How much does camping cost at May Queen?

Camping fees at May Queen are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is May Queen first-come first-served or reservation?

May Queen 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at May Queen before I book?

Yes! May Queen has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit May Queen?

May Queen is open May 22 to September 19. 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 May Queen?

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

Can I have a campfire at May Queen?

Fire policies at May Queen: Water will not be available in this campground in 2026. Please bring enough water for your needs, including water to fully extinguish your campfire. Also, RV Dump Stations at both Printer Boy & White Star Campgrounds remain closed this season.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does May Queen have?

May Queen has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at May Queen?

Yes, pets are allowed at May Queen. 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 May Queen?

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

What activities can I do at May Queen?

Popular activities at May Queen include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

May Queen

4.18

187 reviews

810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

B+Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 27 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 27 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

May Queen

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

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Provider

719-486-0749

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

May Queen

810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Nearby places

Leadville (approx. 9 miles, 15 minutes)

Weather at May Queen

Current alerts(13)

3 tent maximum per site, or 1 RV and 2 tents
Be bear aware. Do not leave any food unattended at your site. Lock inside your vehicle or RV.
Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
Dogs, including service and therapy dogs, must be leashed at all times.

Best Time to Camp at May Queen

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, accessible window at 9,900 ft — expect warm, sunny days (typically 60–75°F) with cool nights (30–40°F) and the lake fully ice-free for paddling and boating. This is peak time for hiking high-country trails, casting from shore or a kayak for trout, and stable wildlife viewing; mornings are glassy and ideal for photography. Afternoons commonly bring fast-developing thunderstorms, so plan hikes for early in the day, bring layers for large diurnal swings, and expect Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm days, lake ice‑free, full access to trails and boating (peak season).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 27 - September 27, 2025.

About May Queen

May Queen sits on the shore of Turquoise Lake at 9,900 feet, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation as a seasonal campground serving Leadville's high-country visitors. The small layout offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing campers who fish, paddle, hike nearby trails, and swim when the lake warms in summer. Reviewers praise the scenic lakefront setting and well-maintained facilities, though sites are close together and there's no running water.

May Queen Campground is designed primarily for individual and family camping, with a mix of tent and RV sites. Six first-come, first-served sites are available, offering flexibility for last-minute visitors.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, accessible window at 9,900 ft — expect warm, sunny days (typically 60–75°F) with cool nights (30–40°F) and the lake fully ice-free for paddling and boating. This is peak time for hiking high-country trails, casting from shore or a kayak for trout, and stable wildlife viewing; mornings are glassy and ideal for photography. Afternoons commonly bring fast-developing thunderstorms, so plan hikes for early in the day, bring layers for large diurnal swings, and expect Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pine forest surrounds the campground, with Turquoise Lake stretching out from the shore. At 9,900 feet, you're looking at peaks from the Holy Cross and Mount Massive Wildernesses. A creek runs through the property. Wildlife includes chipmunks, beavers, and porcupines. The setting is classic high-country Colorado, though lakeside sites are more exposed than those set back in the trees.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSites at May Queen accommodate both tents and RVs, but some sites may have limited space for larger setups. For example, Site 001 was described as small and unsuitable for larger RVs, while others have spacious areas.

PrivacySite privacy varies; hilltop tent sites inland from the lake offer more seclusion, while lakeside sites are more exposed. Some reviewers noted, 'Sites in the center or closer to the water are more exposed,' while others on the hillside praised the privacy.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesTent sites on the hillside offer more privacy. Sites near the creek have better soundscapes but less shade.

Best CampsitesSites 17, 19, and 22 get mentions for views and space. Reviewers recommend hillside sites for privacy over the more exposed lakeside spots. Site 001 is small and doesn't work well for larger RVs. Six sites on the wooded hillside are first-come, first-served.

Need help booking May Queen?

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

May Queen Campground offers essential camping amenities, making it a practical and scenic choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground provides each site with a picnic table and campfire ring, facilitating convenient outdoor cooking and relaxation. Vault toilets and trash collection are available, ensuring basic hygiene and cleanliness. There is a lack of potable water for the 2024 season, requiring campers to bring their own water supplies. Easy access to the lake is provided for canoes and hand-carried boats, while trailered boats can use the Matchless Boat Ramp on the lake's east side. The elevation of 9,900 ft gives rise to stunning views, but also necessitates caution for visitors unaccustomed to high altitudes.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at May Queen

The May Queen Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, with easy access to hiking, fishing, and boating. The adjacent Turquoise Lake Trail provides a scenic 6.4-mile hike along the lake, while Timberline Lake Trail and the Colorado Trail offer additional options for avid hikers. Boating and fishing are popular activities, with anglers targeting mackinaw and rainbow trout. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, and even bald eagles.

Hiking4.0/5

Easy access to Turquoise Lake Trail (6.4 mi), Timberline Lake Trail and other trailheads.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Lake allows canoeing, kayaking and sailing; boating is frequently mentioned.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking explicitly listed among lake activities and noted as available on Turquoise Lake.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming possible when the high‑altitude lake warms in summer, but not a primary draw.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (9,900 ft) and remote mountain setting suggest very good night skies.

Photography4.0/5Lake, island views, peaks and wildlife provide many photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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 May Queen

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From Booking Sources

4.2

187 reviews

Satisfactory

May Queen is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews provide a mixed but generally positive picture of May Queen Campground. Visitors praise its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and variety of recreational activities, though some raise concerns about site size, privacy, and the lack of potable water. Common themes include the friendly and attentive camp hosts, stunning lake views, and excellent fishing opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 187 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 187 reviews.

Site 19Loved
Site 19 is noted for its shade and privacy.
Site 1Issues noted
Site 1 was called tiny and poorly suited for RVs, while Site 7 was recommended for its seclusion and proximity to trees.

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the campground's scenic location by Turquoise Lake, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. For example, one reviewer stated, 'Dan the Camp Host is the nicest guy ever, and...

Based on 187 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback often revolves around the lack of potable water, site size limitations, and occasional noise from other campers. One visitor remarked, 'The site was tiny with barely any room for a...

Based on 187 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as none is available on-site. Pack bug repellent for the high mosquito population, particularly at dusk. Opt for more secluded hillside sites for privacy. Early booking is...

Based on 187 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors report that nights can be very cold even during summer due to the high elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and should be planned for. Some reviews note that late September offers...

Based on 187 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is probably the best campground in Colorado. Not very big, no traffic noise, sky full of stars and just the roar of the river to fill your ears.' 2. 'The camp hosts were super friendly....

Based on 187 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at May Queen, but some reviews express frustration over unleashed dogs causing disturbances. One reviewer wrote, 'Dogs were allowed to roam free despite rules, creating issues with...

Based on 187 reviews

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May Queen

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$29.00

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

719-486-0749

Go if

You want direct lake access for paddling and fishing at elevation without needing hookups or privacy buffers.

Skip if

You need running water, spacious sites with privacy, or want to avoid day-use traffic noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tabor is a small, high-elevation alpine campground at 9,900 feet near Leadville, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites with access to Turquoise Lake. The campground features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, and operates seasonally during summer months when weather is most reliable. Reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities and scenic setting, though some note issues with host interactions during quiet hours enforcement.

May Queen

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about May Queen

Campground Map

Weather at May Queen

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at May Queen

Planning Tips

About May Queen

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking May Queen?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at May Queen

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Ask Camp Sage about May Queen

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at May Queen

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking May Queen?

Amenities available

Things to do at May Queen

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns