Grand Mesa National Forest holds Island Lake Campground at an elevation where the season runs only from mid-June through September, a window that shapes everything about how this site operates. The US Forest Service manages the grounds, which sit adjacent to Island Lake but not directly on its shore. A short trail across the road connects campers to the lake loop, and the day-use parking area is close enough that paddlers have hauled boards and kayaks over from their sites without much effort. Nearby, Little Bear Campground and Ward Lake Campground give anglers and hikers additional options along the same stretch of the Mesa.
Road access deserves attention before arrival. Google Maps tends to route drivers in from the north, but that upper road is narrow and rough. Taking the southern approach from Highway 65 gives a wider road and sightlines over the lake before the turn-off. RVs up to 35 feet have navigated the campground without issue, though leveling blocks may be needed on some sites. Expect mosquitoes. They can be relentless on cool afternoons, even in full sun.
Most sites include a parking pad, a separate pad for the fire pit and picnic table, and a tent area. Electric and sewer hookups are available, and water comes from a mountain spring on the site. Cell coverage is minimal. Verizon users may see one bar; data is unreliable. As Erik J. puts it, it is a "great spot to base for exploring the Mesa, fishing, hiking or offroading." Holders of an America the Beautiful pass should mention it at check-in for a discount.
Description
Overview
Island Lake Campground is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet on Colorado's Grand Mesa, which is home to more than 300 fishing lakes, near the cities of Cedaredge and Delta. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent fishing, canoeing and hiking opportunities.
Recreation
More than 3,000 miles of trails and routes provide access to areas of rugged beauty and solitude. Many were carved by indigenous peoples, early explorers and miners, offering an experience that connects visitors to the land and its prehistoric and historic past. The topography allows the forest to provide year-round trails for beginners to experts. The mountains, plateau and mesa never fail to provide a breathtaking backdrop.
Facilities
The campground offers 39 sites, including electric, non-electric and group sites. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided. Three vault restrooms are located within the facility. Trail access for hiking and off-road vehicle driving can be found within the campground. Visitors will find a boat ramp, fish cleaning station and new restroom at nearby Island Lake. Day-use parking and boat trailer parking are available for a small fee.
Natural Features
Island Lake is just .10 miles from the campground. A few sites offer panoramic views of Grand Valley and several lakes below. A dense grove of mature spruce trees covers most sites. A wide variety of wildlife frequents the area, including deer and elk.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Nearby Attractions
Recreation opportunities on the Grand Mesa National National Forest and surrounding areas are varied, and millions of visitors come to enjoy nearly 60 campgrounds and 13 picnic areas and more than 3,700 miles of system roads, including national and state-designated scenic byways and other scenic or recreation travel corridors. Thousands of miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and motorcycle riding are available, including sections of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Colorado Trail. More than 300 lakes and 3,600 miles of streams are found on the Forest. Six mountain peaks reach more than 14,000 feet in elevation, creating many popular areas for rock and ice climbing, hiking and driving along high elevation meadows thick with colorful wildflowers and nature observation and photography of Colorado's abundant wildlife. A variety of historic mining sites are also found in the forest, including the San Juan Mining area, as well as the Alpine Tunnel Historic District, which includes approximately 13 miles of the former Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad railbed across the Continental Divide. The forest also contains three ski resorts, three lodges, two organizational camps and one marina.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIsland Lake Campground is located in Colorado near Mesa Lakes
Public CampgroundDirections
From Cedaredge, Colorado, take State Route 65 north for 15.7 miles to campground sign (Forest Route 116). Turn left at sign onto Route 116 (gravel) and go 1.4 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Address
Forest Service Road 116
Delta, CO 81416
Coordinates
39.0319444 N
108.0105556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/29/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 11 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 14 min from Boulder, CO
- 4 hrs 52 min from Colorado Springs, CO
