Echo Lake

Star4.20
99 reviews
ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

10,600 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Echo Lake
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for all campsite types (tent-only, RV, and standard nonelectric) is $26 during peak seasons. Discounts may apply to visitors with...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 99 reviews

172 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakesites

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews vary from high praise for the scenic beauty and convenience of trail access to strong criticism regarding maintenance and noise issues. Positive experiences often highlight the helpfulness of hosts and the cleanliness of specific sites."

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Echo Lake

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Driving directionsTake I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Go south 14 miles to the intersection of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 (Mt Evans Road). Turn right on Hwy 5 then turn left to enter the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Idaho Springs through Highway 103. Roads are generally well-maintained; however, reviews mention that some sections near the campground have been affected by erosion and rough conditions. Seasonal closures may apply to Mt. Evans Road, which is adjacent to the campground.
Nearby places
Idaho Springs, CO (14 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the Echo Lake Lodge (adjacent to the campground), offering basic items such as bottled water, firewood, and snacks. More extensive supplies can be purchased in Idaho Springs, CO.

Best Time to Camp at Echo Lake

At Echo Lake, Mother Nature writes her own rules. Even on the warmest summer days, temperatures plummet into the crisp 40s as darkness falls, creating perfect conditions for campfire gatherings and stargazing under brilliantly clear skies. The mountain winds whisper through the spruce trees year-round, carrying tales of changing weather that can shift from sunshine to snow in mere moments. Smart campers come prepared with cozy layers and rain gear, ready to embrace whatever the alpine climate delivers—because up here, every weather pattern adds to the adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season with excellent hiking and views but busy, noisy and crowded on holiday weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter fall visits with good scenery and fewer crowds, though nights are chilly.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring can be quieter but still cold and potentially snow-affected; access may be limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June–Sept; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 6, 2025 - September 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from June 6, 2025, to September 13, 2025. Out-of-season use is not available.
  • Current Alerts: Potential fire restrictions may be in effect during dry periods. Seasonal closures of Mt. Evans Road may impact access.

About Echo Lake

Perched at the breathtaking base of Mt. Evans in Colorado's Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, Echo Lake Campground offers an intimate alpine escape with 18 thoughtfully positioned campsites. Choose from 11 RV-friendly spots or 7 secluded tent-only sites, each providing front-row seats to Colorado's spectacular high-country scenery. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of Echo Lake, exploring miles of pristine hiking trails, or simply soaking in the panoramic mountain vistas, this high-altitude haven promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Echo Lake Campground offers several types of camping accommodations: tent-only sites, RV sites, and standard non-electric sites. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Official check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Maximum stay in a rolling 60-day period is also limited to 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Echo Lake provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Multiple trails originate from the campground.
HikingHiking is a key activity at Echo Lake. Trails lead into Mount Evans Wilderness, and nearby trailheads include Chicago Lakes and Captain Mountain. Reviews highlight good accessibility and scenic routes.
FishingFishing is available at Echo Lake, and some user reviews mention catching rainbow trout. However, aquatic plants can interfere with fishing according to some reports.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted by users and includes encounters with birds and colorful mushrooms. Bear boxes are provided to mitigate wildlife encounters.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity requires food to be stored in bear boxes. Windy conditions and cold temperatures may pose risks. Some reviews note washed-out roads and narrow campsite parking.
Active AlertsPotential fire restrictions may be in effect during dry periods. Seasonal closures of Mt. Evans Road may impact access.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each campsite to ensure food safety. Visitors are advised to use them to avoid attracting wildlife.

Weather at Echo Lake

Reviews

4.2
99 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Echo Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews vary from high praise for the scenic beauty and convenience of trail access to strong criticism regarding maintenance and noise issues. Positive experiences often highlight the helpfulness of hosts and the cleanliness of specific sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 99 reviews

What Campers Love

Hosts are frequently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Several reviews note the scenic lake views, convenient trail access, and overall cleanliness of campsites.
Based on 99 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews cite poorly maintained toilet facilities, close proximity of campsites leading to lack of privacy, noise from nearby roads and campers, and issues with water availability. Some users...
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Based on 99 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water due to reports of murky well water. Avoid busy tourist seasons for reduced crowding. Opt for sites further from the entrance for more privacy. Prepare for cold nights due to the...
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Based on 99 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busy due to proximity to Denver. Reviews suggest significant noise and crowding during holiday weekends. Spring and fall may offer quieter camping experiences but still chilly...
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Based on 99 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites themselves were very nice with a tent pad, table, fire ring, and even an extra bench." - John W "Echo Lake is gorgeous, lots of pretty places to walk, colorful mushrooms and flowers."...
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Based on 99 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 003 is noted for more privacy and spacing. Site 002 is close to the entrance and experiences noise issues. Site 010 is praised for space and convenience but neighbors are close. Reviewers...
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Based on 99 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not specifically addressed in user feedback.
Based on 99 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a hand-held leash. No specific pet-related reviews were identified.
Based on 99 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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