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Dispersed Camping

Twin Lakes View Dispersed

Twin Lakes View Dispersed, near Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying stunning mountain views. This area offers a variety of camping options, including spots for both tents and RVs, making it a flexible choice for different camping styles.

The location is particularly popular for its proximity to hiking trails, especially for those tackling Mt. Elbert. Campers have noted the easy access to the trailhead, with one visitor mentioning, “Trail was easy to access!” The views of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, especially if you can snag a spot with a clear sightline.

While the area can get busy, especially during peak times like the 4th of July, many visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere. Some have mentioned that despite the crowds, they still found great spots and enjoyed the lively environment. Just be prepared for some wind and chilly nights, as temperatures can drop significantly. As one camper put it, “It was very windy but that’s expected this high.”

For those looking to fish, the nearby lakes offer opportunities to catch small trout, and there are plenty of dirt roads to explore for more secluded camping spots. Just remember, this area doesn’t have many amenities, so come prepared with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer adventure, Twin Lakes View Dispersed is a solid choice for enjoying the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

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Location

Twin Lakes View Dispersed is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.10161879 N
106.3498824 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Twin Lakes View Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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17 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2024

Beautiful

Went and stayed for a few day, it was beautiful! I would definitely go again there were plenty of camps sites

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Ashton R., August 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Ashton R., August 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Ashton R., August 26, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2024

Little busy

So we stayed directly above the Mt Elbert trail head. Plenty of space for our large tent. We loved walking to the reservoir less that 10 minutes from us or the quick drive to twin lakes.

We caught several small trout in twin lakes and they have vaulted toilets, went into the small town and had some of the best pizza around and stopped in the little convenience store and the employees were great.

It was a little busy and some louder groups but overall super respectful.

It was our first dispersed camping experience we will definitely go back to this area but head up the path a bit for a more secluded spot

Sitedispursed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Don M., July 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Don M., July 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Don M., July 22, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2024

Fair

People were very loud, mosquitos were terrible , but the location was ideal for where I needed to be, some spots have great views and some dont. Fairly busy but had a good time.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by samuel C., July 16, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Gorgeous View / BUSY

We lucked out with a spot with an epic view. However, this area was overrun with people (4th of July weekend). It was a loud into the late evening and we had very little privacy. Also, multiple aggressive dogs & careless dog owners. It’s a 20 minute walk down the mountain to the campsite & facilities. Windy! I would go back but not during peak season.

SiteNear Shore Pretty Observation Site
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Cassandra C., July 8, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2024

Perfect camp spot for hiking Mt. Elbert

Trail was easy to access! A little rutted in the beginning but evens out. Nice view of Twin Lakes and surrounding mountains. Will definitely camp here again

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 26, 2024

Very windy but PERFECT

Absolutely loved this spot. It was very windy but that’s expected this high. Easy to get to. Paved road. lots of places to pull over and camp. just pick one!! Very very cold at night it got to 27 degrees but that’s nothing if you have the right gear!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Makayla M., May 26, 2024
  • view from tent
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  • full view
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  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2023

Great view

My dog and I stayed two night and three days. Late September and the weather was prefect for car camping. During the day it was nice and warm but did get chill at night hit about 35°. During the week not many people but enough not to feel long. Also not to many that you can hear others conversations.  The coordinates the app gives you. It’s just an estimate.  Definitely keep driving around to find a spot you’re comfortable at. 

Sitetwin lakes
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Yarixa S., September 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Yarixa S., September 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Yarixa S., September 27, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2023

Beautiful

Absolutely loved staying out by twin lakes. There was tons and tons of dirt roads to find spots along. Went 4th of July weekend so it was super busy but we still got a great spot. Some roads are much harder to pass than others but overall did fine with my awd.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Madison A., July 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Madison A., July 6, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2023

Nice lake and mountain views

As others have mentioned, it’s quite windy in this spot and most of the campsites are completely exposed (no trees) We stayed 1 night, was very windy. On a clear night the stars really pop! Note- the upper reservoir here is not for swimming/paddling.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Sarah L., June 28, 2023
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Reviewed Jun. 8, 2022

Water tower with a view

Tons of dispersed camping, though many sites are on top of each other. If you have a capable vehicle and can make your way back toward the water tower, there is a large private camp area with beautiful views. Very windy! Definitely a rough road.

  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Brielle E., June 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Brielle E., June 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Brielle E., June 8, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Good spot with lake view.

Great camp sites with possible view of the lake and Mt. Elbert. First come first served and reservation. We drive up on Wednesday and snagged one of three sites.

SiteLake view campground at Twin Lakes CO
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2020

Great Views, Lots of Camping options

I travelled to Twin Lakes the weekend after Memorial Day weekend to explore more of Colorado. The drive from Denver was beautiful and the Twin Lakes topped it all. Sitting at the base of several 14'ers this campground featured dispersed camping with options for walk-in, drive-in, and drive-in 4x4 camping. We found ourselves on the North side of the upper side of the neighboring lake since we arrived late Friday afternoon. We found 4-5 sites without anyone around, a quiet spot nestled in the trees for shade. 

Bears were reported to be active in the area but we didn't see any. Some camp sites, as we walked around, were littered with people's waste and trash. Sad to see but not everyone follows the leave no trace attitude.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Drew B., June 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Drew B., June 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Drew B., June 16, 2020
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Reviewed Jul. 3, 2019

My favorite place

This campsite is my favorite, and at my favorite location in Colorado. Great location, clean campsites. If you are going in without a reservation in a Friday, be sure to get there early.

  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Anthony P., July 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Anthony P., July 3, 2019
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

No View Twin Lakes

We stayed here last August on the way to the Aspen area. We had hoped to find dispersed camping near the entrance. However, these spaces were all taken up by long stay buses and vans. We opted for the Lakeview campsite instead. It‘a large campsite with multiple sections and loops located below the access road. The lakes are actually two large dam reservoirs. Our site was somewhat below par compared to other Colorado campsites. We had rainy weather and the lake was not visible during our stay. The camp host was a fellow Texan and assisted with the self checkin process. Most of the campers were either visiting Leadville or traveling over the Union Pass which is incredible and a somewhat scary drive even in the summer. This would not make my list of recommendations based on the overall condition and layout of the campsite and lack of activities.

  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Steve & Ashley  G., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Steve & Ashley  G., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Steve & Ashley  G., May 29, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

panoramic view of Twin Lakes

There are a lot of non-reservable sites in loop D and E. we were in loop E10 which provided an amazing view and lots of privacy. There are currently fire bans so just be aware. Nearby you can drive through Independent Pass to Aspen, then take the gondola to the top for Bluegrass music from 1:00 PM, a great day trip!

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Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

Majestic Mountain view right by the lake!

This campground is a high altitude spot - make sure you drink LOTS of water and bring the appropriate gear for unpredictable weather. It can get cold some nights, bundle up! The tallest mountain in Colorado is close by; I highly recommend the hike to the summit of Mount Elbert if you have half a day and nine miles in ya! It is an easier 14er, just long. Twin Lakes is a great get away and usually pretty secluded. Bring your sunscreen!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Twin Lakes View Dispersed by Mackenzie B., June 12, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Twin Lakes View Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Twin Lakes View Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Twin Lakes View Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.