Spruce Grove Campground

For those of us who call Colorado home, the allure of the mountains is undeniable. From serene creekside settings to challenging trails leading into vast wilderness, our state offers a diverse tapestry of outdoor experiences. Nestled within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, just north of Lake George, lies Spruce Grove Campground. This picturesque camping spot provides an authentic high-country experience, offering stunning natural beauty, direct access to incredible hiking, and a peaceful escape into the heart of the Tarryall Mountains.

Spruce Grove Campground is truly a gem for those who appreciate rugged beauty. As one visitor eloquently put it, it's "Simply one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever visited." The centerpiece is a "wonderful creek flowing through the middle of it," Tarryall Creek, providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Surrounded by "beautiful hills to hike," mature spruce and aspen trees, and striking rock outcroppings, the campground offers a classic Colorado mountain setting at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet.

While some reviews mention challenges with bathroom cleanliness and host availability at times, the overwhelming sentiment highlights the campground's incredible natural environment and its prime location for outdoor recreation. It's a place where the scenery often outweighs minor inconveniences, drawing campers back time and again. For Colorado locals, Spruce Grove Campground represents an opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the wilderness, providing a convenient basecamp for exploring the remarkable Lost Creek Wilderness Area and enjoying the tranquil beauty of Park County.

Spruce Grove Campground is located on Co Rd 77 (Tarryall Road) near Lake George, CO 80827, USA. This places it approximately 11-15 miles north of the small town of Lake George, within the South Park Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. Its location on Tarryall Road means it's nestled in the Tarryall Mountains, offering scenic drives and access to a relatively less-traveled part of Colorado's mountain landscape.

Accessibility to Spruce Grove Campground is primarily by vehicle via County Road 77. From areas west of Lake George (e.g., Fairplay), drivers would head east on Highway 24 and turn left onto CR 77 just before Lake George. From areas east of Lake George (e.g., Colorado Springs, Woodland Park), drivers would head west on Highway 24 through Lake George and turn right onto CR 77. The campground is then about 11-15 miles north on CR 77, located on the right. While CR 77 is generally a well-maintained county road, the campground's internal loop roads are unpaved and can be "in crappy shape full of potholes" as per some older reviews, so caution is advised, especially for larger RVs.

Due to its elevation of 8,600 feet, Spruce Grove Campground is typically open seasonally, from mid-May (depending on snow conditions) through mid-October. It's advisable to check the U.S. Forest Service or Recreation.gov website for the most current opening and closing dates and road conditions. While it is accessible by RVs and trailers, the maximum recommended length for RVs is 35 feet due to some tighter spots and potential overhanging trees within the campground loops. Overall, its mountain location provides a straightforward drive for most Colorado residents seeking a genuine forest camping experience.

Spruce Grove Campground offers fundamental services to support a rustic yet enjoyable camping experience within a national forest setting:

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 27 individual campsites, including some walk-in tent-only sites and others suitable for RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length. Each site comes with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill grate.
• Vault Toilets: Accessible vault toilets are provided for sanitation. However, it's important to note recent visitor feedback concerning the cleanliness of these facilities, with some reviews describing them as "very bad" or "disgusting" at times, indicating potential inconsistencies in maintenance.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is typically available from a hand pump. Campers should be aware that water spigots and the water system may not always be functioning, especially early or late in the season, or if maintenance issues arise. Bringing extra water is always a good practice.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection is usually available via dumpsters on site, encouraging campers to dispose of their waste properly.
• Camp Host: The campground is typically managed by a camp host, who can assist campers and provide local information. However, recent reviews suggest that host presence can be inconsistent, impacting services like firewood availability and facility cleanliness.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that Spruce Grove Campground does not offer any electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual campsites, providing a more traditional, primitive camping experience.
• Firewood: While the website states firewood may be available for sale from the host, recent reviews indicate inconsistent availability. Campers should plan to bring their own firewood or be prepared to gather dead and downed wood if permitted by current fire restrictions.

Spruce Grove Campground is celebrated for several unique features and highlights that draw campers seeking a genuine Colorado outdoor adventure:

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Repeatedly praised as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds," its setting along Tarryall Creek, surrounded by picturesque hills, rock outcroppings, and mature spruce and aspen trees, is its prime highlight.
• Tarryall Creek Flowing Through: The presence of Tarryall Creek directly within the campground provides a tranquil ambiance, opportunities for creek-side relaxation, and fishing for rainbow and brown trout.
• Gateway to Lost Creek Wilderness: The campground offers excellent direct access to the vast 119,790-acre Lost Creek Wilderness Area, known for its unique granite domes, rare arches, and extensive network of trails like the Lizard Rock Trail and the multi-day Brookside-McCurdy Trail.
• Hiking and Horseback Riding: It serves as a fantastic basecamp for hikers and horseback riders looking to explore the challenging and scenic trails of the surrounding national forest and wilderness.
• High Elevation Experience: Located at 8,600 feet, campers can enjoy cooler temperatures during the summer months and experience a true high-mountain environment.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to spot various species common to the Colorado mountains.
• Secluded Feel: Despite being a developed campground, its setting and the nature of the Tarryall area often provide a more peaceful and less crowded experience compared to some other popular Colorado campgrounds.
• Rock Formations: The presence of unique "good looking boulders" and interesting "rock formations that some say look like a lizard" along nearby trails adds an engaging geological element to the landscape.
• South Park GeoTour Base: Spruce Grove is an excellent base for enjoying Colorado's South Park GeoTour, a fun way to explore the region through geocaching.

For reservations or further inquiries about Spruce Grove Campground, please use the following contact information. Note that reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

Address: Co Rd 77, Lake George, CO 80827, USA

Phone: (719) 836-2031 (South Park Ranger District, Pike-San Isabel National Forests)

Mobile Phone: +1 719-836-2031

Reservations for Spruce Grove Campground can be made through Recreation.gov. You can call their toll-free number at 1-877-444-6777 or visit the Recreation.gov website to check availability and book your site. Reservations can typically be made up to 180 days in advance. It's always advisable to check the Recreation.gov page or contact the South Park Ranger District directly for the latest information on campground status, current fire restrictions, and any changes in services or amenities (like water availability or host presence), as these can vary seasonally and based on conditions.

Spruce Grove Campground is an ideal destination for locals across Colorado, particularly those seeking an authentic, rugged mountain camping experience without venturing too far off a maintained road. For residents of the Front Range cities, its location a reasonable drive west of Colorado Springs offers a convenient escape into the heart of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests.

Its breathtaking natural beauty, with Tarryall Creek winding through the camp and direct access to the expansive Lost Creek Wilderness, makes it a haven for hikers, anglers, and anyone eager to immerse themselves in Colorado's stunning high-country environment. While it's important to be prepared for potentially inconsistent facilities, the core appeal of Spruce Grove lies in its pristine setting and the sheer abundance of outdoor activities at your fingertips. It truly offers a quintessential Colorado camping experience, inviting locals to disconnect, explore, and find peace amidst some of the state's most captivating landscapes.

Spruce Grove Campground

Co Rd 77, Lake George, CO 80827, USA