Twin Lakes in Rocky Mountains
Camping is a fun way to connect with nature, especially in the Rocky Mountains. And excellent camping is nearly everywhere in Colorado, with some of the best campsites around.
There are countless sites that didn’t make this list, which are as good as any. So this list of best Colorado camping spots (in no particular order) probably will grow over time.
There are a mixed of paid developed campgrounds and undeveloped primitive campsites that are free. Some are just suitable for car camping with tents, other can fit a full fledge travel trailer. So feel free to rent an RV in Denver and head to the high country!
Remember to leave no trace when camping.
Twin Lakes is a tiny alpine community tucked away off Highway 24 in between Leadville na d Buena Vista. It’s most known for its namesake set of lakes, Twin Lakes.
The census-designated place (CDP) is located at the base of Mount Elbert at 9,200 feet, Colorado’s largest peak at 14,433 feet. Residing in Lake County, Twin Lakes is actually what gave the county its name. Te town recorded a population of 171 residents in 2010. It has its own zip code of 81251.
In the summer travelers pass by Twin Lakes on their way over Independence Pass to Aspen. The 30 mile drive from town takes about an hour, which beats the 3 hour winter route via I-70.
Main attractions
Twin Lakes – Two big lakes surrounded by giant mountains are the beautiful backdrop to this town. You can fish in the lakes year round, however they do freeze over so it’s ice fishing in the winter. Camping is close by, both with lakeside campgrounds and free dispersed camping in the hills.
Twin Lakes Ghost Town – Historic ghost town nestled in the center of town. There many buildings to see, which can be accessed year round. It’s free to walk around the former mining village. In 1974 the Twin Lakes District was included on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Isabel National Forest
San Isabel National Forest contains 19 of the state’s 54 fourteeners. It’s located in central Colorado, from Leadville south past Salida.
There are many gems spread around this easy-to-access national forest. Highway 285 runs from Buena Vista to Salida passing several great spots, including Clear Creek Reservoir and Chalk Creek Canyon.
Activities
Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Picnicking, OHV Riding, Scenic Drives, Winter Rec – Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing
And were to camp?
There are a lot of campgrounds in that area. We will introduce you with some of them:
Twin Lakes Reservoir is located about 20 minutes south of Leadville. Follow US Hwy 24, then take Colorado Highway 82 a couple miles west. In the summer months CO Hwy 82 is open to Independence Pass and eventually leads to Aspen. There are 5 area campgrounds.
There are 8 loops in the campground. Each loop has it's own water station and toilet
- Loop A - 14 Sites
- Loop B - 5 Sites
- Loop C - 8 Sites
- Loop D - 7 Sites (Groups)
- Loop E - 13 Sites (Groups)
- Loop F - 6 Sites (Groups)
- Loop G - 8 Sites (No Reservations)
- Loop H - 10 Sites (No Reservations)
The almost 500 mile long Colorado Trail passes thru the campground and the South Elbert Trailhead is nearby.
White Star Campground
There are 3 loops in this campground located near one of the boat ramps at Twin Lakes Reservoir. An RV dump station is located outside the entrance. Elevation is 9200 ft.
Sage Loop
- Sites 1-28 (Reservations accepted for all)
- ADA Accessible Sites are 1-9, 11, 13, 15, 17-24, 26-28
- 5 Water Stations
- 3 Toilets
Ridge Loop
- Sites 30-45 (No Reservations accepted)
- Site 34 is ADA Accessible
- 1 Water Station
- 1 Toilet
Valley Loop
- Sites 46-66 (Reservations accepted for all)
- Sites 63-65 are tent only walk-in campsites
- 2 Water Stations
- 2 Toilets
Parry Peak Campground
Located in a forest of ponderosa pine 2.6 miles west of Twin Lakes Colorado on the road to Independence Pass. Lake Creek runs through the middle of Parry Peak Campground. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
Elevation 9430.
Weak cell service is available with Verizon and AT&T.
Twin Peaks Campground
Campsites are located in 2 loops on a ridge above Lake Creek. Most sites are in a shaded aspen & lodgepole pine forest at an elevation of 9600ft. Sites are first-come, first served. No Reservations accepted. Sites 1-11 are in the first loop and sites 12-33 are in the second loop.
The original articles and story can read here:
https://www.coloradotraveltips.com/leadville-camping
https://www.uncovercolorado.com/best-camping-colorado/
https://www.uncovercolorado.com/towns/twin-lakes/