OutReserve

Mount Princeton

Creek flowing through forest
campsite with picnic table and fire pit with blue sky and mountains in background.
Campsite with rees, picnic tableand fire pit
Campsite with picnic table, fire pit and mountains in background

About Mount Princeton

Mount Princeton Campground is located in beautiful Chalk Creek Canyon in central Colorado. This popular facility is within 4 miles of a private hot springs resort, making it an ideal location for rest and relaxation. "First come, first served" does not necessarily mean that the site will be available when you get there. Someone may get there before you. This is a popular campground and is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.

Number of accommodations: 13

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 15

Sites & Availability

13 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 003, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
004, Loop: MOUN
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop: MOUN
No Hookups
$25.00
/ per night

Reviews (100)

What Guests Are Saying

Mount Princeton campground is praised for its beautiful location along Chalk Creek, clean and well-maintained sites, and friendly camp host, Randy, who ensures a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the variety of outdoor activities available nearby, including hiking and fishing, making it a great base for exploration. While some reported occasional odors from pit toilets and challenges with water availability, the overall experience is considered excellent, with many guests eager to return.

Review Summary

4.7
100 reviews
5
82.0%
82
4
10.0%
10
3
4.0%
4
2
2.0%
2
1
2.0%
2

Sheryl H

Verified

September 13, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: MOUN

5

Campsite #9 was great. The creek was just a few steps away. There was a nice distance between the campsites. Toilets were very clean. We were close to two waterfalls, the hot springs and several nice hikes. St Elmo & Buena Vista was close by as well.

Steven W

Verified

September 8, 2022 Stayed at: 007, Loop: MOUN

5

great spot close to hiking, swimming and stream

Edward F

Verified

September 6, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: MOUN

5

Fantastic camp site, courteous and helpful host.

christine a

Verified

September 1, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: MOUN

4

A wonderful place with friendly people

Madeline M

Verified

August 28, 2022 Stayed at: 004, Loop: MOUN

5

Great experience, wonderful sites and very accommodating.

Brenda A

Verified

August 14, 2022 Stayed at: 011, Loop: MOUN

5

This is a lovely campground just past Mt Princeton Hot Springs.
I especially enjoyed the camp Hosts, both were very friendly. At one point, the Host man was checking the restrooms and noticed movement and that movement was a bear moving in on a cooler left outside. The Host scared the bear away, took the cooler to his bear closet and informed other campers. Thank you!

Martin H

Verified

August 5, 2022 Stayed at: 013, Loop: MOUN

4

Beautiful location, quiet, lots of space. No water right now.

Cassia B

Verified

August 1, 2022 Stayed at: 013, Loop: MOUN

5

We had spot 13 - although we weren't right up against the river, there was no campsite between us and the river. It was very peaceful and relaxing. There is a terrible massive dip in the road going in and it could easily get someone stuck. Also, turning into the campsite has terrible potholes at the entrance.

Jay S

Verified

July 19, 2022 Stayed at: 005, Loop: MOUN

5

Beautiful campground!

Ryan B

Verified

July 13, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: MOUN

5

Camp hosts are amazing, totally worked with us on the first come/first serve sites and let us know who was leaving so we could adjust our three campsites accordingly. We had a little bit of internet service, mainly in the mornings. Hot during the days, but stars at night were beautiful, along with the nearby stream noise. Definitely recommend staying here.

Location Mount Princeton

Address:
Salida Ranger District Office
Salida, CO, 81201
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 38.7142 / -106.223

Elevation: 2621 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

The water system is closed at this campground. No water is available. Please bring all water necessary for the duration of your stay. Water can be obtained at nearby Chalk Lake CG if necessary.

General

Do not climb chalk cliffs

General

Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating

General

This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations

General

No hookups available

General

Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests

General

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

General

If reservations are not available, some campsites are first come-first served, also called "Walk-up" sites. First-come, first-served sites must be occupied the SAME NIGHT they are paid for. These sites usually fill Friday evenings and through the weekends. Due to the remote nature of campgrounds, calling to check availability prior to arrival is not possible.

General

Camping and campfires are restricted in the Chalk Creek Canyon to the four developed campgrounds only. Cascade, Chalk Lake and Mount Princeton campgrounds take reservations. Iron City campground is first-come, first-served only.

General

Campers unable to find a campsite in a developed campground may camp above the townsite of St. Elmo on County Road 267( 4-wheel drive only) or near the Hancock townsite located 5 miles south on Forest Road 295. Additional camping is available in the Browns Creek area south of County Road 162 at the junction of County roads 270 and 272. Practice leave-no-trace (www.lnt.org) camping principles when dispersed camping.

General

Reservations can be made 6 months in advanced.

General

Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee. $10.00 for a third vehicle. $10.00 fee for day use if not camping overnight. 

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