San Isabel National Forest
San Isabel National Forest
The 1.1 million acres of the San Isabel National Forest are spread out across 11 counties in Colorado. In southern Colorado, the forest lies to the east of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In central Colorado it is east of the Continental Divide. 19 of Colorado’s fourteeners, peaks over 14,000 ft, are found within the San Isabel National Forest.
7 Wilderness Areas lie partially within the San Isabel National Forest:
Buffalo Peaks Wilderness
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness
Holy Cross Wilderness
Mount Massive Wilderness
Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
Spanish Peaks Wilderness
Ranger District Offices - San Isabel National Forest
Leadville Ranger District (719) 486-0749
810 Front St., Leadville, CO 80461
Salida Ranger District (719) 539-3591
5575 Cleora Rd., Salida, CO 81201
San Carlos Ranger District (719) 269-8500
3028 E. Main St., Canon City, CO 81212
Leadville Ranger District
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area
TURQUOISE LAKE AREA MAP - CLICK TO ENLARGE
Leadville is home to some of the best tent camping in Colorado as well as some of the best RV campsites in the state. Located in the San Isabel National Forest at an altitude of 9,780 feet, Turquoise Lake is just 5 minutes west of Leadville. There are 9 campgrounds near the lake, with 8 of them being on the east end. The campgrounds are named after famous local mines and people who played an important part in early Leadville history. Excellent cell service is available from both Verizon & AT&T on the east end of the lake. The Turquoise Lake Loop Road is a 15.5 mile paved scenic route with several overlooks. The road also connects to the May Queen Campground on the west end of the lake. Turquoise Lake has several boat ramps as well as hiking and biking trails that connect most campgrounds on the east end of the lake. Hagerman Pass is a popular 4-wheel drive road west of the lake. Overnight temperatures can be in the low 40's during July, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the summer heat.
Campsites that accept reservations may be reserved made up to 6 months in advance at www.reserveamerica.com
Turquoise Lake's only RV Dump Station is located just outside of the Printer Boy Campground.
Belle of Colorado Campground
Baby Doe Campground
Matchless Campground
Father Dyer Campground
Molly Brown Campground
May Queen Campground
Printer Boy Group Campground
Tabor Campground
Silver Dollar Campground
Elbert Creek Area
The 3 campgrounds in the Elbert Creek area are popular with hikers wanting to be near the trail heads for Mt Massive, Mt Elbert, and Halfmoon.
Approximately 3 miles south of Leadville, turn west on Colorado 300. In 3/4 of a mile turn left at the Halfmoon Campground sign. Then follow the road to another Halfmoon sign at the end of the pavement, where you will turn right.
The Emerald Lake picnic area is a quite place to go fishing.
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Halfmoon East Campground
Elbert Creek Campground
Halfmoon West Campground
Twin Lakes Area Campgrounds
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.
Lakeview Campground
Dexter Campground
Dexter campground is nothing more than a gravel parking lot next to the Twin Lakes Boat Ramp. Great views. No Shade.
Twin Peaks Campground
Parry Peak Campground
Whitestar Campground
