Pike & San Isabel Forest

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765 Sleepy Joe Dr, Lake George, CO 80827, USA

The beautiful Spruce Grove campground is positioned beside large rock outcroppings on Tarryall Creek. Magnificent hiking trails to the Lost Creek Wilderness Area are just steps away from the Creek Bridge. Located just 14 miles outside Lake George, Colorado, the area’s wild inhabitants include black bear, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and bobcats.

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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.

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.

6V5W+JV Alma, CO, USA

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

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WG5Q+JM Guffey, CO, USA

Cove Campground is a small, primitive campground ideal for anglers and rock climbers, nestled in the Eleven Mile Canyon along the South Platte River.

Co Rd 54, Jefferson, CO 80456, USA

Michigan Creek Campground is four miles northwest of Jefferson off CR 35 and CR 54. It has 12 campsites with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet. The elevation is 10,100 feet. Camping season begins in May and continues to early October with reduced service.  Facilities include toilets, tables, and fire rings. There is no trash or water service at this campground.

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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.

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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.

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All Payments for Entrance by Cash or Check only

Manitou Lake Picnic Area, is located 7 miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado,. The Manitou Lake Pavilion is located inside the picnic area and is a wonderful group day use picnic area for groups up to 50 people. The scenic spot sits on the west side of Manitou Lake and provides great opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing. 
Fishing in the lake is welcomed.

The small Manitou Lake is a 5-acre reservoir fed by Trout Creek. At a 7,700 foot elevation, the terrain is a combination of grassy meadows and ponderosa pines. Visitors can view Mt. Deception across the lake

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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.

C5C5+R2 Jefferson, CO, USA

Lodgepole Campground is a creekside destination with incredible Colorado mountain views. The campground is located 3 miles south of Jefferson Lake, one of the highest elevation lakes around, capping 10,685 feet elevation and bordered by steep 12,000 foot peaks. Fishing in both the creek and lake offer promising catches of trout. Another noteworthy aspect of the campground is its access to the Colorado Trail.

C4MW+CX Keystone, CO, USA

Campers looking for a pleasant fishing destination with great mountain views will enjoy camping at Jefferson Creek. The campground is located a short drive or hike from Jefferson Lake. The lake is one of the highest elevation lakes around, capping 10,685 feet elevation and bordered by steep 12,000 foot peaks. Fishing in both the creek and lake offer promising catches of trout. Another noteworthy aspect of the campground is its access to the Colorado Trail.

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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.

Elbert Creek Campground, Leadville, Co

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.

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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.

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Twin Peaks is a first-come, first-served campground located west of Twin Lakes Reservoir in a shaded aspen and lodgepole pine forest. It is located above the whitewater of Lake Creek at 9,600 feet with spectacular views of the Sawatch Range. The Continental Divide and Mount Elbert trails are in the nearby area.

High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude.

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Red Rocks Group Campground is located 4 miles north of the town of Woodland Park, Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for hiking, biking and visiting the nearby 5-acre Manitou Lake.

This rustic group site is situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 8,200 feet. A nearby hiking trail leads to a unique red sandstone formation. Most of Red Rocks Group is shaded by sweetly scented ponderosa pine trees.

XJ5F+XX Lake George, CO, USA

Riverside Campground lies across the road form South Platte River, providing a scenic base camp for fishing, hiking and rock climbing. The campground is tucked in the Eleven Mile Canyon, a delightful place to view polished granite walls surrounding the open valley of the river. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding areas, with opportunities to see elk, mule deer, chipmunks and porcupines.

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South Meadows campground, located 5 miles north of Woodland Park, provides a scenic spot for campers to rest and enjoy the many recreational offerings of the area. The campground attracts avid hikers and bikers with access to the multipurpose Centennial Trail, as well as visitors looking for a central location for day trips to Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. 

Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, featuring incredible rock formations, impressive vistas and a free visitor and nature center.

Campsites are tucked in a stand of ponderosa pines at an elevation of 8,000 feet. To the east is Mount Deception and to the north is the 5-acre Manitou Lake. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months and temperatures are generally mild, with warm and pleasant days and cooler nights.

3MRG+WX Twin Lakes, CO, USA

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

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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.

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Monarch Park is nestled at the base of Monarch Ridge, a short drive north of Monarch Pass. Some campsites at the family-friendly destination are located on the banks of the South Fork Arkansas River, while others lie along a creek. Popular activities in the area include hiking the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail and fishing. Beaver ponds are near the entrance to the campground and make a great fishing spot for families with young children. 

Monarch Pass is a high mountain pass along the southern part of Colorado’s Sawatch Range. The pass crosses the Continental Divide an altitude of 11,312 feet.

The picturesque campground is heavily wooded with ponderosa and Douglas fir. With an elevation of 10,500 feet, visitors are likely to experience chilly nighttime temperatures and cool, mild summer days.

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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.

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This campground is the highest elevation campground on the Salida Ranger District. The elevation is 11,000 feet and the campsites are situated on the north shore of the North Fork Reservoir. The campground is small with only 9 sites. The road to the campground is very rough and not recommended for vehicles towing trailers. High clearance vehicles are a requirement for reaching this campground.

Reservations are not taken for this campground.

Father Dyer Campground, Leadville, Co

Father Dyer 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 is named after Father John Lewis Dyer, one of the first Methodist ministers to tour Colorado’s high country mining camps. For 20 years, beginning in 1862, he travelled the circuit encompassing Alma, Fairplay and Leadville, regularly skiing over the 13,186-foot Mosquito Pass on long, wooden skis.

Campsites are nestled in the forest near the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land encompassing 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.

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Mount Princeton Campground is located in beautiful Chalk Creek Canyon in central Colorado. This popular facility sits near Chalk Lake and Cascade Falls, and is 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 hiking or off-road vehicle trails.

The campground is situated at an elevation of 8,600 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. A stand of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir offers partial shade in the campground. 

Chalk Creek can be accessed from the campground. It flows 27 miles eastward from the Collegiate Peaks before joining the Arkansas River. Chalk Lake is a mile west of the campground.

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XJ5Q+F5 Lake George, CO, USA

Blue Mountain Campground sits between Eleven Mile Canyon with the South Platte River to the north and the peak of Blue Mountain to the south, creating an impressive location for recreation and diverse scenery. The campground is primitive and quiet, creating a peaceful outdoor experience for guests. Hiking, biking, rock climbing in the canyon and trout fishing in the river are popular pastimes.

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.

7FMV+QM Bailey, CO, USA

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

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Located on Park County 60, off of US Hwy 285, the Handcart campground is surrounded by lodgepole pine trees.  The campground has 10 campsites for TENT CAMPING ONLY.

Co Rd 358, Lake George, CO 80827, USA

Spillway Campground is perched along the South Platte River near the base of the dam of Eleven Mile Reservoir. Adventurists and families alike will find things to do here. Birding is excellent, as is hiking. Rock climbers enjoy the solid rocky cliffs of the canyon and fly fishermen find abundant catches in the river.

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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.

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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.

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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)
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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.

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silver dollar campground, leadville, co

Silver Dollar Campground is situated near 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.

Campsites are nestled in the forest within walking distance of the scenic lakeshore at 10,000 feet in elevation. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area is nearby. The 30,540-acre expanse encompasses 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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