the dyrt
Standard (tent/RV)
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Drinking Water
About White Star
Picturesque White Star Campground lies at the foot of Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak, among fragrant ponderosa pines. The campground provides convenient access to Twin Lakes Reservoir for plenty of water recreation opportunities. It also works as a base camp for hikers and mountain bikers who love to explore nearby trails such the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail.
Recreation
The Continental Divide Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico, passes by the White Star Campground. The hiking trail is open to mountain bikes in the section from Halfmoon Road South to Twin Lakes. About 300 miles of the trail is within Colorado's borders.
Twin Lakes are Colorado's largest natural glacial lakes, and sailing and water skiing are among the popular activities there. Fishing includes lake, rainbow and Mackinaw trout.
Facilities
White Star Campground is comprised of three loops. Sage Loop has limited shade, and Ridge and Valley Loops have a somewhat greater density of ponderosa pine and spruce trees. Drinking water is available through a pressurized water system and vault toilets are located throughout the campground. A boat ramp, parking, and angler fishing areas are located just down the road from the campground. Firewood is for sale at the camp host site.
Natural Features
The campground, at an elevation of 9,200 feet, sits on the north side of the Twin Lakes Reservoir near the base of Mount Elbert. The Twin Lakes Reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet. Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a stretch of 30,540 acres that encompass Mount Massive, Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
Nearby Attractions
Drive on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. Or continue over the pass for a day trip to the town of Aspen, a well-known ski resort town.
ADA Access: N
Sites
67
Price
$23.00 - $24.00
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Boat In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
Fires Allowed
Firewood Available
Market
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Toilets
Trash Available
Contact
Location
White Star is located in Colorado
Directions
From Leadville, travel 15 miles south on Highway 24 to Highway 82. Turn right and go west 5.5 miles on Highway 82, turn left into the White Star Campground.
12 Reviews of White Star
Large campground that is well maintained
There are three loops. The middle one seems to have the most privacy, the biggest one is very open but you are closest to the lake.
Was there in September and it was in the 80s during the day and got to the 30s at night. Prepare yourself for that!
The lake is gorgeous and not very busy.
Leadville is nearby with some good coffee shops, restaurants, and fun nightlife.
Great place!
Nice views of Twin Lakes and Mt. Elbert. The fishing is good especially if you prefer rainbow trout. The camp sites are spread out pretty nicely and are not all the same. Some sites offer shade and a view of the waterfront while others have lil shade and you can't see Twin Lakes. There is water, ample vaulted toilets around the campground, friendly campers with dogs on leashes. There is a nearby store where 1 can even purchase a fishing rod as you head towards Aspen. I enjoyed my stay all 3 times, thus far that I have camped in tents here. There are rushing waters and Twin Lakes to keep you cool. Beautiful hiking! Mostly just RVs and tent camping. I recommend a site back up the lil hill so you can see Twin Lakes! Nice campground.
Stay up to see the stars!
White Star is a particularly clean campground. The hosts were very friendly, and dropped off a map and a free day pass to park at the lakes.
None of the camp sites are on the water, but you can walk over in just a few minutes, or drive over with your gear. There is a trail that goes all the way around both lakes—it's very picturesque. I recommend staying on the outer loop—those sites have more space between them, and a bit more privacy.
We had limited cell service in the campground—enough for texting using both Verizon and AT&T.
Sage loop spot 7
Stayed at Sage loop spot 7. We had a great spot. Not to close on the sides to anyone. Bathroom next door but it didn’t smell. Just a short walk to the lake. One of my favorite places to camp.
Great family site
The weather was awful this past weekend with snow, rain, and cold temps, but we had a great time. Sites were clean with a table and pit. The hosts sold firewood which was a huge plus, as the cold temps had us burning more wood than normal. Good fishing very close. We’re going to try this site again on a weekend with better weather, we absolutely loved this place.
Favorite campground
This has by far been our favorite campground! The campground is spaced out nicely. It does not have electric or water hook ups. It does have Water spigots and a dumping station for a fee, I believe. It has awesome views of Mt. Elbert and Twin Lakes. The water is super cold, but it didn’t stop us from paddle boarding and having fun. The town of Leadville is small, but cute. If you take your bikes, I recommend doing the mineral belt trail. It’s a tough especially going in the one direction, lots of steep hills. Do some research first, some will tell you what direction to chose.
The best campground ever
We camp here all the time, it is our absolute favorite campground. The hosts are always great, really helpful & they keep things clean. The bathrooms are always clean & always have TP. Great views of the lakes & the mountains. Can't wait to get back there this summer!!!
Great site!
Walking distance to lakes. Picnic tables and fire pits. Scenic views. Great place to camp if planning on hiking Mt Elbert.
One of my fav places to camp in CO!
My kids and I have camped here many times. The hosts are always nice. The grounds are clean and uncrowded. Views of the lakes surrounded by mountains are gorgeous!!
