Some of the best getaways are the ones with no cell signal and an abundance of river, nature and stars. When you can find that without having to sacrifice basic amenities (like a bathroom), well, that’s practically perfection.
Tucked in the central-southern Rockies of Colorado between the Wet Mountains and Sangre de Cristo ranges, the Pike-San Isabel National Forest is one of those rare destinations. Here, the air is sharp with the scent of pine, and the sound of rushing water replaces every notification you forgot to silence. If you’re looking for a simple way to unplug and reconnect, check out this camping area.
Jeffrey Beall
Where to Stay: Ophir Creek Campground
It’s a bit of an understatement to say that camping is popular in Colorado. Reservations are usually the way to go and even then, it can be booked out six months in advance. This campground is a rare find with availability, not too much of a backcountry, yet still offering that feeling of seclusion and serenity. With a picnic table, fire ring at each campsite and vault toilets, Ophir Creek campground is a comfortable wilderness retreat. But the best part is the adventure found here.
Sangre de Cristo camping: What to do
When you reserve your site, the camping fee comes with a day pass to Lake Isabel Recreation Area, just a short drive down the road. Although on the smaller side as far as Colorado bodies of water go, Lake Isabel is a beautifully secluded swimming, paddleboard and fishing spot—a shimmering expanse framed by forested alpine slopes.
Hike enthusiasts will be happy to hear that there are several trails branching out from the lake, ranging from gentle shoreline strolls to lung-stretching climbs into the wilderness. The St. Charles Trail winds into the heart of the Sangre de Cristo range, giving a taste of the rugged peaks and deep pine forests that make this region so alluring.
WikiCommons
Not every wilderness retreat comes with a fairytale structure in the neighborhood, but this one does. Ophir Creek is just a short drive from Bishop’s Castle. Built stone by stone over decades by one man, Jim Bishop, the castle is a whimsical tower with spiral staircases that visitors can climb and wander through its arches. It is eccentric, yes, but also completely unforgettable, and it has become a Colorado roadside legend.
The real luxury, though, is the silence. Here, you are free to lose track of time, let the day unfold, nap in the sun and pause for quiet reflection. The night skies are among the darkest in Colorado, perfect for stargazing. It is almost impossible not to feel small and at peace when you see the Milky Way stretched overhead.
Planning Your Stay
Ophir Creek Campground is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, often extending into October if the snow holds off. Reservations are required for most sites and can be made in advance through recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10040622.
The closest city would be Pueblo, and you can plan your trip at visitpueblo.org.