The best camping near Leadville with horseback riding

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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% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Leadville

6. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
15mi from Leadville · 4 sites · Lodging
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$6
 / night

9. Riverfront Mountain Ranch

98%
(102)
32mi from Leadville · 10 sites · Lodging
Welcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away. Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$251
 / night

14. Mountain Views

97%
(33)
32mi from Leadville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This cozy campsite sits just off Highway 24 and only a few minutes from the charming town of Hartsel. You will enjoy wide open mountain views and sunsets that will stay with you long after your visit. Whether you love fishing, hiking, or gravel biking, this spot is a perfect base for your adventure. Fairplay is only twenty minutes away and Colorado Springs is just over an hour, making this a convenient and peaceful escape. Before your trip, be sure to check the fire ban status in Park County since the winds can pick up at times. The property is open meadowland with no trees for shade during the day, so plan accordingly. The driveway is dirt but easy to access, and even small cars make it in just fine. Review the property layout image before you arrive so you know exactly where to go and what to look out for. If you are car or tent camping, bring warm clothes for the cool evenings, a comfortable spot to sleep, and of course some bug spray. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of the land and the night sky. While the guideline mentions one car per site, you are welcome to bring friends. With a small additional fee, you can have up to two cars and four people per site so you can share the experience together. Take a moment to look over the access and campsite image before your arrival, and keep in mind that GPS will drop a pin in the middle of the property. We look forward to hosting you and hope your time here is filled with peace, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night

16. A Special Place in South Park

97%
(47)
38mi from Leadville · 1 site · RV
Your base camp for Gold Medal fishing at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, or just some relaxation and stargazing! Once a gargantuan ranch, this section of South Park has been subdivided into residential and recreational lots so more of us can enjoy the local beauty, and remains sparsely populated. Learn more about this land Enjoy exclusive use of this six-acre spread which features trees, rock outcroppings, and absurd mountain views. Remote yet accessible by county road, the property is a few miles from Hartsel, where you'll find a general store and saloon, and the other historic railroad settlements of Park County. (Learn about the South Park National Heritage Area at southparkheritage.org.) The property has flat (but not *quite* level) areas for tent setup and also gently sloping and wooded areas for exploring. All supplies (including water) must be packed in, and all waste packed out. I stashed a collapsible picnic table behind the big rock and you're welcome to use that, please just fold it and stash it again. There are no structures at all on the property. Per Hipcamp and local zoning, you may not relieve yourself outdoors; you must be in a vehicle or privacy tent. There is a fire ring. If you intend to make a camp fire, YOU MUST LET ME KNOW so I can call the Hartsel Fire Department. They will then tell me if there's a burn ban in place and I will relay that info to you. This must be done no later than 24 hours before you plan to burn. Hipcamp will sometimes turn on my fire ban based on data from the National Weather Service. The only way to know the full situation is for me to call. If you see some expensively outfitted motorcyclists cruise by, they're from the Rawhyde Training Camp up the road so give them a wave!
Pets
from 
$46
 / night

18. Vail Valley BackCountry Access

91%
(180)
41mi from Leadville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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, Jeep, Bronco, Land Rovers, OffRoad, Bike, Hike and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electric 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 Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $35 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games, Eagle County Rodeo, Birds of Prey Downhill, Vail Farmers Market, Free Showdown Down Thursday Eagle, Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater, Free Hot Summer Nights Music Vail Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is known for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$64
 / night

19. The Fisherman's Cabin

99%
(73)
46mi from Leadville · 1 site · Lodging
The Fisherman’s Cabin is a charming and cozy retreat nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountains. This small, one-room cabin offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy the rustic comforts complete with an outhouse equipped with a sink, a solar shower bag for a refreshing wash, and a composting toilet, ensuring your stay is both sustainable and comfortable. For warmth, the cabin features a propane heater, and a single-burner stove provides a place to heat up some coffee or cook a simple meal while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Step outside to the cabin’s large, inviting deck, where you’ll find a fire-pit and large grill, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars. The soothing sound of the nearby river adds to the tranquility of the area, creating an ideal setting to unwind. The cabin sits on a beautiful 4-acre plot, surrounded by forest that gives great access into the National Forest surroundings. You can park right next to the cabin with a 4x4 or AWD vehicle, or park at the bottom of the driveway for a short 50-foot walk from the cabin, if you’re driving a regular car. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally built by two professors from Berkeley College, the cabin was designed as an annual mountain retreat. Each year, they would journey from California to Colorado, seeking peace and relaxation in the serene forests of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the nearby Denver Wheel Club, with its headquarters right by the river on Insmont Drive, would host a major bike race every year. Back then, the area had no roads, and the only way to access these lands was by train from Denver, making it an even more remote and special destination. Today, the Fisherman’s Cabin is conveniently located just a short distance outside downtown Bailey, Colorado. It offers easy access to various mountain passes such as Guanella and Kenosha. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and wildlife watching. Whether you're an adventurer looking to ride world class mountain bike trails, climb mountains, or just trying to relax, this spot has something for everyone.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$68
 / night

20. Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

94%
(40)
48mi from Leadville · 1 site · RV
Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

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% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Leadville

6. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
15mi from Leadville · 4 sites · Lodging
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$6
 / night

9. Riverfront Mountain Ranch

98%
(102)
32mi from Leadville · 10 sites · Lodging
Welcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away. Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$251
 / night

14. Mountain Views

97%
(33)
32mi from Leadville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This cozy campsite sits just off Highway 24 and only a few minutes from the charming town of Hartsel. You will enjoy wide open mountain views and sunsets that will stay with you long after your visit. Whether you love fishing, hiking, or gravel biking, this spot is a perfect base for your adventure. Fairplay is only twenty minutes away and Colorado Springs is just over an hour, making this a convenient and peaceful escape. Before your trip, be sure to check the fire ban status in Park County since the winds can pick up at times. The property is open meadowland with no trees for shade during the day, so plan accordingly. The driveway is dirt but easy to access, and even small cars make it in just fine. Review the property layout image before you arrive so you know exactly where to go and what to look out for. If you are car or tent camping, bring warm clothes for the cool evenings, a comfortable spot to sleep, and of course some bug spray. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of the land and the night sky. While the guideline mentions one car per site, you are welcome to bring friends. With a small additional fee, you can have up to two cars and four people per site so you can share the experience together. Take a moment to look over the access and campsite image before your arrival, and keep in mind that GPS will drop a pin in the middle of the property. We look forward to hosting you and hope your time here is filled with peace, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night

16. A Special Place in South Park

97%
(47)
38mi from Leadville · 1 site · RV
Your base camp for Gold Medal fishing at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, or just some relaxation and stargazing! Once a gargantuan ranch, this section of South Park has been subdivided into residential and recreational lots so more of us can enjoy the local beauty, and remains sparsely populated. Learn more about this land Enjoy exclusive use of this six-acre spread which features trees, rock outcroppings, and absurd mountain views. Remote yet accessible by county road, the property is a few miles from Hartsel, where you'll find a general store and saloon, and the other historic railroad settlements of Park County. (Learn about the South Park National Heritage Area at southparkheritage.org.) The property has flat (but not *quite* level) areas for tent setup and also gently sloping and wooded areas for exploring. All supplies (including water) must be packed in, and all waste packed out. I stashed a collapsible picnic table behind the big rock and you're welcome to use that, please just fold it and stash it again. There are no structures at all on the property. Per Hipcamp and local zoning, you may not relieve yourself outdoors; you must be in a vehicle or privacy tent. There is a fire ring. If you intend to make a camp fire, YOU MUST LET ME KNOW so I can call the Hartsel Fire Department. They will then tell me if there's a burn ban in place and I will relay that info to you. This must be done no later than 24 hours before you plan to burn. Hipcamp will sometimes turn on my fire ban based on data from the National Weather Service. The only way to know the full situation is for me to call. If you see some expensively outfitted motorcyclists cruise by, they're from the Rawhyde Training Camp up the road so give them a wave!
Pets
from 
$46
 / night

18. Vail Valley BackCountry Access

91%
(180)
41mi from Leadville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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, Jeep, Bronco, Land Rovers, OffRoad, Bike, Hike and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electric 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 Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $35 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games, Eagle County Rodeo, Birds of Prey Downhill, Vail Farmers Market, Free Showdown Down Thursday Eagle, Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater, Free Hot Summer Nights Music Vail Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is known for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$64
 / night

19. The Fisherman's Cabin

99%
(73)
46mi from Leadville · 1 site · Lodging
The Fisherman’s Cabin is a charming and cozy retreat nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountains. This small, one-room cabin offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy the rustic comforts complete with an outhouse equipped with a sink, a solar shower bag for a refreshing wash, and a composting toilet, ensuring your stay is both sustainable and comfortable. For warmth, the cabin features a propane heater, and a single-burner stove provides a place to heat up some coffee or cook a simple meal while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Step outside to the cabin’s large, inviting deck, where you’ll find a fire-pit and large grill, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars. The soothing sound of the nearby river adds to the tranquility of the area, creating an ideal setting to unwind. The cabin sits on a beautiful 4-acre plot, surrounded by forest that gives great access into the National Forest surroundings. You can park right next to the cabin with a 4x4 or AWD vehicle, or park at the bottom of the driveway for a short 50-foot walk from the cabin, if you’re driving a regular car. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally built by two professors from Berkeley College, the cabin was designed as an annual mountain retreat. Each year, they would journey from California to Colorado, seeking peace and relaxation in the serene forests of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the nearby Denver Wheel Club, with its headquarters right by the river on Insmont Drive, would host a major bike race every year. Back then, the area had no roads, and the only way to access these lands was by train from Denver, making it an even more remote and special destination. Today, the Fisherman’s Cabin is conveniently located just a short distance outside downtown Bailey, Colorado. It offers easy access to various mountain passes such as Guanella and Kenosha. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and wildlife watching. Whether you're an adventurer looking to ride world class mountain bike trails, climb mountains, or just trying to relax, this spot has something for everyone.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$68
 / night

20. Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

94%
(40)
48mi from Leadville · 1 site · RV
Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

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