Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Leadville? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Leadville's most popular destinations.
This designated dispersed camping area along County Road 10 has 23 sites.
**Please note: Camping is ONLY allowed in areas designated by a sign. ** Camping in undesignated spots could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service. Not adhering to camping duration maximums or using U.S. Forest land for residential purposes could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service.
Please refer to special orders and contact the USFS Offices with questions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd842796.pdf
Regulations pertaining to designated dispersed camping are as follows:
Camp only in designated sites.
No camping at trailheads.
Food and garbage must be properly secured in bear-resistant containers or inside vehicles in sealed containers.
Pack out all waste: human, garbage, paper, organics, etc.
There are many dispersed camping opportunities in the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.At the start of the tour you immediately have spectacular views of the Blue River Valley and the majestic Tenmile Range. The road, managed by Summit County, follows the old South Park and Pacific Railroad bed, climbing on a gradual 3% grade. The road climbs past Bakers Tank to the summit of Boreas Pass at the Continental Divide. The road then continues down the other side of Boreas Pass for another 10.4 miles to the town of Como in Park County. From 1872 to 1938 the road was used as a narrow-gauge railroad and gained fame as the nation’s highest narrow-gauge railroad, running from Como to Breckenridge. This is a great road to view Fall colors. This road is open to highway legal vehicles only during May-October, and closed to motorized vehicle access seasonally at Summit County discretion, generally October to May.
Portal Campground is located eleven miles southeast of Aspen on Independence Pass Road and seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road at an elevation of 9,400'. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing and horseback riding, among other recreation activities. Portal Campground has 5 campsites with limited spurs. 5 day stay limit. High clearance vehicles are required and 4x4 recommended.
Kite Lake Campground is located 5.5 miles NW of Alma on CR 8. It has five campsites and none are recommended for trailers; camping season begins in May and continues until the road is snowed in. The camping fee is $12.00 per night with a $3.00 day-use parking fee. Facilities include fire ring, tables, and outhouse toilets, but there is no water and no trash service at this campground. Campsites at Kite Lake are first-come, first-serve.
$5 - $15 / night
There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
Bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a food storage order is in effect at all developed campgrounds on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, and the Piney Gaurd Station, Tigiwon Lodge, Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook, Homestake Road FSR 703, and Nolan Creek Road. This order requires all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles, approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. The Halfmoon Campground is located at the top of Tigiwon Road #707 near the boundary for the Holy Cross Wilderness in a forested setting; all wilderness regulationsmust be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). This campground is located at the trailheads for several hiking trails and is heavily used by hikers who are climbing Mount of the Holy Cross. Due to the nature of the Forest Road to the campground and the short parking spurs within the campground, the Halfmoon Campground is not suitable for most RVs. There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this campground which is complete with directions, details, and other information about this campground.
Ten sites in this area have been designated. Summit County does not allow parking along McCullough Gulch Road (County Road 851). Visitors must drive off of the county road and toward the campsites before parking. Sites 2 and 8 are suitable for some trailers. Sites 7-10 are high clearance vehicle recommended. AT&T cell service is intermittent at sites 1-6.
Make sure to camp at least 100 feet from water Forest Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd896594.pdf
Please DO NOT drive on alpine vegetation as it is a very fragile ecosystem.
This area has beautiful alpine scenery with views of the Tenmile Range. A 4WD road leads to Lower Crystal Lake and then a hiking trail continues for approximately 2 miles to Upper Crystal Lake. The road will take you through numerous alpine meadows which are fed by the tributaries of Crystal Creek. The road rises onto a shelf with Lower Crystal Lake nestled against the mountain walls.
Scout
Stayed at the tent camp site. Very nice. Close to the bike trail which was nice, rode up to vail pass. Beautiful. There is some noise from the freeway but if you are closer to the river it shouldn't be too bad. The tent sites are hike in but it is not far to walk.
Guide
Bring your fishing pole, SUP, kayak, or hammock to hang out by the lake. This is my favorite campground in Colorado for the accessibility to the lake and town nearby.
Traveler
Great spot for fishing, waking up to river sounds, and sage brush Mountain Views. Lots of four wheelers/RVs so if you’re looking for something more remote and tent only this is not the place! We used it as an overnight spot for tent camping between Leadville and crested butte and that worked perfectly.
Scout
Nice campground in Leadville about a 10 minute drive from town. They have a general store, water spout at each site, decent bathrooms & free showers. The tent sites are a little close together and parking is limited if you have more than 1 vehicle. Overall a great spot to camp if you are hiking/exploring Leadville.
TravelerWe were tent camping on motorcycles and rode into Leadville late in the evening. This campground was open (with staff) late, and were very friendly and accommodating. A very nice camp with everything we needed. They had tent pads that were flat and soft. We just barely missed the ice cream social. We will visit again.
Scout
Rv sites in lower meadow are great. We camped in a tent on weekend on site T12. AMAMZING river front meadow site. The last weekend we used a travel trailer and it rained all weekend so we were glad to have a trailer this time. The water is warm because it is below mt princeton hot springs.
Guide
We had an amazing time! Showed up later on a Thursday and got super lucky with and awesome site. The lake is super close and the campground is surrounded with amazing trails. It’s a short drive from Leadville as well.
Guide
Lot's to see and do in this area. Hiking, OHV Trails, Historical Sites, and a short drive from Leadville.
Camp Hale Memorial Campground Info:
* Elevation: 9200 ft
* Fee per Night:$21
* Total Campsites: 21 Sites
* Reservations Accepted
* No Drinking Water
* 60 ft maximum vehicle length.
* 14 Day Stay Limit
* Open May-Oct
Scout
Tent camping spots didn’t really have a flat spot to put the tent (atleast the one I was in). Had to put my tent in a slope. But restrooms and camping sites were clean.
Scout
They have drinking water & firewood available.
Great views from my tent site.
Ranger
The stream is nice, camping area is pretty small, maybe 3-4 tent sites. Drive in camping site is rutted and I didn’t feel comfortable driving van up into it. There were a few minor red flags; a large tent was set up in the back of the site, however no one ever showed up to occupy. Also a mule deer carcass was dumped between tent sites. I ended up parking off the side of the road for the night. It is close to Sylvan Lake. I would likely not camp here again as a van camper. Could work for tent campers.
Guide
Lives up to the Beautiful View in the foot hills of Presidential Peaks. Tent camped in August and woke up one morning at 38 degrees. Very nice and clean.
Guide
This is a small campground near Lake George in the Lost Creek Wilderness. The setting here is great, its a smaller primitive campground without many trees on the trailer side, but the surrounding area is what makes it special... in actuality the tent sites are some of the best we have seen (not being tent campers) and this makes us sometime think maybe we should ditch the trailer for a tent site when coming here. The tent sites are right along the Terryall creek in the tress and the trailer sites are on the other side. There are many trails that lead off from this Campground that go above the CG or into Lost Creek Wilderness. There are many rock formations and the vistas are great. The CG has picnic tables and fire-pits... all sites and the road are gravel so not always even, but easily manageable. There is trash and water available, although water is only form a hand-pump. The host is very nice and the sites and vault toilets are clean.
Guide
Limited number of tent sites, which is wonderful, for privacy and enjoying peace and nature! Camp hosts were wonderful.
Guide
Gorgeous campground with a few extra mosquitos, but not unusual for waterfront camping. Turquoise Lake is beautiful with fishing, boating, and hiking available. Short drive from Leadville. Be sure to bring warm clothes for nights because it’s gets chilly at night. Has vault toilets, potable water, and fairly level sites. Campground has larger sites so the generator noise from the larger rv’s can be loud, but family friendly.
Guide
Right off the road! Super neat with walk in tent sites. Has a bear box for each site and a bathroom.
Scout
Flies, no defined tent sites, some had tent areas but rain water ran right through them. Entire area smells very bad. Area was not maintained .weeds, grass etc no managed.
Scout
Found a great spot on the creek. Level and had a turn around for a larger rig. Many tent sites around. Road is in good shape.
Guide
Another great Colorado State Park, it sits above Eleven Mile Reservoir. The sites offer everything from tent sites to full hook up. There is limited shade, but most sites are exposed.
Theres beautiful hikes around the lake and the fishing is awesome between the reservoir and Spinny Lake, and 11 Mile Canyon below the dam.
Traveler
Couldn’t have asked for a better spot to camp. Tent sites are incredible with amazing views! If you’re in a rv it’s just a parking lot. But still has great views!
Legend
I rooftop tent camped here before hiking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. The campgrounds have easy access to the hike/bike trail into Aspen. Restrooms were clean, my site had shade and bear boxes and was easy to get into. I will definitely be back.
Scout
This is a small campground along the Slate River outside of Crested Butte, CO. There are bathrooms and tent sites. No utilities. Abundant hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.
Scout
We enjoyed our stay here very much! Jeff has the place in fantastic shape and is very accommodating. There are very nice full hook-up sites as well as beautiful tent sites here. Bathroom and showers are spotless, too. And, rates are very reasonable!
We are Colorado folks and know where to find great campgrounds. We always enjoy Arkansas Rim and highly recommend it!
Guide
This area is absolutely beautiful. There are a few tent camping spots at the bottom right before you cross the bridge. As you continue up the road past the bridge, there are 3 spots you can bring a small trailer to and a couple more tent spots. DO NOT bring your trailer past the 3rd spot up the road after the bridge. And do not drive up that section to the 3rd if it is already taken (scout ahead here, trust me). You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around and no spots. There are more places for tent camping the further up you go though but the road is not good so all-wheel or 4WD with clearance is needed. I pretty much only saw trucks and outbacks and 4runners making it up there.
Other than that, it's next to the water, the trees are good and healthy, near lots of hiking trails, (angels of shavano TH takes you up the most beautiful section of Colorado trail (': it was a butt kicker though), not great service but I had enough to send a text whenever I needed to. I spent 4 nights here and will 100000% be back. Loved it so much.
Traveler
Originally quite nice, tent camping, clean area, nice sites, water available, bathrooms, and access to fishing. Weekends tend now to religious services... :( Been 4 times but now prefer less commercial/church interuptions. RV crud makes for noisy generators, bouncy houses, karaoke... :( Some people swim. Boating. Good perimeter trail, biking allowed.
Traveler
Perfect location if hiking either of these two mountains. Great tent sites and multiple spots per campsite. As good a camping spot relative to a 14er trailhead as you can get. Cannot day enough good about this campground. Highly recommended.
Guide
We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.
The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.
Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.
Tent camping near Leadville, Colorado offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Leadville, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Leadville, CO is Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Leadville, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Leadville, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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