Turquoise Lake Recreation Area sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet northwest of Granite, Colorado, offering a high-altitude camping experience with overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F even in summer. The Arkansas River Valley provides access to multiple glamping near Granite, Colorado within a 30-minute drive, with most operating seasonally from late spring through early fall when mountain passes remain open.
What to Do
Water recreation at Turquoise Lake: With multiple campgrounds surrounding the lake, visitors can fish for trout or enjoy paddleboarding. "The lake is beautiful and lots of things to do," noted one visitor at Baby Doe Campground.
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Access trails directly from some camping areas. "We visited Buena Vista mainly to mountain bike and we loved that you can ride right from the campsite onto the trails," shared a camper at BV Overlook.
Explore historic sites: The region contains remnants of mining operations and ghost towns. "There is a great hiking in the area. We loved to hike on the other side of the lake to the old resort," mentioned a reviewer at Whitestar Campground.
Hiking the Lost Man Trail: Accessible directly across from some campgrounds, this trail offers alpine lake views. "Easy hike to amazing views of the mountains, valley, and water features. Also a quick drive into Aspen and nearby trails," according to a camper at Lost Man Campground.
What Campers Like
Proximity to multiple adventure bases: The central location provides access to several mountain towns. "Great location just 5.5 miles from Buena Vista downtown. Nice spacious sites with full hookup," noted a visitor at BV Overlook.
Riverside camping experiences: Sites along the Arkansas River provide both visual and auditory benefits. "Incredible Whitewater Campsite... It's located a few miles north of Buena Vista Colorado next to the Arkansas River," described a camper at Railroad Bridge Campground.
Luxury yurt accommodations: Several properties offer elevated glamping experiences with mountain views. "My wife and I recently had the most magical four days at this Yurt... The yurt itself was not only cozy and well-equipped but also nestled in a picturesque spot that felt like a private slice of heaven," shared a visitor at Sawatch Base Camp.
Free camping options: Some areas offer no-cost camping with similar views to paid sites. "We came here planning on staying a couple of nights, but I think I'm going to go ahead and stay an entire week. This place is fantastic. I don't think I've been anywhere that is this nice for free before," commented a camper at Turtle Rock Campground.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most luxury glamping accommodations close during winter. "Whitestar is a fantastic campground with large sites for RVs and very nice tent pads. We go every year in September and it is gorgeous if you can catch the leaves turning," mentioned a camper at Whitestar Campground.
Weather fluctuations: The high elevation means dramatic temperature changes between day and night. "We camped from a Thursday-Sunday... BV Overlook has both AT&T had strong 5G coverage and the starlink internet reached all the way to our campsite," shared a visitor about connectivity despite mountain location.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require specific vehicle capabilities. "Turtle rock is a bit difficult to get to in an RV, but is a great spot with climbing mountain bike and hiking trails," explained a reviewer about Turtle Rock Campground.
Reservation status changes: Previously free sites may now require reservations. "Turtle Rock used to be free dispersed camping but not anymore. See Recreation.gov for sites and reservations," warned a camper.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for sites with recreational infrastructure: Some campgrounds offer additional amenities for children. "The staff was great! It's a great location, has hiking and biking trails and some amazing views of the mountains... A wonderful place for families, a nice playground and on Saturday night we had a ice cream social," mentioned a visitor at BV Overlook.
Consider water safety protocols: Riverside camps require vigilance with children. "It's located a few miles north of Buena Vista Colorado next to the Arkansas River. The site has terrific walk-in tent sites along the river as well as group picnic facilities and drive camping for campers and vans... The river is powerful and campers with kids should take care," cautioned a Railroad Bridge Campground reviewer.
Check for bathroom facilities: Some sites offer more developed restroom options. "Very nice and clean. Each site has a fire pit and ample space for group camping. Our group consisted of 4 tents and 4 vehicles, our site had plenty of space for parking and for all of tents to be quite well spaced out," noted a visitor about Turtle Rock Campground's group-friendly layout.
Tips from RVers
Water and electrical hookup availability: Many sites offer varying levels of services. "The site is dry- no water and no electric and no dumpster for trash but you can't beat the views and the sounds of the river at night," explained a reviewer at Railroad Bridge Campground.
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "We stayed here for one night and had a great time! You are a little close to your neighbors depending on which site you are at, but each camp area gives you plenty of room," commented a camper at Lost Man Campground about site spacing.
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs while others cannot. "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," advised a visitor at Baby Doe Campground.
