San Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground

We stayed at site 12 which was on the river and shaded all day. The restroom facilities are close by and clean. Fire rings meant we could have a campfire which was a treat! Firewood sold by camp host. Sites 11-13 are the best in this camp site IMO. A few others are right on the road but 11-13 are down a few stairs and set back against the creek. Chalk Lake is the next driveway and a great spot for fishing! The lake is stocked and the fish bite all day! Just little brook and rainbow trout. No cell service at the site for Xfinity/Verizon. Def take the trip up to ghost town St. Elmo if you are up this way. View of the stars/Milky Way is spectacular in this area.

Great little campground. We had spot 13 right on Chalk Creek, fully shaded all day long. Site 14 is first come first serve I’m sure other sites are as well. Bathrooms were very clean and camp host was awesome!!

From Buena Vista, take HWY 285 S for ~ 7 miles to CR 162. Turn W on CR 162, and go for ~ 8 miles. This is bear country so be prepared! This campground has a fee, is small.. < 20 sites, and is FCFS but only during the off-season, you DEFINITELY need a reservation (from recreaction.gov) during peak season! FREE dispersed camping is just 5 miles south on FR 295 and tons of true dispersed sites are in the Browns Creek area south of CR162 off of CR 270 and CR 272.