Davenport Campground

For Coloradans seeking a tranquil and historically rich camping experience, the Davenport Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a nod to the past. Nestled within the picturesque Wet Mountains of Southern Colorado, this campground is not just a place to pitch your tent; it's a step back in time, meticulously rebuilt to evoke the charm of early Forest Service campgrounds from the 1920s. Ideal for those who appreciate a rustic yet comfortable outdoor adventure, Davenport provides a serene setting amidst aspen and spruce trees, with the calming presence of Squirrel Creek flowing nearby. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this special Colorado campground, highlighting its distinctive features and helping local users plan their next memorable escape into the heart of our state's stunning natural landscapes.

Davenport Campground is located in the beautiful Wet Mountains of Southern Colorado, within the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Its address is simply listed as Colorado 81023, USA, which corresponds to the region managed by the San Carlos Ranger District. To pinpoint its exact location, it's approximately 25 miles west of Pueblo via State Highway 165, and then about 2 miles north on Forest Road 382 until the road dead-ends at the campground.

Accessibility to Davenport Campground is generally straightforward for most Coloradans. State Highway 165 is a paved road, making the approach manageable for all vehicle types, even with trailers (though the campground itself is tent-only). The drive is scenic, winding through the foothills and into the mountains, offering glimpses of the diverse Colorado landscape. While the specific Forest Road 382 is unpaved, it leads directly to the campground's common parking areas. Because most campsites are "walk-in" (meaning you park in a common area and walk a short distance to your tent site), the campground maintains a quieter, more secluded atmosphere, free from the constant traffic of vehicles driving through individual sites. This walk-in setup contributes to the historic character and peaceful ambiance of the campground. At an elevation of 8,500 feet, visitors from lower elevations should be mindful of the altitude and take necessary precautions. The drive is accessible from major population centers in Colorado, including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Denver, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat into nature.

Davenport Campground offers a range of services designed for tent campers seeking a rustic yet comfortable experience, maintaining its historic charm while providing essential amenities.

• Tent-Only Campsites: The campground exclusively offers single-family sites for tent camping. This ensures a peaceful atmosphere free from the noise of RV generators or large motorhomes. Most sites are reached by short foot trails from common parking areas.
• Equipped Campsites: Each individual campsite is well-equipped with fundamental necessities, including a sturdy picnic table, a campfire ring, and a grill for cooking, enhancing the outdoor experience.
• Historic Adirondack Shelters: A unique service is the availability of three sites that feature log Adirondack shelters. These open-sided, rustic structures provide a charming and historically accurate element, offering a shaded or protected area for campers.
• Common Cooking Shelter: The campground boasts a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces. This communal facility is a wonderful amenity for groups or individual campers, providing a designated, sheltered area for food preparation, especially useful during inclement weather.
• Accessible Facilities: Davenport Campground includes accessible sites and accessible vault toilets, ensuring that individuals with varying mobility needs can enjoy the camping experience.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided for convenience, offering a basic restroom facility within the campground.
• Trash Collection: Designated trash receptacles are available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Drinking Water (seasonal/limited): While sources mention a hand pump for drinking water, it's crucial for campers to verify current water availability. Some sources indicate "no drinking water available" or that it might be seasonal, suggesting campers should be prepared to bring their own water or filter from Squirrel Creek after proper treatment.

Davenport Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in Colorado.

• Historic Charm and Design: A standout feature is its deliberate reconstruction in 2010 to evoke the original 1920s design of early Forest Service campgrounds. This includes the rustic Adirondack shelters, old-style log picnic tables, and a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces, offering a nostalgic and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Serene Natural Setting: The campground is nestled in a beautiful grassy meadow, surrounded by towering aspen and spruce trees. Squirrel Creek flows alongside the facility, providing a peaceful ambiance and opportunities for relaxation.
• Extensive Trail Access: Davenport Campground serves as a gateway to a network of multi-use trails. The 4.5-mile Squirrel Creek Trail is directly accessible and open to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding. Nearby, campers can also access the Silver Circle, Second Mace, and South Creek Trails, providing diverse options for outdoor recreation.
• Fishing Opportunities: Anglers will appreciate the chance to cast for brook trout in Squirrel Creek, which runs alongside the campground, offering a relaxing pastime steps from their tent.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground's location provides easy access to several notable points of interest:
  • Bishop's Castle: A unique, ongoing medieval castle replica, just about 2 miles away off Highway 165, offering an intriguing architectural and artistic display.
  • Lake Isabel: Less than 10 miles away, this beautiful stocked lake provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Pueblo Mountain Park: Located about 7 miles east in Beulah Valley, this scenic park features hiking trails, educational programs, and a stone labyrinth.
• Walk-in Tent Sites: This design ensures a quiet environment, as vehicles are kept separate from the individual campsites, enhancing the natural, immersive camping experience.

For direct inquiries, reservations, or to confirm current conditions at Davenport Campground, it is best to contact the relevant managing authority, which is the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.

Address: Colorado 81023, USA (specifically, the campground is located on Forest Road 382 near State Highway 165 in the Wet Mountains).

For reservations at Davenport Campground, or for general information about it and other campgrounds managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the primary contact point is:

Phone for Reservations: (877) 444-6777 (This is the national Recreation.gov reservation line).

For other non-real-time information, such as specific campground inquiries, current conditions, or detailed directions, you can contact the San Carlos Ranger District directly:

San Carlos Ranger District
Address: 3028 East Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212
Phone: (719) 269-8500

It is highly recommended to check the Recreation.gov website for availability and to make reservations, as some sites may be reservable while others are first-come, first-served. Always verify current fire restrictions, bear safety protocols (as bears are common in the area, and a bear closure order may be in place requiring proper food storage), and water availability before your visit. The campground is typically open from May to October, but precise dates can vary based on weather and operational needs.

Davenport Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Colorado who are seeking a serene, engaging, and genuinely immersive outdoor experience. Its unique blend of historic charm, combined with its tent-only, walk-in sites, creates a quiet and respectful camping environment that fosters a deep connection with nature. For Coloradans, who often cherish our state's rich outdoor heritage, the campground's 1920s-inspired design offers a tangible link to the early days of forest recreation. Its location in the beautiful Wet Mountains provides a refreshing escape from more crowded areas, offering crisp mountain air, the soothing sounds of Squirrel Creek, and a stunning backdrop of aspens and spruces. The abundant recreational opportunities, from multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and even motorcycling, to excellent fishing in the nearby creek, cater to a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, its proximity to unique local attractions like Bishop's Castle and Lake Isabel adds an extra layer of exploration and enjoyment, making it more than just a camping trip. For those in Southern Colorado, particularly from Pueblo or Colorado Springs, its accessibility means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the natural beauty. Davenport Campground provides a perfect setting for families, friends, or individuals to unplug, relax, and create lasting memories in a truly special part of our Colorado backyard. It truly embodies the spirit of classic outdoor adventure, making it an ideal choice for any local looking for an authentic and peaceful camping getaway.

Davenport Campground

Colorado 81023, USA