Father Dyer

Star4.56
188 reviews
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,944 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Father Dyer
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard nonelectric campsite fee is $29 during peak season. Extra vehicle fee is $10.00. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
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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Provider
719-486-0749
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 188 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglake

Some mention

noise

"Father Dyer Campground receives predominantly positive reviews for its cleanliness, peaceful setting, and attentive camp host. However, some users criticize the campground's strict rules and lack of water facilities."

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Campground Map

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

Father Dyer

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

Driving directionsFrom Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 about 3 miles, turn right on County Road 9C and follow to Father Dyer Campground on the left.
Access is via County Road 4 and County Road 9C, which are presumably paved and suitable for standard vehicles. However, no specific road type or seasonal closures are stated.
Nearby places
Leadville is approximately 3 miles away.
Nearby supplies
No detailed information about nearby grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations is provided.

Best Time to Camp at Father Dyer

Summer nights at Father Dyer bring a refreshing mountain chill that makes campfire gatherings all the more memorable, while sun-drenched days warm the pine-scented air to perfect hiking temperatures. Mountain breezes occasionally sweep across the lake, creating ripples that catch the light like scattered diamonds. Pack layers for your adventure – the high country's weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to dramatic afternoon cloudscapes in the span of an hour.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 23–Aug 31; warm days, cool nights, hiking, fishing and boating are at their best.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes for reservations after Aug 31; not supported as a fall destination.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 (late spring); possible chilly nights and lingering snow make spring conditions limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal operation ends Aug 31; winter camping/reservations not available here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - August 31 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 23 - August 31. Reservations start from June 24, and the facility closes for reservations after August 31.
  • Current Alerts: Water will not be available in 2025. RV dump stations at White Star and Printer Boy will remain closed for the season.

About Father Dyer

Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Turquoise Lake, Father Dyer Campground invites families to experience the magic of Colorado's high country. Here, towering lodgepole pines and fragrant subalpine firs create a natural cathedral where adventure meets tranquility. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line into crystal-clear waters, or setting off on mountain trails, this beloved campground offers endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Named for the legendary 'Snowshoe Itinerant' Father John Lewis Dyer, who once traversed these peaks spreading hope to frontier mining communities, the campground carries forward his spirit of exploration and connection with nature.
Father Dyer Campground provides options for both tent and RV camping, with a focus on single-family sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 pm
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights within a rolling 60-day period, specifically during the operational season of May 23 - August 31.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Father Dyer Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and cultural exploration. Its proximity to Turquoise Lake and the Mount Massive Wilderness enhances outdoor opportunities.
HikingThe 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail, a gentle loop through the forest, connects to the longer 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail. These trails are popular for their accessibility and scenic views. One review noted, "We hiked the trail around the lake, which was very nice."
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Turquoise Lake, with anglers targeting stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and lake trout. Some reviews mention challenges fishing due to lake activities, with one camper suggesting designated areas for boats and canoes to avoid interference with fishing.
BikingThe area around Turquoise Lake offers biking opportunities, with trails suitable for various skill levels. No detailed descriptions of the trails were provided in the sources.
BoatingBoating activities on Turquoise Lake include sailing, canoeing, and recreational boating. The Matchless Boat Ramp, located approximately 2 miles south of the campground, provides convenient lake access.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area includes varied wildlife, though specific sightings are not detailed in the source material. The Mount Massive Wilderness nearby offers opportunities for nature observation.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers are advised to be bear-aware and secure food properly.
Active AlertsWater will not be available in 2025. RV dump stations at White Star and Printer Boy will remain closed for the season.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Father Dyer

Reviews

4.6
188 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Father Dyer is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Father Dyer Campground receives predominantly positive reviews for its cleanliness, peaceful setting, and attentive camp host. However, some users criticize the campground's strict rules and lack of water facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 188 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's cleanliness, including the "cleanest vault toilets ever," and the helpfulness of camp host Marsha are among the most frequently praised aspects. The proximity to Turquoise Lake and...
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Based on 188 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mention dissatisfaction with the enforcement of rules—for instance, restrictions on rooftop tents and generator noise. The lack of water and limited privacy at some campsites are other...
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Based on 188 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water due to the lack of running water in 2025, and preparing for chilly nights. They also suggest selecting campsites further from the entry to avoid traffic...
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Based on 188 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping, with activities like hiking and fishing drawing visitors. However, reviews warn of colder temperatures at night.
Based on 188 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest vault toilets I've ever used in my life." "Camp host Marsha is very professional, courteous and kind." "Bathrooms were spotless, cleaned 3 to 4 times a day." "Campsites are spacious and...
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Based on 188 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 23 is highlighted multiple times as private and spacious: "We love #23. It’s so private and in the trees." Site 25 is also mentioned as excellent: "Site 25 is awesome."
Based on 188 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as somewhat dog-friendly. "Dogs must be leashed at all times."
Based on 188 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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