Colorado / Park County / Pike National Forest

Spillway Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Open mid-May through mid-October, weather dependent. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with a two-night minimum on weekends and three-night minimum on holiday weekends.

About

Spillway Campground is perched along the South Platte River near the base of the dam of Eleven Mile Reservoir in Pike National Forest. At 8,500 feet elevation, the campground sits at the edge of Eleven Mile Canyon, bordered by polished gray granite cliffs. The 23 campsites, both standard and tent-only, are scattered among spruce and ponderosa pine with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 45 feet. The campground is a destination for fly fishermen seeking rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and pike in the South Platte River. Rock climbers enjoy the solid granite cliffs of the canyon, while hikers can explore the Overlook Trail for breathtaking views of Eleven Mile Canyon and Reservoir. Birding is excellent, with Golden Eagles occasionally nesting in the nearby cliffs and Bald Eagles appearing in springtime. The campground is closest to Eleven Mile Reservoir, which spans 3,405 surface acres. Facilities include vault toilets, picnic tables with fire rings, and drinking water from a hand pump. A bear closure order is in effect, requiring all food and attractants to be stored in bear-resistant containers or hard-sided vehicles. Reservations are recommended during summer months and can be made through Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance. Weekend stays require a two-night minimum, and holiday weekends require three nights.

Directions

From Lake George, Colorado, turn off of U.S. Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about 1 mile and turn right to the Eleven Mile Canyon entrance. Spillway Campground is about 9 miles up Eleven Mile Canyon near the dam.

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