Day Use

Rating
Featured/Unfeatured
Claimed/Unclaimed
ohaver1.jpg
38.42778, -106.14306

O’Haver Campground, located on the shores of O’Haver Lake, attracts many campers for fishing, bird watching and canoeing on the calm, pleasant lakes. During peak season, interpretive programs are offered most weekends. Nearby mountain biking and hiking opportunities are also available. 

Campers can venture on a trip to part of the popular Colorado Trail. The multi-purpose trail extends for 487 miles from Denver to Durango, with altitude variations ranging from 5,500 to 13,300 feet.

Campsites have limited understory and sites are situated close to one another. O’Haver sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, in a forest of ponderosa pine and aspen. 

Ponderosa pines provide a fresh vanilla scent in the mountain air and aspens please visitors with golden foliage displays in autumn. Nearby O’Haver Lake spans 15 acres.

Half Moon west campground, leadville, co

The Halfmoon Campground is located at the top of Tigiwon Road #707 near the boundary for the Holy Cross Wilderness in a forested setting; all wilderness regulations must be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). This campground is located at the trailheads for several hiking trails and is heavily used by hikers who are climbing Mount of the Holy Cross.

Due to the nature of the Forest Road to the campground and the short parking spurs within the campground, the Halfmoon Campground is not suitable for most RVs.

kenosha1.jpg
39.41306, -105.75667

Kenosha Pass Campground is a small, conveniently-located campground heralded by backpackers on the Colorado Trail and by those looking for a scenic, mountain family getaway. 

Across the road from the campground entrance is the Kenosha Pass Interpretive Area, with an accessible interpretive trail showcasing wetlands and remnants of the South Park and Pacific Railroad. 

Kenosha Pass, the campground’s namesake, is one of the nation’s highest mountain passes, weaving over the spine of the Front Range from Jefferson to Grant. The route provides one of the primary access points to South Park, and boasts tremendous views of Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt.

At a 10,000 foot elevation, the region is commonly referred to as the High Country. Campsites are situated among lodgepole pine and aspen trees. Summer temperature are generally mild and cool, but the high elevation may cause very chilly nights.

lakeview1.jpg
Lakeview Campground, Co

Lakeview Campground, with wonderful views of the Twin Lakes Reservoir, offers a large space with options for tent, RV and group camping. Located about 29 miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado, the campground attracts plenty of hikers looking to explore nearby nature and backpacking trails in the Mount Massive Wilderness. Boating and fishing enthusiasts spend their days at the Twin Lakes Reservoir and Mt. Elbert Forebay.

Lakeview is situated in a ponderosa pine and sage habitat at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The site is between Mt. Elbert Forebay and Twin Lakes. The Twin Lakes Reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet. 

Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, 30,540 acres encompassing Mount Massive, Colorado’s second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

spruce1.jpg
37.96778, -105.06722

Spruce Group Campground, located in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area, is a great place to bring groups for picnicking and camping on the scenic Lake Isabel. The campground accommodates 50 guests for day-use and 40 guests for overnight camping. Some RVs can fit in the paved parking area for added convenience. 

Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed purely for recreation purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts campers who enjoy hiking, canoeing, fishing and watching for wildlife. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional opportunities for fishing.

The St. Charles Creek runs next to the campground, and dense spruce trees surround the site. The shoreline of Lake Isabel meets the rocky slopes of the Wet Mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. 

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

7JGV+67 Leadville North, CO, USA

Located on the north shore of Turquoise Lake among the lodgepole pines, this picnic area has outstanding views of the lake and Mt. Massive. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, parking and a vault toilet. There is also a sandy beach on the shoreline just below the picnic area.

mayqueen1.jpg
May Queen Campground, Leadville, co

May Queen Campground is located at the far western end of Turquoise Lake in a shaded lodgepole pine forest. Conveniently perched near the Charles Boustead Memorial Tunnel, May Queen offers easy access to boating, fishing and hiking. 

Incredible views of the Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wildernesses can be seen from the area, and visitors are likely to see native wildlife like chipmunks, beavers and porcupines. 

The Charles Boustead Memorial Tunnel is a 5.5-mile tunnel that transports water from the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork River Basins through the Continental Divide to the Arkansas River Basin by emptying water into Turquoise Lake.

The campground sits at an elevation of 9,900 ft. on Turquoise Lake. Most campsites are situated on a level, open field along a creek, feeding into the lake. Six first come-first, serve-sites are perched on the wooded hillside above the creek. 

Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a 30,540 acre expanse encompassing Mount Massive, Colorado’s second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

37.312,-105.138

Blue Lake Campground is a developed campground camping and picnicking with the following attractions: Lake and Stream fishing. Blue lake is approximately ½ mile from campground and the tributaries of Cuchara River run through campground.

For trail use, from the campground, take FSR 436 1.5 miles to the non-motorized North Fork Trail #1309. FSR 436 continues to old mine and saddle approximately 500 vertical feet below summit of Trinchera Peak.

Access to the Indian Trial #1300 Trailhead at Bear Lake campground one mile further up FSR 422. This trailhead is a multi user trail system and accesses 23 miles of motorized trails available for ATV, motorcycle, bicycle, foot, and horse use.

39.3274,-105.0922

Hidden in the Rampart Range, Flat Rocks is a campground ideal for the ATV and motorcycle riders in the Rampart Range Motorized Trail System. ATVs and off-road motorcycles are allowed within the campground with immediate connecting trail access. Consult the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for specific roads and trails open to off-road vehicles. There is no dump station, electrical, water hook-ups available.

printerboy1.jpg
Printer Boy Campground, Leadville, Co

Printer Boy Group Campground is located near Turquoise Lake, in an area with plenty of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing and hiking.

The campground is situated within walking distance of the lake shore in a forest of lodgepole pine and sub-alpine fir. 

The Mount Massive Wilderness area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

39.3488,-105.1766

These campgrounds have 13 campsites each for TENT CAMPING ONLY at an elevation of 6,200 feet. It is open year-round. This campground has picnic table and fire ring at each campsite. Portable toilets are availabe during peak season.

39.2975,-105.2081

This campground has 10 campsites for TENT CAMPING ONLY at an elevation of 6,400 feet. Full service camping begins May 1 and continues until the weekend after Labor Day weekend in September.

meadowridge5.jpg
38.9775, -104.98472

Located about 10 miles from the town of Woodland Park, Colorado, Meadow Ridge Campground is pleasantly situated on a ridge above the Rampart Reservoir. Here, campers have access to prime fishing and a selection of mountain biking and hiking trails. 

The campground is in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of the popular Pikes Peak. The peak has an altitude of 14,110 feet and was first climbed in 1820. Its claim to fame is that it is America’s easternmost peak over 14,000 feet.

Sitting in a ponderosa pine forest at 9,200 feet, the 19-site campground overlooks the Rampart Reservoir. The surrounding terrain includes a mix of grass meadows, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen.

3MV4+P8 Twin Lakes, CO, USA

This is the only designated picnic area on Twin Lakes. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings with grates and a vault restroom. There is a lovely view of the lakes with Twin Peaks, Mt. Hope and Mt. Quail rising up behind the lakes. This site provides easy access for fishing.

alvarado.jpg
38.07889, -105.56333

Alvarado Campground, located at an elevation of 9,000 ft., is a prime location for accessing easy to challenging hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The variety of trails lead to high elevation lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and a number of stunning scenic overlooks. Alvarado is designed for a range of campers, with facilities for tent, RV and equestrian campers. 

Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

Alvarado is perched on the side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains among sweet smelling ponderosa pine, aspen, lodgepole and gambel oak trees. Some sites offer views of the Wet Mountain Valley below while others sit beside Alvarado Creek. 

The campground is within reach of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which spans 226,455 acres with 60 alpine lakes, 400 miles of streams and over 400 miles of trails to explore.

Large aspen stands visible in the area today are a result of heavy controlled fires set in the early 1900’s to clear pasture land, expose minerals and produce charcoal.

3MRG+WX Twin Lakes, CO, USA

Sunnyside Fishing Site is located on the northeastern shore of Twin Lakes Reservoir.

3JJF+RV Twin Lakes, CO, USA

Located on the North shore of Twin Lakes.

39.2753866 -106.357075

Tabor Campground is located adjacent to the boat ramp along the north-eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in a shaded lodgepole pine forest at 9,900 feet. It easily accommodates large recreational vehicles. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grates, potable water, and a vault toilet.

This campground is named after Leadville’s infamous Silver King, Horace A. W. Tabor.

High altitude sickness may occur.

39.51105,-105.5350609

This campground has 18 campsites with parking spurs at an elevation of 9,000 feet. Campground includes picnic table and  fire ring at each campsite, two vault toilets at different locations, and has trash pick up service.

38.78,-106.29

Cottonwood Lake Campground is a very popular site for campers, as well as anglers. Campsites fill up quickly on weekends. Weekdays can be less busy, and campsites may be much more available. This facility has 24 campsites. The campground is situated on a gently sloping hillside surrounded by young stands of aspen trees.

Water is provided by a solar-powered pump. RV’s and camp trailers cannot fill their water tanks from the campground faucets due to the poor recovery of the well. Water tanks should be filled up in Buena Vista prior to visiting the campground.

No showers are available and restrooms are simple vault toilets.

39.25167, -105.23417

Lone Rock Campground, located along the South Platte River, boasts spectacular views and top-notch fly fishing waters. Hikers thoroughly enjoy the nearby Gill Trail and kayakers are drawn to the rapids of the rushing river. Wildlife viewing is rewarding here and campers may spot moose, mule deer, owls, golden eagles and more.

The campground is situated on a hillside rising up from the South Platte River at an elevation of 6,479 feet. Many sites are open and feature a view of the river. Privacy is minimal but ponderosa pines provide some shade. Temperatures are generally mild.

ponderosa1.jpg
37.96778, -105.06722

Ponderosa Group Campground, located near the sparkling 40-acre Lake Isabel, beckons large groups for picnicking and camping in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. 

The campground accommodates 61-120 guests for day-use ($150 day use fee) and 60 guests for overnight camping. Visitors can enjoy entertainment like volleyball and horseshoes, or head to the lake for canoeing and fishing. 

Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed solely for recreational purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts many campers who come to hike, canoe, fish and spend time bird watching. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional fishing opportunities.

Shady pine and aspen trees are scattered throughout the campground. The shoreline of Lake Isabel meets the rocky base of sweeping mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. At 8,600 feet the area enjoys cool summer days, a welcome relief from the heat in the plains far below.

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

3JPR+GQ Twin Lakes, CO, USA

Located on the north shore of Twin Lakes off of Highway 82.

7J4P+3Q Leadville North, CO, USA

Located near the Matchless boat ramp on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, Maid of Erin is a beautiful area to enjoy a picnic with friends and family. Facilities include picnic tables, pedestal grills, fire rings, potable water, and vault toilets. You can also access the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail from this site for a leisurely walk around the lake.

7HH9+3G Leadville North, CO, USA

This picnic/day-use area is located at the far western end of Turquoise Lake, adjacent to May Queen Campground. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and a restroom. You can also access the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail from this site to enjoy a leisurely walk along the northern shoreline.

colorado3.jpg
39.07972, -105.09333

ATTENTION:  Water is available at this campground however you will not be permitted to fill up your RV or Trailer with Water from the system.  There is not enough water available in the water system to provide that amount of water to everyone.  Thank you for your understanding.

Colorado Campground is a favorite family destination near Manitou Lake and north of the town of Woodland Park. A short trail leads to the lovely lake, where visitors enjoy fishing, bird watching and canoeing.

The campground is situated at 7,800 feet in a ponderosa pine forest near the 5-acre Manitou Lake. The campground lies in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak summit reaches an elevation of 14,115 feet and is America’s easternmost peak over 14,000 feet.

38.2641,-105.6596

Developed campground camping with the following activities: Access to non-wilderness in the Sangre De Christo mountain range from the Rainbow trail. The Rainbow trail is a motorized trail which includes ATV and motorcycle use and runs along the foot of the Sangres. Wilderness trails, that climb above the Rainbow trail into the Sangres, are only accessed by foot or livestock. The closest wilderness trails include North Brush and South Brush. High Mountain lakes are accessible from the wilderness trails. Forest Service Road 198 is accessed from the Campground and will take you up to non-wilderness areas in the Sangres. Please check a map for other recreational opportunities close by the area.

5H3V+5R Twin Lakes, CO, USA

Located about six miles down the Halfmoon Road, Emerald Lake is a day use picnic and fishing area in a shady lodgepole pine forest. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. This site is easily accessible during summer months and inaccessible during winter months. There are 10 picnic sites with tables and pedestal grills. Day use fees for each vehicle is $7.00 payable by cash, check or money order placed inside the self-service fee tube.

3JMH+WP Twin Lakes, CO, USA

Located on the Northwest shore of Twin Lakes.

39.4829,-105.8053

This campground has 9 campsites at an elevation of 9,900 feet with parking spur lengths of 16-30 feet. The campground remains open year-round, weather permitting.  Facilities include picnic tables, a vault toilet, and fire rings.

Please note: there is no water available at this campground.

painted1.jpg
39.08444, -105.10528

Painted Rocks Campground is located a short distance from Manitou Lake and the Centennial Bike Trail in central Colorado. The rustic campground is named for the sandstone outcroppings in the area that resemble colorful streaks from an artist’s paintbrush.

The campground is nestled on the edge of a grassy meadow at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Most sites on the west loop sites are nicely shaded by ponderosa pines, while sites on the east loop are more open and less shady.

mollybrown5.jpg
Molly brown campground, leadville, co

Named after the “unsinkable” Molly Brown on the Titanic, Molly Brown Campground, on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, sits in a shaded lodgepole pine forest. The campground is ideal for enjoying the popular recreation lake and offers access to boating, fishing, hiking and water skiing. 

The famous Molly Brown lived in the town of Leadville, just 5 miles east of the campground. She became wealthy from her husband’s mining success and took on a life as a philanthropist, socialite and activist.

Campsites are perched along the scenic waters of the lake. Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a 30,540 acre stretch of forest land which encompasses Colorado¿s second highest peak, Mount Massive at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

39.2377,-105.1873

Located on the South Platte River at an elevation of 6,296 feet, Scraggy View Picnic Area is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive southwest of Denver on Jefferson County Road 126. There are five (5) picnic site.  No overnight camping available.

3MV5+MW Twin Lakes, CO, USA

Big Mac Fishing Site is located on the northern shore of Twin Lakes Reservoir near the Mt. Elbert Power Plant and Visitor Center off of U.S. Hwy 82. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout.

indian1.jpg
39.39167, -105.10889

The Indian Creek Equestrian Campground is an ideal camping site for avid horseback riders looking to explore the Indian Creek Equestrian Trail. The area provides a pleasant atmosphere plus nearby access to the Rampart Range, a well known off-highway vehicle riding area. 

The area boasts wildlife like mule deer, turkey, elk and black bears. The Roxborough State Park is located to the northeast of the campground as has a reputation for its dramatic red-rock formations.

Campsites sit among a mix of trees that provide both shade and sun throughout the day. These include Ponderosa pine, Gamble oak, Douglas fir, aspen and spruce. 

Pike-San Isabel National Forests include over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet in altitude.

la vista1.jpg
37.98444, -105.05944

La Vista Campground is situated in a meadow overlooking the west side of the 40-acre Lake Isabel. It is set along the Frontier Pathways and Historic Byway in the Wet Mountains along one of the Colorado Birding Trails. 

Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed purely for recreation purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts many campers who come to hike, canoe, fish and spend time bird watching. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional fishing opportunities.

Shady pine and aspen trees are scattered throughout the campground. At 8,600 feet, the area enjoys cool summer days, a welcome relief from the heat in the plains far below. 

The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado’s mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet.

39.3269,-105.3556

Green Mountain Campground offers that special blend of being far enough from town that there is no corner store while being close enough that the drive to and from home is a part of the total pleasant getaway. Located southwest of Denver, CO at an elevation of 7,500 feet, Green Mountain Campground offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals or families to enjoy the great outdoors. Southfork Creek runs through the campground and numerous trails provide ample hiking and biking opportunities only a mile away.

38.0624,-105.1047

This campground is usually open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend with full service and, depending on snow conditions, is usually open through the middle of October with reduced service.

Available activities include hiking, fishing, bicycling, motorcycle, and ATV. Fishing in Ophir Creek. A short drive will take you to various trailheads.

39.5304,-105.7346

At an elevation of 9,813 feet, Geneva Park Campground offers cooler temperatures during the hottest of summer months. Along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, this campground is near prime spots for wildlife viewing, scenic driving, landscape photography, hiking, summiting 14,060 foot Mount Bierstadt, and access to 4-wheel drive roads. No dump station, electrical or water hook-ups available.

timberline3.jpg
39.43194, -105.76194

The Timberline Campground, near Kenosha Pass, is about 7 miles southwest of the small town of Grant. The abundance of aspens at the site creates impressive fall scenery along the forested hillside. Wildlife in the area includes golden eagles, elk, mule deer, moose, chipmunks and porcupines.

The family campsites are divided into two loops, that are separated by a rise. Both loops sit among a stand of aspen, spruce and lodgepole pines along Hoosier Creek. The campground sits at an altitude of 9,700 feet and features mild summer temperatures and cool nights.

Showing 1 - 40 of 75 results