Blue Mountain
4.3481 reviewsP.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827
Blue Mountain
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
The nightly rate for both standard nonelectric sites and tent-only nonelectric sites during peak season is $24. Additional fees apply for cancelations, changes, no-shows, and extra vehicles.
About this campground
Tucked away between the dramatic Eleven Mile Canyon and the winding South Platte River, Blue Mountain Campground offers a true escape into Colorado's untamed wilderness. This peaceful, primitive retreat beckons adventurers seeking solitude and connection with nature. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, scaling ancient rock faces, or simply watching elk graze in the early morning mist, this hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their camping experiences raw and authentic.
Blue Mountain Campground features primitive camping, tent camping, and limited options for RV camping. Group camping and cabin lodging are not available, and the campground is more suited for tents due to the small and sloped sites.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away, the remarkable Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument unveils Colorado's ancient secrets. Here, massive petrified redwood stumps stand as silent sentinels, telling stories of a time when this high country was a lush, subtropical paradise 34 million years ago. The monument's incredibly detailed fossil deposits preserve everything from delicate butterflies to prehistoric mammals, offering visitors a fascinating journey through deep time in the Rocky Mountains.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Blue Mountain into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable days perfect for exploring and cool nights ideal for campfire stories under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, crisp air and golden aspens create a photographer's dream. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and solitude, bringing freezing temperatures that challenge even seasoned cold-weather campers. Spring emerges slowly at this elevation, offering wildflower displays and the excitement of awakening wildlife.
ElevationPerched at 8,200 feet above sea level, Blue Mountain Campground offers the exhilarating experience of high-altitude camping. The thin mountain air adds an extra dimension to every activity, from morning hikes to evening stargazing. Visitors ascending from lower elevations should plan for a gradual adjustment period, staying well-hydrated and taking it easy for the first day or two as their bodies acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels at this impressive height.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines stand like ancient guardians throughout the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence creating a natural cathedral at 8,200 feet. The legendary South Platte River carves its way through the landscape, offering pristine fishing holes and soothing water music. Nearby, the expansive Eleven Mile Reservoir stretches across the horizon, its waters reflecting Colorado's endless blue skies and providing a stunning backdrop for unforgettable sunsets.
Geological RegionBlue Mountain Campground rests in a remarkable geological wonderland where the forces of nature have sculpted an extraordinary landscape over millions of years. The dramatic Eleven Mile Canyon showcases towering granite walls and the artistic work of the South Platte River, while rolling hills clothed in ponderosa pine forests stretch toward the horizon. The massive 3,405-acre Eleven Mile Reservoir dominates the eastern view, created where ancient valleys meet, forming one of Colorado's premier mountain lakes. This diverse terrain at 8,200 feet elevation offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome sites are listed as handicapped accessible, but accessibility issues have been noted by users, such as needing to dig holes to level trailers.
Sites SizeSites are generally small, with some challenges related to slope and leveling, especially for RVs or trailers. Users with 20-22 foot trailers reported difficulties.
Sites PrivacySites are well spaced apart and shaded, providing privacy. "Plenty of space between campsites," one review noted.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites such as 5 and 18 are recommended for privacy and ease of tent setup. Sites 19 and 12 are noted for being relatively level.
Best CampsitesPopular sites mentioned include Site 5, Site 18, and Site 19 for privacy and layout.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site limited to small groups depending on the site size.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a single loop with campsites spread out among ponderosa pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 16, 2025, and closes October 12, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites not reserved 5 days before arrival are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before the reservation incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are charged a $20 fee, along with the forfeiture of the first night.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Blue Mountain Campground offers various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and biking. The campground is known for its proximity to the South Platte River and Eleven Mile Canyon, which are popular for trout fishing and scenic hikes. "Hard Rock Interpretive Trail," accessible from the campground, provides sweeping views and opportunities for photography.
Hiking
The Hard Rock Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile self-guided trail leading to an overlook of Eleven Mile Canyon. Users describe it as easy and rewarding.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.Fishing
Rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout can be caught in the South Platte River. Fishing areas feature benches and picnic spots for convenience.Biking
Biking opportunities are available, but specific trails or paths are not extensively detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, birds, and squirrels are commonly seen. "We had a bunch of deer walk past our campsite one night," one user noted.Winter Activities
Winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not detailed for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood can be purchased onsite for $10 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are enforced, but specific times are not stated.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity has been reported, and biting flies are noted during some seasons.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Heavy rain
Precipitation: 9.8%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 88%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (9.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Heavy rain
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
Closest emergency services are located in Lake George, CO, approximately 1.5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Trash and recyclingA dumpster is available for trash disposal, located near the vault toilets. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the South Platte River and Eleven Mile Reservoir. Water pump onsite but requires treatment.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include slopey campsites, unclear water pump usability, and occasional noise from neighboring campers.
HostHosts are frequently praised for their maintenance and cleanliness efforts. Heather and Lee are current hosts who have received positive reviews.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO, 80827
Driving directionsFrom Lake George, Colorado, turn off of Highway 24 onto County Road 96. Follow the road for about 1.5 miles towards Eleven Mile Canyon. The campground is just up the way on the right-hand side, just past the entrance of Eleven Mile Canyon on County Road 61.
The campground is accessible via County Road 96, which is paved for most of the way. Seasonal closures or road conditions are not specified.Nearby places
Lake George (approximately 1.5 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Lake George offers access to emergency supplies including groceries, fishing gear, and other essentials. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is also a popular attraction nearby.
Camper Reviews
4.3
81 reviews
Blue Mountain is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. However, some complaints include challenges with campsite slopes and limited accessibility for RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, well-maintained campsites, proximity to hiking trails and Eleven Mile Canyon, and peaceful atmosphere.
Based on 81 reviewsCommon Concerns
Small and sloped campsites, water pump challenges, noisy neighbors, bear activity, and occasional lack of host attention.
Based on 81 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own treated water due to challenges with hand pumps. Avoid sites near the campground host if seeking quiet. Visit Eleven Mile Canyon for scenic views. Scout sites for suitability before...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews praise clean facilities and dark skies for stargazing. Fall reviews highlight enjoyable weather and peaceful atmosphere. Winter trends are not noted.
Based on 81 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Cleanest most welcoming vault toilets I've ever experienced." "The camp host was amazing. She cleaned and raked every camp site when empty." "Bathrooms: clean and quiet." "Vault toilets were the...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 is small and challenging for tents. Site #7 is flatter but near dumpsters. Site #18 offers flat tent spaces and proximity to clean vault toilets. Site #19 has ample space for tents but is...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility challenges include sloped sites and limited leveling facilities for trailers. Vault toilets are accessible, but water pumps can be inconvenient.
Based on 81 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome and must be leashed. "Our dog was most welcomed too," noted one user.
Based on 81 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025