Matchless

Star4.31
17 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

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Matchless
$0.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric campsites range between $0 and $29 per night, depending on the season and potential discounts. Additionally, overnight camping...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$29.00

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 17 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakewell-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"Reviews for Matchless Campground offer a mixed but generally positive perspective. Visitors appreciate its scenic location near Turquoise Lake and the availability of basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. However, some complaints focus on the layout's lack of privacy and the impact of day-use patrons on camping areas."

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Fees & Passes at Matchless

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$29/night

Stay Limit: 14 consecutive nights

Cancellation: Cancellations must be made before arrival day to avoid a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the ...

Prices verified November 27, 2025

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

Best Time to Camp at Matchless

Experience the magic of Colorado's high country through changing seasons at Matchless Campground, where each month paints the landscape in new colors. Late spring through early fall delivers the golden window for camping enthusiasts, with sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities and cool, crisp nights ideal for gathering around the campfire. Clear mountain skies dominate the summer months, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities, while early and late season visitors might wake to find a delicate dusting of snow transforming the forest into a winter wonderland. The dry mountain air and moderate temperatures create comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures from dawn to dusk.

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, to September 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025. First-come, first-served reservations available from June 20, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Water will not be available at the facility in 2025. Campers must bring adequate supplies.

About Matchless

Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Turquoise Lake, Matchless Campground offers an authentic Colorado mountain escape where towering pines whisper overhead and crystal-clear waters beckon just steps from your campsite. This intimate, first-come, first-served retreat features 20 well-appointed sites that welcome everything from cozy tents to spacious RVs, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring for those memorable evenings under starlit skies. Here, the morning mist rising off the lake mingles with the aroma of campfire coffee, while the gentle lapping of waves provides nature's perfect soundtrack to your wilderness adventure.
Matchless Campground caters to campers seeking a rustic and natural experience. It provides 20 campsites accommodating RVs and tents, but lacks modern conveniences such as hookups or running water.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of Colorado's high country through changing seasons at Matchless Campground, where each month paints the landscape in new colors. Late spring through early fall delivers the golden window for camping enthusiasts, with sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities and cool, crisp nights ideal for gathering around the campfire. Clear mountain skies dominate the summer months, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities, while early and late season visitors might wake to find a delicate dusting of snow transforming the forest into a winter wonderland. The dry mountain air and moderate temperatures create comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures from dawn to dusk.
Natural Features and SceneryTurquoise Lake lives up to its name, displaying jewel-toned waters that shift from deep sapphire to brilliant aquamarine as sunlight dances across its surface. The campground sits within a cathedral of evergreens, where filtered sunlight creates dappled patterns on the forest floor and wildlife tracks crisscross between the trees. Adventure beckons at every turn with direct access to a scenic seven-mile nature trail that winds through meadows bursting with wildflowers and offers breathtaking vantage points of the surrounding peaks. The nearby boat ramp serves as your gateway to water-based exploration, whether you're casting a line for trophy trout or paddling into hidden coves where eagles soar overhead.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityDetails regarding specific accessibility features are not provided. However, the campground is described as having a parking-lot style setup with wooded areas accessible by stairs or short trails.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate larger recreational vehicles, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across the campground. Some reviews note limited privacy due to day-use patrons accessing nearby areas, with one user stating, 'Day use patrons can go anywhere they want in and near your paid for camping spot.'
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor the best views and proximity to the lake, choose sites along the north edge of the parking area.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Groups
Information about group camping is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a parking-lot-style layout for RVs, with wooded areas and lake views just below. Overflow camping is available nearby.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025. First-come, first-served reservations available from June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsBooking via QR code upon arrival using the Recreation.gov app. Physical arrival necessary to claim a site.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is entirely first-come, first-served, and does not allow for online pre-booking.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before arrival day to avoid a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee. Same-day cancellations or late arrivals may incur additional fees.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Matchless Campground offers access to a variety of outdoor activities, primarily centered around the adjacent Turquoise Lake. These include hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The location serves as an excellent base for lake-related activities.
Hiking
The campground is near the 7-mile nature trail, which connects various campgrounds around Turquoise Lake. User reviews frequently praise the trail, with one stating, 'Awesome bike and walking trail goes around the lake and connects campgrounds.'
Biking
Biking is a popular activity around Turquoise Lake, with trails connecting various campgrounds. A review notes, 'All the campgrounds around Turquoise lake are some of the best we have ever seen. Awesome bike and walking trail goes around the lake and connects campgrounds.'
Boating
The Matchless Campground is located near a boat ramp, making it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. One review highlights, 'Perfect location if you carry a small boat or kayak.'
Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned for this campground.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are likely possible due to the proximity to Turquoise Lake, though not explicitly stated.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fires are allowed in designated rings only. Campers must bring water to extinguish fires as there is no on-site water supply.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 PM enforcement requested by visitors, though holiday weekends may have exceptions.

Hazards

General hazardsNo major hazards reported. Campers should exercise caution near the lake and observe campfire safety due to the lack of water for extinguishing fires.
Active alertsWater will not be available at the facility in 2025. Campers must bring adequate supplies.

Weather at Matchless

8
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 49%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 6.5 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo details are provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on Turquoise Lake, providing easy access to fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
Common complaintsVisitors commonly complain about day-use patrons invading paid camping spaces and lack of privacy. Another recurring issue is the inconsistency in online reservation information versus on-the-ground practices, leading to confusion.
HostThe campground host is attentive, keeps restrooms clean, and enforces rules strictly. Firewood is available for $10 a bundle.

Campground Map

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3
17 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Matchless is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Matchless Campground offer a mixed but generally positive perspective. Visitors appreciate its scenic location near Turquoise Lake and the availability of basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. However, some complaints focus on the layout's lack of privacy and the impact of day-use patrons on camping areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's proximity to Turquoise Lake, access to the boat ramp, well-maintained vault toilets, and the scenic 7-mile nature trail. One visitor remarked, 'Bathrooms...
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Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the lack of privacy due to day-use patrons encroaching on campground areas and the absence of running water or hookups. One user noted, 'Day-use customers have no courtesy...
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Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend checking the overflow area near the boat ramp if the campground is full. Others advise bringing sufficient water and being prepared for a more rustic experience, as there are no...
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Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is frequently visited during the summer months, particularly due to its scenic location. Some reviews highlight its appeal during off-season periods when it remains the only open...
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Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great place to stay by Turquoise Lake!' – Taylor Baruch 2. 'Bathrooms were cleaned twice a day.' – Roy G 3. 'Day-use customers have no courtesy whatsoever.' – Tonya Mercer 4. 'Perfect location if...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13 is specifically mentioned in a positive light, with one user stating, 'My wife and I stayed at Matchless Campground for about five nights at spot 13 in early August. The campground host...
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Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 17 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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