Platte River
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Full-service camping with trash collection runs from May 1 through the weekend after Labor Day. During the extended season outside those dates, services like trash pickup may not be available. No potable water on site. 14-night consecutive stay limit.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:40PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR SOUTH PARK, THE SOUTHERN FOOTHILLS, AND THE PALMER DIVIDE TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 216 and 241. * TIMING...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Tuesday June 30 to 400 PM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Action Day for Multiple Pollutants is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Continued hot and sunny weather conditions may allow ozone concentrations to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Tuesday and Wednesday. The transport of wildfire smoke may increase particle pollution levels, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, at times. For Colorado air quality conditions, forecasts, and advisories, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colorado_summary.aspx If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Colorado is also addressing ozone pollution through state policies. For more information about health impacts and how ozone pollution forms in Colorado, visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ozone- pollution-and-your-health HEALTH INFORMATION...If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Platte River Campground is a small, tent-only campground in the Pike National Forest's South Platte Ranger District. The 10 walk-in sites sit at 6,400 feet elevation along the scenic South Platte River, a renowned Gold Medal trout fishery. Campers must park in the designated lot and walk to their sites, making this a poor choice for those with heavy gear but ideal for minimalist tent campers. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring or grate. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground operates first-come, first-served only with no advance reservations. On-site payment can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature, though the app should be downloaded before arrival due to limited cell service. The campground enforces a maximum of 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles per site. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed. Firearms and fireworks are prohibited. Check-in is at 2 p.m. and checkout by noon, with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Directions
From Denver, take US Highway 285 to Pine Junction. Turn south on Jefferson County Road 126 and drive approximately 25 miles to Douglas County 67 at Deckers. The campground is located 4 miles north of Deckers on the right side. From Sedalia, take US Highway 67 south to Sprucewood, stay straight on 67 South until reaching pavement at the South Platte River, then go 1 mile south; campground is on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (303) 275-5610 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Platte River Campground |
Availability
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