How much does camping cost at Ohaver Lake?

Camping fees at Ohaver Lake range from $28-$56/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ohaver Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Ohaver Lake 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 Ohaver Lake before I book?

Yes! Ohaver Lake has 6 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 Ohaver Lake?

Ohaver Lake is open May 08 to September 25. 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 Ohaver Lake?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ohaver Lake?

Fire policies at Ohaver Lake: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ohaver Lake have?

Ohaver Lake has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ohaver Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ohaver Lake. 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 Ohaver Lake?

Ohaver Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ohaver Lake?

Popular activities at Ohaver Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ohaver Lake

4.53

347 reviews

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Top 22% in COFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Colorado#2 Summer Camping Colorado Boating Camping +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$28 - $56/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Salida Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$28 - $56/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Salida Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Ohaver Lake

$28.00 - $56.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC- DOUBLE SITE: $56.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $28.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

CAMPGROUNDS DO NOT HAVE PHONE SERVICE, CALLING TO CHECK AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO ARRIVAL IS NOT POSSIBLE. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Ohaver Lake

5575 CLEORA RD, SALIDA, CO 81201, USA

Nearby places

Poncha Springs (approx. 7 miles, 15 minutes), Salida (approx. 12 miles, 25 minutes)

Weather at Ohaver Lake

Current alerts(13)

Access road to campground has sharp curves; drive with caution
Be bear aware; keep all food and other attractants out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle when not in use.
Campers who are unable to find a campsite at this facility may disperse, primitive camp in the area near Poncha Creek, Silver Creek and off the Marshal Pass road. Practice leave-no-trace (www.lnt.org) camping principles when dispersed camping.
Dogs must be LEASHED and CLEANUP after your pet. Do not leave dogs unattended in vehicles, RV’s or tents.

Best Time to Camp at Ohaver Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the lake and campground facilities — expect sunny days in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. This is peak time for boating, swimming, paddling, shore and boat fishing, and high-elevation hiking when wildflowers and alpine views are at their best. Weekends are busy and sites fill early (many are first-come, first-served), so plan to arrive early or target weekday stays for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Quieter season with striking aspen foliage across hillsides; reviewers cite improved solitude and views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 21 (reservable). Closed October 11 to June 05.

About Ohaver Lake

Ohaver Lake sits at high elevation in the Salida Ranger District, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping alongside a quiet alpine lake. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with group sites available. Visitors come for fishing, hiking, and biking in the surrounding high country, with camp hosts maintaining the facilities during the summer season.

The campground offers a mix of camping experiences, including standard nonelectric, tent-only, and double campsites. Sites are either reservable or available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the lake and campground facilities — expect sunny days in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. This is peak time for boating, swimming, paddling, shore and boat fishing, and high-elevation hiking when wildflowers and alpine views are at their best. Weekends are busy and sites fill early (many are first-come, first-served), so plan to arrive early or target weekday stays for a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around O'Haver Lake, a small alpine body of water bordered by ponderosa pine and aspen forest. Mountain vistas open up in multiple directions from the campground perimeter. In fall, the aspens turn gold across the hillsides. The terrain here reflects glacial shaping, with gentle valleys tucked between rugged peaks. The lake sits in a pocket of relatively level ground, though the access road leading in is steep and rough.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style lodges are not available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 persons per site.

Groups

Group sites like #11 are available and can accommodate larger parties. These sites are suitable for activities such as scouting trips.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible fishing docks, picnic areas, and vault toilets. Trails and paths around the lake allow for ease of navigation, and some sites provide easy access to the water.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers. Double sites like #12 are available, providing additional space for larger groups.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are close together, reducing privacy. Others, such as site #12, offer greater seclusion due to their remote location.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #12 recommended for privacy and lakeside views; Site #20 offers majestic Mount Ouray views.

Best CampsitesSite 12 is remote and peaceful on the western end, a double site with extra space and seclusion. Sites 18-20 sit right on the lake and work well for groups. Privacy varies across the campground. Some sites are close together, while others benefit from extra spacing or tree screening.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

O'Haver Lake Campground provides a mix of essential and recreational amenities in a picturesque setting, with 31 sites available. The facilities include vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection, and a campground host. Firewood is sold on-site. Sites 1-5, 7, 13, 21, 23, and 24 are first-come, first-served, while the others are reservable. Site 6 is used by the host from mid-May to September and becomes first-come, first-served after that period. Several reviews commend the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, highlighting pristine conditions of vault toilets and organized sites. One user wrote, 'Clean organized campground with pristine vault toilets.' Public amenities such as potable water and accessible picnic areas enhance the experience for visitors.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

O'Haver Lake Campground caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, offering fishing, hiking, non-motorized boating, and wildlife viewing as its primary activities. The serene lake setting is ideal for fishing and paddleboarding, while nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the area's natural and historical features.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 in this campground; vault toilets are provided instead.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

347 reviews

Top-Rated

Ohaver Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

O'Haver Lake Campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and range of activities. However, issues such as noise, crowded conditions, and inconsistent host behavior have been noted in some reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 347 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 347 reviews.

Site #12Loved
Site #12 is often praised for its seclusion and proximity to the lake.
Site #20Loved
Site #20 is noted for its excellent views and accessibility, especially for families with children.
Site #29Issues noted
Site #29 is recommended for its privacy and direct lake access, though it lacks a tent pad.

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently commend the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and the tranquility of the lake. Activities such as fishing, paddleboarding, and hiking are highlighted as major...

Based on 347 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users report issues such as noise from generators, overcrowding during peak times, and inconsistencies in rule enforcement. A few reviews also mention maintenance lapses, such as overflowing...

Based on 347 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites, as they fill up quickly, often by Thursday for weekends. Bring cash for firewood purchases. Be cautious of the steep and rough access road, especially...

Based on 347 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with weekends being particularly crowded. Fishing and paddleboarding are favorite summer activities. Fall offers quieter conditions and scenic foliage.

Based on 347 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This small lake is perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing without the loud sounds of big boat motors.' - 'We camped at site 12 at the western end and they routinely checked up on us to...

Based on 347 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible fishing docks and picnic areas are appreciated by visitors. However, the steep access road may pose a challenge for some.

Based on 347 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Reviews emphasize the importance of adhering to leash rules, as non-compliance sometimes causes issues between campers.

Based on 347 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a maintained mountain lake campground with fishing and trail access during summer.

Skip if

You need solitude on peak weekends or want to avoid generator noise.

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Campgrounds

PSICC

Ohaver Lake

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ohaver Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

O'Haver Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, with ponderosa pines and aspen, with campsites located on the shores O'Haver Lake. This facility has 32 sites and is a very popular destination that is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.Prior to Memorial Day weekend, and after Labor Day, camp hosts and water may not be available.

About the campground

The elevation is 9,200 ft. The campground bounds O'Haver Lake, popular for family fishing, on two sides with many camp sites on or within sight of the lake. There is little understory and camp sites are huddled close together. The sites are shaded by young aspen or Ponderosa pine. Firewood is available for a fee. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. San Isabel National Forest 497

Seasons & access

Open May 18 through October 14

Facilities

The water spigots are hand pumps.

Water activities

O'Haver Lake is 15 acres.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt.

Directions

From Poncha Springs, CO, take US Rt. 285 south 4.5 miles to County Rt. 200 and Marshall Pass signs. Turn right at signs onto Rt. 200 (dirt) and go 2.3 miles to O'Haver Lake sign (County Rt. 202). Turn right onto Rt. 202 and go 1.3 miles to campground. NOTE: County Rt. 202 is steep, winding and rough in places.

National Forest: Isabel National Forest
Ranger District: Salida
Elevation: 9200
Rate: $22 per day - single $44 per day - double
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May 10, 2024 – Oct. 13, 2024

About PSICC

Context for the broader area surrounding Ohaver Lake, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Peaks to Prairies - Tracks to Trails Pike and San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (<a class="offsiteicon" href="http://www.fs.fed.us/locatormap/index.php?lat=37.59&long=-104.77&zoom=7" target="_blank">forest locator map</a>) cover nearly 3 million acres, between the prairies of western Kansas and some of Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. These sprawling forests and grasslands are an eight hour drive from boundary to boundary. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities. The rolling prairies to the east are home to prairie chickens, wildflowers, paleontological resources and historical areas. The snow-capped Rockies to the west are a scenic backdrop to millions of residents and a draw to forest visitors. The forests are home to nearly half of <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/recreation/?cid=stelprd3798321">Colorado's fourteeners</a> with numerous alpine lakes, reservoirs and key rivers. Over 385,000 acres of <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/recarea/?recid=37201">Wilderness</a>, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Colorado Trail, and Santa Fe National Historic Trail are special areas worth exploring. People who live near these areas maintain a strong relationship to the lands. The commitment and volunteerism that these community members have for these public lands is the foundation for our ability to maintain a quality, sustainable recreation program in the face of intense, and growing, urban demand. Critical Information about the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or “drones” are increasing in popularity and can provide wonderful opportunities to explore the forest. Please be aware that these drones are regulated and must follow certain laws to be safe and legal. <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3846515.pdf">Recreational Drone Tips</a> (.pdf)</li> <li><a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/fire/unmanned-aircraft-systems">Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy</a> (fs.fed.us)</li> </ul>