About THUNDER RIDGE
Overview Thunder Ridge Campground, located above the Rampart Reservoir, is one of two campgrounds within the Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area. The campground overlooks the reservoir, which is popular for fishing. Boating and hiking are also common activities for campers here. The campground is located on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of the popular Pikes Peak. The peak has an altitude of 14,110 feet and is America's easternmost peak reaching over 14,000 feet. Recreation Rainbow and mackinaw trout are plentiful in the reservoir and hikers can enjoy the trails in the area. Rampart Reservoir Trail is nearby. Rampart Reservoir Trail extends for 14 miles and is open to hiking and mountain biking. Facilities Three campsites and two of the vault toilets meet current accessibility standards. Most remaining sites have steps that lead below the road level to the site picnic table and campfire ring. Drinking water is provided and each site comes with a picnic table and campfire ring. Firewood can be purchased on-site.Natural Features The campground overlooks the Rampart Reservoir in a ponderosa pine forest at an altitude of 9,200 feet. The surrounding terrain includes a mix of grass meadows, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen. Nearby Attractions The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs offers tours, and a visit to the quaint town of Green Mountain Falls makes a great day trip. Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by
How to Get There
From the I-25 and Hwy 24 intersection in Colorado Springs, Colorado, travel west on Highway 24 for 17.4 miles to Baldwin St. in Woodland Park. Turn right (north) on Baldwin (which turns into Rampart Range Road). Travel approximately 3 miles to Loy Creek Road, turn right at the Y, and travel 1.5 miles to Rampart Range Road (Forest Road 300). Turn right (south) on Rampart Range Road. The Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area entrance is approximately 4 miles up the road on the left. Thunder Ridge Campground is approximately 0.7 miles on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 24 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (43°F low → 67°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to THUNDER RIDGE
Heading to THUNDER RIDGE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for THUNDER RIDGE?
No central reservation system listed for THUNDER RIDGE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231874) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to THUNDER RIDGE?
From the I-25 and Hwy 24 intersection in Colorado Springs, Colorado, travel west on Highway 24 for 17.4 miles to Baldwin St. in Woodland Park. Turn right (north) on Baldwin (which turns into Rampart Range Road). Travel approximately 3 miles to Loy Creek Road, turn right at the Y, and travel 1.5 miles to Rampart Range Road (Forest Road 300). Turn right (south) on Rampart Range Road. The Rampart Res…
How do I contact THUNDER RIDGE?
You can reach the park at phone: 719-636-1602 (NO RESERVATIONS TAKEN AT THIS NUMBER. INFORMATION ONLY).
References & Official Resources
