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Lone Rock Campground, located along the South Platte River, boasts spectacular views and top-notch fly fishing waters. Hikers thoroughly enjoy the nearby Gill Trail and kayakers are drawn to the rapids of the rushing river. Wildlife viewing is rewarding here and campers may spot moose, mule deer, owls, golden eagles and more. Recreation Anglers flock to the river, renowned for rainbow and brown trout fishing. Tubing is also a popular activity. The Gill Trail is an intermediate hike that weaves through Cheesman Canyon. The trailhead is near the campground and extends 7 miles southwest to the Cheesman Dam at Cheesman Lake. Facilities Amenities include two vault toilets and drinking water from a community hydrant. Parking aprons and roads are paved, and each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring. No RV hookups are available. Services include trash collection and firewood is available for sale. Natural Features The campground is situated on a hillside rising up from the South Platte River at an elevation of 6,479 feet. Many sites are open and feature a view of the river. Privacy is minimal but ponderosa pines provide some shade. Temperatures are generally mild. Nearby Attractions The drive along Highway 126 from Pine Junction affords magnificent views of the valleys below. Pikes Peak can be seen in the distance and other prominent rock formations present themselves throughout the scenic drive. Limited groceries are available in the town of Decker. ADA Access: N
From Denver, Colorado, take Highway 285 southwest to Pine Junction, Colorado. Turn south on Jefferson County 126 and travel 28 miles. Look for signs into campground.
Fantastic campsites, right on the South Platte River. Mike, the camp host, was friendly, welcoming, and not too shabby a fly fisherman. We'll definitely be back.
Awesome campground right on the river and not to mention GOLD MEDAL WATERS in which we caught beautiful Brown trout and rainbows. I'd give it 5 stars but the "stack" in the outhouse Was almost up to the lid.
Super cool campground. Great location, clean sites and perhaps the cleanest bathrooms we've come across.
But, really hard to get a site and it appears the reason is less than savory. No pun intended, there's something fishy going on at the Lone Rock Campground! At least 3 of the best sites; 9, 10, 11 & 13 appear to be occupied longterm. Perhaps the camp host and some friends have a deal. Sites 10 and 13 are set up for the summer with RVs staged well beyond a restful week of camping. But that doesn't even compare to site 11 which is blatantly occupied by an old trailer on blocks with a Ford Ranger sitting on its rims out front. It's quite obvious they're there for more than the maximum 14 days. No big deal except its government property and not intended for squatters! Shame on the host and the USFS for allowing it to go on!
The highlight of this location is the proximity and calming sound of the South Platte River. This was tainted by the tight confines of the camp sites and the many fishermen that walked through our site, loud music, and a camp host that idled in her truck for about an hour early one morning. One site in particular looks to be a hub for other camp hosts/staff, so it had a lot of traffic coming and going. If you enjoy fishing, this is probably an exceptional spot to camp - we'll find other places to explore on our next outing though.
My daughter and I went in august and it was so beautiful! The hosts are so friendly and so kind! Clean toilets! Fresh water! Every site has gorgeous views! If you love fly fishing this is the spot for you !
