Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)
4.6033 reviewsSAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO, 81212, USA
Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co)
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Camping fees during peak seasons are $25 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Additional fees include $10 per extra vehicle and $10 for firewood bundles purchased from the camp host.
About this campground
Nestled high in the San Isabel National Forest at 10,500 feet, Blue Lake Campground offers an authentic Colorado mountain escape where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly. This intimate, rustic retreat beckons adventurers seeking solitude among towering spruces and shimmering aspens, with the majestic Culebra Range Mountains painting the horizon. Whether you're pitching a tent in a sun-dappled clearing or parking a small RV beneath the forest canopy, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's tranquility. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with a fire ring for evening storytelling, a picnic table for mountain-air meals, and easy access to vault toilets and fresh drinking water.
Blue Lake Campground offers facilities for tent and RV camping, with options for both reservation and first-come, first-served stays.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Blue Lake are a mountain paradise, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 73°F—perfect for hiking and fishing expeditions. As the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures drop to a refreshing 46°F, creating ideal sleeping weather under a blanket of stars. September visitors should pack extra layers, as one recent camper noted: 'We went in late September, and the nights were quite chilly.' The high-altitude climate delivers consistently dry conditions and crystalline blue skies throughout the peak season, making it a photographer's dream and a stargazer's haven.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 10,500 feet within the San Isabel National Forest, Blue Lake Campground sits in Colorado's thin mountain air where the sky seems close enough to touch. This high-altitude haven requires visitors to take their time adjusting—drink plenty of water and ease into activities during your first day or two to let your body acclimate to the elevation and fully enjoy all the adventures that await.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is embraced by a living cathedral of quaking aspens and ancient spruces, their branches creating a natural symphony in the mountain breeze. A babbling tributary of the Cuchara River weaves through the campground, providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Just a short half-mile hike leads to the pristine waters of Blue Lake, while Bear Lake awaits a mile down the trail—both alpine gems are regularly stocked throughout summer, promising excellent fishing for anglers of all skill levels. Wildlife abounds in this mountain sanctuary, where early risers might spot deer grazing in meadows or hear the distinctive bugle of elk echoing across the valleys.
Geological RegionBlue Lake Campground sits within the dramatic landscape of the San Isabel National Forest, where the ancient Culebra Range Mountains rise like sentinels against the Colorado sky. At 10,500 feet, this geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through dense forests of aspens that shimmer gold in autumn and steadfast spruces that stand guard year-round. The melodic tributary of the Cuchara River has carved its path through this high-altitude terrain over millennia, creating a diverse ecosystem where mountain meadows meet ancient forest floors, and rocky outcroppings tell stories written in stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, although some reviewers mentioned challenges with uneven tent pitching areas.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites provide privacy, as highlighted by a reviewer: "The campsites are far enough apart to not feel like you're right next to other people."
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and proximity to water features, site #8 is highly recommended. Families or groups with larger setups should note that some spots are uneven and distanced from amenities.
Best CampsitesCampsite #8 is popular for its proximity to the creek and trails leading to Blue Lake. "We stayed at site #8, which backed up the creek and trails going to Blue Lake."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights consecutively.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 10 people per campsite. Each site allows either 2 tents and 2 vehicles OR 1 RV.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 16 sites, some shaded and others fully exposed to sunlight. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and parking spots.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season from June 13 to September 13, 2025. First-come, first-served sites available during June 21-25, 2025. Out-of-season dates are September 27, 2025 through June 12, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during June 21-25, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 2 days before the reservation start date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of arrival) incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's fee including taxes. No-shows are assessed a $20 fee and also forfeit the first night’s rate.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A variety of recreational opportunities are available at Blue Lake Campground, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby lakes and trails enhance the outdoor experience.
Hiking
The campground features well-marked trails linking Blue Lake and Bear Lake, suitable for foot and horse traffic. Trinchera Peak can also be accessed nearby for advanced hikers. One reviewer noted, "The trail along the river takes you to Blue Lake less than a quarter mile, and from there the hike around the loop up to Bear Lake was just wonderful."Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant with Blue Lake and Bear Lake stocked several times during the summer. A reviewer stated, "I caught my limit in fish easily both days and fried them up over the campfire."Biking
Limited information is provided, but biking is listed as an available activity.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife, including Big Horn Sheep, can be spotted in the vicinity, especially near Trinchera Peak. Reviewers frequently mentioned wildlife sightings, including chipmunks, blue jays, and camp robbers.Winter Activities
The campground is open seasonally, limiting its use for winter activities.Water Sports
No mention of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings unless seasonal burn bans are in effect. Firewood available for purchase at $10 per bundle.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears frequenting the area, altitude sickness due to elevation (10,500 ft), and treacherous road conditions if unprepared. "Several people in our group struggled with altitude sickness."
Weather forecast
52
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4 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
For non-real-time inquiries, contact the San Carlos Ranger District office at (719) 269-8500. Closest towns with emergency services include Cuchara and La Veta.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13 through September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, though recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresBlue Lake is located 1/2 mile from the campground, and Bear Lake is 1 mile away. The Cuchara River tributary runs through the campground.
Common complaintsComplaints include generator noise disrupting the serene environment, unlevel tent spots, and trails obstructed by debris. "Generators starting at 6am." "A lot of places to pitch tents are not entirely level."
HostThe campground hosts, mentioned as Mary and Dan, offer firewood for sale and maintain the cleanliness of the facilities. "Mary and Dan, the camp hosts, did an excellent job."
Campground Map
SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, CANON CITY, CO, 81212, USA
Driving directionsFrom Colorado Highway 12 south of the Town of Cuchara, take FSR 422 4 miles west to the campground.
The access road to the campground is gravel and has some washboard spots, but it is navigable with most vehicles, as noted in user reviews. "The road up to the campground is gravel and washboard in spots, but easily navigated in our mini van."Nearby places
Cuchara (approximately 4 miles), La Veta (distance unspecified), Colorado Springs (approximately 2.5 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
The town of Cuchara offers shopping and visitor information, while La Veta has a grocery store, gas stations, and shops.
Camper Reviews
4.6
33 reviews
Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel Nf (Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s cleanliness, scenic beauty, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, some noted issues include uneven tent areas and noise from generators.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the well-maintained vault toilets, availability of firewood, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots. Many reviewers commented on the scenic views and privacy of...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from generators, uneven ground for pitching tents, and occasional cleanliness concerns when no camp host was present.
Based on 33 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a shaded campsite, and consider bringing extra layers for chilly nights. For those unaccustomed to high altitudes, acclimate at a lower elevation beforehand.
Based on 33 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer and early fall receive the most positive reviews due to mild weather and active fishing stocking. Late fall sees colder nights, as noted by reviewers.
Based on 33 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The site was gorgeous, with wildlife sightings, very friendly chipmunks and blue jays and camp robbers that came right up to the picnic table to say hello." - Mary K. 2. "The campground had the...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #8 is frequently praised for its proximity to a creek and trails. Reviews mention uneven areas at some campsites, such as #7.
Based on 33 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not specifically reviewed.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviewers noted bringing their dogs, such as one who mentioned, "Husband, our dog, and I did a little exploring when we got there."
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025