Echo Lake
4.1870 reviewsARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT
Quick Facts
10,600 ftPrice
$26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
18 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
10,600 ftPrice
$26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
18 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsEcho 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
Total Campsite Fees$26.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider801-226-3564
What Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 70 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."
Fees & Passes at Echo Lake
$26/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
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.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled up to midnight 1 calendar day before arrival, incurring a $10 cancellat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Recreation.gov website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceEcho Lake sits at the crossroads of Colorado's legendary mining heritage, where fortune seekers once traversed these mountain passes in search of gold and silver. Just down the winding mountain road, the historic town of Idaho Springs preserves this fascinating past with attractions like the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum, where visitors can step back in time to experience the grit and glory of Colorado's mining boom. The echoes of pickaxes and prospectors' dreams still resonate through these mountains, adding layers of human history to the natural grandeur.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 10,600 feet above sea level, Echo Lake Campground places you more than two miles high in Colorado's thin mountain air. This lofty perch offers unparalleled access to the alpine world, though the elevation demands respect—visitors often find themselves catching their breath more easily after a day or two of acclimatization. The dramatic altitude creates a unique environment where the air is crisp, the sun feels closer, and every view stretches endlessly toward the horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a pristine spruce forest that stretches toward the sky, Echo Lake Campground immerses visitors in an enchanting alpine ecosystem where ancient evergreens provide natural shelter from the persistent mountain winds. The shimmering waters of Echo Lake reflect the surrounding peaks like a perfect mirror, while the nearby Mount Evans Road—North America's highest paved thoroughfare—winds dramatically upward toward 14,000-foot summits. This is a landscape that shifts from intimate forest groves to sweeping mountain panoramas, where every trail promises discovery and every sunrise paints the peaks in shades of gold and rose.
Geological RegionEcho Lake Campground rests within the heart of the Rocky Mountains' dramatic geological tapestry, where ancient forces sculpted a landscape of soaring peaks and glacial valleys. Surrounded by dense spruce forests that thrive in the harsh alpine conditions, the campground serves as a gateway to the Mount Evans Wilderness—a pristine expanse of protected peaks and alpine tundra. Here, at the base of one of Colorado's famous fourteeners, visitors witness firsthand the raw power and timeless beauty of the Continental Divide's eastern slopes.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, although vault toilets and hand pumps may be accessible to some extent.
Sites SizeParking lengths range from 20 to 55 feet. Tent pads are reported as small; larger tents may struggle to fit.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; some campsites are close together, leading to limited privacy. A few sites offer more spacing, such as site 003.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers are advised to choose tent-only sites to maximize privacy and space. Sites 11 and 14 are noted for scenic views and spacious layouts.
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per tent site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are relatively close together, but tent-only areas offer more privacy. Sites 1-4 are noted as being closer to the road.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from June 6, 2025, to September 13, 2025. Out-of-season use is not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov (website, app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777).
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All reserved campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the start of the reservation.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to midnight 1 calendar day before arrival, incurring a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee if canceled late. Additional penalties apply for no-shows.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing 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 viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted by users and includes encounters with birds and colorful mushrooms. Bear boxes are provided to mitigate wildlife encounters.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned specifically; however, reviews highlight the potential for snowy conditions at the high elevation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the source materials.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be prohibited during dry conditions. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent spreading pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced during nighttime to ensure campers' rest.
Hazards
General hazardsBear 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.
Weather at Echo Lake
20
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 27.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services, including police and fire stations, are located in Idaho Springs, CO, approximately 14 miles away. Hospital facilities may require longer travel times.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6, 2025 - September 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash service is provided on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Echo Lake, nearby fishing opportunities are available. Trails connect directly to the lake.
Common complaintsReviews mention poorly maintained pit toilets, crowded campsites, washed-out roads, and difficulty accessing water. Some also note noisy campers and proximity to busy roads.
HostHosts are generally helpful and sell firewood. Specific reviews mention hosts Darryl and Janet for their friendliness and assistance.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
70 reviews
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 70 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 70 reviewsCommon 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...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
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."...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 70 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not specifically addressed in user feedback.
Based on 70 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be on a hand-held leash. No specific pet-related reviews were identified.
Based on 70 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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