Sugarloaf Campground
4.106 reviewsSugarloaf Campground
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$17.00
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
$17 per day for camping.
About this campground
Tucked away in the secluded Williams Fork Valley, Sugarloaf Campground offers adventurers a chance to experience Colorado's raw wilderness at its finest. This intimate, first-come, first-served retreat features 11 non-electric sites where the modern world fades away, replaced by the whisper of mountain winds and the crackle of campfires. Whether you arrive with a tent, trailer, or RV, each thoughtfully designed site welcomes you with its own tent pad, fire grate, and picnic table—everything you need for an authentic backcountry experience without venturing too far from civilization.
Sugarloaf Campground offers first-come, first-served camping suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs. Sites are non-electric and designed to provide a more primitive camping experience.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsAt Sugarloaf, nature sets the rhythm of your days. Summer brings crisp mountain mornings that give way to comfortable afternoons in the 60s and 70s, perfect for hiking and exploring. As darkness falls, temperatures drop dramatically, reminding you that you're nearly 9,000 feet closer to the stars. The dry mountain air keeps humidity at bay, while clouds dance across the peaks in ever-changing patterns. During shoulder seasons, surprise snowfalls can dust the landscape white, transforming the campground into a winter wonderland overnight.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,970 feet above sea level, Sugarloaf Campground sits in Colorado's thin air country. This lofty elevation means you'll wake up closer to the clouds, but it also requires some adjustment. Take it easy your first day as your body acclimates to the altitude—drink plenty of water, move slowly, and let the mountain pace become your own.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Sugarloaf tells a story of resilience and renewal. Once shaded by a thick canopy of lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir, the campground now basks in full mountain sunshine following the mountain pine beetle epidemic and subsequent hazard tree removal. While the open sky means less shade during the day, it offers unobstructed views of the star-filled heavens at night. The surrounding steep, wooded mountainsides create a natural amphitheater of tranquility, while the gentle murmur of nearby Williams Fork Creek provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain escape.
Geological RegionSugarloaf Campground claims its place in the heart of the Williams Fork Valley, a hidden gem within the vast Arapaho National Forest. This dramatic landscape of steep, forested mountainsides was carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by Williams Fork Creek, which continues its patient work nearby. The rugged terrain speaks to millions of years of geological forces, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking to connect with Colorado's untamed mountain wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features a wheelchair-friendly trail connecting Sugarloaf Campground to the South Fork Campground. Additionally, the Williams Fork Boardwalk Trail is also wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeThe campsites are spacious with large parking aprons made of rock and dirt. They can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 23 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide good privacy, surrounded by a wooded environment including Lodgepole pines, spruce, and fir trees. However, reports indicate that the lack of shade due to beetle kill and hazard tree removal affects the area's environment.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Amaximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutA single oval-shaped loop layout with large, spacious sites offering privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 1 through October 14. Potable water is available May 27 through September 30.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform needed; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Walk-up availability applies year-round during the open season.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. These activities encourage visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Arapaho National Forest and nearby wilderness areas.
Hiking
Multiple hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including the wheelchair-friendly Williams Fork Boardwalk Trail (0.5 miles) and the South Fork Trail #21 (21 miles, a loop for foot and horse). Darling Creek Trail #18 (7 miles) is another option for hikers and equestrians. A South Fork/Sugar Loaf connector trail (0.5 miles) allows for access to both campgrounds and is wheelchair-friendly.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the area, with Brook trout being a popular catch. Williams Fork Creek runs adjacent to the campground adding to the fishing opportunities.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the South Fork/Sugar Loaf connector trail, which spans 0.5 miles and connects the two campgrounds.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as a popular activity, with opportunities to observe various species within the Arapaho National Forest.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned for the campground, but the site is open seasonally from June 1 to October 14.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire grates. This is subject to local fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and campers are required to practice safe food storage techniques.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesTypically open between June 1 and October 14, with potable water from May 27 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available at this site, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Williams Fork Creek. Water-based activities are not explicitly mentioned.
Common complaintsSome reviews note the lack of shade due to beetle kill, and one review mentions the area’s recovery from a recent fire.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Hot Sulphur Springs, CO, take US Rt. 40 west 4.1 miles to Williams Fork Reservoir sign. Turn left at sign onto County Rt. 3 and go 18.2 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left onto County Rt. 30 and go 5.5 miles to another "Y" intersection. Bear right, passing through a Henderson Mill Industrial Area tunnel, to a "T" intersection. Turn left and go 0.2 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.6 miles into the campground. NOTE: County Rt. 3 becomes a gravel and dirt road after 4.5 miles.
The campground is accessible via County Route 3, which becomes a gravel and dirt road after 4.5 miles. Some user reviews mention "hard roads" leading to the campground, but also describe it as "well-maintained."Nearby places
Hot Sulphur Springs (25 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Potable water is available at the South Fork Campground, which is half a mile away. For other supplies, the closest source is likely Hot Sulphur Springs, 25 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
6 reviews
Sugarloaf Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Sugarloaf Campground are mixed, highlighting its remote and tranquil setting but also noting issues such as the lack of shade due to beetle-kill tree removal. Some visitors praise the campground's primitive nature and proximity to natural activities, while others comment on the area's changed landscape due to environmental factors.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes the campground's remote location, spacious sites, and proximity to natural attractions like hiking trails and Williams Fork Creek. One user mentioned enjoying the sight...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
A recurring complaint is the lack of shade due to the removal of hazard trees affected by the mountain pine beetle. Additionally, some users noted the environmental impact of recent fires in the area.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest practicing proper food storage techniques due to the presence of bears. Another tip is to collect drinking water at the South Fork Campground, which is located half a mile away.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer months are ideal, with activities like fishing and hiking being popular. The lack of potable water and shade may be more challenging during hotter periods.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'This place is wonderful. It’s remote, private, fairly primitive compared to most campgrounds (which I love).' - Calli Humitz (2021)
- 'Creek right next to it, you can hear the nature in the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site information was not included in the user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some reviewers appreciated the presence of wheelchair-friendly trails, highlighting the campground's efforts in accessibility.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed at the campground but must be kept on a hand-held leash as per the rules.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025