10 Must See Dispersed Camping Near Twin Lakes, Colorado

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by

Twin Lakes and Leadville are both situated in Lake County, so there are plenty of beautiful bodies of water to explore.

There is unlimited recreation inside the San Isabel National Forest that circles these communities. You will enjoy a terrific time touring around Leadville.

Leadville, Colorado, is a genuine jewel of a mountain community.

It stands at a staggering 10,000 feet above sea level, making it North America’s most elevated city.

Because of the altitude, you’ll have accessibility to some of Colorado’s best wilderness in the region.

We believe that planning a dispersed camping adventure in the proximity of Leadville, Colorado, is one of the finest ways to have a tour of the area.

You’ll get to see some of the area’s highlights, such as Mt. Elbert, the state’s highest peak, Turquoise Lake, and miles and miles of hiking trails.

dispersed camping twin lakes

Finding a decent dispersed campsite, on the other hand, can be tough. In one easy-to-read guide, we’ve assembled the top dispersed camping near Twin Lakes, Colorado, to make life a little easier for you. 

What are the Best Dispersed Camping Near Twin Lakes, Colorado?

1. Twin Lakes Area Dispersed Camping

This dispersed camping area, also known as the Twin Lakes North Area, is an excellent alternative for anyone wishing to camp near the lovely Twin Lakes west of Leadville.

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While dispersed camping is not permitted immediately adjacent to the Twin Lakes, this is the closest you can get.

On summer weekends, arrive early because this is a popular place for those hiking Mt. Elbert or boating.

Drive north on Lake County Road 24 from Highway 82 towards Independence Pass to get here.

Proceed driving on CR24 for not more than a mile until you see campgrounds on the right side of the road. Before arriving at the established Lakeview Campground, be sure to take a break.

Most vehicles will be able to navigate the road.

2. White Star Campground

Scenic White Star Campground is nestled among aromatic ponderosa pines at the base of Colorado’s highest peak, Mt. Elbert.

The campground is next to the Twin Lakes Reservoir, which offers a variety of water activities.

Hikers and mountain bikers who want to explore surrounding trails like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail can use it as a base camp.

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You will get to see three loops in White Star Campground. The Sage Loop has little shade, whereas the Ridge and Valley Loops contain more ponderosa pine and spruce trees.

At the sites are vault toilets, clean water, and waste. A picnic table, as well as a campfire ring, are provided at each spot.

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Additionally, the host location has firewood for sale.

The campground is situated right across the road from a boat launch, parking, as well as angler fishing areas.

3. Dexter Campground

Dexter Campground is situated on Twin Lakes Reservoir’s northern shore. Large recreational vehicles and boat trailers have plenty of room at this campground and nearby boat ramp.

The campsites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. Lakeview Campground

Lakeview Campground is approximately 20 miles south of Leadville, Colorado, with the lovely scenery of the Twin Lakes Reservoir.

Many hikers visit the campground in search of nature and hiking routes in the nearby area. Boaters can launch their vessel at the neighboring boat dock, and anglers will find various fishing spots at Twin Lakes Reservoir.

Single-family campsites are available at this campground. A picnic table alongside a campfire ring is present at each site.

There are toilets, clean water, and waste in the vicinity.

Firewood is available for buying at the Host location.

5. Parry Peak Campground

Parry Peak Campground is a creekside camp on the east side of Independence Pass, approximately west of Twin Lakes.

It is divided into two areas: one along Highway 82 and sheltered by pines, and the other down a short gravel road down Lake Creek amid aspens.

The campground offers views of adjacent Parry Peak, which stands at 13,391 feet.

There are 25 large sites available at a fee of $19 per night on a first-come, first-served basis.

You will find no hookups or dump stations at the park, which can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long. On each loop, vault toilets and potable water are accessible.

A picnic table alongside a campfire ring is present at each site.

Boating along with fishing is available on the 1,650-acre Twin Lakes and trekking paths such as the neighboring Colorado Trail, which runs 495 miles starting from Denver and ending at Durango.

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It goes up the 14,500-foot Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest fourteener. The campground is about a 15-minute drive to Leadville, which has shopping and restaurants.

The Parry Peak Campground is operational from May through September during the summer months.

6. Twin Peaks Campground

Twin Peaks is the first-served campground amid a sheltered aspen and lodgepole pine forest towards the west of Twin Lakes Reservoir.

At 9,600 feet over Lake Creek’s whitewater, it offers amazing views of the Sawatch Range.

You’ll find the Continental Divide and Mount Elbert routes in the region. After reaching the host site, you will have the amenity to buy firewood. At this elevation, high altitude sickness is a possibility.

Water is predicted to be scarce at this campground during the 2021 season.

If you’re having a campfire, try bringing enough water to smother it, leaving it cold to the touch thoroughly.

7. Halfmoon East Campground

Halfmoon East is a campground near Mount Elbert and Mount Massive Trailheads standing 9,900 feet, situated off Halfmoon Road.

For hikers, this happens to be a fairly well-known campground.

Picnic benches, fire rings with grills, and vault toilets are among the amenities. At this elevation, high altitude sickness is a possibility.

Take US Highway 24 south for about 3 miles from Leadville. When you come across the Leadville National Fish Hatchery sign, turn right onto Colorado 300. After about 3/4 mile, take a left at the sign for Halfmoon Campground.

Continue driving on this road till the end of the pavement and take a right at the Halfmoon sign.

The Halfmoon East/West and Elbert Creek areas will be accessible via this dirt road.

8. Forest Service Road 130

In the shadow of Mt. Elbert, this road is situated southwest of the town of Leadville. Given its proximity to Highway 24, this is a practical alternative for camping near Leadville but will not anticipate a true wilderness experience.

Considering the fact that there is no running water or other amenities here, make sure to pack out all of your trash. From here, you will be rewarded with convenient access to Mount Elbert and Twin Lakes.

For arriving at this dispersed camping area, drive south at Hwy-24 from Leadville, turn right on County Road 10, and curve right onto FR130 afterward.

It is about 1.5 miles from this spot to the National Forest has campsites. Because the road might be bumpy at times, high-clearance vehicles are advised.

9. Turquoise Lake Dispersed Camping

Although dispersed camping is prohibited in the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, you will come across plenty of places in the adjacent woods where you can camp for free.

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In complement to County Road 48, Forest Service Road 105A, which runs above Turquoise Lake, provides excellent dispersed camping.

Because the drive-up can be fairly rough, this place is suitable for drivers with 4WD and high clearance.

However, those who are prepared will enjoy stunning hilltop camping with a view of the lake.

Opt for County Road 4 beside the southern side of Turquoise Lake to get here. Then it would help if you continued on CR4 till you reached the Forest Service Road 105A crossroads.

From this spot, follow the road to the camping area.

10. Homestake Reservoir Road

Near Twin Lake and Leadville, there are several excellent dispersed camping places along the route to Homestake Reservoir.

You will find additional conventional dispersed sites at a short distance past here if you continue on the road offering more privacy.

It happens to be a great spot atop Tennessee Pass, with convenient access to the Colorado Trail and the historic Camp Hale region.

The campgrounds are on Homestake Road, just west of Highway 24. (CR710).

The Blodgett camping location is accessible to most rigs and cars, though the road becomes rougher as you travel further back.

If you are around Glenwood Springs, then check out these dispersed camping areas near Glenwood Springs

Conclusion

This article discussed all of the best dispersed camping sites near Twin Lakes, Colorado. The area is filled with scenic campsites.

If you are looking for peaceful dispersed camping in Colorado, the area around Twin Lakes is a perfect choice.

We hope you’ve found all you need to plan for an amazing dispersed camping vacation near Twin Lakes, Colorado, and we’re confident you’ll find the right spot for your next adventure!

FAQ

Where is the best dispersed camping site near Twin Lakes, Colorado?

Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Twin Lakes, Colorado:

  • Twin Lakes Area Dispersed Camping
  • Twin Peaks Campground
  • White Star Campground
  • Parry Peak Campground
  • Lakeview Campground
  • Halfmoon East Campground
  • Dexter Campground

Is dispersed camping allowed near Twin Lakes, Colorado?

Yes, but there are extra rules. Campfires are not permitted on the Twin Lakes dam’s beaches on the southeast side. The management allows and bans campfires in the area from to time. However, we suggest you contact the management before considering a campfire.

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About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.