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

Opens Operated by a concessionaire. site

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

Opens Operated by a concessionaire. site

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

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

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.

Nearby places

Fairplay (approximately 5.5 miles away)

Alma (approximately 8 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Kite Lake Campground

At Kite Lake, Mother Nature runs the show with a dramatic flair that keeps even summer visitors reaching for their warmest gear. The campground's exposed alpine setting creates a natural wind tunnel where gusts can transform a calm morning into a blustery adventure within minutes. Even during the height of summer, temperatures can plunge unexpectedly, reminding campers why this is truly a land of extremes. Winter transforms the area into an arctic wonderland, with recorded temperatures averaging a bone-chilling 17.4°F and wind gusts that have been clocked at a formidable 41 mph. Experienced campers know to pack layers and secure their gear – this is mountain weather at its most authentic.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and prime for hiking but busiest season; crowds common especially early mornings.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fewer crowds recommended by reviewers but colder, windier conditions reduce comfort.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May but late snow and cold are common; variable conditions for visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-October to mid-May (weather permitting).

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

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Pike-San Isabel National Forests, Kite Lake Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience for those seeking solitude above the treeline. This intimate campground features just five coveted campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with fire rings and picnic tables where adventurers gather to share stories of their alpine exploits. While the site maintains a rustic charm with basic outhouse facilities and no running water or trash services, this simplicity is part of its appeal for those looking to disconnect from modern conveniences. As one seasoned visitor wisely advised, 'The campground itself has a pretty limited number of spots,' making an early arrival essential for securing your piece of this alpine paradise.

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 SeasonsAt Kite Lake, Mother Nature runs the show with a dramatic flair that keeps even summer visitors reaching for their warmest gear. The campground's exposed alpine setting creates a natural wind tunnel where gusts can transform a calm morning into a blustery adventure within minutes. Even during the height of summer, temperatures can plunge unexpectedly, reminding campers why this is truly a land of extremes. Winter transforms the area into an arctic wonderland, with recorded temperatures averaging a bone-chilling 17.4°F and wind gusts that have been clocked at a formidable 41 mph. Experienced campers know to pack layers and secure their gear – this is mountain weather at its most authentic.

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 SceneryImagine waking up in a natural amphitheater where four of Colorado's majestic fourteeners – Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross – stand as silent sentinels around your tent. The campground's setting is nothing short of spectacular, with crystalline alpine lakes reflecting the surrounding peaks like nature's own mirrors. Mountain streams babble their way through the exposed landscape, creating a soundtrack that complements the visual feast. As one awestruck visitor described it, the 'beautiful surroundings' make the challenging conditions worthwhile, though they wisely noted the importance of finding shelter from the persistent alpine winds. This is raw, unfiltered mountain beauty at its finest – a photographer's dream and an adventurer's playground rolled into one stunning location.

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 layoutThe campground hosts five designated campsites; sites are exposed, lacking tree coverage, and include fire pits and picnic tables.

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.

HikingThe campground serves as a trailhead for the famous DeCaLiBron Loop, allowing hikers to summit four 14ers in one day. User reviews highlight the popular hiking opportunities, describing the trails as "amazingly beautiful" and "fairly well marked." Another review noted, "Great place to camp to tackle the DeCaLiBron Loop trail."

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities for observing wildlife. One user review noted, "The wildlife here is unreal," and described seeing a herd of antelope drinking at the lake.

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

Reviews

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