THORPE GULCH
Open for dispersed camping year-round, access depending on weather and road conditions. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through August 1, 2026, prohibiting campfires at dispersed sites. Fires are only allowed in permanent fire pits at developed fee campgrounds during this period. Camping limited to 14 days within a 20-mile radius per 30-day period.
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...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Tuesday June 30 to 900 AM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Wednesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: 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 29 at 10:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Grand, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Summit, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Delta, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Chaffee, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores and northern Montezuma Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Central City, Georgetown, Breckenridge, Eagle, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Delta, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Buena Vista, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, and Dove Creek. WHEN...900 AM Monday June 29 to 900 AM Tuesday June 30 IMPACTS...Areas near and downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Tuesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: 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 29 at 7:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Grand, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Summit, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Delta, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Chaffee, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores and northern Montezuma Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Central City, Georgetown, Breckenridge, Eagle, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Delta, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Buena Vista, Salida, Gunnison, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, and Dove Creek. WHEN...900 AM Monday June 29 to 900 AM Tuesday June 30 IMPACTS...Areas near and downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Tuesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: 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
Thorpe Gulch is a dispersed camping area within Pike National Forest, managed by the South Park Ranger District. Located northwest of Lake George along County Road 31, the area offers free primitive camping on National Forest land at an elevation near 9,000 feet. Sites are generally level with good views of the surrounding mountains. As a dispersed camping area, there are no developed facilities or amenities. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own water and packing out all trash. Some sites have established fire rings, though fires are subject to seasonal restrictions. The nearby Spruce Grove Campground (approximately 3 miles away) offers firewood and potable water for purchase. The area provides access to outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing in nearby streams, and exploring the Tarryall area. Sites tend to fill quickly on weekends during summer months but see fewer visitors during weekdays. Standard National Forest dispersed camping rules apply: 14-day camping limit within any 20-mile radius per 30-day period, and camping must be at least 100 feet from any water body.
Directions
From Lake George, Colorado, head northwest on County Road 31 toward Tarryall Reservoir. Dispersed sites are located along both sides of CR-31. Some sites are accessed via Forest Road 230 to the east of CR-31.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 836-2031 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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