Davenport Campground
4.4531 reviewsSAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO 81212, USA
Davenport Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Tent-only sites are available for $25.00 per night during both reservable and first-come, first-serve seasons. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental fees.
About this campground
Step back in time at Davenport Campground, where the romance of 1920s outdoor adventure lives on through thoughtfully reconstructed Adirondack shelters and vintage-inspired design. Tucked away in the secluded embrace of Colorado's Wet Mountains, this intimate campground offers a rare escape from the modern world. Here, where mountain trails beckon and pristine waters teem with trout, you'll discover the same unspoiled wilderness that captivated early Forest Service pioneers nearly a century ago.
Davenport Campground is exclusively for tent camping. It offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Walk-in access is required for all sites.
Historical SignificanceAs one of the Forest Service's pioneering campgrounds, Davenport holds a special place in American outdoor heritage. Meticulously rebuilt in 2010 to honor its original 1920s architectural spirit, the campground stands as a living monument to early conservation efforts. Just nearby lies a poignant reminder of nature's power—the site of the former Squirrel Creek Campground, claimed by devastating floods in 1947, adding layers of historical depth to your mountain adventure.
Weather and SeasonsMountain mornings greet campers with crisp, invigorating air that gives way to pleasantly warm afternoons throughout the summer season. As autumn approaches, trails may glisten with morning dew and occasional mud, creating a dynamic landscape that shifts with the seasons. Winter transforms this high-altitude haven into a snow-dusted wonderland, where freezing temperatures and pristine snowfall create opportunities for those seeking solitude in nature's quieter months.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,500 feet above sea level, Davenport Campground offers a true high-altitude experience. The thin mountain air adds an element of adventure to every activity, from setting up camp to exploring nearby trails. Visitors ascending from lower elevations should plan for a gradual adjustment period, allowing their bodies to adapt to this lofty mountain realm where the sky feels closer and the stars shine brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in a sun-dappled meadow where wildflowers dance in the mountain breeze and towering spruce and aspen trees create a natural cathedral overhead. At 8,500 feet, Davenport Campground rests in this pristine alpine setting, where the melodic waters of Squirrel Creek provide a constant, soothing soundtrack. The interplay of open meadow and forest creates ever-changing patterns of light and shadow, offering photographers and nature lovers endless moments of beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscape of southern Colorado's Wet Mountains, Davenport Campground showcases the region's remarkable ecological diversity. This lesser-known range offers a more intimate mountain experience than its famous neighbors, with verdant meadows giving way to dense forests of quaking aspen and ancient spruce. Squirrel Creek, carving its way through this geological wonderland, tells the story of millennia of mountain building and erosion, creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome accessibility features are available, including accessible vault toilets and tent pads. However, multiple user reviews highlight shortcomings such as steep paths, narrow dirt trails, and issues with wheelchair access. For example, "Site 3—listed as accessible—had waist-high grass on the dirt path and an inaccessible picnic table" (Laura M).
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with smaller ones identified as 3, 4, 5, and 6. Larger spaces are available but were not explicitly numbered.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited; many user reviews mention that campsites are closely spaced. "The campsites are very, very close to each other" (Jennifer S).
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, avoid sites 6 and 3. Families or groups may prefer sites 1, 2, and 3 due to proximity.
Best CampsitesSites with log shelters: 2, 5, and 9; Sites near the creek: 4, 8, and 9.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
14:00
Check-out
12:00
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 10 people per site (including children).
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are grouped in clusters of 3, with some offering significant privacy and others being closely spaced.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to September 20 (reservable season); September 21 to September 27 (first-come, first-serve season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFive sites are first-come, first-serve while seven sites are reservable. Walk-up availability may be limited during peak season due to demand.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before the reservation start date incur a $10.00 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee and incur an additional $10 service fee. No-shows have a penalty of $20.00 plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Davenport Campground caters to outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as hiking, fishing, biking, and exploring nearby attractions like Bishop’s Castle and Lake Isabel. "The 4.5-mile Squirrel Creek Trail is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding" (authoritative source). Anglers can fish for brook trout in Squirrel Creek.
Hiking
The campground offers direct access to multiple trails, including the 4.5-mile Squirrel Creek Trail. Other trails like Silver Circle and Second Mace are also nearby. Trails vary in difficulty and accessibility.Fishing
Fishing opportunities for brook trout are available in Squirrel Creek, which flows alongside the campground.Biking
Mountain biking is supported on trails such as Squirrel Creek Trail. Other nearby trails also accommodate biking.Wildlife viewing
The natural setting of the campground, with its grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and spruce trees, provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not explicitly mentioned, but the campground's proximity to trails may allow for snowshoeing or similar activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking and canoeing, are available at nearby Lake Isabel.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings only. Visitors are advised to purchase firewood locally to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears and ticks; wasps are common in afternoon summer hours. Creek proximity may attract mosquitoes.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Closest ranger station: San Carlos Ranger District (Canon City); Closest hospital: Parkview Medical Center (Pueblo, approximately 50 miles, about 1 hour travel time); Local police station: Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (approximately 50 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 through September 20.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but some user reviews noted that bear-proof trash cans were overflowing during their stay.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Squirrel Creek. Lake Isabel is 10 miles away, offering canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Common complaintsConcerns about close proximity of campsites; accessibility issues particularly for wheelchair users; noise disturbances from neighboring campers.
HostCamp hosts are stationed at a nearby campground and provide firewood delivery upon request. Hosts are praised for their helpfulness.
Campground Map
SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO 81212, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pueblo, go 25 miles south on I-25 to Exit 74. Go west 25 miles on State Highway 165 to Forest Road 382. Turn right onto Forest Road 382 and travel about 2 miles until the road dead ends at the campground.
The campground is accessed via a paved route until Forest Road 382. The final stretch of Forest Road 382 is unpaved and may require caution during adverse weather conditions. Seasonal closures or maintenance issues may affect access.Nearby places
Pueblo (50 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Canon City (approximately 45 miles, about 50 minutes)
Beulah Valley (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Lake Isabel (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Bishops Castle (2 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Canon City, approximately 45 miles away. Visitors are advised to bring all necessary camping supplies due to the remote nature of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
31 reviews
Davenport Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground's natural beauty, historical charm, and trail access. However, shortcomings like tight spacing between sites, accessibility issues, and occasional noise complaints are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is described as beautiful, peaceful, and rich in historical character. "Lovely and peaceful campground. Nice tent pads and covered picnic tables" (Susan Cronk).
Based on 31 reviewsCommon Concerns
Accessibility issues, such as steep paths and unmaintained accessible sites, are common concerns. Noise from other campers and the tight spacing of sites were also frequently mentioned. "The...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Study the online map before arriving to understand site layouts and amenities. Arrive early to select preferable sites during the first-come, first-served season. Bring your own water, as the hand...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews mention wasps and mice as minor nuisances. Winter usage was not explicitly reviewed, but the historical charm and peacefulness of the campground are complimented year-round.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Davenport Campground is the most wonderful campground that I have stayed at in the 35 plus years that I have been camping" (Michael B). "We really appreciated this TENT-ONLY site with no...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 2 and 3 are noted for being very close together, and site 3 had accessibility concerns such as waist-high grass. Site 4 was described as buggy but peaceful near the creek. Site 6 is centrally...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is a significant concern. Site 3, listed as accessible, had waist-high grass and an inaccessible picnic table. Bathrooms had small pavement squares, making wheelchair access challenging.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Off-leash dogs were mentioned as a problem by one reviewer. Otherwise, pet-related experiences were not extensively discussed.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025