Sleeping Elephant Campground
4.4111 reviewsSleeping Elephant Campground
$16.50 - $16.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.50
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The cost for reserving a campsite is $16.50 as confirmed by user reviews.
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About this campground
Nestled beneath the watchful silhouette of Sleeping Elephant Mountain, this intimate 15-site campground invites you to experience the timeless beauty of Colorado's ponderosa pine forests. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While the facilities carry the charm of a well-loved retreat, the campground's rustic character only adds to its authentic mountain experience. Cast a line in nearby waters, explore winding forest trails, or simply cruise the scenic mountain roads that snake through this stunning landscape. Note that the campground's vintage design and mountain access roads are best suited for tents and smaller RVs rather than large recreational vehicles.
Sleeping Elephant Campground features primitive camping options suitable for tents. RVs are not recommended due to the campground's older design.
Historical SignificanceWhile Sleeping Elephant Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its significance lies in providing generations of outdoor enthusiasts with a gateway to Colorado's natural splendor. This humble campground continues the tradition of simple, authentic camping experiences that connect visitors directly with the mountain environment.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Sleeping Elephant into a warm mountain haven, with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures and restful nights under canvas. As autumn approaches and winter settles in, the campground takes on a different character—light snowfalls dust the ponderosa pines while crisp mountain air carries hints of woodsmoke from campfires. The area's moderate humidity levels and generally dry conditions make it comfortable for camping, though visitors during shoulder seasons should pack layers and be prepared for the occasional snow flurry that adds magic to the mountain landscape.
ElevationPerched at approximately 9,100 feet above sea level, Sleeping Elephant Campground offers the authentic high-country experience that Colorado is famous for. This elevation brings crisp, clean mountain air and noticeably cooler temperatures—a refreshing escape from summer heat in the valleys below. The altitude also means spectacular night skies and the possibility of waking to frost-kissed mornings even in late spring or early fall, adding an element of mountain adventure to every stay.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Cache la Poudre River and stepping out into a cathedral of towering ponderosa pines. This quiet riverside sanctuary offers some of Colorado's most peaceful camping, where the only sounds are wind through pine needles and the river's constant song. The campground's position provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks, while the open pine forest creates a park-like setting that's both sheltered and spacious. It's the kind of place where morning coffee tastes better on a picnic table as you watch the sunrise paint Sleeping Elephant Mountain in shades of gold and rose.
Geological RegionSet within the distinctive ponderosa pine ecosystem of Colorado's Front Range, Sleeping Elephant Campground occupies a unique geological position where mountain meets river. The open pine forest indicates well-drained, decomposed granite soils typical of this elevation, while proximity to the Cache la Poudre River adds the dynamic element of flowing water to the landscape. Sleeping Elephant Mountain itself stands as a testament to the region's volcanic past, its distinctive profile carved by millions of years of erosion and weathering into the slumbering giant that gives the campground its name.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some sites being small and having limited space for tents.
Sites PrivacySite privacy is mixed. Approximately one-third of the sites are in full sun and lack tree coverage for shade.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites farther from the road for increased shade and reduced exposure to road noise.
Best CampsitesSite 14 is described as "great and cozy."
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites vary size-wise, some may be limited to smaller tents.
Groups
No group camping options are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites vary in size and proximity to Highway 14. "Some of the campsites are closer to the road and had less trees around them for shade during the day."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen as of June 25, 2023, per user reviews.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a walk-up and first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable, this campground is first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sleeping Elephant Campground offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and scenic driving due to its proximity to Sleeping Elephant Mountain and the Cache la Poudre River. Wildlife viewing and river access are also notable attractions.
Hiking
Hiking is a popular activity. While there is no designated trailhead for Sleeping Elephant Mountain, some visitors have bushwhacked and followed elk trails to reach the summit, which stands at approximately 9,100 feet.Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Cache la Poudre River, although access to the river requires crossing the highway.Wildlife viewing
Campers may encounter bears and other wildlife in the area. Bear lockers are provided at each site for safety.Winter Activities
Winter activities like snowshoeing or ice fishing are not mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires require bundles of wood purchased from nearby campgrounds ($9 per bundle).
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear activity noted. "Be very careful with your small pets as bears like to stroll through from time to time."
Active alertsThe campground was closed due to the 2020 fire but has reopened as of June 2023.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Fort Collins, approximately 53 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific dates listed, though summer reviews indicate increased activity.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe Cache la Poudre River is nearby but across the highway. User reviews suggest driving to day-use areas for better river access.
Common complaints"About a third of the sites are in full sun. All sites are small." The campground's proximity to the road is mentioned as a downside.
HostNo information on campground hosts available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 43 miles to the campground.
The campground is adjacent to Highway 14 and accessible via paved roads. However, it is noted that the facility is older and will not accommodate larger RVs.Nearby places
Fort Collins (approx. 53 miles, 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including firewood ($9 per bundle), can be purchased at another nearby campground. The area also features mom-and-pop stores for other camping essentials according to user reviews.
Camper Reviews
4.4
11 reviews
Sleeping Elephant Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has received generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.18 for camping-specific experiences. It is described as a quiet and scenic spot with clean facilities, but smaller sites and lack of running water are notable drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, bear lockers at every site, and the scenic beauty of the area, particularly the view of Sleeping Elephant Mountain.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus on the small size of some sites, lack of potable water, and the need to cross the highway to access the Cache la Poudre River. Some sites lack shade and are in full sun.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing enough potable water and being prepared for full-sun exposure at some sites. Firewood must be purchased at another location, so plan accordingly.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during the summer months. However, visitors should be cautious of high river currents in summer and icy conditions in winter.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The vault toilets were very clean and the campsites were nice and clean too.' - Taylor Springs. 2. 'Campsite 14 is great and cozy. Clean vault toilets but no running water at the spicket.' -...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 14 is noted as being cozy and well-liked. However, some sites are described as small, with limited space for large tents.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews about accessibility features are available.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but visitors are advised to keep small pets safe due to bear activity in the area.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025