Devil's Head Camping Beta?

Hey MPers,

The lady and I are thinking of heading down to Devil's Head for the weekend. Unfortunately, the FS website says that the campground closed for the season on October 25th. Any ideas on where else we should camp?

Specifically, is there any good dispersed camping nearby?

Also, I see a Flat Rocks campground nearby on the map, but the FS website suggests that it may be full of dirtbikes or ATVs. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Jeff

Lots of free camping along Rampart Range Road. The best sites which avoid the scooter trash are past the split to the main campground/overlook parking. Take the right branch and go past the radio towers. there are sites at mile marker 10, 11 and beyond...

BTW - the gate closing adds about a 1/2 mile to the hike to the areas accessed via the main lot. The lower west side areas are not affected (park at mm10 for those...)

The Mile Marker 10 site is good as you can walk from there to climbs on the Lower West Side & Radio Head.

Wouldn't reccomend the FS campground any how. Too expensive, and not very good at all.

Thanks!

If it gets too noisy in the area (ton of dirtbikes/ATVs), you'll be a relatively short drive away from Scorpio Crack (Scorpio Dome) and some fun (and much more serene) moderate trad on Parachute Rock.

The spot right by MM 10 is the best one for a small party if you can snag it, so if its open when you get there don't bother continuing.

There are very few dirt bikers in the area these days and there haven't been all that many around during the entire fall season. The provious fire ban discouraged many and the ban is now lifted although it's wise to still be very careful.

I believe that the Rampart Range road is closed for the season. I recommend calling the South Platte Ranger District (303-275-5610) before heading out.

I called the Forest Service since the normal seasonal closure is December 1st... There is a fire mitigation project that was scheduled to start which WOULD HAVE closed the first 1-1/2 miles of Rampart Range road. This has been pushed back at least 3 weeks (which would take it up to the normal seasonal closure point)

So the road is still open and should be up to the normal closure date

So Derek- with the gate closed and the extra 1/2 mile hike, is there still going to be any activity up at Tzillastan?

Yep! The crew will be back there this weekend! Most likely in the 'secret passage' area...

I'll prolly be around on Sunday. Hope to see everyone.

Just to revive this thread. Will be heading to Devil's Head in mid May. Any extra/new beta for dispersed camping in the area. Trying to get on moderate sport and trad. Many thanks! 

Follow this page for current beta

fromtheestuary wrote: Just to revive this thread. Will be heading to Devil's Head in mid May. Any extra/new beta for dispersed camping in the area. Trying to get on moderate sport and trad. Many thanks! 

You will want to check with the forest service to make sure that Rampart Range road is open before you commit.  It is currently closed for "mud season" along with numerous other trails and roads in the south platte area.  This closure could last until May 31 depending on the conditions.  The facebook page Mike lists will be updated once we hear the road opens.  The forest service will also provide updates at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc/about-forest/districts/?cid=fseprd565545

Many thanks everyone!