Storm King Campground
03 reviews46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149
Storm King 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
Single site overnight use is $10 per night. Discounts of 50% are available with a senior or access interagency parks pass.
About this campground
Tucked away in a pristine Aspen glen where the Middle Fork of Carnero Creek whispers through the forest, Storm King Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest. This intimate hideaway features just 6 thoughtfully spaced campsites and 2 scenic picnic areas, each complete with sturdy tables and traditional fire rings. Here, where the forest feels wild and untouched, you'll discover the rare luxury of true solitude—each site carefully positioned to ensure your mountain retreat remains wonderfully private and peaceful.
Storm King Campground features six campsites and two picnic sites, making it suitable for small groups and families. It is a first-come, first-serve campground with a rustic and secluded atmosphere.
Historical SignificanceStorm King Campground stands as a testament to the enduring wild character of Colorado's high country, offering visitors a chance to experience the Rio Grande National Forest much as early explorers and settlers might have encountered it—raw, beautiful, and humbling in its natural grandeur.
Weather and SeasonsHigh in the Colorado mountains, Storm King experiences the full drama of seasonal change. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, while summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration. Expect refreshing mountain temperatures that dance between 25°F on crisp mornings to pleasant 80°F afternoons during peak season. Spring arrives fashionably late at this elevation, often wearing a dusting of snow, while autumn paints the aspens gold before winter's early return.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,400 feet above sea level, Storm King Campground offers the authentic high-altitude experience that defines Colorado camping. While the thin mountain air may initially challenge lowland visitors, most adjust within a day or two to enjoy the crisp, pure atmosphere that makes every breath feel cleaner and every star seem closer.
Natural Features and SceneryA natural amphitheater of quaking aspens creates an enchanting backdrop for your mountain adventure, their leaves dancing in the breeze like nature's own wind chimes. Wild roses add splashes of color and sweet fragrance throughout the growing season, while the surrounding rocky hills create a rugged frame for sweeping valley vistas. The gentle murmur of Middle Fork Carnero Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, its clear waters reflecting the ever-changing mountain light.
Geological RegionStorm King Campground claims its place in the dramatic landscape where Storm King Mountain meets the sky, nestled within a sheltered aspen grove that softens the rugged character of the surrounding terrain. This special corner of Rio Grande National Forest showcases the region's signature blend of gentle meadows and imposing peaks, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a playground of rolling hills and rocky outcrops. The nearby Middle Fork of Carnero Creek has carved its own story through the landscape, creating the perfect high-altitude sanctuary for those seeking authentic mountain solitude.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThere are six campsites and two picnic sites. The sites are reported to be widely spaced, providing good privacy.
Sites PrivacySites are widely spaced, offering a sense of privacy amidst the Aspen glen and rolling hills.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites that are widely spaced for greater privacy.
Best CampsitesInformation not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days maximum
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not specified.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a rustic layout with campsites scattered across a hillside above the Middle Fork of Carnero Creek. Sites are widely spaced and provide privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 20 through November 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for campsites as they are first-come, first-served. However, the nearby Carnero Guard Station cabin can be reserved at recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyInformation not specified.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Storm King Campground include fishing in nearby streams, scenic drives, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) road riding. Day hiking opportunities and plant viewing are also available. The campground is surrounded by roads suitable for mountain biking.
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities are available, and the area is known for its scenic beauty and plant diversity.Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby streams, with Brook and Cutthroat trout being the primary species. Catch-and-release policies apply.Biking
Mountain biking is possible on nearby forest roads, including 4WD roads 685 and 684.Winter Activities
Snow and seasonal road closures may limit access from March 15 to May 15, making winter activities unlikely.Water Sports
No water sports are available as the campground lacks significant water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Visitors must ensure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving. Firewood is limited and may not always be available.
- Quiet hours are Information not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country. Visitors are advised to practice safe food storage techniques. The vault toilet has been reported to emit methane odors and millions of flies were mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsNo current official alerts were mentioned, but user reviews indicate issues with maintenance, including overgrown campsites and non-functional water pumps.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.3 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
Closest emergency services are in Saguache, CO, where visitors can find a clinic and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis, meaning campers must take their trash with them when they leave.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Middle Fork of Carnero Creek, though the creek is outside the gate and requires a walk across a pasture to access.
Common complaintsUser complaints include significant fly infestations, non-functional water pump, unbearable methane odor from the vault toilet, and the campground appearing abandoned or poorly maintained.
HostUser reviews mention there were no rangers on-site during their stay. It is unclear if this is typical.
Campground Map
46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149
Driving directionsFrom Saguache, Colorado: Take CO Highway 114 for 14.5 miles west to County Road 41G, follow Forest Road 690 (CR 41G) over Carnero Pass. The campground is 14 miles from Highway 114 by this route. From Monte Vista, Colorado: From U.S. Highway 285, take the La Garita turnoff (County Road G) and follow the paved road 6.0 miles west. Where the road forks, take the graveled Carnero Creek Road (FR 690/CR 41G) 14.5 miles northwest to the campground.
After 3.5 miles on County Rt. 41G, the road becomes dirt and narrows to a single lane with turnouts after entering the National Forest. Motorized access may be restricted by snow and seasonal road closures from March 15 to May 15.Nearby places
Saguache, 15.6 miles, approximately 30 minutes
La Garita, 6.3 miles, approximately 15 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries and basic supplies are available at the La Garita Trading Post in La Garita.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Storm King Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture. Some campers appreciated the secluded and scenic location, while others criticized the poor maintenance, particularly the vault toilet and the prevalence of flies.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the 'lovely spot to camp out' with 'great views' and 'peaceful' surroundings. Campers also find the seclusion appealing.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include unbearable methane odors in the vault toilet, lack of toilet paper, hordes of flies, and poorly maintained water facilities. One user remarked, 'This is the worst maintained...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water as the hand pump is reportedly non-functional. Be prepared for a pack-in, pack-out experience, and consider bringing fly repellents.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mid-summer (July) reviews noted issues with flies and maintenance. Early and late-season visits might avoid these problems due to cooler weather.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Came here in 2019 and it was a lovely spot to camp out. Great views.' - T. Olivas Pho2gr4.
2. 'Campground appears abandoned... This is the worst maintained campground I've ever seen.' - Barbara...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not individually reviewed, but the campground's overall layout is described as spacious and private.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address experiences with pets, but dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than six feet.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025