How much does camping cost at Kite Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Kite Lake Campground range from $3-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Kite Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kite Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served, with no possibility of advance reservation.

What is the best time to visit Kite Lake Campground?

Kite Lake Campground is open The campground operates from mid-May to mid-October weather permitting.. 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 Kite Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Kite Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Kite Lake Campground: Campfires are limited to designated fire rings and must be completely extinguished before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Kite Lake Campground have?

Kite Lake Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kite Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kite Lake 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 Kite Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Kite Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Kite Lake Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kite Lake Campground

4.46

59 reviews

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado#3 Mountain Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

12,018 ft

Price

$3 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

12,018 ft

Price

$3 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Kite Lake Campground

$3.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $3 per vehicle; camping fee ranges from $12 to $20 per night.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 59 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryhiking

"User reviews highlight the campground's popularity for accessing the DeCaLiBron Loop and its scenic location. However, they also point out issues such as overcrowding, the rough road leading to the site, and the lack of amenities like water and trash service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Kite Lake Campground

39.3287, -106.1287

Nearby places

Fairplay (approximately 5.5 miles away)

Alma (approximately 8 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom Fairplay travel North on Highway 9 to the town of Alma. Turn right onto Buckskin Gulch Road and travel 8 miles to the campground. This is a high clearance route; please exercise caution.

Facility roads are not paved; the last 1/4 mile is challenging and recommended for high-clearance vehicles. Reviewers confirmed vehicles with good clearance can generally access the site if driven carefully.

Best Time to Camp at Kite Lake Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access and warmest conditions, with daytime highs around 40-60°F and nights dropping to 20-35°F. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Early mornings stay calm, but wind picks up by midday. Winter averages 17.4°F with gusts hitting 41 mph. The exposed sites amplify the wind, so bring a good windbreaker and know how to stake a tent. Snow can close the rough access road well into June.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Late fall recommended to avoid crowds, but conditions can be cold and windy.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground operates from mid-May to mid-October weather permitting.
Current Alerts: Reviewed in May 2023, the campground was reported closed to vehicles and camping; open only to day hikers.

About Kite Lake Campground

Kite Lake Campground sits at 12,018 feet in Pike-San Isabel National Forests, offering five primitive campsites for tent camping only. The $3-20/night sites include picnic tables and fire rings, plus vault toilets, but no water or trash service. Cell service ends at Hoosier Pass. This tiny campground is the primary trailhead for the DeCaLiBron Loop, so expect crowds during peak summer.

Kite Lake Campground offers a minimalistic camping experience with five designated campsites. It is best suited for tent camping and small groups planning to hike the nearby 14ers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and warmest conditions, with daytime highs around 40-60°F and nights dropping to 20-35°F. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Early mornings stay calm, but wind picks up by midday. Winter averages 17.4°F with gusts hitting 41 mph. The exposed sites amplify the wind, so bring a good windbreaker and know how to stake a tent. Snow can close the rough access road well into June.

ElevationPerched in the rarified air of Colorado's high alpine zone, Kite Lake Campground sits at an elevation that literally takes your breath away. The journey here is an adventure in itself, requiring vehicles with high clearance to navigate the rugged mountain road that winds its way up from the valley floor. Each switchback and rocky section serves as a reminder that you're entering a realm where only the determined venture, and where the rewards match the effort required to reach them.

Natural Features and SceneryFour fourteeners surround the campground: Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross. Alpine lakes reflect the peaks, and mountain streams cut through the exposed landscape. The area sits above treeline in alpine tundra, where bedrock shows through and only hardy vegetation survives. Visitors consistently mention the scenery and wildlife, plus spectacular sunsets when the wind cooperates. But the elevation and exposure mean there's nowhere to hide when weather moves in.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, Kite Lake Campground occupies a landscape sculpted by millions of years of geological forces. This mountainous alpine region showcases Colorado's volcanic past, where ancient eruptions and glacial carving created the dramatic peaks that now pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. The exposed bedrock and alpine tundra tell a story of extremes – from the intense volcanic activity that birthed these mountains to the relentless freeze-thaw cycles that continue to shape them today. The perpetual dance between cold temperatures and fierce winds has created a unique ecosystem where only the hardiest plants and animals thrive, offering visitors a glimpse into one of North America's most challenging yet beautiful environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights of consecutive stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests allowed per site.

Groups

No designated group camping areas are mentioned in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive exposed sites with no tree coverage. Each has a picnic table and fire ring. The road isn't suitable for trailers. Sites fill fast during hiking season. One reviewer called it 'Disney World by 5 a.m.' on summer weekends.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with no possibility of advance reservation.

AccessibilityThe source materials do not provide information about accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campground has five campsites that are not recommended for trailers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as "pretty exposed" by user reviews, with no trees at the site itself, making them vulnerable to wind and providing limited privacy.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites sheltered from the wind (if available) and arrive early to secure spots. One reviewer recommended camping overnight for early access to hiking trails.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kite Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on hiking and climbing. The campground is a popular starting point for tackling the DeCaLiBron Loop, which includes four 14ers (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross). In addition to hiking, the natural beauty of the area makes wildlife viewing and photography appealing activities.

Hiking

Climbing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high winds, cold exposure, and challenging access roads. Several reviewers highlighted the risk posed by exposed sites, and one noted the rough terrain near the last 1/4 mile of the approach.

Active AlertsReviewed in May 2023, the campground was reported closed to vehicles and camping; open only to day hikers.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Kite Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

59 reviews

Recommended

Kite Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's popularity for accessing the DeCaLiBron Loop and its scenic location. However, they also point out issues such as overcrowding, the rough road leading to the site, and the lack of amenities like water and trash service.

Review Summaries

Based on 59 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground for its convenience as a starting point for hiking the DeCaLiBron Loop. The natural beauty of the area, including stunning sunsets, wildlife, and alpine scenery, is...

Based on 59 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include overcrowding, especially in summer and early mornings when hikers arrive. The road access, particularly the last quarter-mile, is described as rough, requiring...

Based on 59 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips include arriving early to secure a campsite, bringing a windbreaker due to high winds, carrying extra water, and using a high-clearance vehicle for the rough road. "Plan ahead and get here...

Based on 59 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees the highest crowds, with the area often described as "Disney World by 5 a.m." Late fall is recommended for avoiding crowds, but reviewers warn about cold and windy conditions. The...

Based on 59 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Plan ahead and get here early or you won't even be able to find a place to park." - Hans Landis. "The whole place turns into Disney World by 5 a.m." - Trevor Keating. "Bring a windbreaker cause it...

Based on 59 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate that the campground has five designated spots with picnic tables and fire rings. A user review stated, "There are 5 designated campsites with picnic tables and a fire...

Based on 59 reviews