Colorado’s highest incorporated city at 10,152 feet offers some spectacular camping in the close vicinity of majestic alpine peaks and lakes. Between Leadville and Twin Lakes, CO, there are many cool campgrounds and dispersed camping sites.
Both Twin Lakes and Leadville are located in Lake County, so you know there’s no shortage of great bodies of water to explore. Surrounding these two mountain towns is endless recreation within the San Isabel National Forest. From the ghost towns of Clear Creek Canyon to the sparkling blue waters of Turquoise Lake, you’ll greatly enjoy your time exploring around Leadville.
List of campgrounds near Leadville and Twin Lakes, CO, in order of proximity:
Camping in the Town of Leadville
Less than two hours from Denver on I-70 most of the route, Leadville is a terrific year-round destination, especially in the warmer months. Its large historic downtown is full of manmade landmarks like the Tabor Opera House, which offers tours in the summer.
There are a couple of private campgrounds in town, suitable for both RVs and tents. If you’re looking to camp in a more wilderness setting, there’s plenty of that too listed further below.
Leadville RV Corral
The only true RV park located in downtown Leadville, the Leadville RV Corral is the perfect place to hang your hat after a long day of recreation in the highest town in Colorado. With full-hookup sites and a great location, this RV park is close to all of the amazing natural beauty that makes Leadville so famous.
- Closest Town: Leadville (.5mi)
- Specs: 33 full-hookup RV sites and 5 tent camping sites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, electric hookups, cable TV
- Recreation: Fishing, biking, hiking, close to golf course
- Address: 135 W 2nd St, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Crescent Mining Camp
Take a trip to the Crescent Mining Camp, home to the historic cabins that once housed gold miners. Although these cabins don’t come with many amenities (you’ll have to bring your own beds, cots, or sleeping bags, for instance), a visit to this campsite is worth it for the experience alone.
- Closest Town: Leadville (1mi)
- Specs: 2 historic cabins available to rent; tent and RV camping available w/ cabin rental; reservable
- Amenities: Private drive w/ locking gate, historic shelters
- Recreation: Access to off-roading and ATV trails
- Address: 810 Front St, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Camping by Turquoise Lake in Leadville
Situated less than 5 miles west of downtown Leadville, Turquoise Lake is the obvious choice for a stunning campsite at 10,000+ ft. There is a wide variety of forest service campgrounds, all nestled around the lake. From these campgrounds, enjoy sightseeing and fishing on the peaceful waters, or a nature hike on one of the many trails nearby.
Sugar Loafin’ Campground
Despite its playful name, Sugar Loafin’ Campground is one of the largest full-hookup RV parks and campgrounds in the area. If you must have all the amenities of a home, including access to showers and laundry, this campground should be your first choice.
- Closest Town: Leadville (4mi)
- Specs: 75 total RV sites w/ electric and full-hookup options and 28 tent camping sites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, picnic tables and fire pits at each site
- Recreation: Family rec room, playground, close to downtown Leadville
- Address: 2665 County Road 4, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Matchless Campground
Visitors and locals who want to enjoy the waters will have tons of options surrounding Turquoise Lake, and Matchless Campground is among the closest of these to Leadville. With lake access close by and spacious pull-thru campsites, Matchless is an easy choice for a gorgeous overnight stay.
- Closest Town: Leadville (5mi)
- Specs: 17 primitive tent camping and large RV pull-thru sites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits
- Recreation: Turquoise Lake for boating, fishing, and hiking
- Address: Hwy 9C, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Silver Dollar Campground
Another nearby campground to Turquoise Lake is Silver Dollar Campground, located off Highway 9C. For gorgeous views and tons of recreation surrounding Silver Dollar Campground is a large campground that is great for families.
- Closest Town: Leadville (5mi)
- Specs: 43 primitive campsites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, water, fire pits and picnic tables, trash and recycling receptacles
- Recreation: Hiking, boating, fishing at Turquoise Lake
- Address: Hwy 9C, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Molly Brown Campground
Molly Brown Campground was named for a survivor of the Titanic disaster who lived nearby, and this campground continues to memorialize her legacy to this day. With a plethora of campsites and easy-to-use trash facilities, Molly Brown is worth a visit if you’re looking to enjoy Turquoise Lake’s incredible fishing and water recreation.
- Closest Town: Leadville (6mi)
- Specs: 49 private tent camping sites; reservable
- Amenities: Multiple restrooms, potable water, trash facilities
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation on Turquoise Lake, hiking
- Address: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Belle of Colorado Campground
Tent campers will enjoy the Belle of Colorado Campground–this tent-only campground is a haven for those who want to get away from the sounds of RV generators and hear nature in all its glory. This campground features restrooms and potable water as well as nearby access to Turquoise Lake, making it an easy choice for a night under the stars.
- Closest Town: Leadville (6mi)
- Specs: 19 site tent-only primitive campground; first-come, first-served
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits and grills
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation on Turquoise Lake, hiking
- Address: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Baby Doe Campground
Another large campground close to Turquoise Lake as well as mountain climbing and hiking trails, Baby Doe Campground is a popular camping spot for fishermen, anglers, and boaters who come to the lake each summer.
- Closest Town: Leadville (6mi)
- Specs: 48 primitive campsites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits, trash receptacles
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation, hiking, mountain climbing
- Address: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Father Dyer Campground
On the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake sits Father Dyer Campground, a popular spot for families during its peak summer season. Father Dyer Campground offers lakeside views as well as easy access to the water recreation available on the lake.
- Closest Town: Leadville (6mi)
- Specs: 26 primitive campsites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits, trash receptacles
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation, hiking, mountain climbing
- Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov
- Address: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Tabor Campground
For families and travelers with large recreational vehicles, Forest Service campgrounds can be hit or miss. Not so with Tabor Campground, however, situated on the northeastern corner of Turquoise Lake. With large sites that can accommodate RVs and other large vehicles, Tabor Campground is a popular one with the RV crowd.
- Closest Town: Leadville (7mi)
- Specs: Primitive campground with large sites for RVs; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation, hiking
- Address: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
May Queen Campground
On the western edge of the campground-studded Turquoise Lake, you’ll find the May Queen Campground, a gorgeous site shaded by lodgepole pines and sub-alpine firs. The views of Mount Massive will astound you, while the water activities on the lake will leave you exhausted at the end of the day.
- Closest Town: Leadville (10mi)
- Specs: 13 tent-only primitive campsites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables and fire pits, lake access
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation, hiking
- Address: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Camping by Mt. Elbert south of Leadville
Whether you’re looking to cross Colorado’s highest 14er off your bucket list and want an early start, or just prefer a primitive campsite nestled deep in the national forest, the following options will suit you well. The trailhead to the top of the 14,440-foot peak is found near these three campgrounds.
Find some free, dispersed camping in the woods around here. The hike up Mt. Elbert takes about 6 hours roundtrip, though it could go an hour more or less depending on your ability.
Halfmoon West Campground
Halfmoon Valley is home to quite a few campgrounds, but the most well-known and most popular of these is the Halfmoon West Campground. With stunning Halfmoon Creek bubbling along beside the campground, this secluded spot is a perfect getaway that also offers easy access to mountain climbing trails.
- Closest Town: Leadville (10mi)
- Specs: 15 primitive campsites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Mountain climbing, hiking, backpacking
- Address: Halfmoon Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Halfmoon East Campground
Halfmoon East is just across the street from its larger neighbor, Halfmoon West, but this campground offers an even more quiet and secluded experience. With only 6 primitive sites, be sure to get here early to claim your spot near Halfmoon Creek.
- Closest Town: Leadville (10mi)
- Specs: 6 primitive campsites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Mountain climbing, hiking, backpacking
- Address: Halfmoon Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Elbert Creek Campground
Anyone attempting to hike Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s tallest mountain, should stay the night at the Elbert Creek Campground before heading out. Located just off of Halfmoon Creek’s icy waters, this campground offers access to the Mt. Elbert Trailhead as well as gorgeous views of the valley.
- Closest Town: Leadville (11mi)
- Specs: 17 primitive campsites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Mountain climbing, hiking, fishing
- Address: Halfmoon Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Camping by Twin Lakes
The little village of Twin Lakes comes alive in the summer as soon as the weather warms and Independence Pass opens. This high alpine pass is the scenic back way to Aspen, providing a paved, seasonal route to Pitkin County in an hour from town.
The highlight of Twin Lakes is naturally its namesake, the Twin Lakes Reservoir. Boating and fishing are excellent, and there are lakeside campgrounds and dispersed camping close by. Twin Lake lies twenty miles south of Leadville via US-24 and CO-82.
Dexter Campground
Twin Lakes Reservoir is a popular summer destination for fishers and anglers, and Dexter Campground offers easy access to this multifaceted recreation area. With ample room for even large RVs to park as well as picnic tables to have a meal at, this campground has just about everything you need for a few days out in nature.
- Closest Town: Twin Lakes (4mi), Leadville (18mi)
- Specs: 12 campsites with space for RVs; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Boating, fishing, water recreation, hiking
- Address: Forest Rd 170, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Lakeview Campground
Summertime in the mountains cannot be beaten, and the best way to enjoy that mountain air is by camping at Lakeview Campground. This spacious campground offers gorgeous views as well as easy access to the northern shores of Twin Lakes Reservoir.
- Closest Town: Twin Lakes (3mi), Leadville (20mi)
- Specs: 33 primitive campsites with space for RVs; reservable and first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and pedestal grills
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, mountain climbing
- Address: County Rd 24, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
White Star Campground
For those looking to make the most of their time in the Twin Lakes area, White Star Campground offers a spacious campground with three loops of campsites to choose from. Whether you prefer to be under the ponderosa pines or within the wild sage habitat, you’ll have plenty of sites to choose from at this gorgeous campground.
- Closest Town: Twin Lakes (1mi), Leadville (21mi)
- Specs: 65 primitive campsites; reservable and first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits, lake access
- Recreation: Fishing, boating, hiking, mountain climbing
- Address: CO-82, Twin Lakes, CO 81251 (Map)
FREE – Dispersed Camping by Twin Lakes
In the hills north of Twin Lakes Reservoir there are ample dispersed campsites on the various forest service roads. Some provide great overlooks of the lake. Most preexisting campsites are in wooded areas. Always use a preexisting spot and leave no trace.
- Closest Town: Twin Lakes (3mi), Leadville (24mi)
- Address: County Rd 24, Twin Lakes, CO 81251
- Directions: From the town of Twin Lakes take CO-82 east away from Independence Pass for about 2.5 miles to County Road 24. Take a left and follow that 1.5 mile back into the San Isabel National Forest and you’ll begin to see dispersed camping on the forest roads.
Parry Peak Campground
Just off Hwy 82 lies a quiet, secluded campground named Parry Peak. With two campsite loops winding over the waters of Lake Creek, you’ll fall asleep each night to the sound of the bubbling creek beside your tent.
- Closest Town: Twin Lakes (3mi), Leadville (24mi)
- Specs: 26 primitive campsites, some ADA accessible; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, mountain climbing
- Address: CO-82A, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Twin Peaks Campground
High-altitude camping is not for the faint of the heart, and Twin Peaks Campground is certainly no exception. If you cannot get enough of those mountain trails, Twin Peaks Campground is a great place to start your hike up Mt. Elbert or any of the other surrounding mountains while still having the homey feeling of a campfire after your long trek.
- Closest Town: Twin Lakes (4mi), Leadville (25mi)
- Specs: 33 primitive pull-thru campsites, 4 walk-in tent sites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, close to Twin Lakes for boating
- Address: CO-82, Buena Vista, CO 81211 (Map)
Camping by Camp Hale north of Leadville
The secluded, little mountain town of Red Cliff lies hidden between Leadville and Vail on US-24. Just off the beaten path, Red Cliff provides enough amenities for a weekend camping excursion. The following couple of campgrounds lie south of town on the way to Leadville.
There’s more camping to be found north of Red Cliff toward Vail and the rest of Eagle County. Built in 1942 as a training facility for what would be the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, Camp Hale has its own campground.
Camp Hale Memorial Campground
During World War II, Camp Hale was a mountaineering and ski training spot for the 10th Mountain Division, and Camp Hale Memorial Campground pays homage to these incredible soldiers. This campground features spacious sites big enough for large RVs, as well as interpretive signs to help visitors learn more about historic Camp Hale.
- Closest Town: Red Cliff (8mi), Leadville (17mi)
- Specs: 15 campsites with space for RVs; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, biking
- Address: Forest Rd 7161A, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
Gold Park Campground
Prefer to be surrounded by forest? Gold Park Campground is the spot for you. This small campground is set right in the middle of the wilderness, offering you that peace and quiet you came to the woods to find. Enjoy the sounds of Homestake Creek as you relax under the pines and firs. The Homestake Reservoir offers fishing and non-motorized boating four miles south of the campground.
- Closest Town: Red Cliff (10mi), Leadville (27mi)
- Specs: 12 primitive campsites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits
- Recreation: Hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, wildlife viewing
- Address: Forest Rd 7031C, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
FREE – Dispersed Camping on Homestake Reservoir Road
On the drive back to Homestake Reservoir, and the same directions as the above Gold Park Campground, you’ll find some dispersed campsites along the road. It’s popular for tent camping, though there are a few spots big enough to accommodate RVs. Use a preexisting campsite.
- Closest Town: Red Cliff (8mi), Leadville (24mi)
- Address: Forest Rd 703/Homestake Reservoir Rd, Leadville, CO 80461 (Map)
- Directions: From Leadville, take US-24 W north for 18.4 miles and make a left onto Homestake Reservoir Rd. Follow that back to the national forest and pull-offs for dispersed camping.
Consider Chaffee, Eagle or Summit Counties
Roughly thirty minutes south of Leadville lies Buena Vista. On the drive south on US-24, you’ll pass the turn-off for Clear Creek Reservoir in twenty miles. Here, find a campground and a wonderful stash of dispersed campsites. Or continue on US-24 and find a plethora of riverside campgrounds near Buena Vista.
The opposite direction on US-24 heading north from Leadville leads you to Eagle County. It passes by a couple of cool mountain towns, both Red Cliff and Minturn, before arriving in Vail. In the vicinity of this iconic ski town, you’ll find additional camping opportunities around Eagle County. The drive from Vail to Leadville takes about fifty minutes and summits the stunning Tennessee Pass en route.
Another thirty-minute drive from Leadville leads you to Copper Mountain in Summit Co. Add an extra five minutes east on I-70 and you’ll hit Frisco at the edge of Lake Dillon. Surrounding this body of water are a stash of lakeside campgrounds in Summit County. Camping at these White River National Forest campgrounds takes you less than an hour and a half to Denver.
That’s a round of the best campgrounds and primitive campsites around Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado. Please leave no trace, put out your fire, and be safe. Happy camping.
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