Camp Hale Memorial

Star4.80
108 reviews
WHITE RIVER
Camp Hale Memorial
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camp Hale Memorial Campground charges a flat $25/night during its peak season (May 24 - October 1, 2025). Fees do not include any taxes or...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$25.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
970-468-7681clm@clm-services.com

About this campground

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.
Camp Hale Memorial Campground caters to a variety of campers, including those with tents, trailers, and RVs. It offers a standard camping experience with basic amenities.
Historical SignificanceThese grounds echo with the footsteps of America's legendary 10th Mountain Division, who transformed this valley into their high-altitude training grounds during World War II. Today, thoughtfully placed interpretive signs invite visitors to step back in time, revealing stories of courage, endurance, and innovation as soldiers prepared for mountain warfare in the Italian Alps. Walking these paths, you'll discover how this remote Colorado valley helped shape the outcome of the war and birthed America's modern ski industry through the veterans who returned home.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here tells its own dramatic story throughout the year. Summer days warm the valley with golden sunshine, but as darkness falls, temperatures plummet—June nights can still kiss the freezing mark, reminding visitors they're in true alpine territory. The campground embraces three seasons before winter's snow closes its gates, and the valley's expansive geography amplifies these temperature swings. Seasoned campers know to pack their warmest sleeping bags alongside their shorts, as this high-altitude haven demands respect for its mercurial moods.
ElevationPerched at 9,200 feet above sea level, the campground exists in that rarified realm where the air grows thin and the stars seem close enough to touch. This lofty elevation brings crisp, clean mountain air that invigorates the spirit while reminding lowlanders to pace themselves as their bodies adjust to the altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a sweeping valley carpeted with young Lodgepole pines, their slender forms creating a natural amphitheater with unobstructed mountain vistas in every direction. This recovering forest tells its own story of resilience, while providing shelter for magnificent elk that bugle through autumn mornings and bighorn sheep that navigate the rocky slopes above. Crystal-clear mountain streams nearby teem with native trout, their waters singing the ancient songs of the Rockies as they tumble through this pristine wilderness.
Geological RegionDeep within the White River National Forest, this remarkable landscape showcases the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The wide, flat valley floor—unusual in this region of peaks and precipices—creates an accessible wilderness experience surrounded by towering summits. Young Lodgepole pines dot the landscape, nature's pioneers reclaiming the valley and creating a unique ecosystem where forest meets meadow. This geological marvel offers visitors a rare combination of sweeping mountain panoramas and gentle terrain, all while preserving the ecological treasures that make the Colorado Rockies a natural wonderland.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground features bear-proof food lockers at each site and gravel roads, which may limit accessibility for certain individuals. Some reviews mention narrow interior roads.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with several reviews highlighting their large size and ability to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer varying levels of privacy, with some having tree coverage and others being more open. 'The sites are large and spaced apart,' noted one review.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with existing tree cover or shade, such as #6, #4, and #11, as some sites are more exposed to sunlight. Sites like #8 may be uneven.
Best CampsitesSites #6 and #11 are frequently recommended for their views and spaciousness. Site #4 is noted for its closeness to restrooms and shade.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay for up to 14 nights per visit, with a maximum of 14 nights per month.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features gravel roads and parking spurs with 15 individual sites offering space between neighbors for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from May 24 to October 1, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites that are unreserved can be used as first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations (starting from midnight one calendar day before check-in) result in the loss of the first night's recreation use fee.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational activities are available, catering to campers with diverse interests. Key activities include hiking along the Colorado Trail, fishing in the Eagle River and nearby ponds, biking on gravel roads, and wildlife viewing. Some campers also enjoy exploring historic features and educational signage associated with the 10th Mountain Division's WWII history.
Hiking
The Colorado Trail is within walking distance, offering opportunities for both casual walks and longer hikes, including an 11-mile trek to Kokomo Pass. 'Great trails for runners and hikers,' noted one camper.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with the Eagle River and nearby ponds providing opportunities to catch rainbow and brown trout. One reviewer mentioned, 'Great fishing in Eagle River.'
Biking
Gravel roads within the area allow for easy biking paths. One camper described, 'Riding bikes through the valley was enjoyable.'
Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently report sightings of wildlife such as elk, deer, and hummingbirds. A camper shared, 'Hummingbirds, mountain jays, and beautiful vistas made for great experiences.'
Cultural and Educational Programs
Historical interpretive signs explain the WWII history of Camp Hale, providing an educational experience for visitors. 'The history of the 10th Mountain Division was fascinating,' noted one camper.
Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not outlined in the provided materials.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the source materials.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed with restrictions during dry conditions. Charcoal fires may also be banned in high-risk periods.
  • Quiet hours are strictly enforced during the evening and night.

Hazards

General hazardsNo water is available on-site. Visitors must bring their own. Wildlife, such as bears, are common. Guests are advised to use bear-proof lockers.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be implemented during dry weather. No current alerts are noted.

Weather forecast

49
°F
Oct 8
Wednesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 29%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 3.9 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.

Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.

Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services would be in Minturn (15 miles) or Leadville (20 miles), though specific emergency facility information is not provided.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 24, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided at the campground, including bear-proof trash receptacles.
Proximity to water featuresThe Eagle River is within walking distance, and nearby ponds offer fishing opportunities. Additionally, the Colorado Trail crosses near the campground.
Common complaintsKey complaints include the lack of potable water, limited signage making the campground hard to locate, and occasional noise from generators and highways.
HostCamp hosts, such as Dan, Traci, and Anthony, have been praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and knowledge. Hosts maintain clean facilities and provide firewood for purchase.

Campground Map

WHITE RIVER
Driving directionsLocated 15 miles south of the town of Minturn, Colorado on Hwy 24. Take I-70 east from Grand Junction, Colorado, approximately 135 miles. Take exit 171 toward US-24 E. Keep right and follow signs for Minturn/Leadville, merging onto US-24 E. After 17 miles, take a slight left onto 10th Mountain Div Memorial Hwy. Take first left into Camp Hale. From Denver: Take I-70 west approximately 90 miles. Take exit 171 toward US-24 E. Keep right and follow signs for Minturn/Leadville, merging onto US-24 E. After 17 miles, take a slight left onto 10th Mountain Div Memorial Hwy. Take first left into Camp Hale.
The road, parking area, and spurs in the campground are gravel. The interior campground road is narrow. Some user reviews mention challenges due to unclear signage near the campground's entrance.
Nearby places
Minturn (15 miles), Leadville (approx. 20 miles), Vail (approx. 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Leadville and Minturn are the closest towns where groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained. Leadville is approximately 20 minutes away, and Minturn is 15 miles away.

Camper Reviews

4.8
108 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Camp Hale Memorial is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Camp Hale Memorial Campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, historical significance, and friendly camp hosts. While the lack of water and cell service is noted as a drawback, visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and spacious sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites; well-maintained vault toilets; helpful and friendly camp hosts; rich historical context.
Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water or cell service; occasional road noise; OHV users causing dust.
Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and extra blankets for cold nights; consider visiting midweek to avoid crowds; explore the historical signs and nearby Colorado Trail.
Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months see high visitor numbers and warm days with cool nights, making it an ideal time for camping. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Fall offers stunning aspen colors.
Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Easily one of the cleanest campgrounds I've been to.' - Jacob Temple 2. 'Wonderful historical site! Secluded campsites and clean vaulted toilets.' - Allison Pickles 3. 'Bring extra blankets and...
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Based on 108 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 006: 'Outstanding site with great views and a clean environment.' Campsite 011: 'Backs up to a beautiful meadow.' Campsite 004: 'Very shaded and level, close to restrooms.'
Based on 108 reviews

Accessibility Features

Bear-proof food lockers and gravel roads are available, but narrow roads may pose accessibility challenges.
Based on 108 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, and visitors enjoy bringing their pets along.
Based on 108 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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