Map showing campground location near Nederland, Colorado

Camper submitted image from Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Roosevelt National Forest's Indian Peaks Wilderness holds Diamond Lake, a hike-in and walk-in site accessible via the Fourth of July Trail or from the Nederland side of the mountain. The hike out runs roughly five miles. Campers reach the lower lake to find a handful of dispersed sites spread along the shoreline, with picnic tables and toilets on-site and no fee beyond $6 per night.

Access route matters here. Approaching from the Nederland side tends to bring more foot traffic, while the west side of the mountain sees fewer visitors. Permits are required June through September, but late September trips avoid that requirement. Snow can linger into early summer, making the trail slippery before late June. One camper reported waking to strong winds that cut the trip short, so a flexible itinerary helps.

Fishing draws repeat visitors. The lake has produced good results for fly anglers, and at least one camper spent four nights there and had the water largely to himself outside of passing day hikers. Wildlife is present, including moose near camp at dusk, so a bear canister is worth carrying. Buckingham Campground - Fourth of July sits nearby for those who want a trailhead staging option, and Jasper Lake offers another backcountry destination in the same area.

Anglers, backpackers, and anyone easing into wilderness camping in the campgrounds near Nederland region will find Diamond Lake a solid first or repeat destination.

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Map & DirectionsDiamond Lake is located in Colorado near Nederland

Public Campground

Coordinates

39.99390211 N
105.65119936 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Pets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 11 min from Boulder, CO
1 hr 36 min from Denver, CO
2 hrs 1 min from Greeley, CO
2 hrs 2 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Diamond Lake

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted Diamond Lake as a beautiful backpacking destination with dispersed sites offering good privacy and excellent fishing. Many mentioned having the area mostly to themselves, making it ideal for a secluded wilderness experience.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reed R.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2024

Good Backpacking

Beautiful place to go backpacking. It was pretty busy but not too busy. The lake was a great spot to fly fish and chill. And the hike out was about 5 miles out.

Month of VisitSeptember

Janae M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 15, 2022

Backpacking fun

Took this trail in the off season at the end of Sept when you don’t need a permit. A lovely lake with a handful of dispersed sites at the lower lake. Be careful of wildlife and bring a bear can, a moose came by our camp around sunset. Got super windy in the morning so we had to leave early

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

Samuel L.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Camping at Diamond Lake

Took the Forth of July Trail to Diamond Lake for some camping and fishing. Ended up camping for 4 nights. Aside from a few random hikers throughout the day, I pretty much had the place to myself. Great fishing

Site7

Month of VisitJuly

Alicia V.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2021

Fourth of July trailhead to Diamond Lake

You can access this trail from the Nederland side of the mountain. On this side of the mountain, there are more people. If you want a more secluded experience, try accessing from the west side. I'd only recommend doing this trail from late June - early September as the snow can lead to very slippery conditions. Permits are required June-September. Be prepared for changing weather!

Great spot little camping spot and a great way to ease your way into exploring the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Diamond Lake Campground located in Colorado?

Diamond Lake is located near Nederland, Colorado in the Indian Peaks area. The lake can be accessed from two directions - the more popular and busier route from the Nederland side (east), or from the west side which offers a more secluded experience. Most visitors reach the lake via the Fourth of July Trail, which is approximately a 5-mile hike to reach the camping area. The area is typically accessible from late June through early September when snow conditions are favorable.

What are the camping options at Diamond Lake in Colorado?

Diamond Lake offers dispersed backcountry camping with a handful of primitive sites located around the lower lake. This is a backpacking destination rather than a developed campground, requiring hikers to pack in all necessary supplies. Permits are required during peak season, but not needed in the off-season (late September). Bear canisters are essential as wildlife activity is common in the area. The camping area can get quite windy, especially in the mornings, so secure tent placement is important.

Is Diamond Lake Campground part of Indian Peaks Wilderness?

Yes, Diamond Lake is part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. This designation means that wilderness regulations apply, including permit requirements during peak season for overnight stays. The wilderness status helps preserve the natural beauty of the area while allowing for recreation like hiking, fishing, and backpacking. Visitors should follow all wilderness guidelines, including proper food storage (bear canisters required), Leave No Trace principles, and adhering to any seasonal restrictions or permit requirements that may be in place.

What hiking trails are accessible from Diamond Lake Campground?

The primary route to Diamond Lake is via the Fourth of July Trail, which is approximately 5 miles to the lake. This trail can be accessed from either the Nederland side (east) or from the west side of the mountain for a more secluded experience. The trail system connects to the broader Indian Peaks Wilderness network. Hikers should be prepared for potential snow conditions outside the prime hiking window of late June through early September, as the trails can become slippery and difficult to navigate in shoulder seasons.

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