Bring your tent and your fishing gear to this high-altitude lake in the Colorado woods.
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The best camping near Taylor Park Reservoir, CO guide
Overview
About
Situated at an elevation of around 9,300 feet in Colorado's Gunnison National Forest, Taylor Park Reservoir is a fabulous place for fishing, boating, and—when it's warm enough—swimming. Fish found in the reservoir include northern pike, kokanee salmon, and a variety of trout. A small amount of first-come, first-served camping is available at Rivers End Campground on the northern part of the lake, while reservable sites are offered at the larger, more developed, Lakeview Campground on the reservoir’s southern shores, where campers can rent boats.
Where to go
Grand Mesa National Forest
Part of the collectively managed Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison, National Forests, the Grand Mesa National Forest is full of things to do, no matter the season. Here you'll find lakes, trails, and campgrounds galore that draw in adventurers as soon as temperatures begin to warm up. Winter activities include snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, as well as both cross-country and downhill skiing.
White River National Forest
Encompassing around 2.3 million acres, the White River National Forest draws in visitors with its thousands of miles of hiking trails and its seemingly endless abundance of natural beauty. Many of the campgrounds in this mountainous forest are situated at higher altitudes, offering fantastic views over snow-capped crags and dense woodlands.
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
Home to nearly half of Colorado's so-called fourteeners (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet), Pike-San Isabel National Forest delivers when it comes to views. The trail network here is fantastic, with plenty of challenging, high-altitude options to choose from. There are also plenty of scenic places to camp, from developed lakefront campgrounds to quiet backcountry spots.
When to go
The campgrounds at Taylor Park Reservoir are open from late spring until the beginning of fall, weather permitting, and the warmest month of the year is July, with highs in the low 70s. However, even in the summer, the water temperatures may be too cold for most people to comfortably swim. While access to the reservoir is limited due to heavy winter snowfall, some people do make it out for ice fishing in the dead of winter.
Nearby attractions
- Embrace the magic of a Crested Butte camping trip, set against a backdrop of blooming wildflowers or snow-capped mountains. Its close-knit community and nearby wild campgrounds offer a unique blend of rustic charm and vibrant outdoor living.
- Known for its luxurious slopes and cultural flair, Aspen also provides serene camping experiences nearby. With verdant hiking trails and starlit skies, it's a perfect destination for those seeking both wilderness and sophistication.
- Immerse yourself in a Sylvan Lake State Park camping experience, an oasis of alpine beauty. Encircled by snow-capped peaks, this gem is a dream for campers, offering serene campsites on the lakeshore. It's the perfect place to disconnect from the everyday, enjoy outdoor pursuits, or simply watch the ripples on the lake under a starlit sky.