The Crags
4.7635 reviewsThe Crags
$0.00 - $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
The use fee ranges from $0.00 to $25.00 depending on the season and type of site.
About this campground
Gateway to adventure awaits at this premier camping destination, offering unparalleled direct access to the legendary Devil's Playground and the majestic Northwest Slopes of Pikes Peak. Your basecamp sits perfectly positioned for dawn expeditions and sunset returns from Colorado's most iconic fourteener.
The Crags Campground is a first-come, first-served facility catering primarily to tent and RV campers. It offers primitive camping with minimal facilities amidst a natural and scenic environment.
Historical SignificanceDiscover one of Colorado's best-kept secrets, where seasoned adventurers have long whispered about this relatively undiscovered gem. While crowds flock to more publicized spots, this tranquil haven maintains its authentic, uncrowded character that early explorers would have recognized.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gift of Colorado's high country climate, where the dry mountain air and refreshingly moderate temperatures create perfect camping conditions throughout the summer months. Even as valley temperatures soar, you'll find cool comfort in this elevated sanctuary.
ElevationPerched in the sweet spot of Colorado's vertical landscape, this campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, where the air is crisp but not thin, and the views stretch endlessly across the Rocky Mountain horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where babbling creeks weave through the campground like nature's soundtrack, while towering pines and aspens create intimate wooded enclaves around each site. This harmonious blend of water and forest crafts a serene mountain ecosystem right outside your tent.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Pikes Peak massif, where ancient granite formations tell stories of volcanic upheaval and glacial sculpting that shaped these mountains over millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not remarked upon in the data.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the sites as spacious, with some variation in size. According to one user, 'The sites vary in size, but all of them are spacious and relatively secluded.'
Sites PrivacySites are generally described as private and surrounded by trees, providing a sense of seclusion. For example, a user commented, 'Each campsite is surrounded by trees, and most sites are spaced out enough for privacy.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles or one RV/Trailer and tow vehicle per site is included in the camping fee. $11.00/night for a third vehicle.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonSeason Opens May 23, 2025; First-Come, First-Serve Jun 21, 2025; Season Closes Sep 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only. You must physically arrive to purchase and claim a site.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for most changes before the arrival date. Late cancellations are subject to forfeiting the first night's fee as well.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Crags Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, particularly for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking to explore the surrounding area. Hiking is the most prominent activity, with trails leading to notable locations such as the Devil's Playground and the top of Pikes Peak. Wildlife viewing and enjoying the natural streams and creeks are also common pastimes.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are highly praised, with trails leading to destinations such as Devil's Playground and Pikes Peak. User reviews describe the trails as beautiful and well-marked, offering a variety of experiences from short walks to strenuous climbs. For example, one reviewer noted, 'The trails surrounding the camp are marked well and easy to navigate.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity at the campground. One user mentioned seeing moose near the intersection of two trails.Winter Activities
Snowshoeing is possible in the winter months, and the area often remains accessible for these activities.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned, though streams and creeks around the campground are highlighted for their scenic beauty.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBringing advanced full Sleepingbags
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'Pack it In, Pack it Out' facility, so campers must remove their own trash. No dumpsters are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.8
35 reviews
The Crags is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for The Crags Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment score of approximately 4.76. Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and exceptional hiking opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, the seclusion and privacy offered by campsites, and the friendly and helpful camp hosts. One user noted, 'This place is absolutely...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the narrow dirt road leading to the campground, as well as occasional issues with overcrowding and traffic. One reviewer stated, 'The three-mile dirt road entry is the only...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing adequate gear for cold nights, as the elevation (approximately 10,000 ft) leads to cooler temperatures. A user advised, 'It's high enough in altitude that it gets really...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer and early fall appear to be the most popular times for visiting, with multiple reviews mentioning the beauty of the changing leaves in the fall. Winter activities like snowshoeing are also...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The trails surrounding the camp are marked well and easy to navigate. The views are gorgeous.'
2. 'Bathrooms were super clean, and the host does a great job keeping them that way.'
3. 'Great...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #17 is highlighted as a particularly desirable location, described as 'a nice location with the creek and all the tree cover.'
Based on 35 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features or challenges.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025