Denver Mountain Parks manages this established campground along Squaw Pass Road, positioned at the base of Mount Evans Road with direct access to Echo Lake. The facility accepts reservations and allows pets, making it accessible to a range of camping styles.
Campers describe a compact layout where some sites sit close together while others offer more separation among spruce trees. The proximity to the main road brings consistent vehicle traffic during daylight hours, though Mark notes "road noise settles down after dark." Site spacing varies considerably - some feel cramped for larger groups, while others provide adequate room for multiple tents. The camp host maintains strict quiet hours enforcement according to multiple reviews.
Fishing opportunities exist at Echo Lake itself, just steps from most campsites. Multiple hiking trails connect directly to the campground, ranging from the flat one-mile Echo Lake Trail to more strenuous options like the nine-mile Chicago Lakes trail. Mount Evans Road begins at the campground entrance, offering the highest paved road access in North America for those willing to pay the per-vehicle fee. Echo Lake Lodge sits across from the campground, providing hot meals and basic supplies.
Facilities include vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads, though Neil B. confirms "water is available by a hand pump only." Recent visitors report the water pump may not always function, so bringing backup water supplies proves wise. The campground works best for tents and smaller trailers due to site constraints. Several first-come, first-served sites remain available, and no-shows on reserved sites sometimes create last-minute opportunities.
For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore camping near Georgetown. Alternative nearby sites include West Chicago Creek and Clear Lake. This location suits campers prioritizing convenient access to Mount Evans attractions over backcountry solitude.
Description
Overview
Echo Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Blue Sky along Hwy 103. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road.
Recreation
Activities in the area include hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing. Several trails leave directly from the campground.
Facilities
The campground offers 11 sites more suited to RV camping and seven sites designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Also, there are vault toilets, hand pumps with potable water and trash service.
Natural Features
Echo Lake sits in a spruce forest near the shores of Echo Lake. The campground's 10,600' elevation creates cool to chilly nights, even in summer, and its location on a mountain pass makes for windy conditions year-round. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland on the foothills and slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The forests and grassland cover 1.5 million acres and extend north to the Wyoming border, south to Mount Evans and west across the Continental Divide. The area encompasses mountains, lakes and five scenic byways, designated by Congress for their scenery, wildlife or history, including the highest road in North America. Mount Evans Road, also known as Colorado Highway 5, allows visitors to drive from 10,500' to 14,130' above sea level in just 14 miles.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Idaho Springs, a former mining town, makes for a nice outing. History buffs will appreciate the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum. The City and County of Denver Mountain Park, Echo Lake and Echo Lake Lodge are located adjacent to the campground.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundEcho Lake Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
Take I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Go south 14 miles to the intersection of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 (Mt Evans Road). Turn right on Hwy 5 then turn left to enter the campground.
Coordinates
39.6562722 N
105.5956417 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/15/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 3/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/15/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 3/15/26
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
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 59 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 9 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 41 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 44 min from Fort Collins, CO



























