Peaceful Valley Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Colorado locals seeking a refreshing and accessible retreat into the Rocky Mountains, Peaceful Valley Campground stands as a highly favored destination. Located along Middle Saint Vrain Creek, approximately 6.5 miles north of Ward, Colorado, and within the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland, this campground offers a quintessential Colorado camping experience. At an elevation of 8,500 feet, Peaceful Valley is nestled in a beautiful glacial valley, surrounded by a serene mix of aspen, pine, and spruce trees. It's renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, the soothing sounds of the creek, and its well-maintained facilities. As one reviewer aptly put it, "Beautiful campground with a stream running through it." Visitors consistently praise the "clean toilets and friendly, helpful hosts," who play a significant role in making stays enjoyable. While it can be a bustling spot, especially on weekends and holidays, its popularity is a testament to its charm and the quality of the experience it offers. Peaceful Valley Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, providing a range of site options to suit different preferences. Its strategic location also makes it an excellent base for exploring some of Colorado's most iconic natural attractions. This article will guide Colorado residents through the details of Peaceful Valley Campground, covering its precise location, the essential services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and why it is an ideal choice for your next mountain getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Peaceful Valley Campground is conveniently located on Middle Saint Vrain Creek, near Boulder, CO 80301, USA. More specifically, it is approximately 6.5 miles north of Ward, Colorado, directly accessible via Colorado Highway 72. From Denver, Colorado locals can reach the campground by taking Interstate 25 North to U.S. Highway 36 West through Boulder to Lyons. From Lyons, take Highway 7 for approximately 12 miles, then turn onto Colorado Highway 72 and continue south for about four miles. Look for signs directing to Peaceful Valley and Camp Dick Campgrounds. Then, turn west onto Middle Saint Vrain Road (County Road 92 and National Forest System Road 114) and proceed approximately 1/4 mile to the campground. The campground itself is situated at an elevation of 8,500 feet, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat of lower elevations. The roads within the campground are paved, which contributes to ease of access for both tents and RVs. Its location in a "wooded creek valley surrounded by aspen, pine and spruce trees" offers a truly immersive natural setting, yet it remains relatively accessible from major Colorado population centers. This balance of natural beauty and convenient access makes it a prime spot for weekend trips or longer vacations for residents across the Front Range and beyond. Due to its popularity, especially on "weekends and most week days," planning and reservations (where applicable) are highly recommended to secure a spot.

Services Offered

Peaceful Valley Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a solid range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, without sacrificing its natural charm. While it doesn't offer the full array of amenities found at private RV parks, its provisions cater well to both tent and RV campers (without hookups).

• Campsites: The campground features 17 individual campsites. Sites 1-7 and 9 are reservable through Recreation.gov, while sites 8 and 10-17 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites 10-14 are designated for tents only, while sites 15 & 16 accommodate both tents or RVs. Site 17 is an oversized "double site/double fee" site suitable for tents or RVs, accommodating up to 12-15 people.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill, allowing for outdoor cooking and enjoyable campfires (subject to fire restrictions).
• Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump, ensuring access to drinking water on-site.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground. Reviews frequently praise the "clean toilets."
• Bear Lockers: All campsites with a tent pad include a bear locker (food storage box) to safely store food and scented items, protecting both campers and local wildlife.
• Trash Dumpsters: Trash dumpsters are provided for convenient waste disposal, helping campers keep their sites clean and minimize human-wildlife conflict.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically on-site, providing assistance, maintaining facilities, and offering local knowledge. Their presence is frequently praised by visitors, with one reviewer noting, "Our camp host; preach, was amazing. So kind, funny, super helpful and just an overall great guy/host. He definitely made our stay more enjoyable."
• Firewood for Sale: Campgrounds with hosts often offer firewood for sale, or campers can gather dead and downed wood from the surrounding national forest.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted but must be kept on a hand-held leash at all times.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that while RVs and trailers are accommodated, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at any of the sites. RVs and trailers must fit on the designated parking spur (ranging from 25 to 40 feet in length).

Features / Highlights

Peaceful Valley Campground stands out for several key features and highlights that enhance the Colorado camping experience:

• Riverside Location: A major highlight is its proximity to and location along the Middle Saint Vrain Creek. "Beautiful campground with a stream running through it," and "Site #1 is my favorite, it is close to the water," are common sentiments, providing soothing sounds and potential for fishing.
• Excellent Camp Hosts: The presence of "friendly, helpful hosts" like "Preach" is consistently praised. These dedicated individuals contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall enjoyment of the campground.
• Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Located just 24 miles south of Rocky Mountain National Park's main entrance in Estes Park, Peaceful Valley serves as an ideal base for exploring one of Colorado's most iconic natural treasures, offering "great hiking and site seeing."
• Variety of Recreation: Beyond the campground, the surrounding national forest offers abundant recreational opportunities. The Middle Saint Vrain Creek is a good fly-fishing stream for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Nearby trails like Sourdough and Buchanan Pass are popular for hiking and biking, with mountain biking allowed on the first five miles of Buchanan Pass Trail. Bunce School Roads are popular among off-road enthusiasts (four-wheelers, ATVs, and motorcycles).
• Scenic Beauty and Wildlife: Situated in a wooded creek valley with a mix of aspen, pine, and spruce trees, the campground offers picturesque scenery. Wildlife sightings, including beaver and moose, are common in the vicinity, adding to the natural allure.
• Mix of Reservable and First-Come, First-Served Sites: The dual system for securing sites offers flexibility. While some sites can be booked in advance via Recreation.gov, others allow for last-minute "lucky" finds, as one camper experienced during a busy holiday weekend.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent feedback highlights the cleanliness of the facilities, including "clean toilets," and the overall upkeep of the campground, which is a testament to the efforts of the Forest Service and camp hosts.
• Bear Safety Measures: The provision of bear lockers at all tent sites is a crucial safety feature in this wildlife-rich area, promoting responsible food storage.

Contact Information

Address: Middle Saint Vrain Creek, Boulder, CO 80301, USA

Phone: (303) 541-2500

Mobile Phone: +1 303-541-2500

Peaceful Valley Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland. For Colorado locals planning a visit, it's essential to use the correct channels for information and reservations. The phone numbers provided are for the Boulder Ranger District, which oversees the campground. While these numbers are for inquiries, reservations are primarily handled online.

• For Campground Inquiries (Boulder Ranger District):
  • Phone: (303) 541-2500 or +1 303-541-2500. This number can provide information on current conditions, fire restrictions, and general park rules.
• For Reservations:
  • Website: Reservations for sites 1-7 and 9 can be made online via Recreation.gov. Search for "Peaceful Valley Campground" on their platform. Reservations can typically be made up to 180 days in advance of your arrival, with a minimum of four days prior to your arrival date.
  • Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov call center).
• Official Forest Service Information:
  • Website: For comprehensive details on Peaceful Valley Campground, including maps, alerts, and more extensive information on surrounding recreational opportunities, visit the official Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland website on the USDA Forest Service site. Search for "Peaceful Valley Campground."
• Campground Host: While you can't contact the host directly to make a reservation, they are your best on-site resource for local information, purchasing firewood, and assistance during your stay. Their presence is generally seasonal.

Given the popularity of Peaceful Valley, especially during peak seasons and weekends, Colorado locals are strongly advised to check availability and make reservations well in advance through Recreation.gov to secure their preferred campsite.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Peaceful Valley Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for Colorado locals seeking a quintessential mountain camping experience. Its prime location in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, nestled along the Middle Saint Vrain Creek, offers convenient access for residents of Denver, Boulder, and surrounding Front Range communities, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without extensive travel. The campground's natural beauty, with its "stream running through it" and a serene forest of aspen and conifer trees, provides a truly refreshing escape. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the proximity to various hiking, biking, and OHV trails, as well as excellent fly-fishing opportunities in the creek, ensures there's always something to do. The consistent praise for the "amazing" and "helpful hosts" highlights the welcoming and well-managed environment, contributing significantly to a positive experience. The campground's balance of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, along with basic but clean amenities like potable water, vault toilets, and bear lockers, caters to both planners and those seeking a spontaneous adventure. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing an RV (dry camping only), Peaceful Valley offers a chance to disconnect, enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, and immerse yourself in the stunning Colorado outdoors. Its close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park further enhances its appeal, allowing locals to easily explore one of the state's most iconic natural treasures. For a "clean and peaceful" retreat that delivers on the promise of an authentic Rocky Mountain camping experience, Peaceful Valley Campground remains a top choice for Colorado residents.

Peaceful Valley Campground

Middle Saint Vrain Creek, Boulder, CO 80301, USA