Anglers and water sports enthusiasts will find direct lake access at Baby Doe Campground, where sites sit under pine trees along the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake at 10,200 feet elevation. The campground accommodates RVs up to 45 feet with water and sewer hookups, though Fain H. notes "I was really surprised at how bad the mosquito's were at the lake and at this elevation, definitely the worst mosquito experience I had while living in Colorado."
Campers report mixed experiences with campground management, with some praising helpful hosts while others describe overly strict enforcement of rules. Recent reviews indicate varying tolerance levels for children's activities and pet policies, with some visitors feeling micromanaged during their stay. The campground maintains vault toilets and potable water, with sites generally level enough for tent camping.
Turquoise Lake offers fishing for stocked trout, boating, and paddleboarding opportunities directly from the shoreline. The location provides views south toward Mount Massive and Mount Elbert across the water. Hiking trails connect from the campground area, and the nearby town of Leadville sits just a few miles away for resupply needs.
Access involves driving on forest roads that some reviewers describe as rough, particularly after weather events. The campground operates from late May through early September, with sites booking up to six months in advance according to regular visitors. Reservations are strongly recommended, as Mark R. confirms "sites get locked in 6 mos in advance, for good reason." Campers seeking alternatives can explore campgrounds outside Leadville for additional options in the area.
Bring insect repellent and warm layers for cool mountain nights, even during summer months.
Description
Overview
Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.The campground was named for Elizabeth McCourt, whose nickname was Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner.
Recreation
The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail meanders along the shoreline is a gentle loop trail through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. This trail connects to the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Trail guides are available at the trailhead located about a mile south, at the entrance to Molly Brown Campground. On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. A boat ramp is located about a mile south of the campground.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the Host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.
Natural Features
Campsites are perched along the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
Nearby Attractions
Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Fee Info
Extra Vehicle Fee $10.00
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBaby Doe is located in Colorado near Leadville
Directions
From Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 about 3.5 miles, turn right on County Road 9C and follow signs to Baby Doe Campground.
Address
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
810 FRONT STREET
Leadville, CO 80461
Coordinates
39.2697222 N
106.3505556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 5/21/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 5/21/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 5/21/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 5/21/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 5/21/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 5/21/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 55 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 31 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 31 min from Colorado Springs, CO
