May Queen

Star4.23
187 reviews
810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,900 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 27 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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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
May Queen
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for peak season (May 27, 2025 - September 27, 2025) are $29 per night for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites....
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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

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 187 reviews

80 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationhikinglake

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

May Queen

810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Driving directionsFrom Leadville, Colorado, head west on County Road 4. Continue on the paved road about 9 miles to May Queen Campground on the right.
Roads leading to the campground are paved, but user reviews suggest occasional navigation difficulties due to unclear signage ('The 'May Queen' sign for the turn to the campground was covered by tree branches'). Rough conditions have been noted for some vehicles towing campers.
Nearby places
Leadville (approx. 9 miles, 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Leadville (approx. 9 miles) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at May Queen

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature paints with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer days unfold with brilliant sunshine before afternoon thunderstorms roll across the peaks, bringing refreshing rain and spectacular lightning displays. Even in July, temperatures can plummet to a crisp 30°F after sunset, turning your campfire into a cherished gathering spot. Spring lingers here, occasionally dusting the landscape with surprise snowfall well into May, creating a magical alpine atmosphere that reminds you just how close you are to the sky.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open through summer with full lake and trail access; afternoon storms and chilly nights common.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; late‑season scenery good but colder and season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 27 so late spring access only; variable weather and cold nights early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 27–Sep 27; winter access/amenities not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 27, 2025 - September 27, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 27 - September 27, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Water will not be available in 2024 due to infrastructure issues.

About May Queen

Nestled at the western edge of the pristine Turquoise Lake, May Queen Campground beckons with 22 intimate sites tucked beneath a canopy of towering pines. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to endless lake adventures and mountain trails, where each morning brings the promise of paddling across mirror-like waters or discovering secluded hiking paths that wind through Colorado's stunning high country.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are accessible from the campground. The Turquoise Lake Trail, a 6.4-mile path, is described as offering moderate difficulty, spectacular views, and remnants of old mines. Timberline Lake Trail, located 0.5 miles from the campground, leads to a high alpine lake and offers stunning views after a 2-mile hike.
FishingFishing is a highlight at Turquoise Lake, with anglers pursuing mackinaw and rainbow trout. One reviewer noted, 'Great fishing near the inlet and good fly fishing opportunities.'
BoatingThe lake allows for various boating activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. While easy access is provided for hand-carried boats, trailered boats need to use the Matchless Boat Ramp on the lake's east side.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are common, with chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, and bald eagles frequently observed. One reviewer referred to the 'resident bald eagle' as a memorable highlight.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters (bears, chipmunks). High-altitude hazards include thin air and sudden weather changes. Reports of mosquitoes being an issue in summer.
Active AlertsWater will not be available in 2024 due to infrastructure issues.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at May Queen

Reviews

4.2
187 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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Based on 187 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site reviews reveal a mix of experiences. Site 1 was called tiny and poorly suited for RVs, while Site 7 was recommended for its seclusion and proximity to trees. Site 19 is noted for its shade and...
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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...
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Based on 187 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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