Kite Lake Campground
4.4420 reviewsKite Lake Campground
$3.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Day use fee is $3 per vehicle; camping fee ranges from $12 to $20 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Pike-San Isabel National Forests, Kite Lake Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience for those seeking solitude above the treeline. This intimate campground features just five coveted campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with fire rings and picnic tables where adventurers gather to share stories of their alpine exploits. While the site maintains a rustic charm with basic outhouse facilities and no running water or trash services, this simplicity is part of its appeal for those looking to disconnect from modern conveniences. As one seasoned visitor wisely advised, 'The campground itself has a pretty limited number of spots,' making an early arrival essential for securing your piece of this alpine paradise.
Kite Lake Campground offers a minimalistic camping experience with five designated campsites. It is best suited for tent camping and small groups planning to hike the nearby 14ers.
Weather and SeasonsAt Kite Lake, Mother Nature runs the show with a dramatic flair that keeps even summer visitors reaching for their warmest gear. The campground's exposed alpine setting creates a natural wind tunnel where gusts can transform a calm morning into a blustery adventure within minutes. Even during the height of summer, temperatures can plunge unexpectedly, reminding campers why this is truly a land of extremes. Winter transforms the area into an arctic wonderland, with recorded temperatures averaging a bone-chilling 17.4°F and wind gusts that have been clocked at a formidable 41 mph. Experienced campers know to pack layers and secure their gear – this is mountain weather at its most authentic.
ElevationPerched in the rarified air of Colorado's high alpine zone, Kite Lake Campground sits at an elevation that literally takes your breath away. The journey here is an adventure in itself, requiring vehicles with high clearance to navigate the rugged mountain road that winds its way up from the valley floor. Each switchback and rocky section serves as a reminder that you're entering a realm where only the determined venture, and where the rewards match the effort required to reach them.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in a natural amphitheater where four of Colorado's majestic fourteeners – Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross – stand as silent sentinels around your tent. The campground's setting is nothing short of spectacular, with crystalline alpine lakes reflecting the surrounding peaks like nature's own mirrors. Mountain streams babble their way through the exposed landscape, creating a soundtrack that complements the visual feast. As one awestruck visitor described it, the 'beautiful surroundings' make the challenging conditions worthwhile, though they wisely noted the importance of finding shelter from the persistent alpine winds. This is raw, unfiltered mountain beauty at its finest – a photographer's dream and an adventurer's playground rolled into one stunning location.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, Kite Lake Campground occupies a landscape sculpted by millions of years of geological forces. This mountainous alpine region showcases Colorado's volcanic past, where ancient eruptions and glacial carving created the dramatic peaks that now pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet. The exposed bedrock and alpine tundra tell a story of extremes – from the intense volcanic activity that birthed these mountains to the relentless freeze-thaw cycles that continue to shape them today. The perpetual dance between cold temperatures and fierce winds has created a unique ecosystem where only the hardiest plants and animals thrive, offering visitors a glimpse into one of North America's most challenging yet beautiful environments.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe source materials do not provide information about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground has five campsites that are not recommended for trailers. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as "pretty exposed" by user reviews, with no trees at the site itself, making them vulnerable to wind and providing limited privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites sheltered from the wind (if available) and arrive early to secure spots. One reviewer recommended camping overnight for early access to hiking trails.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights of consecutive stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests allowed per site.
Groups
No designated group camping areas are mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground hosts five designated campsites; sites are exposed, lacking tree coverage, and include fire pits and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates from mid-May to mid-October weather permitting.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, with no possibility of advance reservation.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kite Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on hiking and climbing. The campground is a popular starting point for tackling the DeCaLiBron Loop, which includes four 14ers (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross). In addition to hiking, the natural beauty of the area makes wildlife viewing and photography appealing activities.
Hiking
The campground serves as a trailhead for the famous DeCaLiBron Loop, allowing hikers to summit four 14ers in one day. User reviews highlight the popular hiking opportunities, describing the trails as "amazingly beautiful" and "fairly well marked." Another review noted, "Great place to camp to tackle the DeCaLiBron Loop trail."Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities for observing wildlife. One user review noted, "The wildlife here is unreal," and described seeing a herd of antelope drinking at the lake.Winter Activities
The source materials do not provide specific information about winter activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are limited to designated fire rings and must be completely extinguished before leaving.
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high winds, cold exposure, and challenging access roads. Several reviewers highlighted the risk posed by exposed sites, and one noted the rough terrain near the last 1/4 mile of the approach.
Active alertsReviewed in May 2023, the campground was reported closed to vehicles and camping; open only to day hikers.
Weather forecast
49
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling service is provided on-site. Campers are responsible for packing out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresNear Kite Lake, a small alpine lake at the base of popular hiking trails.
Common complaintsComplaints include overcrowding during peak summer, challenging access roads, exposed sites prone to wind and cold, and limited facilities such as potable water and trash service. One reviewer described it as "Disney World by 5 a.m." during peak hiking season.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Fairplay travel North on Highway 9 to the town of Alma. Turn right onto Buckskin Gulch Road and travel 8 miles to the campground. This is a high clearance route; please exercise caution.
Facility roads are not paved; the last 1/4 mile is challenging and recommended for high-clearance vehicles. Reviewers confirmed vehicles with good clearance can generally access the site if driven carefully.Nearby places
Fairplay (approximately 5.5 miles away)
Alma (approximately 8 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.4
20 reviews
Kite Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's popularity for accessing the DeCaLiBron Loop and its scenic location. However, they also point out issues such as overcrowding, the rough road leading to the site, and the lack of amenities like water and trash service.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the campground for its convenience as a starting point for hiking the DeCaLiBron Loop. The natural beauty of the area, including stunning sunsets, wildlife, and alpine scenery, is...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints include overcrowding, especially in summer and early mornings when hikers arrive. The road access, particularly the last quarter-mile, is described as rough, requiring...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
User tips include arriving early to secure a campsite, bringing a windbreaker due to high winds, carrying extra water, and using a high-clearance vehicle for the rough road. "Plan ahead and get here...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer sees the highest crowds, with the area often described as "Disney World by 5 a.m." Late fall is recommended for avoiding crowds, but reviewers warn about cold and windy conditions. The...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Plan ahead and get here early or you won't even be able to find a place to park." - Hans Landis. "The whole place turns into Disney World by 5 a.m." - Trevor Keating. "Bring a windbreaker cause it...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews indicate that the campground has five designated spots with picnic tables and fire rings. A user review stated, "There are 5 designated campsites with picnic tables and a fire...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must always be leashed. No specific user reviews discuss pet-related experiences.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025