Alpine camping in the Sawatch Range near Alma, Colorado offers sites at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet with temperatures often dropping to 40°F at night even in summer. The area provides direct access to some of Colorado's highest peaks, including Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, with developed campgrounds and yurt facilities that require advance reservations for peak season typically running May through September.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: The Missouri Lakes trail near Gold Park Campground offers high alpine lake access. "We stayed here so we could hike Fancy Lake and the Missouri Lakes, both of which are less than 5 miles away. Gorgeous high alpine lakes," notes one camper who visited during summer.
Fishing for trout: Turquoise Lake provides recently stocked fishing opportunities. "Love this place. 10,200 feet up in the Rockies, big sites, clear Alpine lake full of trout. Been going many years but this was our best trip. Lake recently stocked with trout, caught 2 salmon in the runoffs," according to a visitor at Baby Doe Campground.
Winter recreation: When snow covers the peaks, the area transforms into a winter recreation destination with options for snowshoeing directly from your campsite or yurt. Many trails remain accessible weather permitting, though most developed campgrounds close after early October.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Peak One Campground offers room to spread out. "We camped here and enjoyed the quiet surroundings. The campsites are wide spread out, spacious, and huge. It's ideal for mountain biking and water leisures," reports one visitor who compared the area to Switzerland.
Elevated stargazing: Clear mountain air at high elevation creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "The night sky was stellar!" mentioned a Peak One camper, while another visitor at Turtle Rock noted, "I came here planning on staying a couple of nights, but I think I'm going to go ahead and stay an entire week... AT&T 4G and 5G great reception."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, campground facilities receive regular maintenance. "The campground is maintained very well and has beautiful scenery with the lake just walking distance from the campground. Bathrooms always clean," notes a visitor at Baby Doe Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular yurt accommodations book quickly. "Book in advance, sites get locked in 6 months in advance, for good reason!" advises a camper who stayed at Baby Doe. Most reservations for peak season summer months open in November of the previous year.
Weather patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms occur regularly during summer months. "Gorgeous campground with a few extra mosquitos, but not unusual for waterfront camping... Be sure to bring warm clothes for nights because it gets chilly at night," warns a Baby Doe visitor.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "The road leading up to the campground isn't paved but doesn't require any technical or 4x4 driving. However, if you pass the campground and continue down the road the road gets much rougher and requires high clearance and 4x4," explains a Turtle Rock Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Base camp selection: Choose campgrounds with restroom facilities for easier stays with children. "Peak One has all the amenities you need - water, (really) nice bathrooms with running water, and a fire pit with a picnic table. A simple campground that would be great for kids, Peak One is safe, comfortable, and a great family spot," advises a frequent camper.
Activity planning: Incorporate water activities during warmer months. "This is a very family friendly campground! Sites are kind of close together, but you are beside the lake! And some spots have trail access to the lake, so bring your water toys!" suggests a Peak One visitor.
Wildlife opportunities: Timberline Campground provides wildlife viewing suitable for children. "Lots of animals in camp that cruise by. Mainly elk n moose..bighorn sheep too down the road," reports one camper. Another visitor noted, "Wild turkeys and Steller Jays. Well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your rig's dimensions. "Great campground on the shores of Turquoise Lake. Lots of clean toilets. Sites are well placed with space between them. Some are tight for a trailer," notes a visitor to Baby Doe Campground.
Parking challenges: Camp Hale Memorial offers varied parking options. "The campsites seem best suited for RV's, however we managed just fine in our tent. We had no shade in our spot (#13), so any time at camp was spent mainly under our canopy. This was the case for many of the other sites, but we did note a few sites that were well shaded," reports one visitor.
Generator etiquette: Respect quiet hours and neighboring sites when using generators. "Gorgeous campground with a few extra mosquitos, but not unusual for waterfront camping... Campground has larger sites so the generator noise from the larger RV's can be loud, but family friendly."
