How much does camping cost at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd?

Camping fees at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd first-come first-served or reservation?

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The site is first-come, first-serve, with no reservation system in place. Camping is allowed only at numbered sites (1-20).

What is the best time to visit Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd?

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd?

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd have?

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd?

Pets are not allowed at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd?

Popular activities at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd

Q: Can I have a campfire at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd?

Fire policies at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd: Campfire wood is scarce due to overuse; campers are advised to pack in firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.36

108 reviews

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

June - Late Fall

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

June - Late Fall

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees required for this site. Camping is free.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 108 reviews

96 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

"Alta Lakes Campground is praised for its breathtaking alpine views, clear night skies, and free camping options. However, the road to the campground is consistently described as rough and requiring a high-clearance vehicle, with some reviewers managing in small cars but reporting challenges. Crowding, especially during peak times, is another common concern."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd

37.8859, -107.8535

Nearby places

Telluride, CO (5 miles south, approximately 9 miles total with Forest Road #632 and 30-45 minute travel time)

Nearby supplies

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Driving directionsTravel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO on State Highway 145. Turn east on Forest Road #632 (Alta Road) and climb about 4.3 miles, passing the Alta townsite. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites.

The access road is narrow, rough, and requires a high-clearance vehicle. The last mile is described as particularly challenging due to potholes, ruts, rocks, and twists. Trailers and RVs are not recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd

Summer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 50–70°F and nights dropping to 20–35°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for early morning. June can still bring snow at this elevation. Layers are essential year-round. Winter transforms the area into snowmobile terrain, with powder-filled meadows and frozen forests accessed via nearby trail systems.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Open and busiest in summer; pleasant temps, prime hiking, fishing and boating season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: June - Late Fall
Current Alerts: Some reviews mention snow drifts, downed trees, and knocked-over porta-potties as obstacles during certain seasons.

About Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd

Alta Lakes Campground sits at 11,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, offering 20 primitive sites scattered around alpine lakes. The campground operates first-come, first-served and fills quickly on summer weekends. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle on a rough road that some small cars manage but with difficulty. Free camping and star-filled skies draw crowds during peak season.

Alta Lakes Campground features primitive camping with 20 designated sites. The lack of any developed utilities or infrastructure makes it a site for self-sufficient campers. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the rough access road.

Historical Significance

The nearby Alta ghost town preserves remnants of Colorado's mining boom. Rusted mine carts, weathered cables, and abandoned structures tell the story of prospectors who chased gold and silver in these harsh mountains. The artifacts create a destination for photographers and history enthusiasts exploring the area.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 50–70°F and nights dropping to 20–35°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes for early morning. June can still bring snow at this elevation. Layers are essential year-round. Winter transforms the area into snowmobile terrain, with powder-filled meadows and frozen forests accessed via nearby trail systems.

ElevationCamping at 11,000 feet puts you literally on top of the world, where the air is crisp, thin, and intoxicating. While the altitude demands respect—visitors should acclimate slowly and stay hydrated—it rewards campers with some of Colorado's most spectacular stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in brilliant detail, unobscured by light pollution or atmospheric haze that plagues lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies an alpine basin carved by ancient glaciers, with peaks rising above treeline and exposed rock faces showing millions of years of geological history. Three alpine lakes reflect the surrounding ridgelines on calm mornings. Chipmunks, Canada jays, and groundhogs are common around camp. Wildflowers fill the meadows in summer, and the landscape alternates between emerald vegetation and stark granite. Views stretch across the Colorado backcountry where jagged peaks meet open sky.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains at elevations approaching 12,000 feet, Alta Lakes occupies a dramatic alpine basin carved by ancient glaciers. The surrounding peaks showcase the raw power of geological forces, with exposed rock faces revealing millions of years of Earth's history. This high-altitude sanctuary sits above treeline in places, offering expansive views across the rugged Colorado backcountry where jagged ridgelines meet endless sky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group-specific sites or details were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwenty numbered sites spread throughout the area, some along the lake and others on higher ground. Spacing is inconsistent. Some sites sit well apart, while others cluster close together, reducing privacy during crowded weekends.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityThe site is first-come, first-serve, with no reservation system in place. Camping is allowed only at numbered sites (1-20).

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThe campground is described as challenging to access due to narrow, rough roads, which may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities or low-clearance vehicles.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some noted as 'huge' by users. Others mentioned the sites are uneven or have mud holes.

PrivacyMixed privacy; some sites are described as being well apart from others, while others are close together. User reviews highlight a lack of solitude due to day-use traffic and crowded conditions.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the lake have better views but may be more crowded due to day-use traffic.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Snowmobiling is accessible nearby during the winter season. The alpine setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation, and the night sky is described as spectacular by multiple users.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAltitude sickness is a significant concern at elevations around 11,000-12,000 ft. The narrow, rocky roads pose challenges for vehicles, and mosquitoes can be abundant during warmer months.

Active AlertsSome reviews mention snow drifts, downed trees, and knocked-over porta-potties as obstacles during certain seasons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfire wood is scarce due to overuse; campers are advised to pack in firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are available. Campers must follow a 'pack it in, pack it out' practice.

Water FeaturesAlta Lakes is the main attraction with opportunities for fishing, paddleboarding, and boating (non-motorized).

Camp HostReviews mention a "great ranger" who makes rounds at night, though specific details are limited.

Weather at Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

108 reviews

Recommended

Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Alta Lakes Campground is praised for its breathtaking alpine views, clear night skies, and free camping options. However, the road to the campground is consistently described as rough and requiring a high-clearance vehicle, with some reviewers managing in small cars but reporting challenges. Crowding, especially during peak times, is another common concern.

Review Summaries

Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the clear night skies ('bursting with stars'), scenic views, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. The presence of a ghost town nearby adds historical interest.

Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

Crowding, uneven and muddy campsites, and day-use traffic were frequent issues. Many reviewers mentioned the rough access road and the need for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Others noted limited...

Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during weekends or holidays. Pack in all necessary supplies, including firewood and drinking water. Consider visiting during weekdays for a potentially...

Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The site is busiest in summer and early fall, with snow potentially persisting into June. Winter access is limited by snow, and spring may see muddy conditions due to melting snow.

Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake is beautiful and when it’s dark the sky is bursting with stars!' - Marlene Zimmerman. 2. 'This campground is amazing but if you're coming here be prepared for a 30-45 min drive up the...

Based on 108 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight varied conditions: some sites are praised for their size and views, while others are criticized for being uneven or too close to neighboring sites.

Based on 108 reviews