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Camping near Leadville

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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.

95% (4K) 3,813 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Leadville

S.L.umber Yard At FREIGHT

1. S.L.umber Yard At FREIGHT

96%
(13)
0.5mi from Leadville · 4 sites
Nestled in the mountains of Leadville, Colorado, the S.L.umber Yard at FREIGHT is the perfect retreat. The property, once home to a lumber yard and freight depot, now boasts a brilliantly renovated event space, outdoor stage, and thirteen luxurious cabins. Whether you're celebrating a big milestone or just looking for a getaway, the S.L.umber Yard is the perfect place to stay. Inspired by homes built in the mining days, these modern cabins were thoughtfully crafted using recycled materials found on site. With rustic charm on the outside, and all the amenities on the inside, our cabins provide all the comfort you need. In tune with our mission to honor the stories of Leadville, we named the cabins after female sex workers who lived here. First the men came to work the mine. Then the ladies came to work on the line. These women's stories are rarely told, and so it's our honor to shine a light on them.
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Rooted Recovery

2. Rooted Recovery

100%
(10)
11mi from Leadville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Rooted Recovery: Elevated Alpine Camping Attention Drought Notice: 4/15/2026 (see details under Fire Ban) Rooted Recovery is a premium secluded camping experience set at 10,000 feet in Colorado's Subalpine Forest — designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts who want comfort without compromise. This property is high altitude, low oxygen. Your secluded site includes a dedicated fire pit with quality firewood, nestled among Engelmann spruce, Aspen, Lodgepole pine, and Subalpine Fir with views of Sheep Mountain and Mount Sherman. Step into genuine solitude, where dark skies reveal a canopy of stars and the Milky Way. Wildlife including moose, fox, and porcupines move freely through the forest around you. For the night sky enthusiast, this is a Dark Sky C3 rated site. Wake before dawn to tackle nearby 14ers (Mount Quandary – 18 miles; Mount Sherman – 19 miles), or train at elevation for your next race. We are 2 miles to Pike National Forest. Return from skiing at Breckenridge (25 miles) to your crackling fire and the forest’s deep quiet. Enjoy fly fishing or hiking in the surrounding National Forest. The property is 4 miles from Hwy 9 on County Road 14. It is paved for the first 2 miles, followed by 2 miles of dirt road beyond the National Forest boundary. Guymard Road may have delayed plowing after a snow and Winter access requires coordination. Expect snowfall from November through May, with major snowfalls averaging 18 inches. * Highway 14 is a Class 3 Park County Maintained Road * Guymard Road is a Class 2 Park County Maintained Road We have provided trail cams at this site for your safety and security. Firewood is available on-site for $2/log or $10 per bundle equivalent. AT&T cellular provides 110Mbps data download and 60Mbps data upload. WiFi via Starlink. You’re close enough to Fairplay (6.5 miles) and Alma (8 miles) for supplies, yet surrounded by silence. It is the ultimate reset. This experience is for those who push themselves hard, care for their bodies and minds, and leave places better than they found them. The promise is simple: an exceptional location, thoughtful amenities, and direct access to pristine wilderness that demands your respect and rewards your effort.
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Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

3. Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

94%
(47)
12mi from Leadville · 1 site
Campgrounds, crowds, noise, generators, headlights at midnight — those are the things you leave behind when you come here. What you’ll find instead is silence, privacy, and the feeling of having an untouched piece of Colorado completely to yourself. This private alpine meadow sits at approximately 11,000 feet, at the base of two 14,000-foot peaks, on 160 secluded acres bordering National Forest. The camp rests in a hidden sunken meadow surrounded by ancient forest, alpine streams, and some of the oldest living bristlecone pines in the world — trees so remarkable they have appeared in Ansel Adams photography. At night, you may hear great horned owls in the trees, coyotes calling at sunset, and sometimes moose moving quietly through the meadow. During the day, the air smells of pine, summer grass, and cold mountain water. Sit beside the stream with your feet on warm granite while the wind moves through 3,000-year-old trees overhead. It is peaceful, wild, and difficult to describe until you are here. The site is built for guests who want to disconnect from crowds and reconnect with nature without giving up comfort. Tucked into the meadow is a cozy insulated A-frame shelter with large windows, a skylight, soft solar lighting for nighttime ambiance, a locking door, and a full-size bed. It is simple, warm, secure, and comfortable — a perfect basecamp after exploring the high country. From the property, you have access to miles of 4x4 roads, ATV trails, hiking routes, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and quiet time by the stream. Spend the day hiking alpine ridges, exploring the forest, reading on the deck, or doing nothing at all. Amenities include a wood deck, waterproof awning, picnic table, BBQ grill, bear box, oversized stone fire pit, and simple backcountry-style toilet setup. Altitude note: this camp is around 11,000 feet, so guests should be prepared for high-elevation conditions, cooler nights, stronger sun, and changing mountain weather. There are also two other private Hipcamp sites on the property. [Add short sentence here naming or describing the other two sites.] Access note: the county road was recently graded and is manageable for most vehicles when driven slowly, though normal mountain-road potholes and uneven sections remain. RVs,
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San Isabel National Forest

4. San Isabel National Forest

91%
(79)
National forest 44mi from Leadville · 912 sites
Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.
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Pike National Forest

5. Pike National Forest

84%
(66)
National forest 43mi from Leadville · 883 sites
A surprisingly diverse landscape sprawled throughout a huge national forest.
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Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

6. Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

94%
(109)
12mi from Leadville · 1 site · Tent, RV
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Historic 1800s Ski Hut & Summer Cabin & Private Thermal Dipping Pool

7. Historic 1800s Ski Hut & Summer Cabin & Private Thermal Dipping Pool

94%
(61)
13mi from Leadville · 1 site
Stay in a beautifully restored 1800s alpine cabin at 11,000 feet surrounded by ancient bristlecone pines. Hike four iconic 14ers, cozy up beside the wood stove, then unwind in a private creekside thermal dipping pool beside a waterfall. One of Colorado's most unforgettable mountain retreats.
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Lodge pole forest

8. Lodge pole forest

93%
(49)
13mi from Leadville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes
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Placer Camp

9. Placer Camp

98%
(67)
13mi from Leadville · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Heated tent glamping with all amenities. High-elevation Forest property at 11,000' bordering National Forest, surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Enjoy world class hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and 4x4 access in summer, and snowshoeing and backcountry skiing in winter. Located just 2 miles from Alma, CO the highest town in the North America (Highest record temperature of 78 deg F) The property offers easy access to some of Colorado’s most iconic 14ers, including Mt. Democrat, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Bross, Mt. Cameron, and Mt. Quandary, all within a short drive along with endless moderate hiking trails. Located on the border of Park and Summit Counties, the front ranges summer and winter playground. Just 30 minutes south is Buena Vista for whitewater rafting and hot springs. Alma is 1.5 hours from Denver and 30 minutes from Breckenridge, offering a scenic alternative to I-70 via Highway 285 from southwest Denver. The property features 3 glamping sites with hot tent accommodations for year-round camping. Each 2-person tent includes a wood stove and propane heater (firewood and propane included), a queen memory foam bed with bedding, a cook stove with supplies, and a cooler. Water is delivered to each site. Cassette toilets are provided in each tent during the winter season. Due to fire restrictions each Glamping Site has a propane fire pit. The 3 campsites have propane fire pits with $20 propane tank fee or campsite guests can provide their own propane tank.
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White River National Forest

10. White River National Forest

93%
(71)
National forest 31mi from Leadville · 1193 sites
Unspoiled scenery and year-round recreation abound in the nation’s most visited national forest.
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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

11. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

89%
(14)
Park 52mi from Leadville · 94 sites
Camping comes with a dose of adrenaline and a side of adventure along the Arkansas River.
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Gunnison National Forest

12. Gunnison National Forest

96%
(39)
National forest 58mi from Leadville · 423 sites
Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.
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Sylvan Lake State Park

13. Sylvan Lake State Park

75%
(4)
State park 28mi from Leadville · 56 sites
Choose from cabins, yurts, and rustic campsites at this fishing and kayaking hot spot.
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Gondola Village at Holy Cross

14. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

94%
(166)
15mi from Leadville · 2 sites
Welcome to our little slice of mountain heaven! Tucked away between Aspen, Vail, and Leadville, Gondola Village is more than just a cabin—it’s a dream we’ve built at nearly 12,000 feet. We’re pretty sure it’s one of the highest-altitude retreats on the planet, making it a true bucket-list spot for anyone with an adventurous soul. When you stay here, the Holy Cross Wilderness is literally your front porch. You’ll have direct access to pristine trails, hidden alpine lakes, and peaks that feel like they belong only to you, all while being just a few hours from the hustle of Denver. It’s Colorado’s "water wilderness" at its most majestic, and we can’t wait for you to experience the magic of having world-class hiking, fly fishing, and backcountry skiing right outside your door. We’ve poured our hearts into the design of our two cabins, the Alpine Gondola Lodge and the Lost Gondola Lodge. We wanted to celebrate the rugged history of our local mining towns while bringing in the clean, cozy vibes of Scandinavian mountain design. Every corner is filled with things we love: snuggle up with Rumpl blankets, sip your morning coffee from Miir mugs, and cook up a feast on a classic Coleman stove. We’ve even tucked in a guitar, a library of our favorite books, and a super comfy Metolius couch for those lazy afternoons. Fun fact: because our spot is so secluded that big deliveries have to come in by helicopter, we’ve hand-picked every single item to make sure your off-the-grid stay feels special and incredibly comfortable. You might have spotted us on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed or heard about our support from Airbnb’s OMG! Fund. We’ve spent years learning how to blend high-end design with wild beauty, and Gondola Village is the result of that passion. It’s a place we built for people who, like us, are looking for a little peace, a lot of seclusion, and a chance to really plug back into the natural world. Part of the magic is just getting here—it’s the first chapter of your adventure! Since we’re so far off the beaten path, access is part of the fun. You can hike or bike the scenic 2.5-mile uphill trail or if you’re driving, you’ll need a serious off-road vehicle with a winch and lockers to make the climb. In winter, the approach is 11 miles of over-snow travel.
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Whispering Pines Glamping

15. Whispering Pines Glamping

100%
(34)
20mi from Leadville · 1 site
Whispering Pines Glamping is located on 160 acres of wooded and meadowed land bordering Pike National Forest. It offers hiking and exploring with beautiful mountain views. You'll have the camp to yourself and are likely to see wildlife such as moose, elk, deer, antelope, coyotes etc. This very private campsite features a 16' diameter bell tent on a large deck. The tent will accommodate 2 adults with a queen air bed, and 2 children with twin air mattresses for them. 1 - 2 well mannered and controllable pets are welcome. Pitching an additional self supplied and furnished tent is allowable for an extra charge with prior permission. No parties or events are allowed. Hosts will meet all guests at the Highway gate, escort them to the campsite, and show them all amenities. Please plan to arrive no later than 6pm.
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Frenchman's Creek Ranch

16. Frenchman's Creek Ranch

99%
(380)
22mi from Leadville · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Thousand Peaks Ranch

17. Thousand Peaks Ranch

100%
(16)
25mi from Leadville · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
THOUSAND PEAKS RANCH CAMP Nightly rates vary depending on date and availability. Applicable taxes and fees applied at checkout. The $5 booking fee per site is non-refundable. Thousand Peaks Ranch Campground in Hartsel has Scenic Mountains, is a getaway and a home away from home for many users. The campsites are best suited for tents and RV stops. Some of the campsites are close to stunning views and you can sleep every night to the sounds of coyotes and other animals. We are very close to many places where you can find a river to fish, take a walk in nature or take a quick dip in the cold waters. Thousand Peaks Ranch Primitive Campground is a 40-acre site each with a table, fire pit and grill. There is a fee for its use and the stay limit is three weeks. We have well water to supply your shower and are located close to the center of the camp. Thousand Peaks Ranch offers a group campsite with 8 separate group campsites. These sites vary in size: Group sites 1, 2, and 7 ($40/ night) can accommodate between 10 and 25 people per site. Group sites 3-6 ($80/night) can accommodate between 25 and 50 people per site. Group Site 8 ($120/night) accommodates up to 75 people. Each site is equipped with 1 or 2 picnic tables and a Fire Pit. There is a large field area in the center of these sites that can be used for group activities. Please keep in mind that we are a primitive campground. We do not have hookups and cannot accommodate electrical needs. As this is a primitive campsite, we allow the use of generators. Tent camping is permitted throughout most of the ranch. THIS IS NOT A STATE PROPERTY, However, IT IS A BLM BORDER PROPERTY. See below where we are located: 1- South Park City Museum 18 miles from the property. https://maps.app.goo.gl/73gXyV5zo4PaCrUS7?g_st=ic About South Park City is an outside historic museum with 43 original furnished buildings and structures depicting an 1880s-era mining town. The buildings include a church, school, dentist/barber, doctor, coffin-maker, blacksmith, saloon, drug store, general store, homes, train engine and caboose, and other structures that portray life in an early gold mining town in the Colorado Rockies. Visitors can walk into each building, and try out the furniture, play the pianos, ring the school bell, stroll along the boardwalk, and, in the process, get a real feel for life in the Old West. 2- Pike National Forest Bristlecone trail. 18 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/R5opVg8eKX5by7Nw9?g_st=ic 3- Kenasha Pass 38 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfD6covDgw7b8rrA8?g_st=ic 4- Mount Sherman 28 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/b6E5d7dGAqaduwFo7?g_st=ic 5- South Park Brewing Colorado 18 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/zxPP6Q54H44sRfCWA?g_st=ic 6- Limber Grove Trail 24 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/8vxuDABKSJv8YF8W6?g_st=ic 7- Coyote Creek Studio Arts 18 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/cqA5aFjdD2RAkS3x8?g_st=ic 8- Platte Ranch Riding Stables 11 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/m9rWcKrTXTXWsLNB7?g_st=ic 9- Tomahawk State Wildlife Area 6.5 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/DtKWY98ApxyNb7QFA?g_st=ic 10- REAL South Park Collection 18 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/zvtuUH6dQttBJhbW9?g_st=ic 11- High Creek Fen Preserve 9.6 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/LxrpNpyQpk6kwsve9?g_st=ic 12-Snitching Lady Distillery 18 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbQfHHD9c4JgFvX36?g_st=ic 13- Eleven Mile State Park 27 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/FUTAyDaETbC1KpmC8?g_st=ic 14- Antero Reservoir, Colorado 13 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/4AVf4kBtahPdMXsN9?g_st=ic 15- Mount Antero, Colorado 55 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/kZbg6aeR52zqGCa87?g_st=ic 16- Breckenridge, CO 41 miles https://maps.app.goo.gl/4bCVrHc5csDnyJi79?g_st=ic
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Gypsy Mountain Camping

18. Gypsy Mountain Camping

91%
(35)
29mi from Leadville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Imagine a sprawling 4-acre piece of land nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush forests that burst with greenery. As you gaze out from the camping lot, towering peaks decorate the horizon, their majestic beauty a constant reminder of nature's grandeur. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine, while the gentle rustle of leaves and distant calls of wildlife provide a soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. This camping lot offers not just a place to pitch a tent, but a gateway to a world of tranquility and natural wonder, where every sunrise and sunset paints the sky in a breathtaking display of colors against the backdrop of the forest and mountains.
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Camp with a view!

19. Camp with a view!

94%
(57)
30mi from Leadville · 1 site
We purchased this land as a campsite for family outings. We have 2 kids and 2 dogs that love running through the aspens, cedars, and pines. There are 2 stocked fishing ponds in the neighborhood you're welcome to use. (Stocked in June usually). Fire pit onsite as long asthe county doesn't have any fire restrictions. You're welcome to drive onto the property to unload your camp gear but please park on the cul-de-sac. Enjoy!
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Shanahan Goat Ranch

20. Shanahan Goat Ranch

100%
(21)
31mi from Leadville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Enjoy the privacy of this wonderful goat farm situated just northwest of the Overlook Campground in Buena Vista, Colorado. It sits at 8500 feet with spectacular views of the Collegiate Peaks, 10 minutes from downtown Main Street, countless hiking trails, and rafting companies! This property backs up to BLM and connects with the Midland bike trail system. This property is unique due to the close proximity to dairy goats, and the ability to tour the farm if you so choose. The camping spot is in a secluded area of the property with easy access parking, and away from the main house. There is a 6-person tent set up near an old loading shed with a queen sized cot, an available metal fire pit, wood, and plenty of space to spread out or pitch additional tents. Plenty of rock outcroppings surround the space to give you your own private retreat. Please note that our road does include passing our neighbor on your way up. Directional rock cairns lead the way to this fun space! Goat tours are available upon request. On occasion the goats free range on the property and may pass by this space. If you want to camp in privacy and enjoy the idea of staying near a working goat farm, with chickens, guinea fowl & a rooster you will likely hear, the ability to quickly get into BLM and hike the many trails then this is place for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions

While camping near Leadville, CO, you can hike a section of the Colorado Trail, fly fish the trout streams, go horseback riding, and tour the local mining museums. You can also explore different options for camping near Leadville on Hipcamp.

Turquoise Lake near Leadville is known for its crisp weather and is a local haunt for trout fishing and water recreation. You can also explore different options for camping near Leadville on Hipcamp.

There are more than eight campgrounds hugging the shoreline of Turquoise Lake, with the Molly Brown Campground being especially popular for its lake-view sites. Additionally, there are more tent camping and RV sites available in the Twin Lakes area, just a few miles from Leadville, offering stunning views of the Rockies and the local reservoir. You can also explore different options for camping near Leadville on Hipcamp.

In the offseason, you can stay in a heated log cabin or yurt and enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing in the Tennessee Pass area, just a snowdrift away from Leadville. You can also explore different options for camping near Leadville on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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