Clear Lake Campground
4.2730 reviewsClear Lake Campground
$21.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
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
Fee ranges from $21 to $23 per night for a single campsite. Exact payment is required using provided envelopes at the campground entrance.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Clear Lake Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just eight peaceful sites. This first-come, first-served gem welcomes both tent campers and small trailers to experience authentic wilderness camping at its finest. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy tent pad, warming fire grate, and welcoming picnic table—while vault toilets provide basic comfort. True to its backcountry spirit, you'll need to bring your own water and leave the hookup expectations behind, embracing the simplicity of forest life.
Clear Lake Campground features primitive camping and is suitable for small camper trailers and tents. Sites are first come, first served.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 10,000 feet, Clear Lake Campground experiences the dramatic personality of high-altitude weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest in peaceful silence and temperatures that demand warm layers and hot cocoa. When summer arrives, it brings gloriously clear mountain skies and sun-warmed days that give way to crisp, star-filled nights—perfect for campfire stories and sleeping bag snuggles. The short but sweet summer season makes every warm day feel like a gift worth savoring.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 10,000 feet above sea level, Clear Lake Campground places you among the clouds in Colorado's high country. This lofty perch rewards visitors with crisp, pure mountain air and spectacular views, though the thin atmosphere serves as a gentle reminder to take it easy your first day or two. The elevation creates a unique alpine environment where wildflowers bloom in compressed seasons and every breath connects you more deeply with the mountain wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle rustle of aspen leaves creating nature's own symphony around your tent. Clear Lake Campground is embraced by groves of these iconic trees, their white bark and dancing leaves creating a living cathedral in the high-altitude wilderness. While the shimmering waters of Clear Lake itself remain tantalizingly close yet just out of reach from the campground, nearby trails beckon adventurers to explore further. Wildlife sightings are common here, where the forest's natural residents go about their daily routines, offering lucky campers glimpses of mountain life in its purest form.
Geological RegionClear Lake Campground sits within the magnificent tapestry of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, where high-altitude ecosystems create a world apart from the valleys below. This dramatic landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, showcases stunning aspen groves that glow golden in fall and provide cooling shade in summer. The nearby jewel of Clear Lake and the scenic splendor of Guanella Pass serve as gateways to endless mountain adventures, making this corner of Colorado's high country a basecamp for unforgettable memories.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for small camper trailers and tents. Parking spur lengths range between 15 to 25 feet as per official guidelines.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate mixed privacy levels, with descriptions of secluded spots surrounded by aspen trees and others noting proximity to restrooms.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites toward the back offer quieter experiences and are further from the road. Site 6 is noted for proximity to firewood collection areas.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to eight people per site.
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a loop with eight individual sites, each equipped with a tent pad, fire pit, and picnic table.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityThis is a first-come, first-served campground with no reservations available. Availability depends on arrival time.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clear Lake Campground and its surroundings offer several recreational activities. Official sources highlight proximity to hiking trails, while user reviews mention wildlife viewing and occasional birdwatching. The nearby Clear Lake and Georgetown provide additional recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible near the campground. User reviews reference hikes to Murray Lake (described as medium difficulty) and trails that lead to waterfalls. Additionally, the drive to the summit of Guanella Pass is recommended for its spectacular views.Wildlife viewing
User reviews describe sightings of moose and bird noises, with one reviewer noting that the campground might appeal to birdwatching enthusiasts.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within provided fire grates, subject to fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviewers mention safety concerns related to overflow dumpsters attracting wildlife.
Active alertsThe campground is slated for reconstruction in the future, but no specific timeline is given.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include dumpsters described as 'animal-proof' by some reviewers. However, others have noted that dumpsters can become overflowed, advising campers to take their trash home.
Proximity to water featuresClear Lake is located north of the campground, but visitors must drive there due to the intervening hydroelectric plant.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the constant buzzing noise from a nearby hydroelectric plant, poorly maintained pit toilets with strong odors, and the unpaved internal campground road with potholes.
HostThe camp host, David, is mentioned positively in reviews for maintaining the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFour miles south of Georgetown on Guanella Pass Road.
The road to the campground is paved up to the entrance, but the loop inside the campground is unpaved and has large potholes.Nearby places
Georgetown: 4 miles (~10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
30 reviews
Clear Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, praising the natural beauty but frequently criticizing the toilets, noise from the nearby hydroelectric plant, and occasional issues with campsite availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include beautiful views, secluded spots, proximity to hiking trails, and the natural serenity of the area. One reviewer noted, 'Wonderful views! Reasonably priced.' Another stated,...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the constant hum from the hydroelectric plant, poorly maintained vault toilets, and the challenging road conditions leading to the campground. One reviewer described the hum as...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include arriving early to secure a spot, as availability is limited and sites fill up quickly. Campers also advise bringing exact change for fees ($21 per night with an additional $7 for extra...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer is the ideal season, with campers praising the mild temperatures and opportunities for stargazing. However, winter conditions may make access difficult due to steep and...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great camping spot with a nice downed tree area just past Campsite 6.' 2. 'The buzzing from the power station near the campground is mildly annoying.' 3. 'Vault toilets are certainly nothing...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 6 is highlighted as having easy access to firewood from nearby downed trees. Other reviewers recommend spots towards the back for quieter neighbors and better stargazing opportunities.
Based on 30 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 30 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews confirm that pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash. No complaints or additional observations about pet policies are noted.
Based on 30 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025