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Located approximately a two-hour drive southwest of Denver, at an elevation of 7,723', the Goose Creek Campground offers an opportunity for developed camping near the Lost Creek Wilderness. Recreational opportunties in the area include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Goose Creek runs through the campground and generally runs year round. Although not deep, the buddling brook supplies soothing sounds, opportunities for fishing, and a quaint atmosphere for camping. The Goose Creek Trailhead is close by and affords acces to the Lost Creek Wilderness via the Hankins Pass #630 and the Goose Creek #612 trails and is one of the reasons visitors use this campground. As the only campground surviving the Hayman Fire, this little area is an oasis of green among the burnt surroundings. Being just minutes away from the Lost Creek Wilderness, this small campground is convienient for those hiking the Goose Creek or Hankins Pass trails and sees heavy use throughout the camping season. Host is available on site.
From Denver, travel US Highway 285 south approximately 20 miles to Pine Junction. Turn south on to Jefferson County Route 126. Take 126 south for approximately 22 miles to National Forest System Road 211, also known as the Matukat road. Travel west on NFSR 211 approximately 11 miles to the campground. Travel time is around 2 hours from Denver.
Beautiful scenery, quiet and a nice stream, went for July 4th to get my dogs away from the fireworks, and it was nice that it wasn't packed. The hosts becky and her boyfriend were wonderful and gave me great directions for hiking.
Lovely, peaceful, a true oasis in the middle of the burn scar. Some of the cleanest vault toilets I've ever used, and every site was pristine. I almost hate to tell anyone about it, because it's worth the drive, but risky to possibly drive all that (10 miles of horrible washboard dirt road) only to find it full. We got lucky and eveb had one of the four sites right on the creek, but I'm sure many get turned away.
Just finished a 3 night trip with two families. Clean facilities, amazing location along the river. Arriving on a Thursday for the weekend is smart as weekend are busy. Would recommend to anyone looking to get away in under 2 hours. No cell reception, which was a plus!
Goose Creek Campground is a good, small campground with ten tent sites, most of them next to Goose Creek. While we were there, it was very quiet and we had lots of privacy. There are two Vault Toilets, both clean, and no trash removal, so you have to pack out your own trash. The sites also have fire rings and grills, but as of when we were there, for three days beginning July 11, 2018, there is a burn ban in effect, so please don't use them. This is the only campground in the area that was untouched by the Hayman Fire, the effects of which you can see just by walking a couple hundred feet up the road.
No reservations, the sites are on a first come, first serve basis, and it's a self-service pay station. A camp host is on site, but he doesn't have anything to do with occupying a space. Maximum stay is 14 nights. Each site is a maximum of two vehicles, two tents, and eight people. $22.00 a night, and a third vehicle costs seven bucks. It's seven dollars for day only use, but campers have priority.
It's a very pretty place, despite the nearby fire damage. We liked it, and would definitely return at some point.
