Lake George, Colorado

Lake George is a tiny Highway 24 town known for its world-class trout fishing. Both Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile State Parks call Lake George home. There’s one commercial strip with a BBQ spot, a general store, a motel, and the Tumbling Trout fly-shop.

The elevation of this unincorporated Park County community is 7,992 feet. As of 2020, the population of the designated division of the county was 2,483. It’s a gateway town to some tremendous recreation and natural landmarks, making it a great base camp for exploring the South Park basin to the west.

History

Lake George CO Post Office Circa Early 1900s — Henry Rocket and his wife in front of their store and post office in Lake George, CO, early 1900s.

Established in 1891, Lake George was originally a railroad stop for the Colorado Midland Railway, which was completed in 1887. The manmade lake beside the town, appropriately called Lake George, was originally created to supply ice to the railroad. It freezes over each winter.

At the turn of the twentieth century, the population was around 30. After 1900 some area farmers began growing high-altitude potatoes. This kept the economy alive after the railroad was torn up. By 1941 there were 100 people living in Lake George, which had become a hub for potato growing. Today it serves as a quaint little stop for travelers on their way to the surrounding recreational attractions.

Main Attractions

Large petrified tree stump — Petrified Redwood stump at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument near Lake George, CO. Photo by: Daniel

Eleven Mile State Park – A short drive from town, Eleven Mile offers camping, boating, and fishing. There are also five miles of hiking trails around the lake. Because of the mild winds on the reservoir, this is also a popular (but not crowded) spot for windsurfing and sailing.

Spinney Mountain State Park – Smaller than neighboring lake Eleven Mile, Spinney Mountain is another awesome state park to cast a line. The park is seasonal however and closes during the winter months, so check the website before you head out for the day.

Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument – This unique national monument is a beautiful place to view petrified redwood trees and thousands of fossilized plants and insects. Take a glimpse into Colorado’s rich geological past and spend the day exploring.

Recreation

Rocky shoreline of a large reservoir — Sunny day at Eleven Mile State Park in Lake George, CO. Photo by: Cody Wellons

Camping –

Happy Meadows campground is down Terryall Road a few miles before you’ll make a right turn onto Co Rd 112. There are 8 nonelectric campsites on the shores of the South Platte River. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring and there is a vault toilet and drinking water on the property as well.
Round Mountain campground is just up north off Hwy 24 on Forest Road 225. There are 16 sites with plenty of trees and level ground to set up camp in tents or an RV. It’s a popular spot for OHV riders, with easy access to surrounding recreation areas.
Riverside campground is a cozy spot right on the river, great for tubing or floating. There are vault toilets, fire pits at each site, and visitors note that the camp host is extremely friendly. There are 18 sites total with no hookups available.
Eleven Mile State Park has several campgrounds scattered around the shore of the reservoir, with 325 sites in total. Rocky Ridge has RV sites and hookups available but the sites tend to be closer together. There are also a handful of backcountry options if you prefer something more private.
Read about the camping near Lake George and Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Eleven Mile Reservoir Sunset Lake George CO Continental Divide — Sunset over the Great Divide and Eleven Mile Reservoir. Photo by: Cody Wellons

Fishing –

Eleven Mile has plentiful trout, salmon, and northern pike to catch. Fishing is allowed from anywhere on the reservoir except for islands and docks. The reservoir hosts 2 big events each year, an ice fishing tournament in the winter and the fall pike tournament around September.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a Gold Medal fishery with trophy-sized pike, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Only flies and lures are allowed for fishermen to use, anything with a taste or scent is prohibited.
Tarryall Reservoir is a thirty-minute drive north on the beautiful and paved County Road 77. Boat or fish in this manmade lake, with campgrounds and dispersed camping nearby.

Hiking –

There is a 3.8 mile loop around Eleven Mile SP that is rated as easy. A portion of the trail hugs the shoreline before heading into a wooded area. Great for dog walking and getting some fresh air.
Eleven Mile Overlook is only about .8 miles out and back to sweeping views of the reservoir and rolling hills. Even though it’s short, it’s quite steep and rocky.

Accommodations

Canvas tent on wooden platform at sunset — Black Tree Resort glamping tent in Lake George, CO. Photo by: facebook/blacktreeresort

Bison Peak Lodge at Puma Hills – Stay in the luxurious lodge or go glamping in a wagon, tree tent, or private cabin. Puma Hills aims to be a sort of natural sanctuary where guests can unplug and enjoy the great outdoors.

Black Tree Resort – Spend the night in tent structures at this Lake George glamping resort. Take the stress out of camping while still enjoying the serenity of nature with queen beds, Pendleton blankets, a private bathroom, and even a wood-burning stove. Even better, their kitchen prepares 3 meals a day and delivers them right to your tent.

Mountain River Lodge – 10 cozy private cabins that all face Lake George. Each one features a coffeemaker and minifridge, and a few have kitchenettes. Choose from a queen or king standalone or one of the duplex options with two bedrooms. They also have a restored rustic lodge on the property for hosting special events.

Read about the best hotels by Fairplay or the cabins to rent near Colorado Springs.

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