Longs peak trailhead camp ground

Does anyone know if the camp ground at the trailhead is open?

I know that there's been some talk of closing it and turning it into more parking. Anyone been up there lately?

It is open year round and last time I checked they cancelled turning the camp into a parking lot, for this year.

I've never used this campground. It was new in 2009, right?

Of those that have, have you had good luck getting a spot? I'd hate to head up there relying on it and have it full. I've spent too many hours trying to sleep in that lot and am looking forward to actually pitching a tent.

Thanks,
Ted

No Ted that campground has been around for a long time. For those who dont want to fight the crowds or PAY for camping, there is Forest Service land just a few miles down highway 7 towards Allenspark at Meeker Park. Also, there is a developed Forrest Service campground, Olive Ridge, I believe, for a nominal fee just 5-10 mins down the road on the right. Not 2 mins away from the trailhead like the Longs Peak campground, but still close..

OK, I feel like a dumbass now.

Is this the Goblin's Forest we're talking about? I've been up there a over dozen times over the past 10 years and never noticed a campground by the lot.

I didn't get there last year and had heard stories of creating a campground by the lot. Maybe the stories I was heard were to get rid of it as the OP thought??

Thanks,
Ted

Geeze.......

Goblins forest is the backcountry camp ground still in the trees and signed right off the Longs Peak Trail.

The Longs Peak Campground is right at the last turn into the parking lot for Longs Peak.......

If you were to not turn and go straight at the last turn into the Longs Peak parking lot you would wind up at the campground

There is also the overflow campground just south of the St. Malo chapel(cool stone church) headed towards Meeker. $7.00 a night suites me just fine. It is also much quieter. It might not be open this early in the season though. The trail head campground has been around for at least the 16 years I have been on the front range.

Those 2 AM starts cause the Longs campground parking lot to be full many a day. Get there very very early.

I went up there w/my boyfriend two weekends ago and while there was about a couple feet of snow, the road up to the campground and trailhead were well maintained - so was the loop around the campground and I think only one other car was there. Since it's still so early in the year, I don't think you'll have a problem getting a spot. It's expensive though - $14 per night I think.

I think if you are getting there before 2AM then it would qualify as very late instead of very very early.