Castlewood Canyon State Park
00 review2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, Colorado, 80116, United States
Castlewood Canyon State Park
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
All vehicles entering the park must pay $10 for a daily Colorado State Parks pass unless they already have a valid annual or other pass.
About this campground
Castlewood Canyon State Park beckons adventurers seeking dramatic landscapes and outdoor exploration without the overnight commitment. This spectacular day-use park offers everything from challenging hikes to peaceful picnics, making it an ideal escape for those looking to immerse themselves in Colorado's natural beauty during daylight hours.
Castlewood Canyon State Park is exclusively a day-use park with no overnight camping options. It offers group picnic areas and a conference room for events.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the haunting remnants of the Castlewood Dam, a testament to early 20th-century engineering that met its dramatic end in 1933. The carefully preserved Lucas Homestead offers a glimpse into pioneer life, where settlers once carved out their existence in this rugged landscape, their stories still echoing through the canyon walls.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps visitors on their toes at Castlewood Canyon, where mountain weather can transform from sunshine to storm in minutes. Winter brings crisp, cold days perfect for brisk hikes through frost-kissed landscapes, while summer bathes the canyon in warm golden light, creating ideal conditions for exploring the park's many trails and hidden corners.
ElevationPerched between 6,175 and 6,620 feet above sea level, the park's varied elevation creates a dynamic landscape of climbing trails and sweeping vistas. This vertical diversity rewards hikers with ever-changing perspectives and helps create the unique microclimates that support the canyon's rich biodiversity.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere prairie meets mountain, Castlewood Canyon creates a stunning tapestry of ecosystems teeming with life. Mule deer graze in meadows while red foxes dart through the underbrush, and over 100 bird species fill the air with their songs. Hidden waterfalls cascade over ancient rock formations, Cherry Creek winds through the canyon floor, and dramatic geological features tell the story of millions of years etched in stone.
Geological RegionCastlewood Canyon sits at nature's crossroads, where the rolling prairies surrender to the rising foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This unique convergence creates a biological hotspot where grassland species mingle with mountain dwellers, resulting in an extraordinarily diverse array of wildlife and plant communities that change with every bend in the trail.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park provides some accessible facilities, but detailed information about the extent of accessibility is not provided.
Sites SizeNo campsites are available as the park is day-use only.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is not applicable as camping is not permitted.
Total Campsites0 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Park entrance is available for day use.
Check-out
Day-use only.
Stay Limit
- Day-use only
- no camping allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size varies by site type.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPicnic areas are divided into Canyon Point and Visitor Center loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but no camping available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntrance into the park is not guaranteed when the park has reached capacity.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 14 days from the booking date if made outside the 6-month reservation window.
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include hiking, bird watching, bouldering, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and photography. The park also features historical sites, waterfalls, and group event facilities.
Hiking
The park has numerous hiking trails, but some trails may be affected by bridge washouts as reported in user reviews.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to diverse wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, pronghorns, and over 100 bird species. Visitors are advised to observe wildlife from a safe distance.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs such as the Haunted Trail event are occasionally offered.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No campfires; day-use facility only.
- Quiet hours are No mention of quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes and other reptiles are present. Occasional sightings of black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.
Active alertsBridges were washed out as of June 2023, limiting trail usability.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.9 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
Ranger Station contact number: 3036885242.
Good to know
Peak season datesHoliday weekends are busier; specific peak dates are not listed.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided, and groups are responsible for cleanup after events.
Proximity to water featuresCreek and waterfall present.
Common complaintsUser reviews criticized lack of communication about park conditions, such as bridge outages.
Host.
Campground Map
2989 S. Highway 83, Franktown, Colorado, 80116, United States
Driving directionsMain Entrance: Take I-25 to Castle Rock and exit onto Founders Parkway (Exit 184), eastbound. Take Founders Parkway to Highway 86. Go east on Highway 86 approximately four miles to Franktown. At the traffic light in Franktown, turn right (south) on Highway 83 (S Parker Rd.). Go five miles south and the Park's main entrance is on the right. West Entrance: From State Highway 86, approximately half a mile west of Highway 83 in Franktown, turn south on Castlewood Canyon Road (County Road 51). The Park entrance is straight ahead.
Accessible from paved roads; no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
Nearest towns for supplies are Castle Rock and Parker.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Castlewood Canyon State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews praise the park for its natural beauty, wildlife, and variety of trails. Some visitors expressed concerns about communication, particularly regarding entrance fees and trail conditions.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the park's "gorgeous" scenery and "interesting historical sites." It is noted as a "great place to bring kids and dogs" for a day of hiking.
Common Concerns
A recurring complaint is the lack of communication about park conditions such as bridge washouts and entrance fees. Some trails were reported as inaccessible due to storm damage.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend checking trail conditions in advance. Bringing a single vehicle is suggested to save on entrance fees.
Seasonal Insights
Summer weekends tend to be busy, while fall offers seasonal events such as the Haunted Trail. Visitors recommend early arrival to avoid crowds on weekends.
Camper Quotes
"The area is gorgeous!" - Erin Casey. "Another amazing visit to Castlewood Canyon." - Erin Chen. "Hidden secret off of Hwy 83. Lot of site to see, large pavilions (need reservations) with large...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The group picnic areas at Canyon Point are noted for their spaciousness and amenities. Visitors highlight the large pavilions and grills.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on most trails but must be leashed. They are not permitted in the East Canyon Preservation Area.
Last updated August 10, 2025