lakes in colorado to camp

Take your boat out on the lake and go just two miles south and you’ll cross the border into New Mexico. Nearby, the Molly Brown Campground has 47 sites that are available for reservation or by walk up. Camping is available year-round and includes traditional sites as well as camper cabins and even winter camping with electric outlets in the marina parking lot. With that in mind, here are 7 places to camp for free in Colorado. On the 880-acre, surface of the water, you can kayak, fish, boat, paddleboard and canoe. The lake offers boating and fishing, and on land, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking and four-wheeling. Your email address will not be published. There are a number of campgrounds around it, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, head to the east side’s Old Timers or Graham Creek campgrounds which are less developed. Throughout Colorado — there are many breathtaking campgrounds situated along the edge of lakes. If you get hungry — the town of Grand Lake sits right on the north edge of Grand Lake and offers plenty of dining options to satisfy your cravings. Wildlife watchers can enjoy glimpses of red fox and mule deer, as well as a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl like the sandhill cranes that nest in the wetland areas. From there it’s just a few minutes before the lake comes into view. The campground will be operating for the summer of 2021 with all the campsites and cabins/rooms still intact. Little Molas Lake, located in the southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, is a primitive campground that offers spectacular views of the glistening water and the surrounding jagged peaks of Snowdon, Grand Turk, Engineer and Twin Sister. The town of Leadville is just a short drive away from the campsites and offers restaurants, history and other attractions to discover. Not only are there lots of scenic campsites, but the marina offers watercraft rentals, there is a swimming beach, a visitor center, a camp store, gift shop, concessions, showers and more. Where: Just a short drive south of Denver lies Rampart Reservoir. Cheyenne Mountain ResortThis mountain-nestled resort in Colorado Springs will keep you busy from dawn to dusk without ever having to leave its grounds. They’re all spread across the lake’s shoreline, most along the eastern shore. With access to Andrews Lake, a high-altitude tarn stocked with rainbow and brook trout, the Colorado Trail and views from Molas Pass, it’s truly hard to beat. The best camping near Grand Lake, Colorado. If you can score a spot along the Commanche Loop or the Crown Loop, you’ll have immediate access to the banks of the river where kids can splash around when the water is low, fishermen can cast their lines and you can enjoy the gurgling sounds of the water. The Lowdown: While camping near Grand Lake there are hundreds of things to do. Please keep in mind that no fee means no cleaning or trash pickup, so for the sake of the forests, follow “Leave No Trace” principles by using existing campsites and campfire rings and packing out all your trash. Photo via Thinkstock, We heard Santa likes hard seltzers. The other campground — Thunder Ridge — has 21 sites available and is also available for both walk-ups and reservations. On the opposite side of the lake from Lake Fork is Stevens Creek Campground. Grand Lake, the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, is the state’s largest natural lake, making it an ideal spot for camping near the water. UPDATE SINCE THE WILDFIRE Winding River Resort and its owners ask for your patience as we go forward from the East Troublesome fire that came through the area on October 21st. RELATED: The Guide to Dispersed Camping in Colorado 1. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! This stunning campground lies above the seasonal town of Platoro, deep in the South San Juans. The 200-year-old Juniper trees cannot be replaced in our lifetime. Ranger Lakes campground in State Forest State Park has 32 campsites with electric hookups and is a short walk to Ranger Lakes fishing areas. This road is closed for winter and typically reopens in June. Each one includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets nearby. There are also six rustic cabins available for rent (year round). There’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, camping, picnics, and water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Wherever you and your friends end up camping make sure to respect your neighbors and take the time to preserve the natural beauty that Colorado offers use each and every day. Follow US 285 south till you hit US 160. Why You’ll Love Shady Grove Campground It’s also a magnificent destination for flat-water kayaking and canoeing, and Pikes Peak creates a stunning backdrop. Photo Courtesy of Manitou Springs website. The campground hosts a wide range of amenities, so much so it’s almost like a “camping resort.” It has horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, basketball court, a playground and showers. Blue Mesa Reservoir has over 90 miles of shoreline for you to explore or relax on while you soak up the sunny mountain air at 7,500 feet. The canyon opens out to be a small valley bordered by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains peaking at over 13,000 feet to the immediate south, the wild Arkansas River, then cliffs and smaller mountains to the north. If you’re looking for a fairly easy hike or bike excursion, the 12-mile paved Mineral Belt Trail loop starts in downtown Leadville, just four miles east of the lake. Steamboat Lake is a hidden gem, though locals in the Steamboat Springs area take full advantage. You’ll find thick evergreen forest, towering mountains and an 1,800-acre lake as well as eight campgrounds, all sitting at a crisp and cool 10,000-foot-high elevation. Photo Courtesy of Visit Grand Country Website. The lakes, wetlands, and low dunes offer many opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing, or just picnicking. Loops A and D are reservable — but B and C are first come, first serve. At Sunset Point there are 25 nonelectrical sites available on a first come, first served basis. 671. Emerald Lake in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado’s third-largest natural lake, is a 10-mile trek from the Pine River Trailhead near Vallecito Reservoir. You’ll find a thick evergreen forest, towering mountains and a 1,800-acre lake as well as eight campgrounds, all sitting at a crisp and cool 10,000-foot-high elevation. Little Molas Lake, San Juan National Forest Little Molas Lake, located in the southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, is a primitive campground that offers spectacular views of the glistening water and the surrounding jagged peaks of Snowdon, Grand Turk, Engineer and Twin Sister. $125/night. If you prefer to stay around your campground — take a boat out on Grand Lake or Lake Granby and water ski or just soak up the sun while navigating these beautiful mountain lakes. COVID-19 CAMPING RESTRICTIONS Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake • 2120 Mary's Lake Road • Elevation 8,050 ft. Nestled in a beautiful valley at 8,050 feet and surrounded by the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, this campground is a stone's throw away from Mary's Lake. The upper and middle sections are reservable while the lower section is first come, first serve. Where: Grand Lake is a short two-hour drive from Denver. Best Camping in Lake City on Tripadvisor: Find 248 traveler reviews, 201 candid photos, and prices for 14 camping in Lake City, Colorado, United States. Sandwiched between Grand Lake and Lake Granby, this reservoir is a good additional spot to visit if you’re traveling through the area or staying in the town of Grand Lake, which is right next door. The town of Gunnison lies just a quick 20-minute drive east of Blue Mesa Reservoir if you need a taste of society while you’re away. Winter offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. All include picnic tables, fire rings, toilets and drinking water. A Great Place to Stay on the North Fork of the Colorado River . Lake San Cristobal Near Lake City and Creede, Lake San Cristobal is a geologic marvel amid the San Juan Mountains formed by a rare earthflow. You’ll even find some beaches along the shore for lounging on near the glassy blue waters, as well as having the opportunity to enjoy all types of water sports, like fishing, boating and swimming. 100% — 23 Reviews. Here in the Denver area, my backyard is the Rocky Mountains with all the adventure they offer. Stevens Creek has 53 spots available spread across three loops — but only loop A is reservable. Its 43 campsites are shaded, with sites for RVs and tents; some near the lakeshore. If you don’t have your own watercraft, boat rentals are available. Area Status: Open Haviland Lake Campground, about 18 miles north of Durango, is 1 mile east of U.S. Highway 550 on Forest Rd. Please DO NOT cut or gather wood on the park. Rainbow Lakes Campground is located just a little over an hour from Denver near the small town of Nederland, but it offers the ultimate camping experience that feels as if it’s world’s away. Photo by Kamal Hamid via Flickr Creative Commons. If you’re looking for a change of pace from the normal forested campgrounds — these five Colorado lakes will add an exciting element to your next outdoor stay. Chatfield State Park is just 45 minutes from Denver and is one of the metro area’s most popular destinations, thanks to the opportunity to play on the beach, take part in a wide range of water sports, hike barbecue, view wildlife and more. Cutthroat Bay has two group campsites which can hold up to 30 people and require a reservation. Campgrounds: Huddled on the east edge of Turquoise Lake are many campgrounds directly on the lake or tucked back into the trees. Matchless Campground has 17 spots available on a first come, first served basis. The small, primitive campground is open to tents only, with 18 spacious sites all on a first come, first served basis. 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Head into the mountains along US 285 till you reach Poncha Springs. The local marina offers speedboats, canoes and fishing boats for rent, while the village itself has an historic boardwalk lined with more than 60 shops, eateries, bars and art galleries. Turquoise Lake is a recreation area in the San Isabel National Forest just outside of Leadville. All across Colorado, there are beautiful lakes lined with campgrounds. Williams Fork Lodging. By taking the Glacier Rim Trail up the ridge, you’ll discover an awe-inspiring overlook of Arapaho Glacier. Vallecito Reservoir is located east of Durango in the southwest region of the state, and is one of Colorado’s few large reservoirs (along with Chatfield) that blends the joys of camping with the opportunity for an extensive array of water sports. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Where: Blue Mesa Reservoir is just four-hours from Denver. Great list of lakeside campgrounds! Alpine lake camping is an absolute must-do when visiting Colorado, and it would be tough to beat one place in particular, Snowmass Lake. The latter is the more remote and secluded, situated about a mile west of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass. Campgrounds: Rampart Reservoir has two campgrounds that you can stay at. Meadow Ridge Campground has 19 sites available and is available for both reservations and walk-ups. It also has a mini general store and restaurant/bar. It’s popular with boaters, campers and fishers. Blue Mesa Reservoir. Lake Navajo — Photo by Ken Lund via Flickr Creative Commons. Rocky Mountain National Park is a short drive away and offers hundreds of trails to explore. The Lowdown: Located just barely north of the Colorado-New Mexico border, Lake Navajo offers you multiple fun activities to enjoy while camping. Beautiful, epic, and grand, it has it all. Completed in 1946 after the end of WWII, Shadow Mountain offers eight miles of shoreline and 1,337 surface acres to enjoy through nearby campsites and small boats . Steamboat Lake State Park is a favorite with Coloradoans and visitors alike, offering the chance to camp near the water as well as to go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming and water skiing, while the surrounding mountains are ideal for hiking and biking, and all are framed by magnificent Hahn’s Peak. Campgrounds: Tucked along the north rim of Lake Navajo area three campgrounds in the Navajo State Park. Hike into the Holy Cross and Mount Massive wilderness areas, or … The state park is home to over 200 campsites, too. Turquoise Lake is a recreation area in the San Isabel National Forest just outside of Leadville, the nation’s highest incorporated town. Ice Lakes Basin provides perhaps the best bang for your buck on an effort vs scenery perspective in all of Colorado. Once you’ve had your fill of the lake, tennis courts, a huge pool, 18-hole championship golf and three restaurants await.The Estes … This one is worth it for the especially tranquil, and breathtakingly scenic experience. By subscribing I agree to the terms This campground is open mid-June through mid-September and located at 10000 feet at the end of the Rainbow Lakes Road and adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. You may want to book soon. 🎅 Watch for deer and bighorn sheep that navigate rocky peaks and boulders. Swimming beach perfect for all ages see Chimney Rock and Colorado 151 bang for your dates are booked! Of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass that speckle the range northern pike: lakes in colorado to camp camping is in! Around the Reservoir, paddle board, kayak and explore the surrounding scenes! Into the Mountains along US 50 past Monarch and Gunnison to reach Mesa. Great fishing while camping by subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy popular,. 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