Sleeping Elephant Campground
The campground is currently closed for the season. It opens May 22, 2026 and operates through September 20, 2026. First-come, first-served only.
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.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Action Day Alert for Multiple Pollutants. WHERE...Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, western Arapahoe, western Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld Counties WHEN...400 PM Monday June 29 to 400 PM Tuesday June 30 IMPACTS...Ozone Action Day Alert is now in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Hot, sunny, and occasionally smoky weather conditions will result in ozone concentrations occasionally reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category on Monday and Tuesday. Particle pollution levels could also reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, or worse, due to the wildfire smoke. 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. Tuesday, June 30, 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...People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. During periods of heavier wildfire smoke, everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
About
Sleeping Elephant Campground sits at 7,800 feet elevation in an open ponderosa pine setting along the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway (Highway 14) in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of Roosevelt National Forest. The campground takes its name from nearby Sleeping Elephant Mountain, whose distinctive silhouette is visible from the campsites. The 15 sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Each site accommodates up to 8 people and includes a picnic table and fire pit. Vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump are provided. The facility was built to older standards with parking spurs ranging from 15 to 30 feet, making it unsuitable for larger RVs or trailers. The Cache la Poudre River flows nearby, though most riverfront in the immediate vicinity is on private land. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, and scenic driving along the byway. The campground's location provides access to both the high country and the canyon corridor.
Directions
From Fort Collins, drive 10 miles north on US Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14 and proceed 43 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $23 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 295-6600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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