Colorado / Park County / Pike National Forest

Riverside

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens mid-May through mid-October, weather dependent. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. An $11 entrance fee to Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area applies.

About

Riverside Campground lies across County Road 96 from the South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon, providing a scenic base camp for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing in Pike National Forest. The campground features 18 campsites at 8,000 feet elevation, including 11 walk-in tent sites and 7 drive-in sites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. The setting is surrounded by polished gray granite cliffs that border the open valley carved by the river. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout directly from the South Platte River, with benches provided along the water. The Hard Rock Interpretive Trail, accessible from the campground, is a 1-mile self-guided walk leading to an impressive canyon overlook. Rock climbing enthusiasts can explore the granite formations throughout Eleven Mile Canyon. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of elk, mule deer, chipmunks, and porcupines. Downriver, Eleven Mile Reservoir spans 3,405 acres and offers additional fishing and boating opportunities.

Directions

From Lake George, turn off U.S. Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about 1 mile into Eleven Mile Canyon. Riverside Campground is located on the left side, not far from the Eleven Mile Canyon entrance.

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