How much does camping cost at Dexter?

Camping fees at Dexter range from $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dexter first-come first-served or reservation?

Dexter accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Dexter?

Dexter is open May 22 to September 18. 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 Dexter?

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

Is there cell service at Dexter?

Cell phone service at Dexter is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dexter have?

Dexter has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dexter?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dexter. 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 Dexter?

Dexter offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Dexter

Q: Can I have a campfire at Dexter?

Fire policies at Dexter: There is No Water available at this campground, please bring all water necessary for your entire stay including water to extinguish your campfire to be "dead cold". Thank you!. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.39

248 reviews

C-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,239 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

May 23, 2025 to Sept...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,239 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

May 23, 2025 to Sept...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Dexter

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

tbolton@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Dexter

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Dexter

39.0917, -106.3236

Nearby places

Leadville and Granite (Details based on user reviews)

Weather at Dexter

Current alerts(2)

Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle.
Two (2) vehicles are included with each campsite reservation. RVs and their tow vehicle, as well as vehicles towing camper trailers, are considered one vehicle when they arrive as a single unit.

Best Time to Camp at Dexter

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F / 13–24°C) and long daylight for hiking, boating, swimming and fishing at this high‑elevation site. Trails and boat launches are usually snow‑free by late June, wildflowers are abundant early in the season, and wildlife viewing is excellent — expect cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–9°C). Campsites are busiest in July and August, so plan reservations ahead and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: open and mild (55–75°F), peak activity, ideal for boating, fishing and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 23, 2025 to September 20, 2025.

About Dexter

Dexter is a small, high-elevation alpine campground in Colorado's PSICC recreation area, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Operated seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit, it draws campers seeking stunning lake views and quiet nights under the stars. Reviewers consistently praise the proximity to water, tranquil atmosphere, and sunrise vistas from their tents.

Dexter Campground supports a variety of camping types, including tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is also an option, as suggested by user reviews.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F / 13–24°C) and long daylight for hiking, boating, swimming and fishing at this high‑elevation site. Trails and boat launches are usually snow‑free by late June, wildflowers are abundant early in the season, and wildlife viewing is excellent — expect cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–9°C). Campsites are busiest in July and August, so plan reservations ahead and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9239 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTwin Lakes stretches below the campground, framed by surrounding peaks that catch morning sun. The high-elevation setting places campers in alpine terrain with wildflowers abundant in early summer and clear sightlines across the water. One reviewer described opening their tent at sunrise to see light spreading over the lake and mountains. Wind is common at this elevation, and the exposed location means limited natural windbreaks between the water and higher slopes.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Dexter Campground, as the source materials only mention tent and RV sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the available sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group campsite information is not available in the provided sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsPhysical arrival is needed with Scan and Pay facility.

AccessibilityThere is no detailed information available about the accessibility features of the campground.

Site SizeThe campground has 11 tent-only sites and 8 large RV sites. Sizes of individual sites are not detailed in the sources.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited, with multiple user reviews mentioning the close proximity of sites.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Need help booking Dexter?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dexter Campground offers essential facilities catering to campers, including 11 tent-only sites and 8 RV-specific sites. Key amenities cited include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. As noted in official sources, potable water is not available on-site, and campers must bring their own supply, including water for extinguishing campfires. Firewood can be purchased at the host site for $10.00 per bundle. User reviews widely praise the views of Twin Lakes, often describing them as 'stunning' and 'serene,' although some point out the lack of privacy between campsites and the potential for high winds.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dexter Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, with a focus on water-based recreation and scenic enjoyment. Popular activities include fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The Twin Lakes provide a serene backdrop for these activities, often highlighted by users as a major draw to the area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned in the official or user-provided information.

Fire PolicyThere is No Water available at this campground, please bring all water necessary for your entire stay including water to extinguish your campfire to be "dead cold". Thank you!

Trash & RecyclingThere are no dedicated trash or recycling facilities. Campers are advised to pack out all trash, as noted by user Cortney Palm.

Cell CoverageA review by Sridhar Cuddalore Parthasarathy confirms full network reception at the campground, particularly with T-Mobile.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Dexter

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.4

248 reviews

Recommended

Dexter is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users describe Dexter Campground as a scenic and peaceful location, particularly highlighting the breathtaking views of Twin Lakes and surrounding mountains. However, reviewers also note practical issues such as windy conditions, limited privacy between campsites, and the absence of potable water.

Review Summaries

Based on 248 reviews

What Campers Love

Strong positive sentiments include 'stunning views,' proximity to the lake, availability of fire rings and picnic tables, and the tranquility of the area, especially at night. Katie English's review...

Based on 248 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints revolve around high winds, lack of water facilities, cleanliness of vault toilets, and limited privacy between sites. JC Kirk remarked, 'The main reason for my 2 stars is...

Based on 248 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites overlooking the lake are often praised for their views. However, some users, such as Ben Matthews, described the RV sites as resembling a 'big parking lot with numbered spots.'

Based on 248 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water, firewood, and trash bags. Several users also recommend arriving early to secure a site due to its first-come, first-served policy.

Based on 248 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with high activity levels and occasional overcrowding. Winter closures are common due to snow. Windy conditions are frequently highlighted by users across all...

Based on 248 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Almost all of the overnight campsites overlook the Twin Lakes and the mountains.' - Katie English 2. 'It doesn't get much better than waking up to a sunrise over the lake.' - Wade Lindley 3....

Based on 248 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 248 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several users appreciated the pet-friendly environment. However, leash regulations or other policies are not mentioned explicitly.

Based on 248 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Dexter

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

tbolton@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want high-elevation lake access, wildflower hikes, and peaceful nights with dramatic sunrise views.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, hookups, or guaranteed shoulder-season access at altitude.

Nearby Campgrounds

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Lakeview Campground sits at 9,500 feet on the shore of Twin Lakes Reservoir near Leadville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation. The large alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, and guests can hike, fish for trout, boat, and swim in the cold reservoir water. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts, though some loops feel tighter and generator noise can be an issue.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA

White Star sits at high elevation near Leadville, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites with views of Twin Lakes and Mount Elbert. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation, this mid-sized campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for summer visitors who hike, fish, and boat in the surrounding alpine terrain. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious sites and helpful hosts, though the campground has no water or dump station.

$29.00 - $30.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.5

(54)

Parry Peak Campground

PSICC

Parry Peak Campground sits high in the Colorado Rockies near Leadville, operated by the United States Forest Service. This small alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets but no water on-site. Visitors come for proximity to Continental Divide trails, Lake Creek fishing, and wildflower meadows that peak in midsummer.

Parry Peak Campground sits in Colorado's high-elevation alpine zone within PSICC, operated by Parry Peak Campground with a 14-day stay limit. This small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping along a scenic creekside location with well-spaced, level sites and vault toilets. Summer brings wildflowers, aspen shade, and access to the Continental Divide Trail and fly-fishing on Lake Creek.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(84)

Twin Peaks Campground

PSICC

Twin Peaks Campground sits at high elevation near Twin Lakes Village in Colorado's Sawatch Range, offering mid-sized tent and primitive camping with creek access. Fall brings golden aspen displays against granite peaks, with reviewers consistently praising the clean facilities and beautiful surroundings. The campground operates without running water, and north-side sites catch traffic noise from CO 82.

Twin Peaks sits in Colorado's high-elevation alpine zone, offering tent and RV camping during peak summer months. This mid-sized campground enforces designated quiet hours and allows pets, with a 14-day stay limit. Summer brings wildflower-filled meadows, accessible trails, and daytime highs in the 55–75°F range, though nights cool into the 30s and 40s.

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Halfmoon West sits at 9,900 feet in Colorado's high country, offering small-scale tent and RV camping near the trailheads for Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. The campground operates seasonally during peak months and features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a rustic alpine setting. Campers use it as a base for high-elevation hiking and fishing on nearby alpine streams and lakes.

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Halfmoon East sits in Colorado's high alpine country near the trailheads for Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, two of the state's most prominent fourteeners. This very small USFS campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables alongside Halfmoon Creek, with tall pines providing natural shade. Campers use it as a staging area for summit attempts and multi-hour alpine hikes during the summer season.

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(27)

Halfmoon East Campground

PSICC

Halfmoon East Campground sits in the high alpine country near the trailheads for Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Colorado's two tallest peaks. Managed by the Pike & San Isabel National Forests, this small campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables alongside Halfmoon Creek. Campers use it as a staging point for fourteener climbs and fish the creek when snowmelt swells the water in early summer.

810 FRONT ST, Leadville, CO, USA, 80461

Dawson Cabin sits in the high alpine near Buena Vista, operated by the Leadville Ranger District. The wood-burning stove and proximity to Clear Creek make it a cozy base for summer hiking and fishing. Reviewers praise the cleanliness and mountain setting, though mice occasionally visit and road noise carries.

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Elbert Creek is a small, high-elevation alpine campground in Colorado's PSICC recreation area, serving as a staging point for summit attempts on Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. Operated seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit, it offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers praise the spacious sites and trailhead proximity but note ATV noise and occasional overcrowding.

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(35)

Elbert Creek Campground

PSICC

Elbert Creek Campground sits at high elevation near Leadville, Colorado, directly across from the trailheads for Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two highest peaks in the Rockies. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this alpine campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables among well-spaced sites bordered by forest and creek. Campers use it as a base for fourteener climbs, wildflower hikes, and exploring nearby streams and alpine lakes.

10.251 km

No fees available

Campgrounds you may also like

$28.00 - $28.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(23)

Hidden Lakes Campground

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

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.

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Deer Lakes sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest in Colorado. This Forest Service campground offers access to alpine hiking and geology viewing in a setting where aspen and willow put on a dramatic fall color show. Early fall brings the clearest skies and the most comfortable trail conditions, with fewer insects and lighter crowds than summer.

Spring Creek sits in the high alpine of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping alongside a mountain creek. The campground features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with several creekside sites praised for their quiet, away-from-the-highway setting. Friendly camp hosts and serene surroundings make this a low-key base for fishing, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding high country.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Big Creek sits in the high alpine terrain of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest in Colorado. This Forest Service campground offers access to alpine hiking and scenic drives amid dramatic rock layers and aspen groves. Fall brings the clearest weather and peak color, with crisp days and cold nights ideal for photography and geology enthusiasts.

Reservable

134.595 km

No fees available

Campgrounds

Dexter

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 18% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 57 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Scenery
Grade A+.Value
Grade B.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade D.Campsites
Grade D.Safety

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Colorado grades overall

About PSICC

Context for the broader area surrounding Dexter, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Peaks to Prairies - Tracks to Trails Pike and San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (<a class="offsiteicon" href="http://www.fs.fed.us/locatormap/index.php?lat=37.59&long=-104.77&zoom=7" target="_blank">forest locator map</a>) cover nearly 3 million acres, between the prairies of western Kansas and some of Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. These sprawling forests and grasslands are an eight hour drive from boundary to boundary. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities. The rolling prairies to the east are home to prairie chickens, wildflowers, paleontological resources and historical areas. The snow-capped Rockies to the west are a scenic backdrop to millions of residents and a draw to forest visitors. The forests are home to nearly half of <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/recreation/?cid=stelprd3798321">Colorado's fourteeners</a> with numerous alpine lakes, reservoirs and key rivers. Over 385,000 acres of <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/recarea/?recid=37201">Wilderness</a>, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Colorado Trail, and Santa Fe National Historic Trail are special areas worth exploring. People who live near these areas maintain a strong relationship to the lands. The commitment and volunteerism that these community members have for these public lands is the foundation for our ability to maintain a quality, sustainable recreation program in the face of intense, and growing, urban demand. Critical Information about the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “drones” are increasing in popularity and can provide wonderful opportunities to explore the forest. Please be aware that these drones are regulated and must follow certain laws to be safe and legal. <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3846515.pdf">Recreational Drone Tips</a> (.pdf)</li> <li><a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/fire/unmanned-aircraft-systems">Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy</a> (fs.fed.us)</li> </ul>