How much does camping cost at Hidden Lakes Campground?

Camping fees at Hidden Lakes Campground range from $10-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Hidden Lakes Campground?

Hidden Lakes Campground is open Mid June (weather dependent) - Mid October (weather dependent). The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hidden Lakes Campground?

Hidden Lakes Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hidden Lakes Campground?

Fire policies at Hidden Lakes Campground: Each site offers a fire grate.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hidden Lakes Campground have?

Hidden Lakes Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hidden Lakes Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hidden Lakes Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hidden Lakes Campground?

Hidden Lakes Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hidden Lakes Campground?

Popular activities at Hidden Lakes Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hidden Lakes Campground

Q: Is Hidden Lakes Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hidden Lakes Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "It's first-come with only 9 sites." User review mentions "good luck getting a good spot when the retired folks camp there for several days on end."

4.26

23 reviews

StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Mid June (weather de...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Mid June (weather de...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hidden Lakes Campground

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $20 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night $20/site, exact cash or check only, payment instructions...

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hidden Lakes Campground

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Campground Map

Hidden Lakes Campground

40.5067, -106.6083

Nearby places

Walden - 32 miles.

Driving directionsFrom Walden, go west on Highway 14 for 11 miles to Hebron. Take County Road 24 west through forks with County Roads 5 and 1. After approximately 10 miles the road becomes Forest Road 60 and passes the Grizzly Creek Guard Station at the forest boundary. Go west one mile, then turn left (south) on Forest Road 20, traveling south for 6 miles to the campground, follow the signs.

Access to this campground requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance. "I got here in a 2wd fwd Honda Civic," according to user review.

Weather at Hidden Lakes Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hidden Lakes Campground

The campground opens around Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day. Summer brings daytime highs of 55-75°F and nights from 30-45°F, with the best weather mid-July through August. Frost can hit even in midsummer, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Snow has dusted tents in July. The high elevation means you'll need warm sleeping gear regardless of season.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season mid‑June to mid‑Oct; best weather mid‑July–Aug, daytime 55–75°F, many activities open.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Mid June (weather dependent) - Mid October (weather dependent)

About Hidden Lakes Campground

Hidden Lakes Campground sits at 8,900 feet in the Mount Zirkel/Park Range near Walden, Colorado. The small campground has just 9 sites beside a mountain lake, charging $10-$20 per night. Sites accommodate trailers up to 50 feet, though reviews mention limited privacy at some locations and long-term campers claiming prime spots.

Hidden Lakes Campground provides primitive camping experiences with space suitable for tents and trailers. It has 9 single campsites, three of which are large enough for RVs.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens around Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day. Summer brings daytime highs of 55-75°F and nights from 30-45°F, with the best weather mid-July through August. Frost can hit even in midsummer, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Snow has dusted tents in July. The high elevation means you'll need warm sleeping gear regardless of season.

ElevationAt 8,900 feet above sea level, Hidden Lakes Campground sits in the realm of the clouds, where the air is crisp and thin, and the stars seem close enough to touch. This lofty perch brings its own mountain magic – mornings that might greet you with frost-kissed wildflowers and afternoons perfect for warming on sun-soaked granite. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer feels more like spring, offering a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations while reminding visitors they're truly in the high country.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a glacially carved basin around a secluded mountain lake, surrounded by peaks that rise from the volcanic geology of the Mount Zirkel range. The mountain pine beetle epidemic has thinned the mature pines, leaving more open sky and unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Multiple lakes and small reservoirs dot the area, creating calm water for paddling and fishing. Stars are brilliant at this elevation.

Geological RegionCradled within the majestic Mount Zirkel/Park Range, Hidden Lakes Campground occupies a special corner of Colorado's geological wonderland. Here, ancient peaks carved by glaciers stand sentinel over a secluded mountain lake, creating an intimate basin that feels like nature's secret hideaway. This dramatic landscape tells the story of millions of years of geological forces, from volcanic origins to glacial sculpting, resulting in the stunning alpine sanctuary that greets visitors today.

Scenic Views"Stars are brilliant," according to user review.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityIt's first-come with only 9 sites." User review mentions "good luck getting a good spot when the retired folks camp there for several days on end.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate trailers up to 50 feet in length.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some user reviews mention a lack of privacy due to overcrowding by locals, while others emphasize the peaceful and uncrowded nature of the campground.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSome sites are large enough for RVs; others may provide direct lakeside access.

Best CampsitesThree sites are large enough for RVs. Some sites sit right on the lake. Reviews warn that older campers sometimes claim the best locations and stay for extended periods, so arriving early on weekdays improves your chances of securing a lakeside spot.

Amenities available

Hidden Lakes Campground is a secluded campground located at an elevation of 8,900 feet adjacent to a small mountain lake in the Mount Zirkel/Park Range. It offers 9 single campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire grates. The campground has vault toilets and lacks potable water as well as trash services—campers must pack out their trash. The surrounding area has less shade due to tree removal caused by the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Access requires a 4WD vehicle with high clearance.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hidden Lakes Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and scenic drives. The area is peaceful and remote, with opportunities for stargazing and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"No trouble with bears here." Another user mentions bugs, although "I think they spray for mosquitoes too!"

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

23 reviews

Satisfactory

Hidden Lakes Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reveal mixed experiences at Hidden Lakes Campground. While many appreciate its peaceful ambiance, scenic beauty, and uncrowded nature, others criticize limited privacy and the behavior of long-term campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the campground's tranquility, spacious sites, stargazing opportunities, and proximity to the lake. One user said, 'Stars are brilliant. I think they spray for mosquitos...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with privacy and cleanliness of restrooms. One user stated, 'Restrooms were smelly last night,' and another mentioned, 'Not a lot of privacy at half of the sites.'

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites close to the lake are highly recommended. One user noted, 'Camp right on the lake. Easy to get to, though I got here in a 2WD Honda Civic.' Another user mentioned that three sites are large...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water, trash bags, and high-clearance vehicle. Arriving early during weekdays increases chances of securing a good site. Activities such as kayaking, SUP, and fishing are...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season is mid-June to mid-October. Snow and freezing temperatures can occur even during summer due to the high elevation. Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

'What a beautiful place. It's first come with only 9 sites.' - Dianna Drew, 'Absolutely gorgeous. Tricky fishing. Plenty to hike. Lots of little critters!' - Amber Solomon, 'Not worth the 3-4 hour...

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. User reviews do not highlight specific pet-related issues or amenities.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers and kayakers who arrive on a weekday morning and grab a lakeside site. Fishing for cutbow and rainbow trout is the main draw, nights drop below freezing even in July, and at $20 cash the price is hard to argue with.

Skip if

4WD with high clearance is required to get here, and about half the sites have little privacy. No potable water means hauling in everything you drink, and long-term campers sometimes lock up the best spots for days at a stretch.

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Hidden Lakes Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Hidden Lakes Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<div class="usa-alert usa-alert--info usa-alert--slim"><div class="usa-alert__body">Hidden Lakes Campground is located 32 miles southwest of Walden, adjacent to a small secluded mountain lake in the Mount Zirkel/Park Range and has 9 single campsites near a number of small lakes and reservoirs and requires 4WD and high clearance vehicle to access the campground.<br /><br />Each site offers a picnic table and a fire grate. The campground offers a vault toilet. There is no potable water available. Campers should come prepared with their own water.<br /><br />Campsites can accomodate trailers up to 50 feet in length.<br /><br /><em><strong>There are no trash services at this campground. Guests must pack out all of their own trash, so don't forget your garbage bags!</strong></em></div><div class="usa-alert__body"> </div><div class="usa-alert__body"><em><strong>Access to this campground requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance.</strong></em></div><div class="usa-alert__body"> </div><div class="usa-alert__body">Due to the mountain pine beetle epidemic, most of the mature pine trees have been removed, resulting in less available shade.</div><div class="usa-alert__body"> </div><div class="usa-alert__body"><p><b>Fish Species in Hidden Lakes: </b><a href="https://www.fishexplorer.com/co/fish.asp?fid=20">Cutbow Trout</a>, <a href="https://www.fishexplorer.com/co/fish.asp?fid=2">Rainbow Trout</a></p></div></div><p> </p><p>This site was approved for a fee change - <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/fire/?cid=FSEPRD1092198">Click here for more information</a></p>

Open Season: Mid June (weather dependent) – Late September (weather dependent)