Denver Mountain Parks operates this 18-site campground at 10,600 feet elevation, accessible via a rough gravel road that handles RVs up to 55 feet. Open June through September, Echo Lake Campground charges $26 per night with reservations available through the county system.
Sites vary considerably in privacy and spacing. Some accommodate only one tent on designated pads, while others offer more room to spread out among the spruce trees. Mark notes that "site 6 also has a bench next to fire pit" but warns the tent pad fits just one tent. Road noise from Mount Evans traffic carries through the campground during daylight hours, though it quiets after dark. The camp host maintains strict quiet hours and keeps vault toilets clean.
The campground sits directly at the base of Mount Evans Road, creating steady vehicle traffic during peak season. Echo Lake Lodge across the road serves meals and sells basic supplies, though campers should bring their own gear. Multiple hiking trails connect from the campground, including the flat Echo Lake Trail around the lake and more challenging routes like Chief Mountain Trail. Water comes from a hand pump that sometimes requires maintenance, so bringing backup water proves wise.
Several campers report finding walk-in availability despite reserved sites showing no-shows, particularly during uncertain weather periods. The high elevation means cool nights even in summer and potential altitude effects for visitors from lower elevations. Ryan N. found it "best suited for tents and small trailers" due to tight spacing between some sites.
This campground works well for campers prioritizing convenience to Mount Evans and nearby hiking over solitude, with full amenities including dump station, firewood sales, and cell service at an accessible mountain location.
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 3/21/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 3/21/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 3/21/26
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




























