Molly Brown
4.64216 reviewsLEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA
Quick Facts
10,600 ftPrice
$30 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
49 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
10,600 ftPrice
$30 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
49 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMolly Brown
$30.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites range from $30 to $33 per night during peak season. An extra vehicle fee is $10. Note that displayed rates may not reflect...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider719-486-0749
What Campers Say
4.64
Top-Rated
Based on 216 reviews
161 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewspeacefulcleanspacious
Some mention
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"The Molly Brown Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to Turquoise Lake. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the scenic views. Complaints include issues with campground hosts, generator noise, and limited water availability in certain seasons."
Fees & Passes at Molly Brown
$30 - $33/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations up to 2 days before the reservation start date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Leadville Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Molly Brown
Mountain weather at Molly Brown keeps you on your toes with its ever-changing moods. Even in the height of summer, the campground's personality shifts from sun-drenched mornings to afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks. As one late-June visitor discovered, cold rain can sweep through without warning, transforming the landscape into a misty wonderland. When darkness falls, temperatures plummet dramatically—a reminder that you're camping more than two miles above sea level. Pack your rain gear and warm layers; Mother Nature loves to test the unprepared at these elevations.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Water will NOT be available in the 2025 season—campers must bring their own. The RV dump station at White Star will also remain closed.
About Molly Brown
Perched on the eastern shore of the stunning Turquoise Lake, Molly Brown Campground invites adventurers into a world of towering lodgepole pines and crystal-clear mountain waters. Named after Leadville's legendary 'Unsinkable' Molly Brown, this high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—from early morning fishing expeditions to sunset hikes along pristine mountain trails. Here, the majestic peaks stand as silent sentinels while you launch your boat into the turquoise waters or simply lose yourself in the tranquil forest setting.
Molly Brown Campground primarily accommodates tent and RV campers. There are no cabins or glamping options available. Sites are available for both tent camping and RV use, but there are no water, electric, or sewer hookups.
Historical SignificanceThis campground bears the name of one of Colorado's most remarkable women—Margaret 'Molly' Brown, whose spirit of adventure and resilience echoes through these mountains. A Leadville socialite turned Titanic survivor, Brown transformed tragedy into purpose, dedicating her life to helping others. Just 5 miles down the road, the historic mining town of Leadville still pulses with stories of fortune seekers who once pulled gold and silver from these very mountains, creating the wealth that built Colorado's mining legacy.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at Molly Brown keeps you on your toes with its ever-changing moods. Even in the height of summer, the campground's personality shifts from sun-drenched mornings to afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks. As one late-June visitor discovered, cold rain can sweep through without warning, transforming the landscape into a misty wonderland. When darkness falls, temperatures plummet dramatically—a reminder that you're camping more than two miles above sea level. Pack your rain gear and warm layers; Mother Nature loves to test the unprepared at these elevations.
ElevationBreathe deep and feel the thin air of 10,600 feet fill your lungs at Molly Brown Campground. This lofty perch delivers naturally air-conditioned summers where afternoon temperatures rarely climb beyond comfortable—a refreshing escape from the scorching valleys below. Yet this gift of elevation demands respect: take your first day easy, drink plenty of water, and let your body adjust to life in the clouds. The altitude that brings such pleasant camping weather can catch lowlanders off guard.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of lodgepole pines, their straight trunks creating natural pillars that frame your view of Turquoise Lake's sapphire waters. This pristine mountain lake mirrors the surrounding peaks on calm mornings, creating a photographer's paradise. Beyond your campsite, the Mount Massive Wilderness beckons with trails that lead into an alpine wonderland where wildflowers paint meadows in summer and snow lingers in shadowed couloirs year-round.
Geological RegionMolly Brown Campground occupies a spectacular piece of Rocky Mountain real estate where ancient geological forces created today's recreational paradise. The surrounding lodgepole forest thrives in this high-altitude environment, while Turquoise Lake fills a natural basin carved by glaciers millennia ago. Just beyond, the Mount Massive Wilderness encompasses 30,540 acres of raw alpine beauty, crowned by Colorado's second-highest peak. Here, delicate alpine cushion plants cling to windswept ridges, and permanent snowfields feed crystal streams that eventually join the lake below—a living testament to the power of mountain ecosystems.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails on accessibility features are not provided. Vault toilets are typically accessible, but no explicit mention of ADA-compliant features was found.
Sites SizeSites are generally large and can accommodate up to 8 people. Reviews noted that they are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy.
Sites PrivacySites are spacious and well-spaced, providing privacy even when the campground is at full capacity.
Total Campsites49 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSeek lakefront sites for the best views. Upper loop sites offer more privacy but no lake views. Large rigs may find the first loop challenging to navigate.
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 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site. Limit of 3 tents or 1 RV and 2 tents per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two loops with 49 individual sites, spaced to provide seclusion while maintaining community aspects. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThere are no specific details about walk-up/first-come-first-served availability, but some reviews have noted confusion about online versus in-person reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before the reservation start date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations on the day before arrival forfeit the first night’s fee and incur a $10 service fee. No-shows are charged $20 and forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Molly Brown Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, many centered around Turquoise Lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail and the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail offer opportunities for hiking and exploring flora and fauna. Boating activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular, and anglers can fish for mackinaw and rainbow trout.
Hiking
The Turquoise Lake Nature Trail (1.2 miles) is an easy loop that connects to the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail, which runs along the lake’s shoreline. Both trails are popular for their scenic beauty and accessibility.Fishing
Anglers can fish for mackinaw and rainbow trout in Turquoise Lake. Fishing is noted as a key activity, with high-quality opportunities for both beginners and experienced fishers.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available on trails around the lake. Some trails are beginner-friendly, while others feature technical sections.Boating
Boating activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing. There are no mentions of motorized boat facilities or rentals.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, thanks to the campground’s proximity to the Mount Massive Wilderness area.Beach activities
Some sites provide easy access to sandy beaches along the lake, ideal for play and relaxation.Winter Activities
No winter activities are detailed in the provided sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are available and highly enjoyed by visitors.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must be extinguished fully. Firewood is available for $10 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high altitude effects, which some campers noted. Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance, particularly in wet years. Water and dump station availability issues have been reported in recent years.
Active alertsWater will NOT be available in the 2025 season—campers must bring their own. The RV dump station at White Star will also remain closed.
Weather at Molly Brown
8
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are accessible in Leadville, CO, just 5 miles away. The town offers facilities like hospitals and police stations, as well as the Leadville Ranger District.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Turquoise Lake, offering easy access for fishing, boating, and kayaking. "Short walk from our site to the sandy beachy area of the lake," noted one review.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include water access issues, generator noise, and difficulties with the reservation process. Some users have noted rude behavior from camp hosts or mismanagement of sites.
HostCamp hosts, typically a couple, are available on-site and sell firewood for $10 per bundle. Reviews about host behavior vary widely, with some praising their friendliness and others mentioning rudeness.
Campground Map
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA
Driving directionsFrom Leadville, Colorado, head west on County Road 4 and turn right on County Road 9C. Follow signs to Molly Brown Campground on the right.
The campground is accessible via well-maintained roads off County Road 4 and County Road 9C. There are signs along the route to guide visitors. No specific challenges or seasonal closures were noted.Nearby places
Leadville, CO: 5 miles (approximately 10 minutes by car). Aspen, CO (via Independence Pass): approximately 40 miles. Buena Vista, CO: approximately 35 miles.
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, groceries, and fuel are available in Leadville, CO, located 5 miles from the campground. Firewood is available at the campground's host site for $10 per bundle.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
216 reviews
Molly Brown is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Molly Brown Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to Turquoise Lake. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the scenic views. Complaints include issues with campground hosts, generator noise, and limited water availability in certain seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 216 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, proximity to Turquoise Lake, availability of firewood for sale, and friendly camp hosts (in many cases). Many reviewers also highlight the scenic...
Based on 216 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues with unorganized or unfriendly camp hosts, generator noise, mosquito infestations, and inconsistent water availability. Some mentioned frustrations with the reservation system and no-show...
Based on 216 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Book early to secure lakefront sites. Bring plenty of water, especially during seasons when water spigots are out of service. Pack bug spray for mosquitoes. Follow campground rules to avoid conflicts...
Based on 216 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention mosquitoes and cooler nights. Early season (May-June) visitors report snowmelt impacting the trails and high winds, while late season (August-September) offers quieter...
Based on 216 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful campground. Lots of tall pine trees for shade. The bathrooms are very clean, and the sites are large with nice tent pads." - Allison Groves
"The lakefront sites are spacious and spread...
Based on 216 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 36 and 37 are frequently recommended for their proximity to the lake. Site 14 is noted for excellent lake views and privacy. Site 17 offers proximity to bathrooms and the lake. Site 6 is praised...
Based on 216 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews directly address accessibility experiences.
Based on 216 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Some reviews mentioned issues with barking dogs impacting the camping experience.
Based on 216 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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