Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping, near Leadville, Colorado, is a scenic location that offers a unique camping experience surrounded by stunning views and outdoor adventures. With access to numerous off-roading trails, it’s a great base for those looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.

This area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, where campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature. Visitors have highlighted the gorgeous surroundings and the incredible night sky, perfect for stargazing. One camper noted, “The stars at night are incredible!” While the amenities are basic, the location allows for a true back-to-nature experience.

For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, the campsites are spread out, giving you space to breathe. However, some campers have mentioned that the ground can be littered with broken glass, so it’s wise to keep an eye out while setting up. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat with beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature, Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping is worth considering.

Sitting deep in the forest to the west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the Turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. A spot prized for its fishing, camping, and hiking, Turquoise Lake provides some of the most beautiful views on the Leadville Ranger District. The east end of the lake hosts the majority of campgrounds, while the west end of the lake hosts the popular May Queen Campground near the Timberline Lake trailhead, which accesses the Holy Cross Wilderness. To the southwest of the lake rises the Mt. Massive Wilderness, along with such beautiful hikes as Native Lake and Windsor Lake. Snow in these areas can stay well into midsummer, and possibly longer. Turquoise Lake is heavily visited, especially during the summer months. Reservations for those campgrounds on Turquoise Lake that take reservations are often filled early, especially for holiday weekends. Camping is only allowed in developed campgrounds in the Turquoise Lake Area. There is no dispersed camping available.

Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Leadville, CO has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Leadville

The Best Camping Near Leadville, Colorado

Great neighbors nearby, very calm and quiet seniors.  A little too crowded for my taste though.  There are about a dozen campers in this meadow and no kids in the group.  Ah, peace and quiet.  I came here to escape the heat in the Northwest.  Daytime high around 65, nighttime lows around 40 with partly cloudy skies and thundershowers in the afternoon.

Boondocking at its best.

Better than nothing, so happy for the neighbor 12 feet away with the cheap generator, if it weren’t for the noises POS I’d have to listen to them yell at each other.  Really people, show some compassion.


Overflow Camping is an asphalt parking lot.

Pulled in late and found a site, explored the lake and campground the next morning. Beautiful views and people.

Great spot close to Leadville

Amazing, the view was stunning, the weather in the day was perfect,  the night was cold. But overall the best yet.

First Time in CO

It wasn’t packed, even on the 4th of July. We were able to find spots no problem. The area is gorgeous and quick access to tons of off roading trails. People around are respectful, and there are tons of spots to camp at without feeling too close together. We had a blast. Only downside is the fact that a lot of the campsites are covered in broken glass. 

PS - The stars at night are incredible!

Leave no trace 🥹

Photos of Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping

Real photos from real campers