Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2020

Perfect Little Getaway

(Camped 09/18-09/20) This was a little tricky to get to but totally worth the trip. Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes. Once you get to the "Invincible Lodge" entrance there is a dirt path off to the left. It has a sign at the entrance stating the drive up goes through about 3 miles of private property before reaching the dispersed camping area. It also says the route is for "high clearance vehicles"....and it isn't joking. The first mile isn't too bad...just mostly gravel. The next couple miles though get really rocky with some spots that have large dips and narrow paths. The route is ideal for Jeeps and offroad type vehicles, but it is still manageable in a small SUV or truck. Just have to really know what youre doing. Even in our Silverado, my brother had to drive very slowly and maneuver around large rocks sticking up otherwise we would have bottomed out. It took over an hour to get up to the camping area. There is a split in the road at one point and we continued to the left toward the Chinns Lake Reservoir.

Once finally at the top there were plenty of spots to choose from. Gorgeous views and lots of wooded area around both reservoirs. There is a nice hiking trail that goes up the mountain side between the two reservoirs as well. We got a little lost and ventured off the path to go higher on the rocks, and the view was worth it. Was a little bit of an adventure to find our way back down though.

Since it was mid-Sept it got pretty cold at night. Elevation was around 11,000 ft where we camped. We were in a fire ban as well so that didn't help. Probably got into the high 30s the one night. Beautiful view of the stars though, and plenty of small wildlife to see.

Highly recommend staying in this area!

  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping by Melissa B., October 3, 2020