Tom Bennett Campground
4.3110 reviewsTom Bennett Campground
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
$14 per day. Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes provide cardholders half price for basic fees.
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About this campground
Escape to the rugged wilderness of Tom Bennett Campground, where the South Fork Cache la Poudre River whispers through stands of towering lodgepole pines. This intimate retreat features 10 primitive sites, each offering a genuine back-to-basics camping experience with picnic tables and fire grates beneath the forest canopy. Perfect for tent campers and small trailers seeking solitude, this historic facility challenges visitors to embrace the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos—bringing their own water and leaving only footprints behind. Adventure awaits on the renowned Emmaline Lake Trail, while anglers can try their luck casting for elusive brook trout in the crystalline mountain streams.
Tom Bennett Campground offers primitive camping, primarily catering to tent campers and small RVs or trailers. There are no designated group sites, cabins, or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 9,000 feet, Tom Bennett sits in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park, where afternoon thundershowers arrive like clockwork during summer months, refreshing the pine-scented air. Mountain weather rules supreme here—sunny mornings often give way to dramatic afternoon cloudbursts before clearing into crisp, star-filled nights. When darkness falls, temperatures plummet dramatically, transforming warm days into nights that demand fleece jackets and campfire gatherings. Wise campers layer up and prepare for nature's daily weather show.
ElevationPerched at 8,600 feet where the air grows thin and the wilderness feels infinite, Tom Bennett Campground offers a true high-country experience. This lofty elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, keeping summer days refreshingly cool while painting the landscape with that distinctive alpine character found only in Colorado's highest reaches.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 8,600 feet into Colorado's pristine wilderness, Tom Bennett Campground immerses visitors in a cathedral of lodgepole pines and evergreen giants. The South Fork Cache la Poudre River carves its ancient path alongside the campground, its rushing waters providing nature's soundtrack to your mountain escape. This pocket of untamed beauty delivers an authentic wilderness atmosphere where morning mist dances between the trees and wildlife tracks crisscross the forest floor.
Geological RegionTucked into a pristine lodgepole pine ecosystem along the banks of the South Fork Cache la Poudre River, Tom Bennett occupies a special corner of Colorado's geological tapestry. This remote mountain sanctuary showcases the raw beauty of the Roosevelt National Forest, where ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving created the dramatic landscape that today offers adventurers a truly primitive camping experience far from civilization's reach.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeSites are designed for smaller setups, with parking spurs accommodating vehicles no larger than 15 to 25 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has a secluded and wilderness feel, but some sites are clustered, and tree remediation has affected privacy in certain areas.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites directly adjacent to the river for the best experience. They are described as 'large and beautiful.'
Best CampsitesOf the 11 sites, four are directly on the river and are highly praised by users.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are generally tightly configured along the South Fork Cache la Poudre River, with a wilderness ambiance.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 24 to October 18.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tom Bennett Campground offers limited but engaging activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking and fishing are the primary attractions, with access to a trail leading to Rocky Mountain National Park and Comanche Peak Wilderness.
Hiking
The Emmaline Lake Trail #354, accessible from the campground, is a 5-mile trail that accommodates both foot and horse travel. It provides access to the Rocky Mountain National Park and Comanche Peak Wilderness. One user review mentioned a '12-mile round trip' hike, likely referring to an extended version of this trail.Fishing
Fishing opportunities in the South Fork Cache la Poudre River include catching brook trout. No additional details on fishing conditions are provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are described for this campground.Water Sports
Water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be restricted during certain periods. Visitors are encouraged to check with campground hosts for the most current fire ban information.
Hazards
General hazardsSome user reviews mention overflowing dumpsters and poorly maintained pit toilets, which could attract wildlife. Campfires may be restricted during certain periods, and visitors are advised to check for any fire bans.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 24 to October 18.
Trash and recyclingThe campground is pack it in, pack it out, and there are no trash or recycling facilities. Reports mention an overflowing dumpster, highlighting a lack of consistent waste management.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the South Fork Cache la Poudre River.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted poor maintenance of pit toilets and overflowing dumpsters.
HostCampground host assistance may be available from Jack’s Gulch.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 26 miles. Turn left (south) onto Pingree Park Road (County Road 63E). Drive approximately 17 miles to the campground. Alternatively, from Rustic, CO, take State Rt. 14 east 5.1 miles to Pingree Park (County Rt. 63E) sign. Turn right onto Pingree Rd. (County Rt. 63E) and go 12.1 miles to an intersection (County Rt. 44H). Continue straight onto Rt. 44H and go 3.6 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 145). Turn right onto Rt. 145 (narrow and dirt) into campground.
Pingree Rd. is a two-lane dirt and gravel road with some long steep grades and sharp curves.Nearby places
Rustic, approximately 5.1 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Tom Bennett Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and primitive nature. Positive aspects include the serene wilderness setting and access to hiking trails. However, issues such as poor maintenance of vault toilets, lack of water, and overflowing dumpsters are commonly mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the scenic wilderness setting, proximity to the South Fork Cache la Poudre River, and access to hiking trails. One user called it 'a real gem' and praised the '4 good sites...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and an overflowing dumpster. One reviewer noted, 'The lack of trash pick-up (the dumpster was overflowing) and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to bring their own water and check with rangers regarding fire bans or bear activity. A user mentioned, 'If the signs say no fires, go down the road and talk with them.'
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from late May to mid-October. Many reviews recommend dressing warmly, as temperatures drop significantly at night due to the elevation.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This campground is a real gem... There are 4 good sites directly on the river.' - Jugadora De las montañas
2. 'Stayed over the weekend and absolutely loved it. Little over 50 miles from Fort...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites directly on the river are highly recommended, as they offer the best views. However, some sites have been negatively impacted by tree remediation.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were mentioned, but the vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be on a hand-held leash at all times. A user noted, 'Long hikes can be hard on puppies too,' suggesting that visitors consider their pets' stamina when hiking.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025