Matchless — Psicc, near Leadville, Colorado, is a solid choice for those looking to camp right by the water. This spot offers a unique setup where campsites are arranged around a large parking area, giving you easy access to your vehicle while still being just steps away from your wooded site.

The campground is known for its fantastic lake access, making it a prime location for fishing and boating. Visitors have praised the clean facilities and the abundance of shade, which is perfect for those hot summer days. One camper noted, “Great location with tons of shade located right next to Turquoise Lake!” 

If you’re up for some adventure, there are hiking and biking trails nearby, including the scenic Turquoise Lake trail that wraps around the lake. Just keep in mind that it can get a bit busy during peak season, but arriving early can help you snag a good spot. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Matchless — Psicc offers a friendly atmosphere and beautiful views that make for a memorable camping experience.

## Overview

 This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Matchless — Psicc

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Leadville, CO has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Leadville

The Best Camping Near Leadville, Colorado

Located in the highest city in the US, Matchless Campground sits on Turquoise Lake. A 10-15 minute drive from downtown Leadville. Turquoise Lake offers beautiful and breathtaking views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. Leadville is known as Cloud City and rightly deserves the name as the cloud formations are beyond compare. Matchless is conveniently located by the boat ramp and they have facilities there. Currently the surrounding campgrounds are closed but Matchless offers free camping until October but the facilities are not maintained since the camp host has left for the season. There are trails that surround the lake making for excellent trail running/riding/hiking. There are also lots of perfect photo opportunity spots and plenty of trees to hang hammocks on. 

Matchless Campground - Turquoise Lake 

We wanted to be near the water, but who wants to camp on an asphalt parking lot? it was only large RV’s with generators running. Too bad because the area is so beautiful. 









camping in a parking lot

Camped at Matchbox campground May 2019. We have a Tacoma and RTT, but any sort of car or camper could make it here no problem. The site is right off of a paved lot with a bathroom. RVs will park in the lot area and there is a barrier between the sites and the parking, so you wouldnt be truly in the site. The area likely gets VERY crowded in peak season, but when we visited it was just us and a handful of people spread out over all the sites. The sites are a short walk from the water and the views from the lake we're amazing. The ranger stoped by and he was kind, but they seem rather strict - we had our dog on a lead about 2 feet over their limit and he had us put her on a different leash ... Even with no one around. 

Great for off season

Great location with tons of shade located right next to Turquoise Lake! Clean bathrooms and all the spots have lots of space from your neighbors. There is water and a dumpster on site and it is only a short walk to the nature trail

Great wooded location

This is an interesting design for a campground that is well thought out for lakeside camping. It is a large parking area that can accommodate boats and trailers. The campsites for tents are around the outside of the lot so you can park on the inside and set up your personal space on the perimeter.

  

There are a dumpsters and bathrooms that are cleaned three times a day.

Perfect campground for those with larger boats. 

This campground was super accessible. It was only 10 minutes from Leadville and the roads were easy to follow. The campsite was fairly full on this saturday 5/29 but there were still probably three or four spots open that evening. We even got one on the water even though we got there pretty late-- around 4:30. It gets a little cold at such high elevation at night, so be prepared for that. 

  
The only cons of this place were that it was a little noisy and we were close to our neighbors. Other than that it was a really pleasant night.

great place to stay the night

We stopped at Matchless as we needed a first come site the night before our reservations at Molly Brown.  We were a bit skeptical at first as it looks like a large asphalt parking lot.  The campsites all surround the parking area so you park on asphalt but are steps away from your wooded site.  We were on the lake side so hade decent but filtered views.  We were also right on the Turquoise Lake trail that connects the campgrounds and runs around the lake.

We checked out Molly Brown where we had reservations.  Our site wasn’t as good as the Matchless one and camp host at Molly Brown was not accommodating about transferring to an open site.  We ended up staying at Matchless where the camp host was fantastic.  We were there for four nights and had a great time.

Leadville is also a great town with spectacular views and lots to do.  We took the train ride and rode the 12 mile Mineral Belt bike trail - both were quite enjoyable.

Lakeside camping with boat ramp and trail access

Very busy but there is a great overflow space for camping in your rv or van! Close to the water and beautiful. 

Great sites near the lake 

We ended up at this campground after reading other reviews. It is a great camp right next to the lake and boat ramp. Super clean with beautiful views of the lake. There are about 15 sites on first come first basis. I’d you arrive early you are guaranteed to find a spot. We arrived on Sunday around 2pm and there were about 7 sites available. Highly recommend. 

great location

The campground has incredible lake access as well as parking for RV’s and places for tents and hiking and bike riding. 

The campground 

We ended up at Matchless after driving around Tabor and some of the others in the area looking for a spot. The site had a fire ring, picnic table, and pretty close access to the water. It was clean and easy to sort everything out. Didn’t feel too close to our neighbors.

Great casual spot 

This campground has a boat ramp close by and trail access. There is everything from fishing to boating to hiking. Area was quiet during the week but weekends would be pretty busy. Lots of shade and beautiful views.

Photos of Matchless — Psicc

Real photos from real campers