Selkirk Campground

Hello, Colorado outdoor enthusiasts! If you're yearning for a genuine high-country camping experience that truly gets you away from it all, but still offers a sense of rustic charm and essential amenities, then Selkirk Campground is a destination you absolutely need to know about. Tucked away within the stunning Pike-San Isabel National Forest, this campground provides a quintessential Colorado wilderness adventure, complete with breathtaking views, spacious sites, and the quiet solitude that makes mountain escapes so special. Located at an impressive elevation of 10,500 feet, Selkirk offers a refreshing break from the everyday, inviting you to reconnect with nature amidst the towering peaks and crisp mountain air.

Selkirk Campground is not your typical resort-style RV park; instead, it's a first-come, first-served site that caters to those who appreciate a more traditional, self-reliant camping experience. It’s perfect for tent campers, and smaller RVs or trailers (under 25 feet) looking for a basecamp from which to explore the iconic Boreas Pass and the surrounding Breckenridge area. While it encourages a "leave no trace" philosophy, it provides well-maintained facilities that ensure a comfortable stay. This is a place where the stars shine brighter, the air smells cleaner, and the call of the wild feels truly authentic.

Selkirk Campground is nestled in a prime mountain location at Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA, specifically situated eight miles north of Como, off County Road 50 and County Road 33, along the famed Boreas Pass. This historic pass, an old railroad grade, offers a scenic and adventurous route to the campground. However, it's crucial for Colorado locals to note the best way to access it, especially if driving a low-clearance vehicle.

Accessing Selkirk Campground via Boreas Pass is highly recommended from the South Park side (coming from Como or Fairplay, heading North). Reviewers consistently advise against taking the road from the Breckenridge side (Coronet Drive) with a low-clearance car, as it can be significantly rougher and more time-consuming. From the south, Boreas Pass is generally manageable even for sedans, though caution is always advised on dirt roads, especially after inclement weather. Follow signs for Selkirk Campground diligently, as mapping services might suggest alternative, less suitable routes. While the sign may indicate it's a few miles away, the drive often takes less than 10 minutes once you're on the correct turn-off. This remote yet accessible location means you're about an hour's drive from any major store, so planning and being fully stocked are essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip to this mountain gem.

Selkirk Campground focuses on providing essential services that enhance the rustic camping experience without over-developing the natural environment.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Selkirk operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, meaning visitors need to physically arrive at the campground to claim and pay for a site. This ensures spontaneity for those seeking last-minute adventures.
• 15 Campsites: The campground offers 15 individual campsites, providing a relatively intimate and less crowded setting compared to larger, more commercial campgrounds.
• Spacious Sites: Reviewers consistently note that the campsites are a good size, offering ample space for your setup and a degree of privacy, though some mention sites could be a little further apart.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site, allowing for campfires (when conditions permit) and outdoor cooking, adding to the classic camping ambiance. Be sure to check local fire restrictions.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, which are regularly cleaned and well-maintained by the campground host, ensuring a clean and functional restroom experience in a rustic setting.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that water is not available at this location. Campers must bring all their own drinking and cooking water.
• No Trash Services: There are no dumpsters or trash disposal services on-site. Campers are required to "pack it in, pack it out," meaning all trash must be carried out of the campground. This contributes to maintaining the pristine wilderness.
• Fee Payment (Cash/Check/Money Order): A fee of $22.00 per site per night is typically charged, payable by cash, check, or money order via a self-service fee tube. Day use fees are $11.00 if not camping overnight.
• Maximum Trailer Length: The campground can accommodate trailers with a maximum length of 25 feet.

Selkirk Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado.

• High-Altitude Wilderness Experience: At 10,500 feet elevation, Selkirk provides an authentic high-country camping experience with cooler temperatures and stunning alpine scenery, characteristic of the Colorado Rockies.
• Proximity to Boreas Pass: Situated directly off Boreas Pass, campers have immediate access to this historic scenic byway, perfect for leisurely drives, hiking, biking, and exploring old railroad artifacts and panoramic views.
• Spacious and Clean Campsites: Despite its rustic nature, the campsites are generously sized and generally well-kept. The commitment of the campground host to maintaining clean facilities, particularly the vault toilets, is a consistent highlight in visitor reviews.
• Gold Panning Opportunities: Selkirk Campground is noted as one of the few places in the forest where gold panning is permitted, offering a unique and exciting activity for those interested in prospecting.
• Natural Tranquility: The sound of the South Fork of the Tarryall River nearby contributes to a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and reflection.
• Excellent for Self-Sufficient Campers: For those who are prepared to bring their own water and manage their trash (pack in/pack out), the campground offers a rewarding and uncrowded experience away from more commercialized sites.
• Accessible for Sedans (with caution): While a dirt road, Boreas Pass from the south side is generally navigable by low-clearance vehicles, making this stunning mountain location accessible to a wider range of campers who might not have 4x4 vehicles.
• Scenic Drives: The drive to and from the campground via Boreas Pass is a highlight in itself, offering incredible mountain vistas, especially during fall when the aspens turn golden.

As Selkirk Campground is a first-come, first-served site without a direct booking office on-site, there isn't a specific phone number for direct campground reservations. However, for general information regarding the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, or conditions on Boreas Pass, you can typically contact the relevant Forest Service Ranger District. The South Park Ranger District is often the best point of contact for this area.

Address: Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA (located eight miles north of Como off CR 50 and CR 33 on Boreas Pass)

For general information about the Pike-San Isabel National Forests: Contact the South Park Ranger District. While not specific to Selkirk, they can provide overall forest conditions and regulations.

Phone: Please note that a specific public contact number for Selkirk Campground itself is not readily available. For Forest Service inquiries, please check the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands official website or search for the South Park Ranger District contact details online.

For Colorado locals, Selkirk Campground offers an ideal opportunity to embrace the authentic mountain lifestyle that defines our state. Its proximity to Breckenridge, yet its location on a less-traveled (by some means) part of Boreas Pass, means it provides a true escape without requiring an arduous journey. This is a place where you can quickly transition from the bustling energy of a mountain town to the serene quiet of an alpine forest.

The "first-come, first-served" nature of Selkirk is a double-edged sword that many experienced Colorado campers appreciate; it rewards spontaneity and allows for those last-minute decisions to head for the hills, avoiding the frustration of fully booked reservation systems. The large, well-maintained sites and clean vault toilets provide just enough comfort for a truly rustic experience without the need for extensive facilities. For those with a sedan, the practical advice on accessing the campground from the south side of Boreas Pass is invaluable, opening up this beautiful high-country spot to a wider range of vehicles than some other wilderness areas.

Furthermore, the "pack it in, pack it out" policy, along with the lack of potable water, fosters a strong sense of responsibility for the environment, which resonates deeply with many environmentally conscious Coloradans. This campground is perfect for locals looking to unplug, enjoy the crisp mountain air, stare at a blanket of stars, and maybe even try their hand at gold panning in the Tarryall River. It’s a genuine taste of Colorado wilderness, providing a peaceful and memorable retreat right in our own backyard.

Selkirk Campground

Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA