Luders Creek Campground
01 review46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149
Luders Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
$10 per night for single/double unit for overnight or day use. First come, first serve basis. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites.
About this campground
Perched high in the clouds at over 10,000 feet, Luders Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. This intimate retreat features five thoughtfully designed campsites, including three convenient pull-through spots perfect for larger rigs. Horse enthusiasts will discover a welcoming basecamp complete with three sturdy corrals, while the campground's strategic location along the legendary Continental Divide Trail makes it a coveted launching point for backcountry explorers and big game hunters alike. Even summer nights carry winter's whisper at this elevation, where crisp mountain air and star-filled skies create memories that last a lifetime.
Luders Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping experiences with a focus on primitive camping and equestrian use.
Historical SignificanceEvery turn of your wheels follows in the tracks of frontier history as you approach Luders Creek. The very road beneath your tires tells a tale of ambition and ingenuity—originally carved from wilderness as a toll road in 1876 by the legendary Otto Mears, Colorado's 'Pathfinder.' This mountain entrepreneur's vision connected isolated communities and opened the high country to commerce and adventure. Today, the campground serves as a gateway to the Continental Divide Trail, where modern hikers trace paths once traveled by Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers crossing the backbone of North America.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Luders Creek rewrites the rules of summer camping. July afternoons might feel pleasant, but as darkness falls, the thin mountain air releases its warmth quickly, reminding visitors they're camping in the realm of eagles and alpine flowers. Smart campers pack layers and warm sleeping bags year-round. Spring and fall visitors should prepare for nature's wild card—sudden snow squalls can transform the landscape overnight, while shoulder seasons often bring muddy conditions that may challenge access roads. The brief but glorious summer window typically runs from late June through early September.
ElevationBreathing becomes an conscious act at Luders Creek, where the campground's position above 10,000 feet places you firmly in Colorado's alpine zone. This rarified atmosphere means you're camping higher than many mountain peaks in other states. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer feels like spring, nights demand cozy campfires regardless of the calendar, and the thin air amplifies both the brilliance of stars and the intensity of sunshine. Visitors often find themselves moving a bit slower on their first day as bodies adjust to the altitude—a natural reminder to pause and savor the extraordinary landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the Rio Grande National Forest's pristine wilderness, Luders Creek Campground rests in a natural amphitheater of towering Engelmann Spruce and trembling Aspen groves. These ancient sentinels create a living cathedral where sunlight filters through emerald needles and golden leaves dance in mountain breezes. Just one mile west, the Continental Divide Trail traces the spine of the continent, offering ambitious hikers access to some of Colorado's most spectacular high-country vistas. The surrounding Cochetopa Pass region unfolds in layers of geological wonder, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting have created a landscape that shifts from intimate forest glades to sweeping alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers.
Geological RegionThe Rio Grande National Forest surrounding Luders Creek tells a story written in stone and forest over millions of years. Here, where Engelmann Spruce reach skyward and Aspen colonies shimmer with collective consciousness, the land reveals its volcanic past through weathered peaks and mineral-rich soils. The historic Cochetopa Pass serves as a natural gateway through the Continental Divide, a geological feature so significant it determines which raindrops flow to the Atlantic and which journey to the Pacific. This dramatic landscape, carved by ice ages and shaped by tectonic forces, creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures while reminding visitors of nature's patient, powerful artistry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not mention specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 5 campsites, 3 of which are pull-through. Sites are likely moderate in size to accommodate trailers up to 25 feet long.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details for campsites are not described in the source materials.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGenerally recommended for horse camping; proximity to Continental Divide Trail noted.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites mentioned as superior.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time stated.
Check-out
No specific check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
Max stay unclear
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum trailer length is 25 feet. Exact guest limits unclear.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutConsists of five campsites, three pull-through, and accommodates horse camping with three corrals.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May to mid-November.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; campground operates on first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is entirely first-come, first-serve; $10 per site per night.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Luders Creek Campground have a range of recreational activities available, including big game hunting, hiking, mountain biking, 4WD driving, and horseback riding. The proximity to the Continental Divide Trail adds to the campground's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
The Continental Divide Trail is located 1 mile west of the campground, providing opportunities for both day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in nearby rivers and streams, though no specific details about fish species or fishing quality are mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity on the area roads.Wildlife viewing
The location is ideal for big game hunting, suggesting opportunities for wildlife viewing as well.Winter Activities
The area can experience snow and freezing conditions during winter months, which could support activities like snowshoeing, though this is not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
No information on water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires restricted to designated fire rings; must be completely extinguished before leaving.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential bear encounters, cold temperatures even in summer, and muddy or snow-covered access roads.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Saguache Ranger District, located at 46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149, phone: 719-655-2547.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack in and pack out all trash. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNearby creeks and springs require purification for drinking; no potable water available on-site.
Common complaintsParking is tight and does not allow for large trailers; potable water is unavailable.
HostNo information about campground hosts provided.
Campground Map
46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149
Driving directionsThe campground is accessible via historical toll roads built by Otto Mears in 1876 leading west from Saguache. Snow and muddy conditions may limit access during certain times of the year.
Access road quality varies seasonally; snow and mud may impede entrance, and parking is narrow, limiting large trailers.Nearby places
Saguache (approximately 27 miles, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, may be found in Saguache, approximately 27 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Luders Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights Luders Creek Campground as a favorite for hunters and those seeking a remote, rustic camping experience. The high elevation provides cool nights even during summer.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the campground's beauty and its suitability for hunting. The remote and tranquil setting is frequently praised.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited amenities, such as the lack of potable water and tight parking spaces, are noted concerns.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend preparing for chilly nights due to the campground's elevation above 10,000 feet.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground sees its highest use during hunting season in the fall. Summer visitors enjoy cooler weather at high elevations.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"My favorite camping spot for hunting season. It's above 10,000 feet so even during summer months the nights are a tad chilly. It's absolutely beautiful there." - Joseph Myers
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not reviewed, but the campground's pull-through sites and horse corrals are mentioned favorably.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Some reviews emphasize the importance of ensuring pets do not interfere with livestock.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025