Baby Doe

Star4.49
239 reviews
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA
Baby Doe
$29.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nightly rates are $29.00 to $33.00, depending on season and site type. Extra vehicle fee is $10.00. Firewood sold for $10.00 per bundle.
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

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
719-486-0749

About this campground

Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Turquoise Lake, Baby Doe Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts into a world where towering lodgepole pines and fragrant subalpine firs create a natural cathedral. This beloved mountain retreat seamlessly blends adventure with comfort, offering visitors the chance to cast fishing lines into crystal-clear waters, explore scenic hiking trails, or launch boats into one of Colorado's most stunning alpine lakes.
Baby Doe Campground primarily supports tent and RV camping, with no hookups available. Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceThe campground bears the intriguing name of Baby Doe Tabor (Elizabeth McCourt), whose rags-to-riches-to-rags tale embodies the dramatic boom-and-bust cycles of Colorado's 19th-century silver mining era. This legendary figure's story of love, loss, and resilience in the face of fortune's fickleness adds a layer of romance and history to your camping experience, connecting modern adventurers to the colorful characters who shaped the American West.
Weather and SeasonsAt Baby Doe, Mother Nature keeps things refreshingly unpredictable. Even summer mornings might greet you with a delicate dusting of snow on your tent, while afternoon winds whisper through the pines, carrying the crisp mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift. The ever-changing mountain weather adds an element of adventure to each day, reminding visitors they're truly in the heart of the Rockies.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,200 feet above sea level, Baby Doe Campground places you literally on top of the world. This lofty elevation means you'll wake up closer to the stars and experience the unique exhilaration of high-altitude camping. While the thin air might leave newcomers slightly breathless at first, taking it easy for the first day or two allows your body to adjust to this spectacular sky-high setting.
Natural Features and SceneryBaby Doe Campground serves as your gateway to some of Colorado's most spectacular natural treasures. The sapphire waters of Turquoise Lake stretch before you, reflecting the surrounding peaks like a giant mirror. Behind you, the Mount Massive Wilderness Area rises majestically, its slopes clothed in dense forests of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir that give way to alpine meadows and rocky peaks touching the sky.
Geological RegionCradled within the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Baby Doe Campground sits in a geological wonderland where ancient forces sculpted the landscape into today's dramatic peaks and valleys. The surrounding terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, from the glacier-carved basin holding Turquoise Lake to the towering presence of nearby Mount Massive. Alpine plant communities cling to life in this harsh but beautiful environment, while permanent snowfields glisten on distant peaks, feeding the streams and lakes that make this region a true mountain paradise.
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Campsite details

AccessibilitySome campsites are ADA-accessible, but accessibility for fishing and waterfront activities is limited. For example, a reviewer in a mobile chair noted the lack of safe areas to fish.
Sites SizeSites vary in size. Some can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, while others are more suited for smaller setups. Larger sites are available but can be difficult to back into due to layout.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as spacious but may lack privacy due to proximity to each other and minimal vegetation buffers.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in the 19-27 loop for better accessibility for RVs and trailers.
Best CampsitesSites 6 and 10 are noted for proximity to the lake and scenic views.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits include up to 14 nights during a visit and within a rolling 60-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people permitted per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in loops with gravel/dirt spurs. Some sites are designed as pull-through for RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025. Out-of-season closures apply.
Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityHandful of first-come, first-served sites available but are often taken instantly. Walk-up availability is challenging.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations need to be submitted up to 2 days before the reservation start date to avoid fees beyond $10. Late cancellations forfeit the first night’s rate. No-shows incur a $20 fee plus forfeiture of the first night’s rate.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Baby Doe Campground provides a variety of recreational activities, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Turquoise Lake is the centerpiece, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. Several hiking trails connect to the campground, including the 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail and the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail.
Hiking
The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail offers an easy loop through the forest and along the lakeshore, ideal for families. The more challenging 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail provides extended hiking opportunities from Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Turquoise Lake, with anglers targeting cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and lake trout. Some reviewers noted the lake was recently stocked, improving fishing opportunities.
Biking
Biking opportunities are available, including trails around Turquoise Lake. Some trails are family-friendly, while others present a challenging experience with rough terrain and creek crossings.
Boating
Boating activities include sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. A boat ramp is located about a mile south of the campground.
Wildlife viewing
Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forest and lake, which supports diverse bird species and alpine plant communities.
Beach activities
The campground features a scenic lakeshore with sandy and rocky beach areas, ideal for sunbathing and relaxing.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but the high elevation suggests potential for backcountry skiing or snowshoeing.
Water Sports
Water sports include paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking on Turquoise Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Firewood available for purchase on-site ($10/bundle). Adherence to fire safety rules required.
  • Quiet hours enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsBears reported in the area. Mosquito presence is significant during summer months.
Active alertsWater supply unavailable for 2025; campers must bring sufficient water. RV dump stations closed.

Weather forecast

30
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 47%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 12.2 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest hospital in Leadville (approx. 3.5 miles). Ranger station located in Leadville.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025 is the peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. Recycling availability is not specified.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites are near Turquoise Lake with easy lake access.
Common complaintsComplaints about overly strict enforcement of rules by camp hosts, limited water availability, and crowded campsites. Some reviewers mention issues with mosquitoes and accessibility for larger trailers.
HostHosts Sara and Roy receive mixed reviews, praised for cleanliness and assistance but criticized for overly strict rule enforcement.

Campground Map

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO, 80461, USA
Driving directionsFrom Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 about 3.5 miles, turn right on County Road 9C and follow signs to Baby Doe Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures and challenging terrain are not reported for accessing Baby Doe Campground.
Nearby places
Leadville (approx. 3.5 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Leadville provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Camper Reviews

4.5
239 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Baby Doe is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and the helpfulness of camp hosts. However, strict enforcement of rules by camp hosts has polarized opinions.
Review Summaries
Based on 239 reviews

What Campers Love

"The restrooms were the cleanest we've ever seen." "The campground is beautifully maintained." "Great access to Turquoise Lake and hiking trails."
Based on 239 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the strictness of camp hosts, lack of water availability, and site layout challenges. Some reviewers found the rules overly restrictive, particularly around quiet hours and pet...
Show more
Based on 239 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book months in advance as spots fill quickly. Bring your own water and firewood to save costs. Consider straps for hammocks as ropes are not allowed on trees.
Based on 239 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with reviews emphasizing the beautiful weather and lake activities. Mosquitoes can be an issue in early summer, and nighttime temperatures are chilly due to high elevation.
Based on 239 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The camp hosts were amazing, the nicest we've ever had.' 'The lake is gorgeous, and the views are breathtaking.' 'Be prepared for cold nights—bring extra blankets.'
Based on 239 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8: Lakefront views. Site 15: Uneven layout but close to the lake. Site 30: Limited tent space and close to neighbors.
Based on 239 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities are limited for fishing and waterfront access. One reviewer in a mobile chair noted difficulty in finding safe areas to fish.
Based on 239 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Strict pet policies require dogs to be leashed at all times and prohibit tying leashes to trees. Pets cannot be left unattended, even briefly.
Based on 239 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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