Parry Peak Campground
4.6525 reviewsParry Peak Campground
$22.00 - $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
One user review states $22 per night, but another indicates the actual fee is $24 per night. Additional fees may apply for nearby services (e.g., dumping at nearby White Star Campground for $10).
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About this campground
Nestled beneath towering lodgepole pines and quaking aspens, Parry Peak Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. This intimate first-come, first-served haven sits alongside the rushing waters of Lake Creek, where the melodic sounds of whitewater create nature's soundtrack. Anglers cast their lines in the crystal-clear waters while hikers set off to explore the nearby Continental Divide Trail, all under the watchful gaze of majestic Parry Peak. Whether you're seeking solitude among the aspens or planning your next alpine adventure, this mountain retreat offers an authentic backcountry experience. Firewood is available for purchase to keep your evening campfires glowing.
The campground offers first-come, first-served sites suitable for tent camping and some sites for trailers.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Mother Nature writes her own rules. The thin mountain air can challenge even seasoned campers, so take time to acclimate to avoid altitude sickness. Summer brings wildflower meadows and cool mountain breezes, while autumn transforms the aspen groves into shimmering gold. Note that water availability can be seasonal—the 2021 season required campers to bring their own water supply. Winter arrives early and lingers late at this altitude, with snow blanketing the landscape for much of the year. Even summer nights can bring a chill that reminds you just how close you are to the sky.
ElevationPerched high in Colorado's rugged terrain, this campground sits at an elevation where the air grows thin and the views grow spectacular. The high-altitude environment creates a unique ecosystem where hardy lodgepole pines thrive and wildflowers bloom in brief but brilliant displays. Visitors should prepare for the effects of altitude, allowing time for their bodies to adjust to the mountain atmosphere where each breath contains less oxygen than at sea level.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle rustling of aspen leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and the soothing rush of Lake Creek cascading over ancient stones. The campground's natural amphitheater is framed by stands of lodgepole pines reaching skyward and groves of aspens that shimmer like nature's own light show. Above it all, Parry Peak dominates the horizon—a granite sentinel keeping watch over this pristine wilderness. The interplay of forest, water, and mountain creates a landscape that shifts with every change of light, from misty morning revelations to alpenglow evenings.
Geological RegionThis mountain sanctuary occupies a stunning position where lodgepole pine and aspen forests meet the tumbling whitewater of Lake Creek. The landscape tells a story written in stone and water—carved by glaciers, polished by time, and crowned by the spectacular granite face of Parry Peak. The surrounding terrain showcases the dramatic geology of the Colorado Rockies, where ancient forces pushed these peaks skyward and erosion sculpted the valleys that cradle pristine mountain streams.
Campsite details
Sites Privacy"Sites had a decent distance from each other and was a very pleasant campground," according to one review.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #24 is ideal for trailers, providing flat terrain and good spacing from neighbors. Site #25 is noted for proximity to water, but may not be suitable for families with small children due to water hazards.
Best CampsitesSite #24: Highly recommended for trailer camping. Site #25: Mentioned as a 'perfect tent site' close to fast-moving water.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are primarily gravel with some pull-through areas for trailers. Tent-only sites are available.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served, with no reservations accepted. User reviews indicate high demand during summer months.
Cancellation PolicySince the campground is first-come, first-served, no reservation cancellation policies apply, but relevant Recreation.gov reservation policies are noted for nearby reservable campgrounds.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping activities include enjoying the creek, hiking nearby trails such as the Continental Divide Trail, and fishing. "The creek is beautiful and there are fantastic views everywhere," observed one user. Some families return annually to enjoy the location.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must be completely extinguished with brought-in water. Firewood is available for purchase onsite.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fast-moving water during snowmelt (mid-June) and the risk of altitude sickness due to the high elevation.
Active alertsSeason-specific water unavailability for 2021 was highlighted in official descriptions and reviews.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Closest emergency services are located in Leadville, CO, 15 miles to the north.
Good to know
Trash and recycling"Great trash and restroom spots," noted one reviewer.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located beside Lake Creek, a fast-moving water feature. One user review described the water as ideal for filtering fresh water.
Common complaintsNo water is available at the campground, as noted by several users. Bugs were mentioned by one user, and proximity to a main road may impact noise levels.
HostReviews consistently praise the hosts as helpful and friendly. Firewood is sold onsite (bundle pricing was stated as $20 for three bundles).
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Leadville, go 15 miles south on US 24, then west on CO 82 past Twin Lakes Reservoir and Twin Lakes Village.
Accessibility is straightforward via major paved highways (US 24 and CO 82), but terrain may involve high altitude driving conditions.Nearby places
Leadville (15 miles south), Twin Lakes Village (2 miles west)
Nearby supplies
Supplies for groceries, camping goods, and fuel are available in Twin Lakes Village (approximately 2 miles away) or Leadville (15 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.7
25 reviews
Parry Peak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and helpful hosts. It is noted for being quiet and scenic, though the absence of on-site water is a drawback for some campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
- Clean sites and facilities
- Beautiful, peaceful surroundings
- Friendly and helpful camp hosts
- Convenient access to nearby trails and fishing spots
Based on 25 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Lack of drinking water on-site
- Cash-only payments noted as inconvenient by some
- Occasional bugs and proximity to a main road mentioned as minor issues by specific users
Based on 25 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water as none is available on-site.
- Arrive early, as it is a first-come, first-served campground and can get busy during peak seasons.
- Site #24 is considered an excellent choice...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
- Summer: High usage and busy with campers; beautiful weather.
- Mid-June: Fast-moving waters noted, caution for families with small children.
- Late season: Some confusion about operational dates as...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is a great little campground with super clean vault bathrooms." (Michael Magee)
"This is the best camp site. Myself and my family comes top this same spot every year because, why go anywhere...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site #24: Praised as the best for trailers.
- Site #25: Tent-only, close to the water but with fast-moving currents during June.
- Entrance side sites: Described as good, flat, and easy to pull...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025