If your planning a weekend camping getaway this summer you may want a nearby lake to spend the blistering hot days enjoying. This article will provide with the best places to set up camp with lakes nearby.
Whether you’re into fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, swimming, or just want the view and a chance to splash around when it gets too hot, lake camping in Colorado is to die for. But in a state that is home to over 4,000 lakes, there are many lakeside campgrounds out there so you may not know where to start.
"The lake and mountains have become my landscape, my real world." ~ Georges Simenon
1: Crater Lake
Photo Credits: AllTrails
Why stay here? Even though you would have to backpack to camp here the views are worth the trip.
Reservations: No
Best Season: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Campsite Type: Tent/Hammock
Hike Length: 5.9 (10.8 round) Miles from Moffat tunnel
Camping and Backpacking Information
Permits are not required for camping in the James Peak Wilderness. Contact the Boulder Ranger District (303.541.2500) in advance for the latest updates and conditions.
There are no designated campsites in this travel zone. Dispersed camping only. Use established sites whenever possible to minimize impact.
Campfires are not permitted in the James Peak Wilderness. Gas stoves only.
Camp at least 100' away from all streams, lakes and trails.
Pets must be leashed at all times.
Group size is limited to 12 people or people and stock combined.
Fishing Information
Fishing is permitted with a valid Colorado state fishing license. Contact the Boulder Ranger District for current regulations (303.541.2500).
2: Chambers Lake
Photo Credits: Recreation.Gov
Why stay here? From Fishing for lake trout, and Kokanee Salmon to Kayaking this lake side is perfect for a relaxing trip.
Reservations accepted: Yes
Best season: Summer, Fall
Campsite type: Tents, RV’s
RV hookups: No
Camping Information
Openings: Snow keeps this 9,200' campground closed until late June.
# of Sites: 44 RV sites and 7 walk-in sites for tents only
Fire Information: Unless fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are allowed in the fire ring provided, dead and down wood may be gathered from the forest if available. Wood may also be purchased from the hosts.
RV Camping Information
# of Spots: 44
Pavement Type for Parking: Gravel
Hookups: None
Dump Stations: No
Fire Information: Unless fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are allowed in the fire ring provided, dead and down wood may be gathered from the forest if available. Wood may also be purchased from the hosts.
3: Pawnee Lake
Why Stay Here: If you enjoy hiking and fishing with you dog best friend this is the spot for you with a 12.8 mile round trip to the lake. There are also two types of Bass and Catfish along with Bluegill and Walleye to enthrall your inner fisherman.
Reservations: June 1st- September 15th
Best Season: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Campsite Type: Tent/Hammock
Hike Length: 12.8
Fire information: Unless fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are allowed in the fire ring provided, dead and down wood may be gathered from the forest if available.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Permits are required for all overnight backcountry campers in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, June 1 - September 15.
Permits are required year-round for day and overnight use by large groups (8+) or organizational groups such as scouts, churches, schools and hiking clubs. Group size is limited to 12 people or people and stock combined.
There are no designated sites in this travel zone - dispersed camping only. Use established sites whenever possible to minimize impact. Camp at least 100' away from lakes, streams and trails.
Campfires are prohibited east of the Continental Divide, and at Pawnee Lake. Gas stoves only.
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Stock is not permitted in the Four Lakes Backcountry Zone, which includes access to Pawnee Lake from Brainard Lake.
Fishing Information
Fishing is permitted in Long Lake, Lake Isabelle, Pawnee Lake and their tributaries with a valid Colorado fishing license. Note Lake Isabelle is partially drained each year, at different times. Call ahead for the latest conditions (303.541.2500).
Advice for the Weary
Over 65% of this trail runs above treeline. Carry versatile layers and sun protection. Do not attempt Pawnee Pass if storms are in the area. Anticipate steep grades and rugged terrain, particularly between Pawnee Pass and Pawnee Lake.
Remain vigilant on the final approach to the lake, as it’s hidden (and not immediately accessible from) the main trail.
Arrive early to secure parking (spaces are limited) and avoid crowds on the busy trail artery leading to Lake Isabelle.
Pawnee Lake joins Crater Lake in forming the headwaters of Cascade Creek, which feeds Buchanan Creek and inlets at Monarch Lake.
There's an $11 fee to enter the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Use the self-service kiosk if no attendant is on duty.
Contact Information
Boulder Ranger District 2140 Yarmouth Avenue Boulder, CO 80301 303.541.2500
Sulphur Ranger District 9 Ten Mile Drive P.O. Box 10 Granby, Colorado 80446 970.887.4100
4: Echo Lake
Why stay here? At this smaller campground that is surrounded by trailheads and some of Colorado’s favorite 14ers!
Reservations accepted: Yes
Best season: Summer, Fall
Campsite type: Tents, RV’s
RV hookups: No
# Of Openings: 17
Camping Information
Open Season: 6/3-9/11
single site may hold up to eight people.
Tents must fit on the pads provided. RVs, trailers or other vehicles must fit on the parking spur. Driving or parking off road is not permitted.
The parking length ranges from 20 to 55 feet.
Dogs must be on leash.
5: Haviland Lake
Why stay here? The campground is situated on the shore of Haviland Lake, among shady ponderosa pines. Many sites have lake views and easy shoreline access. Campers are awarded spectacular views of the Hermosa Cliffs across the lake.
Reservations accepted: Yes
Best season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Campsite type: Tents, RV’s
RV hookups: Yes
Camping Information
Single- and double-family sites
Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are accessible vault toilets and drinking water.
Haviland Lake is an 80-acre, no-wake lake with excellent boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities.
Backpacking 101
Dispersed Camping 101
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