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Kenosha Pass Campground is a small, conveniently-located campground heralded by backpackers on the Colorado Trail and by those looking for a scenic, mountain family getaway.
Across the road from the campground entrance is the Kenosha Pass Interpretive Area, with an accessible interpretive trail showcasing wetlands and remnants of the South Park and Pacific Railroad.
Kenosha Pass, the campground's namesake, is one of the nation's highest mountain passes, weaving over the spine of the Front Range from Jefferson to Grant. The route provides one of the primary access points to South Park, and boasts tremendous views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt.
Excellent hiking, biking and horseback riding are available on the lengthy Colorado Trail, a 471-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango.
For a scenic drive, take in the views of the Kenosha Mountain Pass, then head to Guanella Pass for even more picture-perfect scenery.
Kenosha Pass includes vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Parking aprons are dirt and gravel.
At a 10,000 foot elevation, the region is commonly referred to as the High Country. Campsites are situated among lodgepole pine and aspen trees. Summer temperature are generally mild and cool, but the high elevation may cause very chilly nights.
Jefferson Lake, known for its great fishing, is 10 miles north.
From Denver, travel south on Highway 285 through Pine Junction and Bailey. Continue 17.5 miles past Bailey on Highway 285 to Kenosha Pass Campground at the summit of Kenosha Pass. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
Conveniently located between segments of the Colorado trail. Would avoid sites next to the latrine. Be sure to check campfire restrictions which are strictly enforced by the site management, it can be extremely cold at night even in summer.
I went in early summer and it got QUITE cold at night. There are several camping areas to choose from on both sides of the highway, even some free, dispersed camping if you are willing to drive a bit down a very bumpy road. If you're willing to drop $20 per night you can stay more conveniently, but you still don't get any water or electric. There is a pit toilet and a trash dumpster. Be aware that you are in bear country! During our 3-night stay we had one visit. You'll know they are around when you hear them banging on the trash dumpster at 2am. The next morning I saw a neighbor camper had left their ice chest out. It was in pieces and I'm sure the bear didn't leave any food for them. They were tent camping and are lucky all they lost was an expensive ice chest. If you stay here, store all "smellables" (including food, soap, deodorant, etc) INSIDE your vehicle!
The location is fantastic and is attached to the Colorado Trail. Being so up in altitude may take a bit to adjust if you are not acclimated, but not as bad as the higher trails. Loads of wildlife to watch out for, including a moose that passed right through. Be sure to keep your distance from wildlife and be extra careful in the dry season with open flames.
Great campground with tons of aspen trees, the Colorado trail right next to us & very clean and well groomed. There is a constant background noise of 285 traffic echoing off the mountains as the big rigs come up the pass. Have no regrets about staying here.
We love Kenosha Pass campground. We wish more of the sights were level and / or bigger but for $21 / night we'll just reserve our spots we can fit in. New hosts, Doug and Donna, were very friendly and seem to be doing a good job. We'll definitely be back. Picture is spot 14 in back loop.
