San Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground

Chalk Lake Campground offers clean restroom facilities, fire rings at each site, and less than 20 total campsites. Some prime sites (11-13) are situated directly on Chalk Creek with full shade throughout the day. The campground has a camp host who sells firewood onsite. While the campground is fee-based, it provides a peaceful setting with both reservable sites through Recreation.gov during peak season and first-come, first-served sites (like site 14) during the off-season. Bear-proof storage is essential as this is bear country.

Chalk Creek runs directly through the campground with sites 11-13 positioned right along the water, making for convenient fishing access. The creek provides a pleasant sound backdrop for campers and offers fishing opportunities. For more substantial fishing, nearby alpine lakes and streams in the San Isabel National Forest provide additional options. Be sure to have a valid Colorado fishing license before fishing in any waters in the area.

Maps of Chalk Lake Campground can be obtained through Recreation.gov when making reservations. The campground is located approximately 8 miles west on County Road 162 after turning off Highway 285 South (about 7 miles south of Buena Vista). For detailed campground layouts and trail information, contact the San Isabel National Forest office directly or check their official website. The camp host may also have maps available on-site to help you navigate the campground and surrounding areas.

Chalk Lake is a smaller, more intimate campground with fewer than 20 sites, making it less crowded than larger San Isabel National Forest facilities. Its creekside sites (particularly 11-13) offer premium camping with full shade and the soothing sounds of flowing water. The campground stands out for its clean facilities and attentive camp host service. Unlike some more remote San Isabel locations, Chalk Lake is reasonably accessible, located about 8 miles west on County Road 162 from Highway 285. The reservation requirement during peak season helps ensure site availability, while some sites remain first-come, first-served during off-peak times.