Alvarado Campground

This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we've visited. Our tent site was secluded and surrounded by aspen trees. The views east across the valley were spectacular. The stars at night seemed incredibly close and bright. Several major trails into the mountains behind the campground begin at the end of the campground. The facilities were clean and the camp host was most accommodating and helpful. Alvarado is a great place.

When I arrived the end of May, after asking about the trails from camp, the host’s first words were “a horse had a heart attack up
there last year.” While Westcliff is at 7800’, the campground is 25 minutes away at 9000’ and the trails go UPHILL next to camp. We couldn’t do as much riding because the elevation was very taxing on my (otherwise healthy) horse. The “Equestrian” water situation was bad. You have to transport water in buckets UP from the “human” campground (spigots here don’t attach to hoses and the nearest horse camp spigot was broken). No dumpsters for manure. Poorly designed and most trailer parking areas were not level. There were 2 spacious corrals below the camp (but now hauling water downhill) and a pit toilet. Hosts were new and very nice as was local NFS ranger Maudie. They all apologized for the water issue (the cistern also broke the 2nd day, so the only water in camp was from the stream). It had beautiful views of Pike’s Peak and snow capped mountains behind camp.

When I arrived the end of May, after asking about the trails from camp, the host’s first words were “a horse had a heart attack up
there last year.” While Westcliff is at 7800’, the campground is 25 minutes away at 9000’ and the trails go UPHILL next to camp. We couldn’t do as much riding because the elevation was very taxing on my (otherwise healthy) horse. The “Equestrian” water situation was bad. You have to transport water in buckets UP from the “human” campground (spigots here don’t attach to hoses and the nearest horse camp spigot was broken). No dumpsters for manure. Poorly designed and most trailer parking areas were not level. There were 2 spacious corrals below the camp (but now hauling water downhill) and a pit toilet. Hosts were new and very nice as was local NFS ranger Maudie. They all apologized for the water issue (the cistern also broke the 2nd day, so the only water in camp was from the stream). It had beautiful views of Pike’s Peak and snow capped mountains behind camp.

Beautiful, quiet and clean camping!

Beautiful, quiet and clean camping!

I loved this campground! There were beautiful views and Larry, the camp host was great!

I loved this campground! There were beautiful views and Larry, the camp host was great!

Beautiful site (#47) tucked into the forest. There was a restroom across from the car parking that was in great condition and was restocked daily. The camp ground was busy but everyone was respectful. We will definitely be back!

Beautiful site (#47) tucked into the forest. There was a restroom across from the car parking that was in great condition and was restocked daily. The camp ground was busy but everyone was respectful. We will definitely be back!

A bit out of the way, however, the views are great and the sites are well spaced our.