Abe Lee Fishing Site is located on the south shore of Turquoise Lake, six miles west of Leadville. Good fishing plus a plethora of other recreational opportunities are available at this popular lake. Turquoise Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee. Other species in the lake include brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. Turquoise Lake is rated as fair to good fishing. This is a day use area which closes at 10 p.m. Camping is not allowed.
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.
Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. The family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.
The campground was named after Elizabeth McCourt’s nickname, Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner, and was given her nickname.
Campsites are perched along the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado’s second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
19 campsites located in the beautiful Leadville district located right along Turquoise lake. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado’s second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields. This is a first come first serve campground and sites fill up quickly especially during the weekends.
The Belle of Colorado is a tent-only, non-reservable campground located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in a shaded lodgepole pine forest. Facilities include vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills. Several desirable campsites are located near the shoreline.
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.
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.
This is a tent camping facility located on the Colorado Trail. A family fire ring with benches are provided. A vault toilet is also located at the site, but is only open during peak season.
The campground is located on the Colorado Trail (#1776) and is a popular destination for through hikers and backpackers who are hiking the trail from Denver to Durango.
Buffalo Campground is one of two facilities within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, about an hour’s drive southwest of Denver, Colorado. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and trout fishing.
The campground is situated near Buffalo Creek at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures are mild and range from 75-80 degrees during the day to 55-65 degrees at night.
Located on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest at an elevation of 9,813 feet, Burning Bear Campground offers cooler temperatures during the hot Colorado summer months. Along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, this campground is near prime spots for wildlife viewing, scenic driving, landscape photography, hiking and roads open to off-highway vehicles.
The campground is nestled in a beautiful valley on the way to Guanella Pass. Although somewhat open, a scattering of ponderosa pines provides some privacy to campers.
Mount Bierstadt (elevation 14,060 feet) is north on the Guanella Pass road – a Scenic and Historic Byway, and one of the most popular scenic drives on the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. The Guanella Pass road is a great place to watch for bighorn sheep, elk, deer, moose, marmot, pika, and bear
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.
Cascade Campground is located in beautiful Chalk Creek Canyon in central Colorado. This popular facility sits near Cascade Falls and within 10 miles of a private hot springs resort, making it an ideal location for rest and relaxation. It’s also a great destination for visitors looking for off-road vehicle trails.
The campground is situated in a dense forest of Douglas fir and aspen at an elevation of 9,000 feet in Chalk Creek Canyon, which gets its name from the soft, white, chalk-like kaolinite canyon walls. Kaolinite is a clay mineral that was deposited by percolating hot springs.
Chalk Creek is just across the road from the campground. It flows 27 miles eastward from the Collegiate Peaks before joining the Arkansas River. Chalk Lake is a mile east of the campground.
Coaldale Campground is located on the banks of Hayden Creek and is a quiet campground with only 10 campsites. Most of the campsites are walk-in sites with small parking areas. Water is available at Hayden Creek Campground. The area is thick with gamble oak, juniper, and cottonwood trees . Sites 1-5 are walk-in sites for tent camping. Vault toilet is available only during peak season
Collegiate Peaks Campground is located 11 miles west of Buena Vista, Colorado, along Middle Cottonwood Creek near the top of Cottonwood Pass. The campground offers well-spaced campsites and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails.
The campground sits at an elevation of 9,800 feet, tucked in a dense stand of ponderosa pine and aspen. Some sites sit alongside the creek while others are tucked back in the woods. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months.
Cottonwood Pass is a high mountain pass across the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. The road reaches the divide at an elevation of 12,126 feet.
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.
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.
The Crags campground has 17 campsites for tents, small RV’s, or small trailers. It is located in an “out of the way” area and is highly used depending on the time of day and year.
The Crags Trail #664 and the Devil’s Playground Trail #753 start near the campground at the Crags Trailhead located 1/8 mile before the campground.
This is a standard, non-electric campground. It is also a pack it in, pack it out campground.
Davenport Campground was one of the first Forest Service campgrounds, and is near the now-abandoned Squirrel Creek Campground, the very first Forest Service campground in the country. In 2010, Davenport was rebuilt to evoke the original 1920s design. Adirondack shelters and a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces were built and old-style log picnic tables add to the historic character of this campground.
The campground offers access to an array of hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle and off-road vehicle trails.
The campground sits in a grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and spruce trees at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Squirrel Creek runs alongside this scenic facility in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado.
Located on the north shore of Twin Lakes off of Highway 82.
Deer Creek Campground is a heavily wooded campground located at 9,168 feet. Mature trees provide shade and hiking trails are nearby. Deer Creek and Camp Creek meet to run next to the campground, providing the soothing sounds of running water. No dump station, electricity or water hook-ups available.
Devil’s Head Campground resides at the base of Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Tower and Devil’s Head Trail #611. Rock formations dot the landscape and provide outstanding views of the surrounding area. No dump station, electricity or water hook-ups available.
Peak season is 05/22-09/08 and extended season runs through 09/09-09/21. During peak season, the campground offers full service. Extended season has reduced services such as vault toilets, water, trash, or a host may not be available.
This campground appears on the following maps:
- Pike National Forest
- USGS Quad Devil’s Head
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated #135 (Deckers / Rampart Range)
Located off the Halfmoon Road (FSR 110), Elbert Creek is a first-come, first-served campground adjacent to the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads at 10,000 feet. This is a very popular campground for hikers. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water.
High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude.
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.
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.
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.
Located approximately a two-hour drive southwest of Denver, at an elevation of 7,723 feet, the Goose Creek Campground offers an opprtunity for designated camping near the Lost Creek Wilderness. Recreational opportunties in the area include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Goose Creek runs through the campground and generally runs year round. Although not deep, the buddling brook supplies soothing sounds and a quaint atmosphere for camping. TheGoose Creek Trailhead #612 is close by and affords acces to the Lost Creek Wilderness via the Hankins Pass #630 and the Goose Creek #612 trails and is the primary reason visitors use this campground.
As the only campground surviving the Hayman Fire, this little area is an oasis of green among the burnt surroundings. Being just minutes away from the Lost Creek Wilderness, this campground is a very popular site for those hiking the Goose Creek trails and does see heavy use throughout the camping season. Host is available on site.
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.
Located off the Halfmoon Road (FSR 110), Halfmoon East is a first-come, first-served campground near the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads at 9,000 feet. This is a very popular campground for hikers. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and vault toilets. There is no potable water available at this campground, but water can be obtained up the road at Halfmoon West Campground.
High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude.
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.
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.
Hayden Creek Campground is a hidden gem on the Salida Ranger District. The campground is small with only 11 sites. It is located on the banks of Hayden Creek and at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The campground is wooded and very secluded. Sites are best suited to tent camping or small trailers or RV’s. Ideally, vehicles less than 30 ft. work best in the area.
Reservations are not taken for this campground. All sites are first-come, first-served. Also, vault toilet is available only during peak season.
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.
Iron City Campground is located within the Chalk Creek Canyon, which is one of the valley’s most popular areas. This is a small campground with 15 campsites. It is located near the historic townsite of St. Elmo. The historic Iron City cemetery is located on the east end of the campground.
An interpretive sign at the entrance to the cemetery provides information on the early settlers and miners who are buried there.
Camping and campfires are restricted in the Chalk Creek Canyon to developed campgrounds only. Campers who are unable to find a campsite in one of the four developed campground may camp above the townsite of St. Elmo on County Road 267.
Please note, vault toilet is available only during peak season
Kelsey is one of two campgrounds within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, about an hour’s drive southwest of Denver, Colorado. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and trout fishing.
The campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures are mild and range from 75-80 during the day to 55-65 at night.
The Kelsey Overlook is just north of the campground along County Road 126, offering beautiful views of the valley below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.