Printer Boy

Star4.80
12 reviews
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Quick Facts

Price

$81 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

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Printer Boy
$81.00 - $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group sites range from $81 to $160 per night depending on size and season. Additional fees apply for reservations ($8 online, $9 via contact center,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$81.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$81.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
719-486-0749

What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintained

"User reviews for Printer Boy Campground are highly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.77 out of 5. Campers appreciate the spacious group sites, cleanliness, and proximity to Turquoise Lake. Some minor concerns include occasional noise from a nearby gun range and sled dogs."

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Fees & Passes at Printer Boy

$81 - $160/night

Campsite fees

Group Site

For large groups

$81/night

Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Cancellation: Group facility reservations canceled less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 service fee and fo...

Prices verified November 27, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation website.


Best Time to Camp at Printer Boy

Prepare for nature's dramatic temperature swings at this high-altitude sanctuary, where summer days give way to surprisingly crisp nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire gatherings. August mornings often greet campers with delicate frost patterns on tent flies, reminding visitors they're camping in true mountain country. Outside the traditional camping season, this landscape transforms into a winter wonderland where snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plummet, creating conditions suitable only for the most prepared cold-weather enthusiasts.

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; May 22, 2026 - September 6, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 23 to September 6. Out-of-season dates are August 31 to May 22.
  • Current Alerts: In 2025, water will not be available onsite, and RV dump stations will remain closed.

About Printer Boy

Nestled in the shadow of Colorado's majestic peaks, Printer Boy Group Campground beckons adventure-seekers to the pristine shores of Turquoise Lake. This spacious retreat caters perfectly to family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor clubs, providing thoughtfully designed accessible amenities alongside endless recreational possibilities. Whether you're casting a line into the lake's crystalline waters, launching your boat for a morning paddle, or setting off on scenic mountain trails, this group-friendly haven serves as your basecamp for unforgettable Rocky Mountain memories.
Printer Boy Campground is primarily a group camping facility, offering large sites for group gatherings. It does not cater to RVs or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceJust a scenic drive away lies Leadville, Colorado's legendary mining capital where fortunes were made and lost during the wild days of the gold and silver rush. This charming mountain town preserves its authentic Old West character, inviting modern explorers to walk the same streets as prospectors and pioneers. For those seeking breathtaking vistas, the nearby Independence Pass winds through the Continental Divide, offering one of Colorado's most spectacular high-altitude driving experiences with panoramic views that stretch for miles across the Rockies.
Weather and SeasonsPrepare for nature's dramatic temperature swings at this high-altitude sanctuary, where summer days give way to surprisingly crisp nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire gatherings. August mornings often greet campers with delicate frost patterns on tent flies, reminding visitors they're camping in true mountain country. Outside the traditional camping season, this landscape transforms into a winter wonderland where snow blankets the forest floor and temperatures plummet, creating conditions suitable only for the most prepared cold-weather enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched high in Colorado's thin mountain air, this campground challenges visitors arriving from sea level to pace themselves as their bodies adjust to the altitude. The reduced oxygen at this elevation means taking it easy for the first day or two, staying well-hydrated, and listening to your body's signals. This spectacular height rewards patient acclimatizers with cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and that unmistakable feeling of camping among the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering lodgepole pines and fragrant subalpine firs create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their branches whispering ancient mountain stories in the breeze. The jewel of the area, Turquoise Lake, lives up to its name with waters that shimmer in impossible shades of blue-green against the forested shoreline. Beyond the campground boundaries, the Mount Massive Wilderness beckons with its rugged terrain, where delicate alpine wildflowers bloom in meadows beneath permanent snowfields, and the landscape tells the story of glaciers that carved these peaks millennia ago.
Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits at the intersection of diverse mountain ecosystems, where dense forests of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir provide shelter and shade for campers exploring the Turquoise Lake basin. The surrounding Mount Massive Wilderness showcases nature's geological artistry, from ancient rock formations to high-altitude meadows dotted with hardy alpine plants that have adapted to extreme conditions. Year-round snowfields glisten on distant peaks, serving as natural monuments to the powerful forces that shaped this dramatic Colorado landscape over millions of years.
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Campsite details

AccessibilitySites 3 and 4 are explicitly described as accessible, and vault toilets are also accessible.
Sites SizeGroup campsites range in capacity: Sites 1 and 4 accommodate up to 75 people, while Sites 2 and 3 accommodate up to 35 people. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are located in a mature pine forest, which offers a level of seclusion. Reviewers describe the sites as feeling secluded despite being group sites.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 3 is ideal for large groups with room for multiple tents. Sites 3 and 4 are accessible.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM (noon)
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
  • Sites 1 and 4 can accommodate up to 50 people
  • Sites 2 and 3 can accommodate up to 30 people.
Groups
Group sites vary in size: Site 1 accommodates up to 50 people, Sites 2 and 3 accommodate up to 30 people each, and Site 4 accommodates up to 75 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFour group sites designed to accommodate 30 to 75 people each. Sites equipped with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season runs from May 23 to September 6. Out-of-season dates are August 31 to May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the contact center, or onsite.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated for group sites.
Cancellation PolicyGroup facility reservations canceled less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. No-show visitors are charged $20 and forfeit the first night's rate. Refund requests must be made within 7 days of the reservation end date.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Printer Boy Campground offers numerous recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and boating, as well as enjoying playgrounds and sports facilities. "Hikers enjoy the 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail," and the campground has direct access to nearby trails and activities.
Hiking
The Turquoise Lake Nature Trail (1.2 miles) and the Turquoise Lake Trail (6.4 miles) are nearby. The trails are described as gentle and meandering, suitable for a scenic hike to the lake. Trail guides are available at the entrance to the Molly Brown Campground.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Turquoise Lake. Anglers can catch stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and lake trout. A boat ramp is located nearby for convenient fishing access.
Boating
Boating, sailing, and canoeing are popular activities on Turquoise Lake. A boat ramp is located nearby for easy access.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned.
Water Sports
Mention of boating, sailing, and canoeing indicates opportunities for water sports, but no details about equipment rentals or designated areas are provided.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fires are allowed within designated fire rings. Campers must ensure fires are fully extinguished and follow firewood guidelines.
  • Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters such as bears. High elevation may cause altitude sickness. Frosty conditions and cold temperatures are common.
Active alertsIn 2025, water will not be available onsite, and RV dump stations will remain closed.

Weather at Printer Boy

6
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 47%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 5.6 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Partly cloudy

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
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Emergency Services

Leadville Regional Hospital located approximately 6 miles away in Leadville. Local police and fire departments are also nearby in Leadville.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025; May 22, 2026 - September 6, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, and large dumpsters are available throughout the campground.
Proximity to water featuresWalking distance to Turquoise Lake. Lake activities include boating, fishing, and canoeing.
Common complaintsGunfire from a nearby range during late morning hours and sled dog barking during nighttime. Cold nights and frost even during summer.
HostHosts are described as friendly, accommodating, and helpful. Hosts maintain vault toilets daily and are welcoming to families and large groups.

Campground Map

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA
Driving directionsDrive west on County Road 4 from Leadville, Colorado, and follow signs to the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area.
The campground is accessible via paved County Road 4, which connects to the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. Roads are maintained but may be impacted by snow in early and late season due to high elevation.
Nearby places
Leadville: 6 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Leadville has grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations
approximately 6 miles away.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.8
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Printer Boy is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Printer Boy Campground are highly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.77 out of 5. Campers appreciate the spacious group sites, cleanliness, and proximity to Turquoise Lake. Some minor concerns include occasional noise from a nearby gun range and sled dogs.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground’s clean vault toilets, well-maintained facilities, and ample amenities, such as fire pits and picnic tables. "Hosts are very courteous, informative, and friendly," and...
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Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include background noise from a nearby gun range and distant sled dog barking at night. One user noted the lack of sinks in restrooms as a minor inconvenience.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing warm clothing for cold nights, as frost is common even in summer. Avoid setting up tents near the vault toilets due to odor, and prepare for self-sufficiency, as the water...
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Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time for camping here, with consistently positive reviews for the clean facilities and recreational options. However, campers should prepare for cold nights, even in August.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great spot for large groups. Multiple fire pits with adjustable-height grilling grates in addition to charcoal grill stations." "At night, in the distance you can hear pretty persistent barking, I'm...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 3 is described as spacious and secluded, with ample room for tents. Site 4 is highlighted for its size, accommodating large groups but requiring trailers to park in a designated lot.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features are noted for Sites 3 and 4, as well as vault toilet maintenance. Users with mobility challenges appreciated the ease of access.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific mentions of pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated November 27, 2025
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