North St. Vrain

For Colorado locals seeking an authentic, less-developed camping experience nestled deep within the Front Range, North St. Vrain Campground offers a compelling escape. Located in the picturesque Allenspark area, this campground provides a truly rustic and peaceful setting, perfect for those who prioritize immersion in nature over extensive amenities. Unlike some larger, more amenity-rich sites, North St. Vrain embraces its natural surroundings, offering a chance to truly disconnect and appreciate the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains. It's an ideal spot for tent campers, and smaller RVs or trailers, looking for a quiet basecamp for hiking, fishing, and exploring the vast wilderness that defines our beloved state.

The charm of North St. Vrain lies in its simplicity and its incredible natural backdrop. Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of the nearby North St. Vrain Creek, surrounded by a dense forest of pines and aspens. This is the kind of place where wildlife sightings are common, and the air is crisp with the scent of pine. For Coloradans, who often seek out less crowded and more natural settings, North St. Vrain provides that cherished sense of solitude and connection to the landscape. It’s a place to rekindle your adventurous spirit, enjoy traditional campfire cooking, and soak in the awe-inspiring Colorado night sky.

North St. Vrain Campground is located in Allenspark, CO 80510, USA. This places it within the stunning Roosevelt National Forest, offering direct access to a network of trails and wilderness areas. While it offers a feeling of seclusion, its proximity to the charming mountain town of Allenspark makes it reasonably accessible for Colorado residents, especially from the greater Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins areas. The journey to North St. Vrain involves navigating mountain roads, so visitors should always be prepared for changing conditions, particularly during the shoulder seasons.

The campground is often accessed via the Middle Saint Vrain Road (National Forest System Road 114), a route that also leads to the Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead and potentially the Buchanan Pass Trailhead. It's important to note that while the campground itself accommodates various vehicle types, some of the surrounding roads leading to trailheads can be rough and may require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. As a more rustic site, the roads within the campground are unpaved, and some sites might have steeper hills or shorter pull-ins, making them better suited for tents or smaller campers and trailers. It’s always advisable to check road conditions and any specific alerts from the U.S. Forest Service before your trip.

The geographical advantage of North St. Vrain is its integration into a network of recreational opportunities. It’s not far from the access points to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering hikers and nature lovers a less-trafficked entry to some of the park's eastern trails and the surrounding Indian Peaks Wilderness. This strategic location provides a genuine wilderness experience while still being within a reasonable driving distance for a weekend escape from the Front Range urban centers.

• Campsites: Accommodates both tents and smaller RVs/trailers. There are approximately 17-29 sites available, often on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended during peak seasons.
• Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Campfire Rings with Grills: Provided at every site, allowing for campfires (when permitted by fire restrictions) and cooking over an open flame.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilet facilities are available throughout the campground for convenience.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are provided for access to drinking water. (Note: Some sources may indicate a hand pump or the need to boil stream water for specific nearby hike-in sites; for the main campground, potable water is typically available.)
• Trash Services: Dumpsters and designated areas for trash disposal are provided to help maintain the cleanliness of the campground and surrounding forest.
• Camp Host: A camp host may be on-site during peak season to assist visitors and manage the campground.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood may be available for purchase at the campground during peak season, making it convenient for campers.

• Rustic Camping Experience: Offers a truly natural, undeveloped feel, appealing to those seeking an escape from crowded, amenity-heavy campgrounds.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips (though arriving early is key, especially on weekends).
• Proximity to North St. Vrain Creek: Enjoy the soothing sounds of the creek and opportunities for stream fishing.
• Excellent Hiking Access: Situated near trailheads that lead into the Indian Peaks Wilderness and offer routes towards Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Abundant Shade: Sites are typically set among mature conifer trees, providing ample shade and a true forest ambiance.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Known for its peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Deer, elk, and various bird species are frequently spotted in the area.
• Beautiful Mountain Scenery: Surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains and the Roosevelt National Forest.
• Disconnected Environment: Limited to no cell service for most providers, encouraging a digital detox and a focus on the outdoor experience.

Address: Allenspark, CO 80510, USA

Phone: While a direct line to the North St. Vrain Campground itself is not typically provided, the campground falls under the management of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland. For inquiries, current conditions, or information regarding the campground, it is best to contact the Boulder Ranger District or the main forest service office. A general contact number for the Boulder Ranger District is often (303) 541-2500. This number can typically provide the most up-to-date information on fire restrictions, site availability (if applicable for first-come, first-served sites), and any alerts relevant to your visit. For specific site information or potential reservation details if any sites become reservable, checking the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests is always recommended.

For us Coloradans, North St. Vrain Campground represents the essence of a true mountain getaway. We often seek places that feel genuinely wild, yet are still within reach for a weekend escape, and this campground perfectly fits that niche. Its location near Allenspark offers a relatively easy drive from the bustling Front Range, allowing us to quickly trade cityscapes for towering pines and the fresh scent of the forest.

What truly makes North St. Vrain suitable for locals is its embrace of a simpler, more rustic camping style. In a world increasingly dominated by connectivity, the limited cell service here is a feature, not a drawback, inviting us to truly unplug and reconnect with nature and each other. The ample shade provided by the mature trees offers a cool retreat during Colorado's warm summer days, and the direct access to hiking trails and the St. Vrain Creek means adventure is always just steps away. Whether it's the thrill of fishing in a pristine mountain stream, the challenge of a rewarding hike into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, or simply the peace of a campfire under a sky full of stars, North St. Vrain offers exactly what many Colorado residents look for in an outdoor experience. It's a place where the mountains do the talking, and the memories forged are as timeless as the landscape itself.

North St. Vrain

Allenspark, CO 80510, USA