Handcart Campground

For Coloradans seeking a genuine, rustic camping experience away from the bustling crowds, Handcart Campground offers a refreshing escape. Nestled within the vast and picturesque Pike National Forest near Dillon, this campground is a true hidden gem, providing a primitive setting that allows for a deeper connection with nature. Unlike many commercial campgrounds that require advance reservations and offer numerous amenities, Handcart embraces a simpler approach, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate solitude, natural beauty, and the spontaneity of first-come, first-served camping.

This article aims to provide local Coloradans with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Handcart Campground. We'll explore its unique characteristics, including its tent-only policy, the essential amenities it provides, and the kind of outdoor adventures you can expect in its vicinity. We understand that finding reliable, lesser-known spots is a priority for many seasoned campers in Colorado, and Handcart Campground fits that bill perfectly. It’s a place where you can unwind by a beautiful river, enjoy the vastness of the forest, and truly disconnect from the demands of city life.

Handcart Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (specifically within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests), ensuring it adheres to principles of wilderness preservation while offering essential facilities. This commitment to maintaining a natural environment, combined with its accessibility (albeit via a dirt road), positions it as a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small family looking for an authentic mountain camping experience, Handcart Campground is worth considering for your next Colorado outing.

Handcart Campground is situated in a beautiful, rustic setting within the Pike National Forest, near Dillon, CO 80435, USA. While the address points to Dillon, it's important for locals to understand its precise location and the nature of access. The campground is specifically located on Park County Road 60, which branches off of US Highway 285. This places it closer to towns like Grant and Jefferson, rather than directly in Dillon, which is a bit further northwest.

Accessibility to Handcart Campground involves a distinctive journey. Reviews consistently mention a "15 minute dirt road with quite a few potholes." While this road is generally passable with 2WD vehicles, caution is advised, especially after rain or snowmelt, as conditions can vary. This unpaved access contributes to its "away from the city" feel and helps deter casual visitors, preserving its rustic charm and keeping it from becoming overly crowded. Despite the dirt road, its proximity to US-285 makes it a relatively accessible option for those coming from the Denver metropolitan area, typically about an hour and twenty minutes drive.

The campground itself is set in a dense grove of lodgepole pine trees, with some sites requiring a "short walk from the parking area" (typically 180 to 800 yards), indicating a walk-in or near-walk-in camping experience, especially for tent sites. This helps maintain a quieter atmosphere, as vehicles are not directly at every campsite. The location along the North Fork of the South Platte River, which runs next to or through the campground, adds significantly to its natural appeal and accessibility for water-based enjoyment like fishing.

Handcart Campground offers essential services tailored for a rustic, primitive camping experience. It's important to set expectations for minimal amenities, consistent with its forest service management:

• Tent-Only Campsites: Handcart Campground is designated as a "tent-only site," with 10 campsites available. This policy helps maintain a quieter atmosphere, as there are "no loud families parked next to you in their RV." This focus ensures a more traditional and peaceful camping environment.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: A key service feature is its availability on a "first-come, first-served basis only." No reservations are required or accepted. Visitors must physically arrive at the campground to claim and pay for a site, making it ideal for spontaneous trips but requiring early arrival during peak seasons.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides basic "vault toilets" (also referred to as "toilets" or "restrooms"). These are non-flush, primitive facilities, and campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available, typically via a "hand pump," but it is important to note that it is only "available during peak season only." During pre-season, extended season, or winter, water may not be available, requiring campers to bring their own supply.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Rings/Pits: Individual campsites include fire rings or pits, allowing for campfires. However, campers must always check for current fire restrictions or burn bans before lighting a fire, especially given Colorado's susceptibility to wildfires.
• Fee-Based Camping: There is a fee for overnight camping, typically around $24.00 per site, which includes up to two vehicles. An additional fee may apply for a third vehicle. Day use fees are also applicable for those not camping overnight. Payments are usually by cash, check, or money order, with "Scan and Pay" potentially available via the Recreation.gov mobile app (where cell service permits).
• Host Availability (Seasonal): During peak season, the campground may have a host available, offering a "full-service" experience. However, pre-season and extended season may have "reduced service such as water, trash, or a host may not be available."

Handcart Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Coloradans seeking an authentic outdoor experience:

• Rustic and Secluded Atmosphere: It's widely considered a "rustic campground" and a "gem away from the city." The remote feeling, despite being relatively accessible from major roads, is a significant draw for those looking to "unwind and soak in the scenery" and escape the hustle and bustle.
• Beautiful River Access: A key highlight is that "a river runs next to it with a beautiful color." This provides opportunities for fishing (with a valid license), enjoying the sounds of flowing water, or simply relaxing by the banks. The reddish tint of Hall Creek, which runs through the area, adds to its unique character.
• Spacious Campsites: Reviewers praise the size of the individual sites, with one noting, "our space number 6 is huge we enjoyed it very much." This ample spacing contributes to privacy and a more comfortable camping experience, even when the campground is full.
• Tent-Only Policy: The "tent-only" rule ensures a consistent camping experience without the noise and larger footprints often associated with RVs. This is a significant draw for campers who prefer a more traditional and quiet atmosphere.
• Year-Round Operation with Seasonal Services: Handcart Campground is open "year-round," which is a distinct advantage for those looking to experience Colorado's outdoors in different seasons, from snowy winter retreats to vibrant summer excursions. However, services like potable water are seasonal.
• Proximity to Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The campground is "close to trails leading to stunning spots like Gibson Lake." The Gibson Lake Trailhead is a little over 1 mile past nearby Hall Valley Campground on a 4x4 road. This 3-mile hike to Gibson Lake is considered moderate due to elevation gain, offering rewarding views and excellent trout fishing. The area also offers opportunities for horseback riding, off-road vehicles (on designated trails), and mountain biking.
• Dog-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Handcart Campground, provided they are kept on a leash at all times, making it a great option for Coloradans who want to bring their canine companions on their outdoor adventures.

For direct inquiries, current conditions, or specific questions about Handcart Campground, it is best to contact the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for this area:

Address: Handcart Campground is located within Pike National Forest, near Dillon, CO 80435, USA. (Note: The most direct administrative office is likely the South Platte Ranger District, which manages this part of Pike National Forest.)

Phone: (303) 275-5610 (This number is associated with the South Platte Ranger District, responsible for the Handcart Campground area within Pike National Forest.)

Mobile Phone: +1 303-275-5610 (Same as above, representing the direct line for the South Platte Ranger District)

As Handcart Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead is primarily for checking general conditions, fire restrictions, water availability, and road status, rather than making reservations. It is always wise to consult the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands official website for the most up-to-date alerts and information before planning your visit.

Handcart Campground is exceptionally suitable for locals in Colorado who cherish authentic, rustic, and uncrowded outdoor experiences. Its location within Pike National Forest, relatively close to the Denver metropolitan area, makes it an accessible escape for a weekend or longer, allowing Coloradans to quickly transition from urban life to wilderness immersion without extensive travel. The "15 minute dirt road" to access it, while a small hurdle, serves to filter out those seeking more developed amenities, preserving the campground's serene and less-populated atmosphere, which is a significant draw for many local outdoor enthusiasts.

For Coloradans who own tents and appreciate the simplicity of traditional camping, Handcart's "tent-only" policy is a major advantage. It ensures a consistent, quieter environment, free from the hum of RV generators or the vastness of large motorhomes. The spacious campsites provide ample room for enjoying the outdoors, fostering a sense of privacy and connection with nature that can be harder to find in more commercial campgrounds. Furthermore, the presence of a beautiful river flowing nearby adds a picturesque element and opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of flowing water, a quintessential Colorado experience.

Its first-come, first-served system appeals to spontaneous adventurers, while its year-round operation allows locals to experience Colorado's stunning landscape in all four seasons, from vibrant summer days to peaceful, snow-covered winter nights (with appropriate preparation for primitive services). The proximity to hiking trails, including the rewarding path to Gibson Lake, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity right from your campsite. Handcart Campground truly embodies the spirit of Colorado's rugged beauty and independent outdoor recreation, making it an ideal "hidden gem" for locals seeking a genuine escape into the mountains.

Handcart Campground

Dillon, CO 80435, USA