White Star

Star4.46
602 reviews
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,200 ft

Price

$29 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

66 campsites

Season

Open May 23 through ...

Cell

Unknown

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
White Star
$29.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates range from $29 to $30 for standard non-electric and tent-only sites. First-come, first-served rates apply during shoulder seasons....
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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

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Provider
719-486-0749
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 602 reviews

195 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

"White Star Campground is highly praised for its scenic location at the base of Mount Elbert and near Twin Lakes Reservoir. Campers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of camp hosts, and the overall tranquility of the environment. Common complaints include the lack of potable water and a closed dump station."

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Campground Map

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA

White Star

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA

Driving directionsFrom Leadville, travel 15 miles south on Highway 24 to Highway 82. Turn right and go west 5.5 miles on Highway 82, then turn left into the White Star Campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 82, a paved road. Road access quality is generally good, but the entrance to loops contains potholes, which can be challenging for vehicles.
Nearby places
Leadville (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Buena Vista (30 minutes), Aspen (approximately 1 hour via Independence Pass).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping items, can be found at the general store in Twin Lakes Village (1.5 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at White Star

Experience the crisp mountain air and ever-changing moods of the Rockies, where summer days bring comfortable temperatures between 39°F and 65°F. The mountain breeze carries the scent of pine while afternoon clouds often gather, occasionally blessing the landscape with refreshing showers that keep the wilderness vibrant and alive.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in CO

Peak season May–Aug with abundant hiking, boating, fishing and rentals; highly praised in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Limited fall access (Sept 1–20 FCFS); fewer services and shorter season reduce activity options.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Campground opens May 23 for reservations; spring often cold with lingering snow and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Significant snowfall and seasonal closures limit winter access and services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - August 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 through August 31 for reservations; September 1 through September 20 for first-come-first-served.
  • Current Alerts: No potable water and closed dump station for over three years. Some potholes at loop entrances remain unaddressed.

About White Star

Nestled beneath the towering presence of Mt. Elbert, White Star Campground offers an enchanting retreat among fragrant ponderosa pines. This mountain haven serves as your gateway to the sparkling waters of Twin Lakes Reservoir, where days unfold with endless possibilities for water adventures, trail exploration, and mountain biking expeditions through Colorado's spectacular high country.
White Star Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences with primitive tent sites, RV sites, and first-come, first-served options. It is divided into three loops: Sage, Ridge, and Valley.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The White Star Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and boating. The nearby Twin Lakes Reservoir is a hub for water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The campground also provides access to iconic trails such as the Continental Divide Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail.
HikingWhite Star Campground is located near the Continental Divide Trail and Mount Elbert Trail. These trails offer varied difficulty levels, with the Continental Divide Trail spanning over 300 miles in Colorado.
FishingFishing is available at Twin Lakes Reservoir, featuring species such as lake trout, rainbow trout, and Mackinaw trout. Some reviewers recommend fishing near the dam and using bait like artificial salmon eggs.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on the nearby Continental Divide Trail, with trails suitable for a range of skill levels.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at Twin Lakes Reservoir. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby, and the reservoir supports activities like sailing and water skiing.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as ground squirrels, magpies, and broad-tailed hummingbirds are commonly seen. Bears, coyotes, and foxes are also reported in the area, requiring campers to be cautious with food storage.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife includes bears, coyotes, and foxes. There have been reports of bear activity, emphasizing the importance of securing food.
Active AlertsNo potable water and closed dump station for over three years. Some potholes at loop entrances remain unaddressed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at White Star

Reviews

4.5
602 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
White Star is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
White Star Campground is highly praised for its scenic location at the base of Mount Elbert and near Twin Lakes Reservoir. Campers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of camp hosts, and the overall tranquility of the environment. Common complaints include the lack of potable water and a closed dump station.
Review Summaries
Based on 602 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, the spacious campsites, and the beautiful views of Twin Lakes and Mount Elbert. The campground hosts, often mentioned by name, receive...
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Based on 602 reviews

Common Concerns

Repeated complaints focus on the lack of potable water and the closure of the dump station for several years. Some users also noted issues with off-leash dogs and crowded conditions during peak times.
Based on 602 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing ample water due to the lack of potable water on-site. They also recommend visiting nearby attractions like Independence Pass and bringing earplugs for sites closer to the...
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Based on 602 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular, with frequent mentions of water-based activities like kayaking and fishing. Seasonal closures and significant snowfall in winter limit access outside the summer...
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Based on 602 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the most beautiful places in the state! Camping here is absolutely magical." - Jordan Skinner. "The vault toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen at a campsite." - Multiple reviewers. "The...
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Based on 602 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 34 is highlighted as particularly spacious and scenic, with stunning views. Ridge Loop is noted for its seclusion and tree coverage, while Sage Loop offers more open sites closer to the lake.
Based on 602 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not extensively reviewed, but some sites on flat terrain may be more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 602 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly policies are appreciated, but several reviewers expressed frustration with off-leash dogs and lack of enforcement of leash rules.
Based on 602 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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