meets the rocky base of sweeping mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. At 8,600 feet the area enjoys cool summer days, a welcome relief from the heat in the plains far below.

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

38.0624,-105.1047

This campground is usually open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend with full service and, depending on snow conditions, is usually open through the middle of October with reduced service.

Available activities include hiking, fishing, bicycling, motorcycle, and ATV. Fishing in Ophir Creek. A short drive will take you to various trailheads.

38.2641,-105.6596

Developed campground camping with the following activities: Access to non-wilderness in the Sangre De Christo mountain range from the Rainbow trail. The Rainbow trail is a motorized trail which includes ATV and motorcycle use and runs along the foot of the Sangres. Wilderness trails, that climb above the Rainbow trail into the Sangres, are only accessed by foot or livestock. The closest wilderness trails include North Brush and South Brush. High Mountain lakes are accessible from the wilderness trails. Forest Service Road 198 is accessed from the Campground and will take you up to non-wilderness areas in the Sangres. Please check a map for other recreational opportunities close by the area.

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37.98444, -105.05944

La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. It is set along the Frontier Pathways and Historic Byway in the Wet Mountains along one of the Colorado Birding Trails. 

Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed purely for recreation purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts many campers who come to hike, canoe, fish and spend time bird watching. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional fishing opportunities.

Shady pine and aspen trees are scattered throughout the campground. At 8,600 feet, the area enjoys cool summer days, a welcome relief from the heat in the plains far below. 

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

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38.05556, -105.06972

Davenport Campground was one of the first Forest Service campgrounds, and is near the now-abandoned Squirrel Creek Campground, the very first Forest Service campground in the country. In 2010, Davenport was rebuilt to evoke the original 1920s design. Adirondack shelters and a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces were built and old-style log picnic tables add to the historic character of this campground. 

The campground offers access to an array of hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle and off-road vehicle trails.

The campground sits in a grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and spruce trees at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Squirrel Creek runs alongside this scenic facility in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado.

37.312,-105.138

Blue Lake Campground is a developed campground camping and picnicking with the following attractions: Lake and Stream fishing. Blue lake is approximately ½ mile from campground and the tributaries of Cuchara River run through campground.

For trail use, from the campground, take FSR 436 1.5 miles to the non-motorized North Fork Trail #1309. FSR 436 continues to old mine and saddle approximately 500 vertical feet below summit of Trinchera Peak.

Access to the Indian Trial #1300 Trailhead at Bear Lake campground one mile further up FSR 422. This trailhead is a multi user trail system and accesses 23 miles of motorized trails available for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse use.

40.0459464850001,-107.070019265

Bear Lake Campground is located in the Bear River area, 14 miles southwest of Yampa on Forest Development Road 900.

This campground is on the Flat Tops and is managed by the Yampa Ranger District.

The campground has a rustic nature with most of the 43 sites naturally screened from one another. It also boasts 4 double sites and 1 triple site to accommodate larger groups.

The campground has been a favorite of visitors for many years. It typically opens for Memorial Day and closes sometime in October, dependent on weather and use.

Sites are available on a first come, first served basis. This area accesses some great fishing and hiking.

Surrounded by the 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness, the views are spectacular.

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38.07889, -105.56333

Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a number of stunning scenic overlooks. Alvarado is designed for a range of campers, with facilities for tent, RV and equestrian campers. 

Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

Alvarado is perched on the side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains among sweet smelling ponderosa pine, aspen, lodgepole and gambel oak trees. Some sites offer views of the Wet Mountain Valley below while others sit beside Alvarado Creek. 

The campground is within reach of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which spans 226,455 acres with 60 alpine lakes, 400 miles of streams and over 400 miles of trails to explore.

Large aspen stands visible in the area today are a result of heavy controlled fires set in the early 1900’s to clear pasture land, expose minerals and produce charcoal.

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38.97667, -104.98306

ATTENTION:  Water is available at this campground however you will not be permitted to fill up your RV or Trailer with Water from the system.  There is not enough water available in the water system to provide that amount of water to everyone.  Thank you for your understanding.

Thunder Ridge Campground, located above the Rampart Reservoir, is one of two campgrounds within the Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area. The campground overlooks the reservoir, which is popular for fishing. Boating and hiking are also common activities for campers here. 

The campground is located on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of the popular Pikes Peak. The peak has an altitude of 14,110 feet and is America’s easternmost peak reaching over 14,000 feet.

The campground overlooks the Rampart Reservoir in a ponderosa pine forest at an altitude of 9,200 feet. The surrounding terrain includes a mix of grass meadows, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen.

38.9969,-105.0242

This campground is located 1.7 miles east of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road, FDR #300. This campground has 13 sites.

This is a standard, non-electric campground. Firewood, shelter, and water are not provided.

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39.04417, -105.07972

Red Rocks Group Campground is located 4 miles north of the town of Woodland Park, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for hiking, biking and visiting the nearby 5-acre Manitou Lake.

This rustic group site is situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 8,200 feet. A nearby hiking trail leads to a unique red sandstone formation. Most of Red Rocks Group is shaded by sweetly scented ponderosa pine trees.

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39.06472, -105.09222

Pike Community is a group campground located about 6 miles north of Woodland Park in central Colorado. It is a popular choice for of all ages, complete with a baseball field, playground, sand volleyball court and a horseshoe pit. Campers enjoy nearby access to hiking and biking trails.

Located within a ponderosa pine forest, the campground is nestled in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 7,700 feet.

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39.08444, -105.10528

Painted Rocks Campground is located a short distance from Manitou Lake and the Centennial Bike Trail in central Colorado. The rustic campground is named for the sandstone outcroppings in the area that resemble colorful streaks from an artist’s paintbrush.

The campground is nestled on the edge of a grassy meadow at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Most sites on the west loop sites are nicely shaded by ponderosa pines, while sites on the east loop are more open and less shady.

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39.06472, -105.09222

South Meadows campground, located 5 miles north of Woodland Park, provides a scenic spot for campers to rest and enjoy the many recreational offerings of the area. The campground attracts avid hikers and bikers with access to the multipurpose Centennial Trail, as well as visitors looking for a central location for day trips to Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. 

Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, featuring incredible rock formations, impressive vistas and a free visitor and nature center.

Campsites are tucked in a stand of ponderosa pines at an elevation of 8,000 feet. To the east is Mount Deception and to the north is the 5-acre Manitou Lake. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months and temperatures are generally mild, with warm and pleasant days and cooler nights.

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38.9775, -104.98472

Located about 10 miles from the town of Woodland Park, Colorado, Meadow Ridge Campground is pleasantly situated on a ridge above the Rampart Reservoir. Here, campers have access to prime fishing and a selection of mountain biking and hiking trails. 

The campground is in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of the popular Pikes Peak. The peak has an altitude of 14,110 feet and was first climbed in 1820. Its claim to fame is that it is America’s easternmost peak over 14,000 feet.

Sitting in a ponderosa pine forest at 9,200 feet, the 19-site campground overlooks the Rampart Reservoir. The surrounding terrain includes a mix of grass meadows, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen.

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39.08833, -105.09806

All Payments for Entrance by Cash or Check only

Manitou Lake Picnic Area, is located 7 miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado,. The Manitou Lake Pavilion is located inside the picnic area and is a wonderful group day use picnic area for groups up to 50 people. The scenic spot sits on the west side of Manitou Lake and provides great opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing. 
Fishing in the lake is welcomed.

The small Manitou Lake is a 5-acre reservoir fed by Trout Creek. At a 7,700 foot elevation, the terrain is a combination of grassy meadows and ponderosa pines. Visitors can view Mt. Deception across the lake

38.87202533,-105.1236443

The Crags campground has 17 campsites for tents, small RV’s, or small trailers. It is located in an “out of the way” area and is highly used depending on the time of day and year.

The Crags Trail #664 and the Devil’s Playground Trail #753 start near the campground at the Crags Trailhead located 1/8 mile before the campground.

This is a standard, non-electric campground. It is also a pack it in, pack it out campground.

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39.07972, -105.09333

ATTENTION:  Water is available at this campground however you will not be permitted to fill up your RV or Trailer with Water from the system.  There is not enough water available in the water system to provide that amount of water to everyone.  Thank you for your understanding.

Colorado Campground is a favorite family destination near Manitou Lake and north of the town of Woodland Park. A short trail leads to the lovely lake, where visitors enjoy fishing, bird watching and canoeing.

The campground is situated at 7,800 feet in a ponderosa pine forest near the 5-acre Manitou Lake. The campground lies in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak summit reaches an elevation of 14,115 feet and is America’s easternmost peak over 14,000 feet.

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38.42778, -106.14306

O’Haver Campground, located on the shores of O’Haver Lake, attracts many campers for fishing, bird watching and canoeing on the calm, pleasant lakes. During peak season, interpretive programs are offered most weekends. Nearby mountain biking and hiking opportunities are also available. 

Campers can venture on a trip to part of the popular Colorado Trail. The multi-purpose trail extends for 487 miles from Denver to Durango, with altitude variations ranging from 5,500 to 13,300 feet.

Campsites have limited understory and sites are situated close to one another. O’Haver sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, in a forest of ponderosa pine and aspen. 

Ponderosa pines provide a fresh vanilla scent in the mountain air and aspens please visitors with golden foliage displays in autumn. Nearby O’Haver Lake spans 15 acres.

38.61160189,-106.3192313

This campground is the highest elevation campground on the Salida Ranger District. The elevation is 11,000 feet and the campsites are situated on the north shore of the North Fork Reservoir. The campground is small with only 9 sites. The road to the campground is very rough and not recommended for vehicles towing trailers. High clearance vehicles are a requirement for reaching this campground.

Reservations are not taken for this campground.

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38.51556, -106.32417

Monarch Park is nestled at the base of Monarch Ridge, a short drive north of Monarch Pass. Some campsites at the family-friendly destination are located on the banks of the South Fork Arkansas River, while others lie along a creek. Popular activities in the area include hiking the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail and fishing. Beaver ponds are near the entrance to the campground and make a great fishing spot for families with young children. 

Monarch Pass is a high mountain pass along the southern part of Colorado’s Sawatch Range. The pass crosses the Continental Divide an altitude of 11,312 feet.

The picturesque campground is heavily wooded with ponderosa and Douglas fir. With an elevation of 10,500 feet, visitors are likely to experience chilly nighttime temperatures and cool, mild summer days.

38.3296,-105.8236

Hayden Creek Campground is a hidden gem on the Salida Ranger District. The campground is small with only 11 sites. It is located on the banks of Hayden Creek and at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The campground is wooded and very secluded. Sites are best suited to tent camping or small trailers or RV’s. Ideally, vehicles less than 30 ft. work best in the area.

Reservations are not taken for this campground. All sites are first-come, first-served. Also, vault toilet is available only during peak season.

38.3358,-105.8019

Coaldale Campground is located on the banks of Hayden Creek and is a quiet campground with only 10 campsites. Most of the campsites are walk-in sites with small parking areas. Water is available at Hayden Creek Campground. The area is thick with gamble oak, juniper, and cottonwood trees . Sites 1-5 are walk-in sites for tent camping. Vault toilet is available only during peak season

38.58278, -106.22

Angel of Shavano Campground is one of the area’s best kept secrets. The campground is small with only 20 campsites, but it offers visitors a quiet atmosphere to gather with family and friends. The campsites are wooded with aspen and spruce trees. A few of the campsites are located along the stream.

Angel of Shavano Group Campground is considered one of the area’s best kept camping secrets. It is situated next to the North Fork South Arkansas River and offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking and fishing.

The campground is named after an image of an angel that appears as winter snow fall on Shavano Mountain. The site lies at an elevation of 9,200 feet along the North Fork South Arkansas River. A forest of aspen and pine covers the area. Beaver ponds dot the landscape at the base of nearby Shavano Mountain. 

Some sites sit along the river while others are set among an open, grassy meadow. Thunderstorms are common in summer months.

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