Camping in Sawatch Range Mid-August

[strayster2]

Hey all-

I'm planning a 4-day 14er hiking trip from August 17-20th. Planning on leaving Denver early on the 17th, hiking something on the way like Quandary/Sherman, then making my way to the Sawatch Range and camp for a few days so I have quick access to some 14er trailheads.

Should I expect difficulties finding a campsite early on a Thursday afternoon? Would it be best if I made reservations at one of the reservable campsites?

Appreciate the help in advance

[huffy13]

Winfield should be a good place to camp. I've camped there a few times, all during summer months, and I have never seen it crowded.

[peter303]

Hey all-

I'm planning a 4-day 14er hiking trip from August 17-20th. Planning on leaving Denver early on the 17th, hiking something on the way like Quandary/Sherman, then making my way to the Sawatch Range and camp for a few days so I have quick access to some 14er trailheads.

Should I expect difficulties finding a campsite early on a Thursday afternoon? Would it be best if I made reservations at one of the reservable campsites?

Appreciate the help in advance

I would recommend reservations if any are still available at this late date. This year is insane compared to even a couple years ago due to record Colorado population, record number of visitors, booming economy and very low gasoline prices. Pressure might lighten up after schools start around August 20.
The five Lake Dillion campgroups are 20-30 minutes from the seven Mosquitos.
There is dispersed camping for most of the northern Sawatches-Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Belford, Oxford, Missouri, Huron, LaPlata, Elbert, Massive. Plus several forest campgrounds.

[triordie]

A good, big, "civilized" campground for the Sawatch range is the Twin Lakes campground. It is on R-te 82, and you can hike Elbert (East slopes) right from the camp. It is also not far from La Plata trailhead on 82.
I do not think they will be full on a Thursday.

[TravelingMatt]

Should I expect difficulties finding a campsite early on a Thursday afternoon?

Generally no, if you're just looking for a place to pull over and sleep. That said, the Leadville 100 is that weekend, so the area will be a little busier than usual.

A few weeks ago I was confused why a certain road in the San Juans was so crowded. Turned out I was along the route for the Hardrock 100.

[summitrunner]

The Leadville 100 is that weekend. The road to Winfield will be jam packed that Saturday. Leadville will be crazy all weekend. Just a heads up.

[Shaolin]

How is the area by South Elbert trailhead for camping in Sep early/mid Oct?

[peter303]

The Leadville 100 is that weekend. The road to Winfield will be jam packed that Saturday. Leadville will be crazy all weekend. Just a heads up.

I camped the Friday night BEFORE that race at Winfield one year out of curiosity. I climbed Huron with the extra 90 minutes from the 2WD camground and departed as the first runners were arriving at Winfield (noon). The 2WD camping was considerably away from the medical checkup tent. There was far more noise from the 4WD Huron cars arriving every hour of the nigh 11 PM, 12AM, 1AM, 2AM, 3AM, 4AM, 5AM ... Some of the incoming race traffic was crazy, taking 390 at 60 mph. I recall the return leg is first part when runners are allowed pacers/company.

[strayster2]

Thank you for the responses! Just my luck I would pick the weekend of the Leadville 100. I had no idea.

[summitrunner]

I recall the return leg is first part when runners are allowed pacers/company.

You are correct. If runners can make it to Winfield, then they can have a broski or many bros help them for the last 50 miles.