Spectacle Lake Campground

Star4.55
13 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,700 ft

Price

$26 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Get Directions
Spectacle Lake Campground
$26.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite fees range from $26 to $30; $12 for day use (picnicking). Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$30.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomslocationwater

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and convenient access to Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River. The scenic views of the surrounding cliffs are frequently mentioned as a highlight."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Spectacle Lake Campground

37.1684, -106.4392

Driving directionsFrom Antonito, CO, take US Rt. 285 south 0.3 miles to State Rt. 17. Continue straight on Rt. 17 and go 21.9 miles to Platoro sign (Forest Rt. 250). At sign, turn right onto Rt. 250 (dirt) and go 6.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
"Road 250 to the campground is in poor condition, washboarded for 6 miles." (User review)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Spectacle Lake Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; reviewers note pleasant weather and vibrant summer views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Labor Day weekend (officially seasonal).

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed until Memorial Day weekend (late May).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Officially closed in winter; limited winter ice-fishing visits reported but facilities are seasonal.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (May 26 to September 4).

About Spectacle Lake Campground

Nestled at 8,700 feet in the heart of Colorado's wilderness, Spectacle Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 24 thoughtfully designed campsites, including 13 convenient pull-through sites perfect for RVs and trailers. This mountain sanctuary comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: sturdy picnic tables, stone fireplaces with limited firewood available, clean vault toilets, refuse containers, and two hand-pump water spigots delivering crisp mountain water. What truly sets this campground apart are the breathtaking panoramic views of towering cliff walls that greet you from most campsites. Located steps away from the pristine waters of Spectacle Lake and the rushing Conejos River, you'll have premier access to some of Colorado's finest trout fishing—and when winter transforms the landscape, the frozen lake becomes an ice angler's paradise. Adventure seekers will find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the untamed South San Juan Wilderness, with trailheads practically at your doorstep: the scenic Spectacle Lake Trail #730 lies just half a mile away, while the challenging Ruybalid Trail #855 and the dramatic Notch Trail #729 offer endless opportunities for backcountry exploration.
Spectacle Lake Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including tent sites, pull-through RV sites, and combined-use sites.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 pm
Check-out
12:00 pm
Stay Limit
Null

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Spectacle Lake Campground offers year-round fishing opportunities at Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River. Hiking trails, including Spectacle Lake Trail #730, Ruybalid Trail #855, and Notch Trail #729, are accessible nearby. Scenic drives and wildlife viewing are some of the other activities available. However, the campground itself does not have swimming areas, boating, or dedicated biking trails.
Hiking"The Spectacle Lake Trail #730 begins 1/2 mile south on Forest Road 250." Additionally, Ruybalid Trail #855 and Notch Trail #729 are accessible from the campground. However, user reviews note, "A drawback is that there are no hiking trailheads here in the campground itself."
FishingFishing is available year-round at Spectacle Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout, and at the nearby Conejos River. Winter ice-fishing is also an option.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is near the South San Juan Wilderness and offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, especially given its proximity to Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country; campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.

Weather at Spectacle Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
13 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Spectacle Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and convenient access to Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River. The scenic views of the surrounding cliffs are frequently mentioned as a highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the clean and well-maintained restrooms, the availability of potable water through hand pumps, and the scenic beauty of the area. "Nice sites, graveled, level, good picnic tables...
Show more
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaint from users was the condition of the access road: "Road 250 to the campground is in poor condition, washboarded for 6 miles," said one reviewer. Additionally, some noted the lack...
Show more
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to prepare for the rough condition of the access road and to bring sufficient firewood, as availability on-site is limited. Bear-proof trash containers are provided, and...
Show more
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers most frequently visit during the open season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, noting the pleasant weather and vibrant views during this period. Winter ice-fishing attracts a few visitors...
Show more
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Stayed 2 nights at this hidden gem of a place in my trailer. Well spaced and managed, good water, clean restrooms." - Myron Leski | "Vaulted toilet facilities were very clean and had NO foul odor."...
Show more
Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

13 sites are pull-through and are well-suited for larger vehicles. Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned in the available reviews.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, as noted in the authoritative sources. No additional reviews on accessibility are provided.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pets or pet policies were found.
Based on 13 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Spectacle Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Colorado

Campgrounds
Rio Grande National Forest
Spectacle Lake Campground