With daytime temperatures hovering around 80°, visitors comfortably spend the day boating, fishing, biking, or simply relaxing on the beach. Camping: There is no dispersed camping available near Turquoise Lake, however the Forest Service operates a large number of developed campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, drop toilets, and potable water. At just over 11 miles of round trip hiking of a Words escape me. Very spacious sites. The first evening at the lake, despite very strong winds, we caught eight big rainbow trout. Facilities closed in winter due to ice and snow, but popular area for ice fishing.Turquoise Lake is a feature of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. The thing is, our son would have been crying at home anyways. They are like fairy… I’d recommend wearing a wet suit. Despite all the crying, we are still happy we went. A little off the beaten path, it is nestled deep within dramatic rocky spires and steep mountain peaks on the western edge of the Mission Mountain Wilderness just across the highway from the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Turquoise Lake. The trailhead lies on the road between the two campgrounds. Potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables and firerings with grates are available throughout this campground. Most sites don't have a lake view. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Here’s a couple: I hope really hope one of these is a question on trivia night. Dont confuse the Turquoise Lake Trail with the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail, looping for 1.2 miles between the Silver Dollar and Molly Brown Campgrounds. Turquoise Lake Turquoise Lake’s campgrounds are a treasure. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Highly recommend a lakeside site. Recreatin managed by the U.S. Forest Service, 2015 North Poplar, Leadville, CO 80461; (719)486-0749. Surface available for recreation includes 780 acres. It’s a large area and nestled back into the tress for additional privacy. I love your perspective. Baby Doe CG, Turquoise Lake, Leadville, CO . The Turquoise Trail Campground is nestled in the cool forests of the Sandia Mountains only 15 minutes from Albuquerque. Nearly all the sites were big and open. Turquoise Lake is a popular camping destination and can fill up fast, so make your reservations as far as possible in advance, or get there early … Another nearby campground to Turquoise Lake is Silver Dollar Campground, located off of Highway 9C. Where: The hike to the lake starts at the end of Chilliwack Lake … Sock Monkey Trekkers: Matchless Campground on Turquoise Lake near Leadville Colorado - VBlog #1 In late September, we went on a week-long van camping vacation. With white sand beaches lined with driftwood and waves gently crashing against Turquoise Lake’s shoreline, Baby Doe Campground, hidden under the shade of mature lodgepole pines at 10,000-feet, brings a taste of the tropics to a high alpine environment. Situated in the San Isabel National Forest on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, less than 15 minutes to Leadville, Baby Doe features 50 sites, four vault toilets, four water spigots, two trash collection areas, and is one of eight campground around the lake. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Recreation facilities consist of 8 campgrounds, accommodating 300 campsites and 2 boat-launching ramps. Printer Boy Group Campground - Turquoise Lake - Leadville Colorado by ColoradoTravelTips. 1:08. I hope really hope one of these is a question on trivia night. Our youngest son is having a crying phase. Anywho, back to the Baby Doe campground. Firewood is for sale at the host site. Site 43 was just fine, but we weren’t as thrilled with it. The campground is located on the beautiful Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM Highway 14), the scenic route between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Baby Doe Campground is located at Turquoise Lake Road Leadville, CO 80461. Hermit Park: Family Camping Spot and Kruger Rock Trail in Estes Park, CO, Horsetooth Reservoir and Horsetooth Falls-Fort Collins, CO, Extreme Zip Lining Adventure in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Four Kid-Friendly Camping Breakfast Ideas, Free Printable: Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt, How to Safely Remove a Tick and Other Tick Safety Tips, Camping First Aid Kit for Kids and Other Safety Items. Turquoise Lake Sunset - View from May Queen Campground by ColoradoTravelTips. Our site was huge, with tons of space between us and the sites on either side. In different weather, the water activities would have been a great addition. We were blissfully unaware how much cooler and windier it was when we got to the lake. At one point my husband was making dinner and asked if I could cut up apples for the kids. I did see some people braving the choppy water on paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, but we stuck to hiking for this trip. Tabor Campground. Turquoise Lake. In the summer, when thermometers throughout Colorado rise, Turquoise Lake’s high elevation provides a great respite from the heat. It’s not for everyone. Located in a shaded lodgepole forest, along Turquoise Lake. Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. There is a boat ramp available and you can even water ski here. Camped in July, mid 30's at night and low 70's during the day. The dense trees by the campsite guards against the wind. Turquoise Lake itself is a beautiful man-made lake with sand beaches, mountain vistas, and a … Use our interactive map to find camping near you or plan an epic camping road trip. Book Turquoise Trail Campground And RV Park, Cedar Crest on Tripadvisor: See 49 traveler reviews, 16 candid photos, and great deals for Turquoise Trail Campground And RV Park, ranked #1 of 1 specialty lodging in Cedar Crest and rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. I really hope we will look back at this phase and remember the happy moments and the memories we made. You’re awesome and I truly enjoyed your share. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The road also connects to the May Queen Campground on the west end of the lake. For both trips, we camped at the Baby Doe Campground. On every camping trip, we like to scope out the best sites for future trips. Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Leadville: Address, Phone Number, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area Reviews: 4.5/5. Named after the "unsinkable" Molly Brown on the Titanic, this campground is located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in a shaded lodgepole pine forest at an elevation of 9,900 feet. Then you cry. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. Following gentle terrain, it is a great way to learn about the forests surrounding the reservoir. Please click here to also read our last post from 2014. Be warned, the water looks inviting but is extremely cold. Father Dyer Campground is an excellent choice for lakeside camping in central Colorado. I’m not sure if it’s always that windy or if it was just a windy weekend. Fruita, CO: Camping, Biking and Dinosaurs, Oh My! This campground is further away from the lake than the Molly Brown Campground and offers more protection from the frequent wind that comes off the lake. I get it though. How long: 2 hours or 3.4 km. The lake is gorgeous. Some sites look out over the water to the 14,000-foot peaks beyond, while others are tucked into secluded forests and meadowlands. Cool, right? About EVERYTHING. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring and some have grills and tent pads. These woodland clearings are filled with ponds and marshes of beautiful wildflowers. Sure if you don’t mind the wailing while I am cutting up the apple, or can it wait? Naturally this was his favorite campsite and favorite trip of the summer. The campground is within walking distance of Turquoise Lake, making this campground very popular. Turquoise Lake, Leadville, CO . This is an easy, kid-friendly route through the lodgepole pines with views of the lake the whole way. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. The road also connects to the May Queen Campground on the west end of the lake. It’s nestled away from the shoreline in the thick pine trees. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Our home for the week at Turquoise Lake was the Silver Dollar Campground.This is one of the eight national forest service campgrounds that ring the lake. Campground use is extremely popular, especially on summer weekends, and reservations can be made five days in advance. If you are looking for a longer more challenging route, this trail connects to the Turquoise Lake Trail for an additional 6.4 miles. Clustered around Turquoise Lake are five very nice, totally motorcycle-accessible National Forest campgrounds with good paved roads and more than 250 camp sites. This is a high mountain campground situated on the shore of Turquoise Lake. To Flathead and Swan Valley locals, Turquoise Lake is regarded as an all-time favorite spot, and for good reason. It’s about protecting what sustains us. No RV hookups. If I do any of these things, he cries. Turquoise Lake’s campgrounds are a … This is a very popular spot to go camping. Your email address will not be published. Surrounding the picnic ground is the Tabor Boat Ramp, Father Dyer Campground, Baby Doe Campground and Printer Boy Group Picnic Area and Campground. Turquoise Lake has several boat ramps as well as hiking and biking trails that connect most campgrounds on the east end of the lake. Here are the amenities: The one time Wyatt wasn’t crying AND I wasn’t holding him was when he was in the hiking backpack. We stayed at Baby Doe campground on Turquoise Lake, just outside of Leadville. We did this short hike on the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail which is a 1.2 mile out and back trail along the shoreline. ; I thought Turquoise Lake got it’s name from the blue sparkling water, but it was actually named after the mineral, turquoise, which was found nearby in Leadville’s mining days. Maybe. Pick up a booklet there. The lake itself is a beautiful turquoise blue and is surrounded by dense forest and mountain peaks – it really is the perfect daytime hike. We were perfectly happy just taking in the view. I like fun facts. Lady of the Lake Picnic Ground is located on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake. All rights reserved. Sitting deep in the forest to the west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the Turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. © 2020 Outdoor Project. Our trip was a loop from our home in Los Alamos, NM through Colorado. Do you? Most of the campsites are under the Biospheric's reservation system. For the first time, we let our older son ride his bike around one of the loops with the “big” kids. Several sites near the lake. Turquoise Lake, which covers a surface area of 780-acres, is a popular destination for boaters and anglers after rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. From my perspective, site 14 is the best spot. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. Your email address will not be published. Rosy Lane Campground and Crested Butte Vacation, Curt Gowdy State Park in Laramie County, Wyoming. It’s about nourishment and learning. They can be contacted via phone at (719) 486-0749 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. It is the most beautiful campground I have seen. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. Unless you are an 18 month old. Turquoise Lake has several boat ramps as well as hiking and biking trails that connect most campgrounds on the east end of the lake. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. The campground is made up of two loops like a figure eight. Free camping directory full of free campground locations! Nearby recreational opportunities. The Turquoise Lake Loop Road is a 15.5 mile paved scenic route with several overlooks. Turquoise Lake. Our oldest son has energy to burn so we can’t just sit around waiting for the crying phase to pass. Capacity: 440 People Elevation: 9,900 Feet (3086.0 Meters) Length of Stay: 14 Days Number of Sites: 44 Reservation Status: Not Accepted Camping at Turquoise Lake is only allowed only in the campgrounds. Our first time here, we camped at site 14, and our second time we were in site 43. Next, we continued up to an area near Kremmling where we hiked to and soaked in a cool natural hot springs right on the Colorado River. 4:45. I did not want to leave. You are also a little closer the water and can see the lake from your site. We then went to Steamboat Springs and stayed a couple of nights at the amazing Strawberry Hot Springs resort. We also enjoy the time together away from the usual distractions of life. The campground sits at 9,900 feet near the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, a 15-minute drive west of Leadville. First, it was up to Matchless Campground on Turquoise Lake near Le... Added: 10/13/2016. Baby Doe Campground. To reach the campground, take County Road 4 from Leadville, following signs for Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Hikers and mountain bikers can take the 6.5-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that spans from the dam to the May Queen Campground. Family hike, check! If anyone is reading this and went camping when we were there, I am truly sorry. First, it was up to Matchless Campground on Turquoise Lake near Leadville, Colorado. In the end all that matters is the family memories. May Queen Campground in Leadville, Colorado: 4 reviews, 0 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. The adults love this spot too. I like fun facts. It is that amazing. Turquoise Lake, which covers a surface area of 780-acres, is a popular destination for boaters and anglers after rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Closest Town: Leadville (5mi) Specs: 43 primitive campsites ; After fishing, head up to historic Leadville and visit its charming downtown by visiting the famed Tabor Opera House or eating at the Gold Burro restaurant. Fish species available include mackinaw trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Dispersed camping is prohibited around the lake. It is challenging and not always the most fun. I kept taking pictures of the water and remarking how the picture does not do it justice, and I think it is a pretty good picture. This was our second time camping at Turquoise Lake and our first camping trip of this summer. Some campgrounds look out over the water while others are tucked in forests and meadows. Elevation is 10,000 feet. May Queen Campground in Leadville is rated 8.3 of 10 at Campground Reviews. 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