Castle/Conundrum Camping - Cathedral Lakes TH or Castle Creek Rd

[martin14355]

I'm wanting to camp in a tent near the trailhead for Castle and Conundrum. I'm willing to walk up to a quarter of a mile from the car. I know there's camping along Pearl Pass Rd, but I'll be in a sedan and don't think I'll get there in time to snag them. I am considering camping at Cathedral Lakes TH or along Castle Creek Rd. Just need a flat, legal spot to pitch a tent.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these spots or have any other suggestions?

[dwoodward13]

Camping along Castle Creek Rd is only allowed at marked campsites and those are only past the 2wd TH. You can only get to 1 or 2 of them in a sedan if you are lucky depending on road conditions. In past years they have been filled by more "permanent" residents, and I wouldn't even consider them available for a weekend.

There were a few spots close to Cathedral Lake TH up the dirt road, but its been a few years since I've been there so I wouldn't be surprised at all if they shut those down and/or they are nearly always filled.

I suppose you could park at Cathedral Lake TH and walk off into the woods and fine something if you took enough time. Its USFS land around there.

[martin14355]

Camping along Castle Creek Rd is only allowed at marked campsites and those are only past the 2wd TH.

For my future reference, how do you know that? Is it on road signs as you drive in or is it posted online?

Would I be better off trying to find a campsite along Independence pass? I've camped at Graham Gulch before, but that is over an hour away.

[mennoguy]

I was up in that area last summer, I didn't see any place along the Cathedral Lake road, the spots on the Castle Creek Rd. are all marked with signs along the road. Campsite 1 is pretty large and I've shared it with other groups before, with careful driving a sedan should make it, I had no trouble in my forester, be prepared for large potholes.

[dwoodward13]

Camping along Castle Creek Rd is only allowed at marked campsites and those are only past the 2wd TH.

For my future reference, how do you know that? Is it on road signs as you drive in or is it posted online?

Would I be better off trying to find a campsite along Independence pass? I've camped at Graham Gulch before, but that is over an hour away.

I believe there is a sign, but its also posted on the USFS website. Indy pass on the Aspen side is very tough. You can camp up Lincoln Creek Rd, but same deal, only in marked spots. The Roaring Fork Valley is one of the toughest areas for dispersed camping in Colorado. You could check to see if there are cancellations at any of the campgrounds.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteri ... 7&actid=34
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteri ... 7&actid=34

[greenonion]

I was up in that area last summer, I didn't see any place along the Cathedral Lake road, the spots on the Castle Creek Rd. are all marked with signs along the road. Campsite 1 is pretty large and I've shared it with other groups before, with careful driving a sedan should make it, I had no trouble in my forester, be prepared for large potholes.

Was up there recently. The 4wd road (where it turns to dirt from main Castle Creek road) is good for most vehicles up to campsite #3, imo. Rough spot right after #3, and of course more further up.