A-frames near Twin Lakes with fishing

A high-altitude basecamp for biking, hiking, and paddling adventures in the Colorado Rockies.

97% (353 reviews)

United States
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Colorado
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Twin Lakes

97% (353 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Twin Lakes

Top a frames sites near twin lakes with fishing

98%

(758)

Clear Creek Getaway

13 sites · Lodging20 acres · CO

Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway! NOTE: Absolutely no smoking in the A-frames Bedding: we do not provide beds or bedding Please understand that these types of amenities cost way more providing blankets and sheets pillow’s that I need to launder every day So be prepared to bring your own sleeping pads or air mattress I can provide all for a additional cost of 40.00 for the cleaning crew For the glam dome: file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/cd/13/3781DC46-F036-428E-BFC5-447B16E14D54/Image-1.jpeg Roads : This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt. If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type We are available all year round. No power in units. All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck. All A-frames have heat for the winter months (propane heaters). Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs. River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing. Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s) Hot springs within miles. We have portable toilets located close to the units Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures! Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70 Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70 St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70 Hot Springs 2 miles east I70 All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky. ( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road. When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).

A-frames near Twin Lakes with fishing guide

Overview

Twin Lakes, Colorado is a tiny community tucked into the mountains between Leadville and Buneva Vista, about a two-hour drive from Denver. Sitting at 10,152 feet, it’s one of Colorado’s highest elevation towns. Twin Lakes is best known for its pair of sparkling blue reservoirs - the Twin Lakes. Boating, fishing, and camping are popular activities at the lakes, and nearby Independence Pass provides easy access to hiking, backpacking, and backcountry skiing in the high country. Campers will find several lakeside campgrounds along the Twin Lakes Reservoir and several dispersed camping areas in the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.

Where to go

Leadville

Leadville is one of Colorado’s favorite old mining towns, and it’s only thirty minutes to the northeast of Twin Lakes. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains, Leadville is an adventure town steeped in gold rush history. Whether you’re seeking climbing adventures in the high country, gorgeous mountain scenery, or a glimpse into the region’s wild mining days, Leadville offers an abundance of outdoor fun. From RV parks to scenic National Forest campgrounds, campers have plenty of options in Leadville including the popular Crescent Mining Camp and Silver Dollar Campground.

Independence Pass

Heading west from Twin Lakes on Highway 82 is the historic byway to Independence Pass. It’s one of the highest paved roads in Colorado and travels up and over the Continental Divide from Twin Lakes to Aspen. There are several national forest campgrounds on both sides of the pass and numerous trails, ghost towns, and scenic views to explore along the way.

Aspen

Aspen is only an hour’s drive from Twin Lakes via the Independence Pass Road. Aspen may be known best for its skiing, but it’s a genuine outdoor adventure town for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers the rest of the year. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness offers some of the most scenic hiking in Colorado. The waters of the Roaring Fork River also offer some of the best fly fishing in the state.

When to go

The best time for hiking, boating, and fishing is from June through early September. Campgrounds in the area are typically only open during this time as well, making summer the busiest season but the best time to visit. Avoid the crowds by visiting midweek and staying away on holiday weekends. Independence Pass is closed in winter and does not open until the Thursday before Memorial Day. Depending on early season snow, Independence Pass typically remains open until late October or early November.

Know before you go

Campsites at the White Star and Lakeview campgrounds at Twin Lakes can be reserved up to six months in advance.
All sites at Parry Peak and Twin Peaks campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Paddleboard, kayak, and mountain bike rentals are available at Twin Lakes.
To avoid altitude sickness, keep hydrated and take it slow at first. Make sure you’re feeling well at high elevation before attempting to climb a high country peak.
Vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass Road, given the road’s steep and windy nature.