Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

Star4.24
279 reviews
P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827, USA

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

No Service

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
Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates for standard non-electric and tent-only sites are $24. Add-on fees include $11 for a third vehicle and $9 daily fee for...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
661-702-1420tbolton@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 279 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

crowdedreservation

"User reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's natural beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to outdoor activities. However, negative feedback focuses heavily on the camp hosts' behavior, generator noise, and occasional management issues."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827, USA

Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827, USA

Driving directionsFrom US Highway 285 at Jefferson, take County Road 35 north to County Road 37 and turn right. Pay the user fee at Jefferson Lake Recreation Area entrance station and continue on the road to the campground.
The road to the campground is unpaved and can be quite bumpy, especially the County Road leading up to Jefferson Lake Recreation Area. Seasonal access may be difficult in winter as roads are not maintained for snow.
Nearby places
Fairplay (approx. 18 miles), Breckenridge (approx. 40 miles), Lake George (approx. 48 miles), Denver (approx. 100 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be obtained in Fairplay, Colorado, about 18 miles away. Firewood is available for purchase on-site for $10 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

Experience the dramatic dance of mountain weather, where summer days warm your adventures while crisp nights remind you of the alpine elevation. As seasons shift, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm hearts. Spring and summer rains awaken the forest floor, painting the meadows with wildflowers and filling Jefferson Lake to its brim, creating a verdant paradise that photographers and nature lovers dream about.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days, cool nights, trail and lake access; late-summer yellow jackets and peak crowds reported.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Stunning aspen foliage and strong wildlife activity make fall a top season here.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Spring and early summer favored for mild weather and wildlife activity; open from mid-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access nearly impossible; campground closed outside May 16–Oct 12.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to October 12 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 16 to October 12. Reservable start dates from June 24 through October 12.

About Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

Nestled in a serene single-loop design, Lodgepole Campground beckons adventurers to its tranquil groves of shimmering aspens and towering mixed conifers. Perched at a breathtaking 9,900 feet, this mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the pristine waters of Jefferson Lake and the legendary Colorado Trail. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with wilderness charm, offering vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, crystal-clear drinking water from nostalgic hand pumps, and inviting fire rings where stories unfold under starlit skies.
Lodgepole Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, offering sites for tents, RVs, and group camping. It is primarily designed for rustic and nature-focused experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lodgepole Campground provides a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is near Jefferson Lake, which allows fishing and non-motorized boating, and offers access to the Colorado Trail for hiking and biking.
HikingThe campground has direct access to the Colorado Trail, a 471-mile trail running from Denver to Durango. The West Jefferson Loop Trail, an 11-mile path reaching the Continental Divide, is also nearby.
FishingFishing is available in Jefferson Creek and Jefferson Lake. Anglers can catch rainbow, brook, mackinaw, and brown trout. Jefferson Lake is a no-wake lake with a boat ramp for fishing by boat.
BikingThe Colorado Trail, accessible from the campground, offers opportunities for mountain biking. Trails vary in difficulty and connect to surrounding areas.
BoatingBoating is allowed on Jefferson Lake, which includes a boat ramp. It is a no-wake lake suitable for fishing and non-motorized activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as moose, deer, and beavers are commonly sighted. Beaver ponds and marshes near the creek provide excellent observation spots.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include yellow jacket infestations, slippery inclines at certain campsites, and bear activity due to food left unsecured.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)

Reviews

4.2
279 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's natural beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to outdoor activities. However, negative feedback focuses heavily on the camp hosts' behavior, generator noise, and occasional management issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 279 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, spacious campsites, beautiful scenery, access to hiking trails, and abundant wildlife sightings were frequently praised. Jefferson Lake is a notable highlight for fishing and...
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Based on 279 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users complained about camp hosts running noisy generators during prohibited hours and being unhelpful. Some reported overcrowding, yellow jacket infestations, and issues with site...
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Based on 279 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for the $9 vehicle entry fee and firewood. Outer loop sites offer more privacy. Prepare for high elevation and ensure food is stored securely due to bear activity.
Based on 279 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are favored for mild weather and wildlife activity. Late summer sees increased yellow jackets, and fall offers stunning aspen foliage. Winter access is nearly impossible due...
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Based on 279 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were super clean with no odor." - Josh Wade; "The views absolutely beautiful." - Passion H; "Vault toilets were very clean and didn't smell." - Jennifer Riegel; "The camp hosts were...
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Based on 279 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14: "Up and away from the road, offering privacy." - Lisa R; Site 27: "Large and secluded, but on an incline." - Danielle H; Site 33: "Flooded during rainstorms; avoid if weather is bad." -...
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Based on 279 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility information is sparse. Some reviews note uneven terrain at specific sites, making them less accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Based on 279 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy, while others noted barking dogs as a nuisance.
Based on 279 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado)