Waterside camping near Leadville

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.