Camping in Leadville and Twin Lakes
Whether you prefer to camp in a remote location surrounded by wilderness, in an RV park with full hookups, or in a developed campsite within the National Forest System, you'll find it in Lake County. In downtown Leadville, the full-service R.V. Corral is conveniently located within walking distance of shops, museums and restaurants.
Twin Lakes
Formed by glacial activities, the Twin Lakes cover 1,700 acres and are favorites with anglers year-round. Hiking trails abound, and the trail to the historic Interlaken Resort is one of the most popular in the region. You'll find the central location of Twin Lakes makes it an ideal place to stay while enjoying day trips to nearby cities. Many visitors, however, seek out the peaceful destination and appreciate getting away from it all.
In addition to dispersed camping, there are five San Isabel National Forest Service campgrounds in the Twin Lakes area. Campsites at Dexter, Parry Peak and Twin Peaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lakeview and White Star campgrounds have a combination of reservable and non-reservable sites.
Turquoise Lake
Located just minutes from downtown Leadville, Turquoise Lake is surrounded by undeveloped lands and forests. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and biking in this scenic spot. There are seven National Forest Campgrounds at Turquoise Lake, many with flush toilets, and a centrally located dump station. Two boats ramps provide convenient access to the lake for boaters and anglers. Nearby, Sugar Loafin' Campground offers tent and RV sites with full hookups, as well as fully furnished camper cabins.
Camp Hale
The training site for the 10th Mountain Division in World War II, Camp Hale is located at an elevation of 9,300 feet 17 miles north of Leadville on Highway 24, which is part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. You can learn about the life of these heroic soldiers through signage located throughout the camp, where foundations and walls from some of the nearly 1,000 buildings are still visible. There are reservable campsites at the Camp Hale Memorial Campground, as well as a group campsite, that are part of the White River National Forest.
Camp Hale is near the headwaters of the Eagle River with the East Fork River close by. The Colorado Trail crosses within walking distance and the gravel roads in the Camp Hale area provide easy walking and bike paths. Fishing is also available in numerous small streams nearby. Four-wheel drive and OHV enthusiasts have access to numerous roads and trails that provide spectacular views of the Collegiate Peaks mountain range.
Whichever you choose, you're in store for a true Colorado camping experience. You'll also be close enough to pick up a few last minute supplies in Leadville, or to take a break and enjoy one or all of six museums, a quick snack or a delicious meal, and the area's many antique and specialty shops.
You can find out more about camping in Colorado within the White River and San Isabel National Forests by calling (1-877-444-6777) or visiting www.recreation.gov.
