Belle Of Colorado Campground

4.41

66 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,911 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground may c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,911 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground may c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Belle Of Colorado Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites vary depending on the location and reservation method. Walk-up campsites incur an $8 recreation use fee, while reservations made...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

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

4.41

Recommended

Based on 66 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakesites

"Reviews for the Belle of Colorado Campground are generally positive, emphasizing the beauty of Turquoise Lake, cleanliness, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. However, some users noted issues with noise and poor host behavior, indicating variability in experiences."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Belle Of Colorado Campground

39.2679, -106.3516

Driving directionsFrom Leadville, follow signs to Turquoise Lake Recreation Area.

Access to Belle of Colorado Campground is straightforward from Leadville via paved roads. However, being located in the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, some minor roads may be uneven or narrower in some places.

Nearby places

Leadville: 10 miles (~15-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Leadville provides the closest grocery, camping supplies, and fuel options, approximately 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Belle Of Colorado Campground

Belle of Colorado transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own mountain magic. Summer welcomes campers with warm, sunny days and refreshingly cool nights—ideal for swimming, hiking, and stargazing. Late spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, while early fall paints the surrounding peaks in golden aspen hues. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, making it a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though the campground facilities close for the season. Mountain weather can change quickly, so layers and rain gear are always wise companions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer praised: warm days, cool nights and full access to hiking, swimming and paddling.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal beauty noted but campground may close in late fall; quieter weekdays reported.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring is variable due to elevation and snowmelt; access improves later in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Reported closures in late fall imply limited or no winter access at the campground.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Information specific to peak season pricing is unavailable.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground may close for the season; users have reported closures during late fall.
Current Alerts: User reports mention seasonal closures, which can be abrupt and unexpected.

About Belle Of Colorado Campground

Tucked away on the eastern shores of the stunning Turquoise Lake, Belle of Colorado Campground offers an intimate tent-camping experience beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines. This peaceful retreat combines the tranquility of a shaded forest setting with direct access to one of Colorado's most beautiful alpine lakes. Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves at waterfront sites, or enjoy the dappled sunlight filtering through pine boughs at inland spots. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills, perfect for evening cookouts under the stars. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience. The friendly camp host keeps firewood stocked for those crisp mountain evenings when gathering around the campfire becomes the day's perfect ending.

This is a tent-only campground with no reservations allowed. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers primitive camping facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBelle of Colorado transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own mountain magic. Summer welcomes campers with warm, sunny days and refreshingly cool nights—ideal for swimming, hiking, and stargazing. Late spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, while early fall paints the surrounding peaks in golden aspen hues. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Winter blankets the area in deep snow, making it a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though the campground facilities close for the season. Mountain weather can change quickly, so layers and rain gear are always wise companions.

ElevationPerched high in Colorado's spectacular mountain country near the historic mining town of Leadville, Belle of Colorado sits at an elevation that puts you closer to the clouds than most places in North America. This lofty setting in the heart of the Rockies means crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from summer heat. The high-altitude location offers breathtaking views and serves as an ideal basecamp for acclimating before tackling nearby fourteeners.

Natural Features and SceneryBelle of Colorado showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The campground's lodgepole pine forest creates a natural cathedral, with straight, slender trunks reaching skyward and soft needle carpets underfoot. Turquoise Lake lives up to its name, displaying brilliant blue-green waters that mirror the surrounding peaks on calm mornings. From your campsite, catch glimpses of Colorado's highest mountains—the mighty Mount Massive and Mount Elbert stand as sentinels on the horizon, their snow-capped summits glowing pink at sunrise. Wildlife visitors include curious chipmunks, stellar jays, and the occasional deer wandering through camp at dusk. The shoreline invites exploration, with smooth granite boulders perfect for sunbathing and quiet coves ideal for launching kayaks.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic San Isabel National Forest, Belle of Colorado occupies a special corner of the Southern Rocky Mountains. This region tells an ancient geological story through its dramatic landscapes—massive granite peaks thrust skyward millions of years ago, while glaciers carved out the basin that now cradles Turquoise Lake. The surrounding lodgepole pine ecosystem thrives in the well-drained, mineral-rich soils typical of Colorado's high country. The lake itself fills a natural depression created by the same geological forces that built the Continental Divide, making this area a testament to the powerful forces that shaped the American West.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

No guest limits explicitly stated.

Groups

No information about group camping is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are laid out in a semi-primitive format with picnic tables, fire pits, and space for tents. Sites are close to the lake, offering varying degrees of privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation platforms since reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only, with availability dependent on demand. User reviews highlight Friday evenings as particularly difficult for finding a spot.

Cancellation PolicyThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No cancellation policies apply as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityNo specific information is provided about accessibility features. However, parking is available nearby as noted in reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious. For example, 'HUGE site overlooking the lake' and 'The sites are spacious and they have good distance from other sites.

PrivacySite privacy varies: 'Site 3 is right on the beach (though you give up privacy as people pass right through your site to access the beach).' Other reviews mention good distances between sites, suggesting moderate privacy in non-beachfront spots.

Recommended SitesConsider site #3 for beach access, but note its exposure to wind. Site #4 offers more privacy and views. Site #15 is ideal for families due to lake proximity.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach-related fun. Being situated along Turquoise Lake, it provides opportunities for water-based recreation. Wildlife viewing is likely due to its natural, secluded forested setting.

HikingGreat trails are available nearby, such as the Winsor Lake and Timberline trails. 'There are trails in the immediate area, but several of the good ones are only a couple miles away from the site.'

FishingFishing is possible as part of the activities at Turquoise Lake. Though specific fish types are not mentioned, reviews suggest the lake is a hub for water activities.

BikingA nice bike trail loops around the lake, which is also used by trail runners. 'There is a nice bike around the lake that is also used by trail runners.'

BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding are noted by campers. 'Nearby Turquoise lake has easy access for some water sports like kayaking.'

Beach activitiesBeach-related activities are facilitated by proximity to Turquoise Lake. 'My daughter and I had the best time there. It is gorgeous!' 'Site 3 is right on the beach.'

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include windy conditions at certain sites like #3 (user review) and noisy campgrounds during peak times (user reports).

Active AlertsUser reports mention seasonal closures, which can be abrupt and unexpected.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within the provided fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned, though user reviews note noise concerns during summer weekends.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency facilities are in Leadville, including hospitals and police services.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is mentioned. User reviews do not comment on this aspect.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake with nearby trails and water activities like kayaking.

Camp HostHost reliability appears mixed based on user reviews. Some hosts were described as helpful, while others were reported rude. Specific hosts mentioned include Dorothy Blair and Alan, who were praised for cleanliness during one season.

Weather at Belle Of Colorado Campground

Reviews

4.4

66 reviews

Recommended

Belle Of Colorado Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for the Belle of Colorado Campground are generally positive, emphasizing the beauty of Turquoise Lake, cleanliness, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. However, some users noted issues with noise and poor host behavior, indicating variability in experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious campsites, proximity to Turquoise Lake, and good access to trails and outdoor activities. 'Nice and clean campground,' 'bathrooms were also the best we've seen!' 'The host...

Based on 66 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from other campers, occasional negative interactions with camp hosts, and the lack of online reservations leading to uncertainty about site availability. 'The campground was full of noisy and...

Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as all sites are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly. 'When we came back on Friday, around 5:00, all of the sites had been claimed.'

Based on 66 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends and summer months. Some reviews mention closures in off-season, and others note that it can be quieter on weekdays. 'During weekdays, usage is moderate, but...

Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground is amazing with your own private beach that doesn't allow day use.' 2. 'Site 3 is right on the beach (though you give up privacy).' 3. 'Nearby Turquoise lake has easy access for...

Based on 66 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 3: 'Right on the beach but less private as people pass through.' Site 4: 'Great views, clean campsite, and large.' Site 7: 'HUGE site overlooking the lake.' Site 15: 'Less than 100 steps to the...

Based on 66 reviews