Leadville sits at 10,152 feet above sea level, the highest incorporated city in North America. The surrounding San Isabel National Forest offers camping options from primitive sites to yurts, with nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing even in summer. Most developed campgrounds near Leadville operate seasonally from late May through early September due to heavy winter snowfall that makes access difficult.
What to do
Hiking access: Whitestar Campground provides proximity to Twin Lakes with connections to hiking trails including the route to the historic resort ruins. "The star gazing is also great. We would stay here again!" notes Kate W., who enjoyed the easy walk to the rocky beach area.
Fishing opportunities: Baby Doe Campground offers access to recently stocked fishing waters at Turquoise Lake. Mark R. reports: "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."
Historical exploration: Visit Camp Hale Memorial Campground, site of the former 10th Mountain Division training facility. "The history of the valley is fascinating and my family would love to come back and explore some more," notes Cynthia W., who recommends the area for history enthusiasts interested in World War II mountain warfare training.
What campers like
Clean facilities: At Baby Doe Campground, campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities. Jim W. reports: "This is one of our favorite places to go. The campground is maintained very well and has beautiful scenery with the lake just walking distance from the campground. Bathrooms always clean."
Spacious sites: Gold Park Campground features large sites with some situated directly along the creek. Andrea S. notes: "We loved this site because we were able to hike along the creek and sit on the boulders and watch the fly fisherman and then hike up the hill on the other side of this campsite. Lots to explore to keep the kids busy."
Lake proximity: Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping offers dispersed sites near the shoreline. Joshua H. shares: "Pulled in late and found a site, explored the lake and campground the next morning. Beautiful views and people." Many sites provide direct lake access for water activities.
What you should know
Extreme elevation effects: At over 10,000 feet, most campgrounds near Leadville require acclimatization. Hillary M. from Baby Doe Campground advises: "Be sure to bring warm clothes for nights because it's gets chilly at night. Has vault toilets, potable water, and fairly level sites."
Road conditions: Many camping areas have unpaved access roads. Regarding Gold Park Campground, Karl G. notes: "It was a ways down a dirt road but there were plenty of spots for dispersed camping along the road for a back up plan."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. Mark R. cautions about Baby Doe: "Book in advance, sites get locked in 6 months in advance, for good reason!"
Overnight temperatures: Even in summer, temperatures drop significantly after sunset. At higher elevations, nighttime lows can reach freezing. Plan sleeping gear accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be surprisingly prevalent at high elevations near water. Fain H. from Baby Doe Campground warns: "I was really surprised at how bad the mosquitoes were at the lake and at this elevation, definitely the worst mosquito experience I had while living in Colorado."
Camp host support: At Halfmoon Campground, staff can provide guidance on family-friendly activities. Caitlin R. from a nearby campground notes: "The hosts were SO gracious. They came up and talked to us about things to do and see and gave us a map of Leadville."
Yurt options: For families seeking a more comfortable experience, yurt camping in Leadville provides protection from unpredictable mountain weather. Sam R. from Sawatch Base Camp describes: "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."
Tips from RVers
Generator considerations: RV campers should note noise restrictions. Hillary M. cautions about Baby Doe Campground: "Campground has larger sites so the generator noise from the larger RV's can be loud, but family friendly."
Limited hookups: Most Leadville area campgrounds, including Peak One Campground, offer no RV hookups. Bring adequate water and plan for boondocking. Many campgrounds feature vault toilets rather than full facilities with showers.
Site selection: For RV camping with solar power, select more exposed sites. Jenifer J. recommends: "We stayed in site #17, a nice spot for our trailer with solar panels, but it might be rather exposed if you don't have some kind of shade."
