Map showing campground location near Nathrop, Colorado

Camper submitted image from San Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground

San Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing and stargazing draw campers to this small San Isabel National Forest site along Chalk Creek, where sites 11 through 13 sit below road level, set back against the water with shade throughout the day. Chalk Lake, just next door, is stocked with brook and rainbow trout. No cell service is available for Verizon or Xfinity users. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season; first-come, first-served applies only in the off-season. Anglers and those exploring campgrounds around San Isabel National Forest will find this a practical base, with firewood sold on-site and clean restroom facilities maintained by a camp host.

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Map & DirectionsSan Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground is located in Colorado near Nathrop

Public Campground

Directions

In Nathrop, CO, at intersection of US Rt. 285 and County Rt. 162, take Rt. 162 west 8.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

Coordinates

38.71278079 N
106.23389 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon
Possible Coverage
Verified by 21 users
Last on 8/28/26
AT&T
Possible Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 8/28/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/28/26
Verizon
Possible Coverage
Verified by 21 users
Last on 8/28/26
AT&T
Possible Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 8/28/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 7 min from Colorado Springs, CO
2 hrs 14 min from Pueblo, CO
2 hrs 30 min from Denver, CO
2 hrs 39 min from Boulder, CO

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - San Isabel National Forest Chalk Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Guests often highlighted the shaded creekside sites and clean facilities as standout features. Camp hosts received consistent praise for their helpfulness. Note that peak season requires advance reservations and cell service is limited.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Meg D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2023

Great spot!

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.

Site12

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Vanessa R.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2022

Great campground

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!!

Site13

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Whitney L.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2021

reservation needed in peak season, $22/night

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.

Sitedispersed, browns creek

Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at 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.

Are there good fishing opportunities at Chalk Lake in Colorado?

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.

Where can I find maps of Chalk Lake Campground in Colorado?

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.

How does Chalk Lake Campground compare to other San Isabel National Forest campgrounds?

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.

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