Woods Lake

4.27

14 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Not specified.

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Not specified.

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Woods Lake

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $20 per night. As per user reviews: 'Fees are about $20 a night, but that is quite reasonable for the space you get, location, and access to...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/AN/A

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylake

"User reviews for Woods Lake Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.33 for campground-specific experiences. The reviews highlight the site's natural beauty, privacy, and the helpfulness of the camp host. The campground is described as less visited and remote, which appeals to those seeking a peaceful camping experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Woods Lake

37.8861, -108.0548

Best Time to Camp at Woods Lake

Perched at 8,000 feet elevation, Woods Lake transforms each season into its own unique adventure. Summer visitors should pack layers—while daytime temperatures invite t-shirt hiking, the thin mountain air delivers refreshingly crisp evenings that call for cozy campfire gatherings. Early season campers might wake to frost-kissed meadows or even surprise snowflakes dancing through the aspens. The high altitude means unpredictable weather patterns and chilly nights year-round, creating that authentic mountain experience. Don't count on your cell phone here—the spotty coverage ensures a true digital detox.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Popular in summer: cool days, accessible trails and pleasant weather at 8,000 ft.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Reviews note changing foliage and striking September color; strong fall appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers thaw and green-up but no specific spring reviews referenced.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

High elevation implies snow and limited winter access; no winter info provided.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Not specified.

About Woods Lake

Nestled in the heart of mountain wilderness, Woods Lake Campground offers an authentic first-come, first-served camping experience where privacy and serenity reign supreme. This hidden gem captivates visitors with its pristine lakefront setting and dramatic rocky peaks that pierce the sky. Adventure seekers and solitude lovers alike will find their perfect basecamp here, complete with essential amenities including fresh running water and clean portable facilities. Miles of scenic trails beckon from your tent flap, promising endless exploration through some of nature's most spectacular landscapes.

The campground accommodates a range of camping setups, emphasizing its first-come, first-served nature. It is noted for its privacy and scenic surroundings.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 8,000 feet elevation, Woods Lake transforms each season into its own unique adventure. Summer visitors should pack layers—while daytime temperatures invite t-shirt hiking, the thin mountain air delivers refreshingly crisp evenings that call for cozy campfire gatherings. Early season campers might wake to frost-kissed meadows or even surprise snowflakes dancing through the aspens. The high altitude means unpredictable weather patterns and chilly nights year-round, creating that authentic mountain experience. Don't count on your cell phone here—the spotty coverage ensures a true digital detox.

ElevationAt 8,000 feet above sea level, Woods Lake Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is thin enough to remind you you're in the high country, but not so high that altitude becomes a concern for most visitors. This elevation brings its own rewards: cooler temperatures that offer relief from summer heat, crystalline night skies unmarred by low-altitude haze, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere where even summer nights require a warm sleeping bag. The ever-changing mountain weather at this altitude keeps things interesting—sunshine can give way to afternoon thunderstorms, and morning fog often reveals spectacular views as it lifts.

Natural Features and SceneryWoods Lake serves as the campground's centerpiece, its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding amphitheater of rocky peaks in perfect detail. Groves of quaking aspens create a living cathedral around campsites, their leaves whispering ancient mountain secrets and painting the landscape gold each autumn. Visitors consistently describe the scenery as 'ridiculously beautiful'—an understatement for those who've watched alpenglow paint the peaks pink at sunset. Forest trails wind outward from camp like spokes on a wheel, each path revealing new perspectives on this mountain paradise: hidden meadows, cascading streams, and viewpoints that steal your breath more effectively than the altitude.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information is unavailable.

Groups

No information about group sites is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made via Recreation.gov mobile app using Scan & Pay feature.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm that sites are often available even during travel seasons.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Additional fees may be incurred in late cancellations, and users may lose the first night's fees. No refunds are possible for Scan & Pay transactions.

AccessibilityNo explicit information about accessibility features was provided.

Site SizeNo specific details about the sizes of the campsites were included.

PrivacyThe campground is described as relatively private. "The campsite doesn't seem to get a lot of use so it's relatively private.

Recommended SitesAspen-protected sites are recommended for shade and proximity to water.

Amenities available

Potable water

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Woods Lake Campground offers a range of nature-focused activities in a secluded and scenic environment. Visitors frequently mention hiking trails that extend into the surrounding forest and the picturesque lake, which serves as a central feature of the site.

HikingThe campground is surrounded by trails that are described as "plentiful and easy for flat landers," making them accessible to a wide range of hikers. "There are a couple trails in the area that venture further into the forest that are also quite pretty."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is located in a remote area, and cellular service may be unreliable. Elevation changes and dirt road access may be uncomfortable for smaller 2WD vehicles.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Woods Lake

Reviews

4.3

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Woods Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Woods Lake Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.33 for campground-specific experiences. The reviews highlight the site's natural beauty, privacy, and the helpfulness of the camp host. The campground is described as less visited and remote, which appeals to those seeking a peaceful camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the stunning scenery, including the surrounding lake and aspen trees. The camp host received special mentions for being kind and helpful. Visitors appreciated the remote and...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints mentioned the dirt road leading to the campground, which can be uncomfortable for smaller vehicles. Cellular service is limited or nonexistent. No specific information about other...

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood for colder nights and downloading the Recreation.gov app before arriving. They also suggest preparing for chilly weather due to the altitude, even during summer.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the site is popular during the summer for its cool weather and hiking trails. In September, visitors noted the changing foliage, adding to the visual appeal.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing and ridiculously beautiful place to camp. I think all the sites are all first come first serve." (fanzbeans) "Gorgeous lake surrounded by rocky peaks! Camping in the Aspens!!!" (Dave Evans)...

Based on 14 reviews