Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3, near Leadville, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those who appreciate the beauty of nature without the frills. This area offers a rugged camping experience with plenty of room for tents and a few fire rings, making it a great choice for a back-to-basics getaway.

Visitors rave about the stunning scenery, with clear lakes and towering mountains surrounding the area. The reservoir sits at a high elevation, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and some pesky mosquitoes in the evenings. As one camper noted, “Beautiful but chilly!” 

If you’re up for adventure, there are numerous hiking trails nearby, and wildlife sightings are common. Some reviewers mentioned the thrill of exploring the area, including lakes and even old mines. Just remember, this spot is pretty basic—there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so pack everything you need and be ready to enjoy the peace and quiet. 

While it can get busy, especially on weekends, many campers found their own slice of tranquility along the creek or further up the road. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty, this location is worth checking out.

There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.

Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.

Reduce Resource Damage

Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one.
Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. 
Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter.
Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them.
Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood.
Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.

Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed

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Red Cliff

The Best Camping Near Red Cliff, Colorado

This is a really basic campground option right on the Homestake Reservoir road. It has space for one tent for sure, and several more tents if you aren't picky about smooth and level ground under you. You could definitely fit an RV or trailer in the space as well.

  

When I visited there were 2 fire rings. Firewood is not for sale nearby and the forest doesn't have much, so you should bring your own.

  

If there is a lot of traffic you'll know it since this camping spot is right next to the road.  

  

If this location is full there are more spots as you head up the road.

Basic option on the road

Beautiful drive all the way up to the reservoir multiple dispersed, camping spots along the road fresh water source coming from the reservoir hundreds of feet away from camping sites. Beautiful scenery. Plenty of critters to see. Pretty cool place to explore.

Homestake reservoir

Found a great spot on the creek.  Level and had a turn around for a larger rig.  Many tent sites around.  Road is in good shape. 

Great spot on the creek

Road out was a little bumpy but and a ￼2 wheel drive sedan could easily make the trip. Quite a few ppl were camping along the road but still super quiet. 

No services at all. Gotta pack everything out.

Would definitely stay here again

Quiet

Beautiful valley even for a day trip. Reservior is just under 10 miles up the road and you can camp almost the whole way up. Some private lands but they were well marked. Sites are pretty close to the road and it was very busy. If you can’t find one here at this pin, keep driving. There are a lot at the base of the dam. 

Beautiful valley

This was a beautiful spot! 
Pros: Beautiful clear lakes, lots of mountains over 14000 feet, lots of wildlife, lots of hiking trails
Cons: Lots of misquote in the evening, not a lot of fish, can be busy.
The trails are a ways out to get a good spot, and it can be quite populated at times. There are also tons of lakes and even a few mines if u r feeling adventurous!

Homesteak/ Miracle Lake Camping

Drove up Homestake Road on a Thursday afternoon, lots off spots taken already. we took our offroad capable teardrop to the loop at the reservoir but I don't recommend taking a non-offroad trailer past Gold Park. Beautiful but chilly! (Reservoir is at 10,000 feet) Lots of mosquitoes but Murphy's incense kept them at bay.

Photos of Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed

Real photos from real campers