Camping near Leadville
Hidden in the Rockies, Leadville stills feels like a Wild West frontier.
93% (2554 reviews)
- Leadville
93% (2554 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Leadville
98%
(763)
Glen Isle Resort
20 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Bailey, CO
(If you book with us, please don’t follow your GPS if it tries to make you turn at the Coney Island hot dog stand. Glen Isle is .5 miles past the hot dog stand.)
Due to the ongoing issues with forest fires in our area and insurance issues at this time, we will no longer have open wood-burning fires. Propane fires are permitted if you have a portable campfire ring, please feel free to bring your own. We do have a couple available for rent onsite.
For your safety and ours: absolutely no check in/arrival after dark sets in; Around 5:15pm during winter months. 7:30pm summer
There are many reasons why you would want to camp at Glen Isle Resort!
Glen Isle is located in Bailey, Colorado which is the perfect vacation spot for friends, family, reunions, or a private get away.
Glen Isle was originally built for an escape from hectic Denver. Once you cross the bridge into the resort, you’ll understand why it has served as a peaceful getaway for over a century. The Platte River welcomes you and divides the property from Highway 285. If you love to fish, you have a mile of the river to use at your disposal. If hiking is your forte and you desire to explore nature, Glen Isle is surrounded by the National Forest,
Lost Creek Wilderness, Payne Gulch Trailhead, the Colorado Trail
and many private acres for you to explore.
You will find history narrates the Native American’s story where Glen Isle was once used as an Indian encampment, and numerous trees still stand today that were culturally modified to mark sacred treasures. If you seek tranquility, you will find hummingbirds and chipmunks always seeking an audience to entertain.
Starting June 1st, we will offer evening activities, and campers are welcome to come to the lodge, shop in our gift shop.
We also have snacks for purchase, and popcorn for our guests to enjoy.
(Glorious Glen Isle was unoccupied for six years.
We are in the process of renovating hundred year old
cabins, and the 8,000 square foot lodge.
Our camping areas have a river setting, glorious valley views, and a private setting surrounded by the National Forest.
However, there is renovation and construction going on around some areas of
the property.
Additionally, as you can see from the map and read in a few reviews, we are just on the other side of
the beautiful Platte River from Highway 285.
About 75% of our guests are not bothered by the busyness
of the this highway but others can be more sensitive to the noise.
We want Glen-Isle campers to enjoy their experience as much as possible, so if you would like
more information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Our goal is to share the property with others, and to
have the "happiest" campers in Colorado!)
Glen Isle Resort was opened in 1901, by five original investors.
In 1923, the property was bought by the Baldwin's and in the 1940's it was given to the Baldwin's granddaughter,
Barbara and her husband
Gordon Tripp.
The Tripp family owned and operated the resort until Barbara's death in November 2012.
Mary Ruth grew up coming to Glen Isle Resort as a child in the 1970's.
Her favorite memories are the chuckwagon dinners, horseback riding, evening dances, movie nights, and the endless activities that never grew old.
Mary Ruth grew up, married Greg, and they started bringing their five boys to Glen Isle Resort.
Mary Ruth and Greg were both professionals in education, and visited Glen Isle in the summer of 2016 after an Adele concert.
They found their beloved Glen
Isle was being sold.
After much consideration, they found the idea of not pursuing a dream to be more terrifying than looking back and wondering "why" they didn't...so they began the magical
journey to purchase, restore, and bring historical Glen Isle back to life.
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$40
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98%
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Rustic Creek Ranch
32 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer.
The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cows were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather.
Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer.
Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs.
I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover.
Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak & Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler.
About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, gas, laundry, art gallery, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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$35
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Frenchman's Creek Ranch
4 sites · Lodging, RVs100 acres · Buena Vista, CO
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
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$55
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98%
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Sawatch Base Camp
2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Leadville, CO
Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind property at the site of an old turquoise mine with accessible yet private backcountry lodging.
Located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake, Sawatch Base Camp is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters, Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies, while also being removed enough to provide solitude and quality time with friends and family.
In summer and fall (May through November), the property has vehicle access by Forest Service Road 103- known by many other names depending on mapping service including County Road 9A, Turquoise Chief Rd, and St. Kevin Rd. This segment of road is part of the famous Leadville 100 MTB race, lying at roughly Mile 8/Mile 95.
In winter months (roughly Thanksgiving through April), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe on groomed multi-use winter trails open to the public. The trek in is approximately 4.4 miles from the Leadville Junction Parking Lot, with an elevation gain of roughly 800 feet. The terrain around the yurt provides backcountry skiing through trees with occasional glades.
Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather. Firewood and propane for the camp stove are provided. The restroom is an outhouse a few yards from the yurt stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Sawatch Base Camp operates under Lake County CUPs 21-10 and 23-33.
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$159
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95%
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Lone Rock Retreat
4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Bailey, CO
Lone Rock Retreat is 50 acres of meadow, forest, ponds, and rocky inclines at the base of the 9,000 ft Lone Rock. You can explore it all in any season. The ponds are stocked with fish and ready for paddle boarding, paddle boating, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing on the dock. Walking/hiking trails are plentiful throughout the property. Find a little peace close to civilization but not too close.
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$75
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94%
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Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge
1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO
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$50
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97%
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Creekside Chalets
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, CO
Welcome to Creekside Chalets
Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location.
Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings.
We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year.
New for 2023
Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.
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Fisherman's Cabin
1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bailey, CO
Cozy, small, one room cabin and an outhouse with a sink, solar bag shower, and composting toilet. Propane heat and single burner for heating up some coffee or a snack. Large beautiful deck with fire-pit and grill and peaceful river sounds.
forest views sits on 4 acres. Park right next to the cabin with a 4x4/AWD or 50ft away with any vehicle.
The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a wild and unique history. Originally it was built by two professors from Berkeley College as an annual mountain campsite. They used to make the pilgrimage every year from California to Colorado to come relax in the wonderful forest of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the Denver Wheel Club used to have their headquarters right next to the river just down Insmont Dr. and hosted a big bike race every year. This was before there was even a road to the mountains, and the only real public access to these lands were via the train from Denver!
Today the Fisherman's Cabin is just a hop, skip and a jump outside downtown Bailey, Colorado and close to many mountain passes like Guanella and Kenosha. There are local hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and animal watching activities waiting to be experienced.
Sleeps 2 plus invite up to 6 friends for camping and goodtimes!
Please see the Fisherman's cabin site description for more information!
* PROPANE FIRE PIT ONLY, NO FIRES ALLOWED
* THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER but there is a provided water bag for the sink / shower and at this time of year you must bring your own water!
* THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY
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$80
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Peaceful Ranch, South Park
2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Alma, CO
Camp in peace, surrounded by wildlife. Guests love the amenities of South Park, Colorado. A recreational area is located 10 minutes away, offering a pool ($10 for locals, $14 for visitors) with showers, a gym, and yoga classes. Check their website for more information.
Downtown South Park is just 10 minutes away and offers stores for fishing gear, restaurants, wine bars, and excellent Mexican food. The market is right on 285 Highway, which leads to Denver or Buena Vista. The scenic ride is beautiful.
South Park hosts many carnivals with food trucks that serve amazing dishes. Fall in love with South Park, known for gold medal fishing and hot springs within 40 minutes away.
Sleep in your RV with the soothing sound of silence to recharge and find peace. There are great hiking trails nearby and a quiet country road for biking.
The ski resort in Breckenridge is just 25 minutes away. The towns of Alma and Fairplay have a history of gold dredging, with some placer gold operations still active. This land was part of a mining project, and some mine entrances were closed by my husband when we first moved here.
Learn more about this land and Fairplay at the Visitor's Welcome Center in Downtown South Park. There are lots of historic places to explore.
Please be aware that this campsite is full of trees and set in a park-like setting, and wildlife is active here 24/7. We only rent two spots and are located near several national forests.
Campsite #1 comes with electricity and water. Please bring your own extensions and hoses; if needed, contact me in advance, and they will be in the blue box.
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$45
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92%
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Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp
1 site · Lodging160 acres · Alma, CO
Campgrounds, people, noises, regulations, things you won't find here.
You will find happiness, peace, the sound of the winds in 3000 year old trees, alpine streams tricking through ancient untouched forests, great horned owls and moose calling into the night, coyote echoing at sunset signaling night approaching, the warm smell of pine and summer grasses, touching the warm rocks next to the stream while you listen to the birds and crickets. I could go on and on, these are the things I see when I close my eyes and think of this place.
This site sits at the base of (2) 14ers. in thee middle of a sunken meadow. This is the most beautiful and secluded camping experience you will experience in Colorado. There are miles of 4x4 and atv trails. There are countless hiking trails for day and short nature hikes. Above the site sits bristlecone pines that have appeared in ansel adams prints and are absolutely amazing. The sites sit on 160 private acres which borders national forest.
There is a small a-frame tent that's insulated with big windows, locking door, skylight, solar for charging electronics, and a full size bed. The cabin is roughly the size of the full size mattress but seems bigger because of the a-frame roof. Its warm and cozy and keeps the critters and animals out, so you feel safe and comfortable.
There are lots of amenities on site. There is a picnic table, 10'x12' waterproof awning and wood deck. There is a bbq, bear box, huge stone fire pit and bucket toilet.
The road into the site was graded last year but still has small potholes typical of a Colorado county road, most low-profile cars will do fine. If you have a rv or camper, the turn around is limited, no tow behind campers or vehicles over 20'
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Campfire Ranch on the Taylor
2 sites · Tents10 acres · CO
We believe campgrounds should be more fun, more accessible and more inclusive for all kinds of campers - that's why we started Campfire Ranch to make camping easier. Our campground is nestled between the granite walls of Taylor Canyon alongside the Taylor River in central Colorado, halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte, CO. If you've never been to the area, get ready to be amazed, with over 2,500 square miles of public land, 700+ miles of singletrack trail and countless rivers, creeks and lakes to explore. We'll see y'all in the woods!
Learn more about this land:
*We will open May 19th for the 2023 season!*
Camp and adventure in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. Book now on our website for additional availability and site details at: Campfireranch.co - we feature walk-in tent only campsites, convenient amenities, demo camping equipment and a full Adventure Concierge service!
Please contact us before booking if you are seeking a family focused experience - we do not have a kids area or playground and require that children under the age of 16 be in the company of an adult at all times due to our proximity to Co Rd 742 and the Taylor River. No multi-room tents are allowed at camp, we simply don't have the room, the largest tent size we can accommodate is 12'x12' - please inquire if you have specific tent questions.
You can check-in with us anytime after 3pm the day of your reservation, please message us if you need to check-in after 8pm. All campers will be required to sign our release of liability waiver before camping (parents/guardians will have to sign for minors in your group) - you can review these terms and rules on our website: CampfireRanch.co
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$78
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Vail Valley BackCounty Access
6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Eagle, CO
This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in of BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electiric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property.Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the new Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away.Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is know for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.
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$52.50
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Camping near Leadville guide
Overview
Camping near Leadville transports you to a bygone era. In this Colorado mining town, horseback riding is still "in," and wilderness adventures are never hard to find.
The snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and San Isabel National Forest just might take your breath away—or maybe it's the altitude. After all, Leadville is the highest city in North America with an elevation of over 10,000 feet. For high country camping in the Rocky Mountains, it doesn't get any better.
Turquoise Lake is a camper's dream—the high elevation means the weather is always crisp. The lake is also a local haunt for trout fishing and water recreation.
If you're ready to make camp, choose from more than eight campgrounds that hug the shoreline. The Molly Brown Campground is especially popular for its lake-view sites. Just remember to bring warm sleeping bags and plenty of layers. Even in July, nighttime temps can drop into the 40s F.
More tent camping and RV sites are available in the Twin Lakes area, just a few miles from Leadville. Campgrounds here offer stunning views of the Rockies and the local reservoir. Breathe in the fresh air while hiking, boating, or fishing.
While camping in Leadville, CO you can also hike a section of the Colorado Trail, which spans 500 miles. Other favorite activities include fly fishing the trout streams, horseback riding, and touring the local mining museums.
The area welcomes campers year round, but most spots only offer tent camping from spring to early fall. In the offseason, stay toasty in a heated log cabin or yurt. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing in the Tennessee Pass are just a snowdrift away.
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