Tabor Campground sits along the shore of Turquoise Lake within San Isabel National Forest, operating on a first-come, first-served basis from May through September with sites running up to $29 per night. The layout divides into two distinct areas: an upper lot with fire rings and picnic tables where sites are arranged around a large gravel parking area, and a lower lot closer to the water where spots function more as pull-ins with lake access rather than traditional tent sites. No reservations are taken, and the campground can fill quickly on Friday afternoons, though early-June and mid-week visits have seen surprisingly light crowds.
Water access is the main draw. The lake is roughly a one-minute walk from the upper sites via trails within the campground, and the shoreline, while rocky, supports swimming, SUP, and fishing. The trail circling Turquoise Lake is reachable directly from camp, giving hikers and mountain bikers a route without driving anywhere. Cell service is listed as available, though at least one reviewer noted losing signal on a weekend visit, so treat that as variable.
A few practical tradeoffs are worth knowing before you arrive. Sites sit close together with limited vegetation between them, which reduces privacy, particularly in the upper lot. No pets are allowed. Vault toilets were consistently described as clean across multiple visits, and firewood is available on-site. San Isabel National Forest Baby Doe Campground and San Isabel National Forest Father Dyer Campground sit just east and southeast along the same lake for campers who want reserved sites or more tree separation between neighbors. Tabor works well as a reliable fallback when those fill up, and for groups comfortable with an open layout, it delivers solid lake access without the competition for reservations.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
Tabor Campground is located along the north-eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in a shaded lodgepole pine forest at 9,900 feet. It has 15 sites and accommodates large recreational vehicles. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and a vault toilet.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTabor Campground is located in Colorado near Leadville
Public CampgroundCoordinates
39.275387 N
106.357075 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/22/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/22/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 9/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 9/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 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
