Riverside

About

Riverside Campground occupies a scenic stretch of Eleven Mile Canyon in Pike National Forest, directly across County Road 96 from the South Platte River. At 8,000 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by polished granite walls and offers 18 sites: 9 standard nonelectric sites accommodating RVs up to 30 feet, and 10 tent-only walk-in sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The South Platte River yields rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, with benches along the banks for comfortable fishing. The Hard Rock Interpretive Trail begins at the campground and climbs 1 mile to an overlook of the canyon, exploring the area's geology and wildlife along the way. Elk, mule deer, chipmunks, and porcupines frequent the surrounding area. This is bear country, so all food and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant containers. Nearby Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument showcases petrified redwood stumps and detailed insect and plant fossils. Eleven Mile Reservoir lies downstream, offering additional fishing and boating opportunities.

Directions

From Lake George, turn off Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about one mile into Eleven Mile Canyon. Riverside Campground is on the left side, shortly after the canyon entrance.