Highway Springs Campground

For Colorado locals seeking a genuine mountain escape that prioritizes natural beauty and a peaceful, unadorned camping experience, Highway Springs Campground near South Fork is an increasingly popular choice. Nestled within the breathtaking Rio Grande National Forest, this campground offers a back-to-basics approach to outdoor recreation, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the Colorado wilderness. If you're a Coloradan who appreciates stunning scenic views, excellent fishing opportunities, and a well-maintained, first-come, first-serve environment, understanding the unique attributes of Highway Springs Campground is essential for planning your next high-country adventure. This comprehensive guide aims to provide factual and engaging information for Colorado residents considering this remarkable and highly-rated local camping destination.

Highway Springs Campground has quickly become a favorite for many, lauded for its clean facilities and the good separation between campsites, which contributes to a more private and enjoyable stay. While it's noted as a "basic campground" with "no running water," its consistently clean restrooms and strategic location for outdoor enthusiasts more than make up for the lack of extensive amenities. The charm of Highway Springs lies in its simplicity and its direct connection to the natural world. Our objective is to furnish you with all the essential details about Highway Springs Campground, helping you determine if this serene local gem, with its stunning vistas and access to prime fishing, aligns with your ideal Colorado outdoor escape. It's an invitation to experience the rugged beauty of the Rio Grande National Forest firsthand.

Highway Springs Campground is located just outside of South Fork, CO 81154, USA. More precisely, it is situated 4.1 miles west of South Fork along US Highway 160. This position makes it conveniently accessible via a major highway, which is a significant advantage for Colorado locals traveling from various parts of the state. Despite its proximity to the highway, reviewers note that "the road noise goes way down after dark," allowing for peaceful evenings under the Colorado stars.

The campground is nestled within the expansive Rio Grande National Forest, offering a true mountain experience. It features two distinct loops, each with its own character. The "lower loop is comprised of Aspen and a few Ponderosa pines and includes all the tent sites," providing a classic forested setting. The "upper loop circles a knoll above US Highway 160 with shade provided by mature Ponderosa pines" and, crucially, "provides excellent views of the surrounding area and mountains." The campground's elevation is 8,360 feet, which means cool summer temperatures but also the possibility of early frost even in September, so campers should be prepared for varying weather conditions. Its location just above the South Fork of the Rio Grande River offers easy access to fishing opportunities in the valley below.

Accessibility to the campground itself is straightforward, with paved roads leading to the sites. However, as it is a first-come, first-serve campground, particularly during peak seasons, campers should be prepared with alternative plans in case all sites are occupied upon arrival. This first-come, first-serve nature means flexibility is key, but it also means that spontaneous adventurers can find a beautiful spot in a prime location. The blend of easy road access with a deeply natural setting makes Highway Springs a compelling choice for Colorado residents seeking a genuine mountain getaway.

Highway Springs Campground offers a selection of essential services designed for a rustic yet comfortable camping experience in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest. While it's considered a "basic campground," it provides key amenities that enhance a stay in the outdoors.

• Campsites: The campground features 13 campsites, including "3 pull-through" sites for easier RV access. These sites are described as having "good separation for each other," contributing to a sense of privacy. Each site includes a "very nice picnic" table and a fire ring for campfires (always check current fire restrictions).
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Each site is equipped with a "bear resistant box for food items and ice chests." This is a crucial safety feature in bear country, ensuring proper food storage and minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
• Restroom Facilities: There are "2 vault type toilets" available, which are noted as being "OK clean" and consistently "the cleanest in this little valley." This is a significant positive for a campground without running water, highlighting good maintenance.
• No Potable Water: It is explicitly stated that there is "no running water" and "No drinking water or firewood is provided." Campers must bring all their own potable water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• Dumpster for Registered Campers: A "dumpster that is for registered campers only" is provided, which helps maintain the cleanliness of the grounds.
• First-Come, First-Serve Basis: All sites are available on a "first come first serve" basis. This means no reservations are taken, so campers should plan to arrive early, especially during busy periods.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed but "must be on leash not longer than six feet in length," promoting responsible pet ownership.
• Intermittent Camp Host: A camp host may only be intermittently available, suggesting a more independent camping experience.

Highway Springs Campground boasts several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Colorado locals seeking an authentic and scenic outdoor retreat. These attributes contribute significantly to its allure and the positive experiences shared by visitors.

• Spectacular Views: The campground offers "specbachelor" views "out over the Valley" and from "a cliff and overlooks the river below." Sites like number 1 and number 12 are particularly praised for their fantastic vistas, providing a stunning backdrop to any camping trip.
• Excellent Separation Between Sites: Reviewers highlight that sites have "good separation for each other," which enhances privacy and creates a more secluded feel, even within a campground setting.
• Cleanliness of Facilities: Despite being a basic campground, the restrooms are consistently noted as being "OK clean" and "always the cleanest in this little valley." This dedication to cleanliness for essential facilities is a significant highlight.
• Prime Fishing Location: For anglers, this campground is a dream. "If you love to fish, this is the place to park your rig." It offers direct access to the "South Fork of the Rio Grande River," which provides ample fishing opportunities. "Many trails lead to the river."
• Bear-Resistant Amenities: The provision of "bear resistant box for food items and ice chests" at each site is a crucial and commendable feature, ensuring camper safety and responsible wildlife management.
• Peaceful Nights: While there might be some highway noise during the day, the fact that "the road noise goes way down after dark" ensures quiet and restful nights, allowing campers to fully appreciate the sounds of nature.
• First-Come, First-Serve Accessibility: For spontaneous adventurers, the first-come, first-serve policy can be a highlight, offering the possibility of securing a beautiful site without needing advance reservations, though this requires flexibility.
• Immersion in Rio Grande National Forest: The campground provides direct access to exploring the vast and diverse Rio Grande National Forest, known for its mountainous terrain, Ponderosa pines, and outdoor recreation opportunities like scenic drives and wildlife viewing.

For inquiries about current conditions, specific site details, or any other questions regarding Highway Springs Campground, it is best to contact the Rio Grande National Forest's Divide Ranger District office, which manages the campground. As a first-come, first-serve site, direct contact is crucial for up-to-date information, especially concerning fire restrictions, road conditions, and any potential closures.

Address: South Fork, CO 81154, USA (managed by Divide Ranger District)

Divide Ranger District Address: 13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Phone: (719) 852-5941 (General Forest Service Number for the area)

Mobile Phone: +1 719-852-5941 (Same number, likely for general inquiries)

It is highly recommended to call the provided phone number during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, excluding federal holidays) to confirm any information before your trip. Since there is no potable water on-site, confirming any alternative water sources or nearby options is essential. Always check for fire bans and other regulations before heading out, as these can change rapidly in forest environments.

Highway Springs Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Colorado locals, particularly those who appreciate a no-frills, authentic mountain camping experience coupled with stunning natural beauty. For residents of Colorado, a state renowned for its outdoor opportunities, this campground offers a straightforward yet deeply rewarding escape into the high country of the Rio Grande National Forest. Its first-come, first-serve nature appeals to the spontaneous adventurer, providing the chance to secure a well-separated, scenic campsite without the need for advance planning, though flexibility is advised during peak times.

The consistent praise for its cleanliness, especially the restrooms, addresses a common concern for campers at basic sites, ensuring a comfortable stay. The highlight of exceptional river access and prime fishing opportunities directly taps into a beloved Colorado pastime, making it an ideal spot for anglers to "park your rig." Furthermore, the "specbachelor" views and the peaceful nights, despite proximity to the highway, mean that locals can truly disconnect and soak in the majestic Colorado landscape. For Coloradans who value direct access to nature, quiet contemplation, and a well-maintained, rustic environment for their outdoor adventures, Highway Springs Campground is a fantastic and highly recommended choice for experiencing the true essence of their state's wilderness.

Highway Springs Campground

South Fork, CO 81154, USA