Within White River National Forest, Camp Hale Memorial occupies a historically significant valley where the 10th Mountain Division trained during World War II. This US Forest Service campground sits at high elevation near Leadville, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet and operating from late June through September.
The campground combines forested sites with more open terrain, creating varied camping experiences across its layout. Some sites offer substantial shade from mature trees, while others provide expansive mountain views with minimal cover. Jenifer J. notes that "sites 11 (near toilets), 14 and 15" work well for RVs, though she warns site 17 "might be rather exposed if you don't have some kind of shade." The Eagle River runs nearby, and several reviewers mention creek access for fishing and non-potable water collection.
Highway 24 runs close enough that road noise reaches most sites, particularly during daytime hours. Traffic sounds diminish significantly at night, though sensitive sleepers should plan accordingly. The campground lacks water hookups and electrical service, making it suitable for self-contained camping. Vault toilets receive consistent praise for cleanliness, and camp hosts maintain the area well. Cell service proves spotty, with T-Mobile users reporting no coverage.
Reservations through Recreation.gov help secure weekend spots, though weekday availability often allows walk-up camping. The location provides access to Camp Hale National Historic Site and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding high country. "It's a great spot to be away from cell service, water, plumbing, electricity," explains B E.
This campground works best for campers comfortable with basic amenities who want convenient access to Colorado's high-elevation recreation while staying connected to the area's military training history.
Description
Overview
Camp Hale Memorial Campground sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, offering guests a wonderful setting for recreation and relaxation. Camp Hale is historic because the 10th Mountain Division, an unit of 15,000 men, trained here in mountaineering and skiing techniques during WWII. Some saw combat in Italy during the war. Most of the buildings have been torn down, but foundations and other "footprints" remain. The 99th Infantry Battalion (Viking Battalion) also trained at Camp Hale. There are interpretive signs along US Rt. 24, explaining the history and accomplishments of Camp Hale.
Recreation
With the headwaters of the Eagle River nearby, anglers will find pockets of solitude, casting lines for rainbow and brown trout. The waterway was named by the local Ute Indians who thought there were as many branches of the river as there were tail feathers on an eagle. Several ponds south of the campground offer good fishing opportunities. The Colorado Trail crosses within walking distance of Camp Hale, and gravel roads provide easy walking and bike paths within the area.
Facilities
Camp Hale Memorial Campground has 15 standard sites able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and vault toilets. Drinking water and electrical hook- ups are not available at this site. Visitors must provide their own water. The road, parking area and spurs in the campground are gravel.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. This campground sits among a sparse growth of young Lodgepole pine in a wide, flat, open valley.
Nearby Attractions
The resort town of Vail is a popular destination for visitors to the area, offering downhill skiing, world-class fly fishing, dining and resorts. There is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this mountain town.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCamp Hale Memorial is located in Colorado
Directions
Located 15 miles south of the town of Minturn, Colorado on Hwy 24. Take I-70 east from Grand Junction, Colorado, approximately 135 miles. Take exit 171 toward US-24 E. Keep right and follow signs for Minturn/Leadville, merging onto US-24 E. After 17 miles, take a slight left onto 10th Mountain Div Memorial Hwy. Take first left into Camp Hale. From Denver: Take 1-70 west approximately 90 miles. Take exit 171 toward US-24 E. Keep right and follow signs for Minturn/Leadville, merging onto US-24 E. After 17 miles, take a slight left onto 10th Mountain Div Memorial Hwy. Take first left into Camp Hale.
Coordinates
39.4202778 N
106.315 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next 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
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 7 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 43 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 43 min from Colorado Springs, CO
