Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)

4.45

84 reviews

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO, 81212, USA

StargazingFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

10,500 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Peak season from Jun...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens San Carlos Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

10,500 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Peak season from Jun...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens San Carlos Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees during peak seasons are $25 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Additional fees include $10 per extra vehicle and $10 for firewood...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(719) 269-8500trevor@rockymountainrec.com

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 84 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyhikingwell-maintained

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, scenic beauty, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, some noted issues include uneven tent areas and noise from generators."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO, 81212, USA

Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO, 81212, USA

Driving directionsFrom Colorado Highway 12 south of the Town of Cuchara, take FSR 422 4 miles west to the campground.

The access road to the campground is gravel and has some washboard spots, but it is navigable with most vehicles, as noted in user reviews. "The road up to the campground is gravel and washboard in spots, but easily navigated in our mini van."

Nearby places

Cuchara (approximately 4 miles), La Veta (distance unspecified), Colorado Springs (approximately 2.5 hours drive)

Nearby supplies

The town of Cuchara offers shopping and visitor information, while La Veta has a grocery store, gas stations, and shops.

Best Time to Camp at Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)

Summer days at Blue Lake are a mountain paradise, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 73°F—perfect for hiking and fishing expeditions. As the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures drop to a refreshing 46°F, creating ideal sleeping weather under a blanket of stars. September visitors should pack extra layers, as one recent camper noted: 'We went in late September, and the nights were quite chilly.' The high-altitude climate delivers consistently dry conditions and crystalline blue skies throughout the peak season, making it a photographer's dream and a stargazer's haven.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season June–Sept; summer reviews most positive and temps ~73°F for hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall praised (aspens); late fall brings colder nights and snow.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Shoulder season likely cold/muddy; fewer positive reviews outside summer/fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Snowy conditions noted; campground primarily a summer peak-season site.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 13 through September 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season from June 13 to September 13, 2025. First-come, first-served sites available during June 21-25, 2025. Out-of-season dates are September 27, 2025 through June 12, 2026.

About Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)

Nestled high in the San Isabel National Forest at 10,500 feet, Blue Lake Campground offers an authentic Colorado mountain escape where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly. This intimate, rustic retreat beckons adventurers seeking solitude among towering spruces and shimmering aspens, with the majestic Culebra Range Mountains painting the horizon. Whether you're pitching a tent in a sun-dappled clearing or parking a small RV beneath the forest canopy, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's tranquility. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with a fire ring for evening storytelling, a picnic table for mountain-air meals, and easy access to vault toilets and fresh drinking water.

Blue Lake Campground offers facilities for tent and RV camping, with options for both reservation and first-come, first-served stays.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Blue Lake are a mountain paradise, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 73°F—perfect for hiking and fishing expeditions. As the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures drop to a refreshing 46°F, creating ideal sleeping weather under a blanket of stars. September visitors should pack extra layers, as one recent camper noted: 'We went in late September, and the nights were quite chilly.' The high-altitude climate delivers consistently dry conditions and crystalline blue skies throughout the peak season, making it a photographer's dream and a stargazer's haven.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,500 feet within the San Isabel National Forest, Blue Lake Campground sits in Colorado's thin mountain air where the sky seems close enough to touch. This high-altitude haven requires visitors to take their time adjusting—drink plenty of water and ease into activities during your first day or two to let your body acclimate to the elevation and fully enjoy all the adventures that await.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is embraced by a living cathedral of quaking aspens and ancient spruces, their branches creating a natural symphony in the mountain breeze. A babbling tributary of the Cuchara River weaves through the campground, providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Just a short half-mile hike leads to the pristine waters of Blue Lake, while Bear Lake awaits a mile down the trail—both alpine gems are regularly stocked throughout summer, promising excellent fishing for anglers of all skill levels. Wildlife abounds in this mountain sanctuary, where early risers might spot deer grazing in meadows or hear the distinctive bugle of elk echoing across the valleys.

Geological RegionBlue Lake Campground sits within the dramatic landscape of the San Isabel National Forest, where the ancient Culebra Range Mountains rise like sentinels against the Colorado sky. At 10,500 feet, this geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through dense forests of aspens that shimmer gold in autumn and steadfast spruces that stand guard year-round. The melodic tributary of the Cuchara River has carved its path through this high-altitude terrain over millennia, creating a diverse ecosystem where mountain meadows meet ancient forest floors, and rocky outcroppings tell stories written in stone.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time unspecified.

Check-out

Check-out time unspecified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights consecutively.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 10 people per campsite. Each site allows either 2 tents and 2 vehicles OR 1 RV.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has 16 sites, some shaded and others fully exposed to sunlight. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and parking spots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during June 21-25, 2025.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 2 days before the reservation start date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of arrival) incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's fee including taxes. No-shows are assessed a $20 fee and also forfeit the first night’s rate.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, although some reviewers mentioned challenges with uneven tent pitching areas.

PrivacyThe campsites provide privacy, as highlighted by a reviewer: "The campsites are far enough apart to not feel like you're right next to other people.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and proximity to water features, site #8 is highly recommended. Families or groups with larger setups should note that some spots are uneven and distanced from amenities.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational opportunities are available at Blue Lake Campground, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby lakes and trails enhance the outdoor experience.

HikingThe campground features well-marked trails linking Blue Lake and Bear Lake, suitable for foot and horse traffic. Trinchera Peak can also be accessed nearby for advanced hikers. One reviewer noted, "The trail along the river takes you to Blue Lake less than a quarter mile, and from there the hike around the loop up to Bear Lake was just wonderful."

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant with Blue Lake and Bear Lake stocked several times during the summer. A reviewer stated, "I caught my limit in fish easily both days and fried them up over the campfire."

BikingLimited information is provided, but biking is listed as an available activity.

Wildlife viewingWildlife, including Big Horn Sheep, can be spotted in the vicinity, especially near Trinchera Peak. Reviewers frequently mentioned wildlife sightings, including chipmunks, blue jays, and camp robbers.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears frequenting the area, altitude sickness due to elevation (10,500 ft), and treacherous road conditions if unprepared. "Several people in our group struggled with altitude sickness."

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

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings unless seasonal burn bans are in effect. Firewood available for purchase at $10 per bundle.

Emergency ServicesFor non-real-time inquiries, contact the San Carlos Ranger District office at (719) 269-8500. Closest towns with emergency services include Cuchara and La Veta.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, though recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesBlue Lake is located 1/2 mile from the campground, and Bear Lake is 1 mile away. The Cuchara River tributary runs through the campground.

Camp HostThe campground hosts, mentioned as Mary and Dan, offer firewood for sale and maintain the cleanliness of the facilities. "Mary and Dan, the camp hosts, did an excellent job."

Weather at Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)

Reviews

4.5

84 reviews

Recommended

Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, scenic beauty, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, some noted issues include uneven tent areas and noise from generators.

Review Summaries

Based on 84 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the well-maintained vault toilets, availability of firewood, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots. Many reviewers commented on the scenic views and privacy of...

Based on 84 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from generators, uneven ground for pitching tents, and occasional cleanliness concerns when no camp host was present.

Based on 84 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a shaded campsite, and consider bringing extra layers for chilly nights. For those unaccustomed to high altitudes, acclimate at a lower elevation beforehand.

Based on 84 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall receive the most positive reviews due to mild weather and active fishing stocking. Late fall sees colder nights, as noted by reviewers.

Based on 84 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The site was gorgeous, with wildlife sightings, very friendly chipmunks and blue jays and camp robbers that came right up to the picnic table to say hello." - Mary K. 2. "The campground had the...

Based on 84 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 is frequently praised for its proximity to a creek and trails. Reviews mention uneven areas at some campsites, such as #7.

Based on 84 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not specifically reviewed.

Based on 84 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviewers noted bringing their dogs, such as one who mentioned, "Husband, our dog, and I did a little exploring when we got there."

Based on 84 reviews

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