For campers who aren't accustomed to the altitude, that can take a little getting used to. Our trip was a loop from our home in Los Alamos, NM through Colorado. With our expertise guests will be guided out to beautiful Cottonwood Lake, or head out to Historic St. Elmo or up the hill to the top of Cottonwood Pass (the Continental Divide) at 12,197 feet. Fish species available include mackinaw trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and San Isabel National Forest just might take your breath away—or maybe it's the altitude. The campgrounds were inviting once we found them but tree removal made some areas look barren. In this Colorado mining town, horseback riding is still "in," and wilderness adventures are never hard to find. Testimonials. Camping: There is no dispersed camping available near Turquoise Lake, however the Forest Service operates a large number of developed campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, drop toilets, and potable water. Dammed in the 19th century and named for the rare turquoise deposits found nearby, Turquoise Lake offers 1,800 acres or year-round recreational fun. Turquoise Lake - fishing in Leadville, Colorado. A very nice place to go for a romantic getaway. This pretty hike meanders 6.4 miles along the lake's shoreline, connecting May Queen Campground with other campgrounds and the lake's dam. Campground use is extremely popular, especially on summer weekends, and reservations can be made five days in advance. Drove around the lake afterwards. Hikers will like the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail. This campground is adjacent to … Absolutely wonderful place to boon dock. Camping and fishing are the two main draws for visitors to Turquoise Lake. We enjoyed all the mountain passes, they were breath taking (literally! This week just flew by. Do you? Primary recreation activities include camping and fishing. Area Status: Open Located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, Matchless Campground is a non-reservable camprground that accomodates larger recreational vehicles. Camping near Leadville transports you to a bygone era. Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, 2015 N Poplar St, Leadville, CO 80461-3356, Poor signage and rampant tree removal make this less than perfect. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College. There's plenty of room to camp in Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, the official name for this part of the Leadville Ranger District of San Isabel. If you have a large group, aim for the Printerboy Campground, which includes a big cooking shelters, a playground, and space for playing volleyball and horseshoes. They can be contacted via phone at (719) 486-0749 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. Recreation facilities consist of 8 campgrounds, accommodating 300 campsites and 2 boat-launching ramps. You may stay 14 days at Leadville Dispersed Overlooking Turquoise Lake. Where: Turquoise Lake is two hours west of Denver near Leadville. Like most of Colorado's prettiest mountain spots, Turquoise Lake is close to 10,000 feet in elevation. Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground was opened in the summer of 1967 and features great camping in scenic Leadville, Colorado. You can also access the Holy Cross Wilderness via the Timberline Lake Trail – again, located near the May Queen Campground. Turquoise Lake, which covers a surface area of 780-acres, is a popular destination for boaters and anglers after rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. Daytime temperatures during the summer are generally in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures that can dip as low as 30 degrees. Turquoise Lake Colorado Camping. A Quick Guide to Turquoise Lake Leadville's Turquoise Lake is an idyllic spot for camping, and watching the sun set beyond one of Colorado's most majestic mountain skylines. The only, Hotels near Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Hotels near Leadville Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Leadville, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Leadville, National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway: Tickets & Tours‎, Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin: Tickets & Tours‎, Leadville National Fish Hatchery: Tickets & Tours‎, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours‎. All … more. Lot's of stuff was closed during the pandemic and social distancing. Facilities closed in winter due to ice and snow, but popular area for ice fishing.Turquoise Lake is a feature of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. The trail can also be accessed by heading down to the shore from Baby Doe. The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park Near Grand Lake, Colorado, Camping in the Steamboat Springs, Colorado Area, U.S. Forest Service: San Isabel Campgrounds, U.S. Forest Service: Turquoise Lake Nature Trail, U.S. Forest Service: Timberline Lake Trail, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. I guess now that I live in the desert, I’m just obsessed with lakes, and I love letting Bailey splash around chasing sticks. The site is spacious and well, I have been snowmobiling here for quite a few years and each time, it is always a pleasurable experience. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. By Kirsten Dobroth 7/2/2020 at 9:14am Published in the Summer/Fall 2020 issue of Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine Turquoise Lake is one of the best parts of a visit to Leadville. We can accomodate E-Bike rental groups of up to 8 guests. Located just outside Leadville, Colorado, the lake offers 780 acres of surface area for boating and fishing, along with many other outdoor activities including hiking and biking. Read the article. Campgrounds… (719) 486-0749 About Baby Doe Campground Baby Doe Campground is located at Turquoise Lake Road Leadville, CO 80461. BV eBikes are the eBike experts in Buena Vista. There are eight different campgrounds scattered around the lake, with over 300 campsites in total. Leadville is home to some of the best tent camping in Colorado as well as some of the best RV campsites in the state. Surface available for recreation includes 780 acres. That means the campgrounds are only open during the temperate summer season, typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Dispersed camping is prohibited around the lake. Leadville Dispersed Overlooking Turquoise Lake is open Year round. Sitting deep in the forest to the west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the Turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. Informed RVers have rated 20 campgrounds near Leadville, Colorado. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Leadville, Colorado. For the cold-hardy, Turquoise Lake is also a popular destination for ice fishing, although snow and ice limit access during the winter. Baby Doe Campground. A spot prized for its fishing, camping, and hiking, Turquoise Lake provides some of the most beautiful views on the Leadville … Turquoise Lake: Leadville’s Sparkling Gem Five miles west of Leadville sits Turquoise Lake, one of Colorado’s favorite high-altitude recreation destinations. Other activities include mountain biking, backpacking, swimming, picnicking, hunting, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Current conditions, fishing reports, maps, water levels, boating, camping, articles, blogs, and photos. Turquoise Lake is a popular camping destination and can fill up fast, so make your reservations as far as possible in advance, or get there early for the first-come, first-serve campgrounds like Tabor and Belle of Colorado. Most of the campgrounds cluster on the east side of the lake, with just one – May Queen Campground – on the west. Just take I-70 west till you hit Copper Mountain then follow Colorado 91 till you hit Leadville. Named for the nearby gold and silver mines and the mineral tycoons who owned them, they offer easy access to all of the lake’s amenities. This was my very first dispersed camping and it was great. They can be contacted via phone at (719) 486 … He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." Capacity: 500 People Elevation: 9,900 Feet (3086.0 Meters) Length of Stay: 14 Days Number of Sites: 50 Reservation Contact: National Reservation System: 877-444-6777 Reservation Status: Accepted Camping at Turquoise Lake is allowed only in the campgrounds. Lots of camping options at Turquoise Lake, and plenty of hiking and other activities for families, but recommend stopping by the Leadville Ranger Station to plan your day trip and get some valuable info on where to go and/or what to avoid. Located in the San Isabel National Forest at an altitude of 9,780 feet, Turquoise Lake is just 5 minutes west of Leadville, Colorado. Stayed here in a Passenger Vehicle. Great place to spend a day Lots of camping options at Turquoise Lake, and plenty of hiking and other activities for families, but recommend stopping by the Leadville Ranger Station to plan your day trip and get some valuable info on where to go and/or what to avoid. Some campsites – for example, Belle of Colorado – are tent-only, but most campgrounds allow RV camping too. Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. Hikers and mountain bikers can take the 6.5-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that spans from the dam to the May Queen Campground. Sock Monkey Trekkers: Matchless Campground on Turquoise Lake near Leadville Colorado - VBlog #1 In late September, we went on a week-long van camping vacation. Situated less than 5 miles west of downtown Leadville, Turquoise Lake is the obvious choice for a stunning campsite at 10,000+ ft. You'll find boat ramps near the May Queen and Tabor campgrounds, and the lake offers rainbow trout, mackinaw trout and brook trout. Access 1011 trusted reviews, 27 photos & 16 tips from fellow RVers. Lot's of trees and shade, quiet, about 5 minutes to town (Leadville) where you can dump, get water, etc. Surface available for recreation includes 780 acres. Located in the San Isabel National Forest at an altitude of 9,780 feet, Turquoise Lake is just 5 minutes west of Leadville. And there was a poster up about lost dogs. Many also enjoy trolling or paddling around the lake. Good fishing can be found all around the lake on the shore. The historic mining town of Leadville is also worth a visit! There are 9 campgrounds near the lake, with 8 of them being on the east end. Cool, right? There is a wide variety of forest service campgrounds, all nestled around the lake. Fishery Management: Coldwater angling for brown, rainbow, cutthroat and lake trout. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Came here last year and enjoyed the views. Molly Brown Campground is located at Turquoise Lake Road Leadville, CO 80461. Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Leadville: Address, Phone Number, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area Reviews: 4.5/5 This year it was cold and windy, but just as pretty. History of the area and Leadville, Colorado also mentioned. Very close to Turquoise Lake and the trails. ; I thought Turquoise Lake got it’s name from the blue sparkling water, but it was actually named after the mineral, turquoise, which was found nearby in Leadville’s mining days. I like fun facts. Numbe This site is one of the first come, first served sites. Clean air, clear starry nights … Turquoise Lake. Because Turquoise Lake is so high in elevation, it's considered a true alpine camping area. Please choose a different date. Combine that with the proximity to Turquoise Lake and Leadville this campground fills to capacity frequently. Ease into it by drinking plenty of water, allowing extra time for activities that might take a little longer than you expect, packing for fast-changing weather, and being careful not to overexert yourself. Things to do near Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Hikers will especially enjoy the May Queen Campground, which is right on the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. Try the western end on the lake as it appeared to be less disturbed and quite scenic. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. We spent 5 days at the Tabor Campground at Turquoise Lake and then moved to the dispersed camping at County Road 48. ). Turquoise Lake Turquoise Lake’s campgrounds are a treasure. You might want to limit alcohol consumption as well. If you want to have a lot of fun in BV, you need to book a ride with us! If you enjoy playing on the water, it's time to start planning a summer getaway to the eight campgrounds near Turquoise Lake in San Isabel National Forest. All told, you can choose from about 300 campsites spread across eight individual campgrounds, spread along the shoreline of the lake. Come stay with us and explore the high country in a high mountain valley surrounded by 13,000’ and 14,000’ peaks. Butcher Boy Picnic Area and May Queen Campground are located on the western shore of Turquoise Lake, minutes from downtown Leadville. I hope really hope one of these is a question on trivia night. Reallifewithpets would stay here again. The campground offers easy access to boating and fishing on Turquoise Lake. There's plenty of room to camp in Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, the official name for this part of the Leadville Ranger District of San Isabel. Each campground offers drinking water, toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. The Belle of Colorado campsite was superb. Turquoise Lake Recreatin managed by the U.S. Forest Service, 2015 North Poplar, Leadville, CO 80461; (719)486-0749. Information about Turquoise Lake, including campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing spots, attractions, and activities. E-Bikes are a new way to have fun exploring the Buena Vista, CO area. Tabor Campground, named for the infamous Leadville silver magnate Horace A.W. Larger boats swarm onto the lake on the weekends and it can become quite crowded. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/turquoise-lake-trail--3 I'm in a Transit Connect van. Leadville seems not far away as well. From these campgrounds, enjoy sightseeing and fishing on the peaceful waters, or a nature hike on one of the many trails nearby. Trail Runner featured a great article on Leadville as a running destination, recommending Buckeye Cabins as a great place to stay during your running vacation in Leadville! Facilities include restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. They level the playing field and overcome the altitude and wind issues in this area. So be aware of your neighbors. Some campgrounds look out over the water while others are tucked in forests and meadows. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Beautiful foliage this time of September. Recreational Management: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (719-530-5520) and USFS (719-486-0749). Got lucky and found a site at Silver Dollar campground, (site #25). Tabor, is a great camping option beside a high-altitude lake near Leadville in central Colorado. Firstly it is worth knowing and being reassured that during the winter, the main snow paths are groomed by the snowmobile club of Leadville, via their snowcat. About Molly Brown Campground. Tabor sits by the Tabor boat ramp on the northeastern shore of 9,900-foot Turquoise Lake, a 15-minute drive from Leadville. Here’s a couple: Leadville is the highest incorporated town in the United States at 10,152 feet. Decided at the last minute that we didn't feel like backpacking to Lyle Lake that day , so searched for a campground. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Located on the Lake Fk of the Arkansas River 4 miles west of Leadville, Colorado. 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