Southside Campground - Lake Isabel
3.7523 reviewsSAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO 81212, USA
Southside Campground - Lake Isabel
$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
Nightly rate of $25 applies during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional vehicle fee is $10.
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Recreation.govProvider
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR OTHER NON REAL TIME INFORMATION, CALL 719-269-8500.
About this campground
Nestled along the shores of Lake Isabel, Southside Campground offers an intimate RV camping experience in the heart of the Wet Mountains. This cozy facility features smooth, paved roads winding through pull-through sites perfectly sized for RVs under 30 feet. While designed with RV enthusiasts in mind, adventurous tent campers are welcome to stake their claim among the mountain pines. Essential amenities include vault toilets and fresh drinking water, creating a back-to-basics atmosphere that lets you truly disconnect and immerse yourself in Colorado's high-country splendor.
Southside Campground is designed for RV camping but allows for tent camping as well. Sites are pull-through and generally compact.
Historical SignificanceLake Isabel carries the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose hardworking crews carved this recreational gem from the wilderness in the late 1930s. These Depression-era workers transformed raw mountain terrain into a beloved destination that continues to welcome outdoor enthusiasts more than 80 years later, standing as a testament to their vision of accessible wilderness recreation.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings blissfully dry days and cool mountain breezes that offer sweet relief from the heat of lower elevations. Don't let the sunshine fool you though – Mother Nature keeps things interesting here, occasionally dusting the landscape with surprise snowstorms even as early as September. The high-altitude climate means you'll want to pack layers year-round, as temperatures can shift dramatically between sun-soaked afternoons and crisp mountain evenings.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,600 feet above sea level, Southside Campground places you firmly in Colorado's high country. This lofty elevation delivers refreshingly cool temperatures that provide natural air conditioning during summer months, along with that distinctive thin-air feeling that reminds you just how far you've climbed above the everyday world below.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering aspens and stately ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their branches filtering golden sunlight and whispering mountain secrets in the breeze. Lake Isabel sparkles like a jewel at 8,600 feet, reflecting the surrounding peaks of Pike and San Isabel National Forest. This wilderness sanctuary encompasses soaring 14,000-foot summits and serves as home to an incredible array of wildlife, from curious chipmunks to majestic elk that might grace your morning with their presence.
Geological RegionThe Wet Mountains cradle Southside Campground in their ancient embrace, rising from the Pike and San Isabel National Forest in a dramatic display of Rocky Mountain grandeur. Groves of quaking aspen and aromatic ponderosa pine blanket the slopes, framing breathtaking views of Lake Isabel's crystalline waters. The rugged mountain bases reveal millions of years of geological history, their rocky foundations telling the story of Colorado's dynamic landscape evolution.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites are pull-through to facilitate easy access. The campground is paved, but specific ADA-compliant features are not noted.
Sites SizeSites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. The pull-through design minimizes the need to back in.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as being very close together, offering limited privacy. Some reviews highlight this as a significant drawback.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor better privacy, avoid peak season weekends. Smaller RVs or campers under 25 feet are easier to maneuver in tight pull-throughs. Walk-in sites may offer better spacing during weekdays.
Best CampsitesSite 006 is frequently mentioned for its proximity to the lake, although complaints about neighboring slide-outs and space are noted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM local time
Check-out
12:00 PM local time
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 8 people per campsite.
Groups
No group camping is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutAll sites are pull-through with paved roads, designed for RVs under 30 feet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16, 2025 to September 20, 2025 for reservations; first-come, first-served availability from September 21, 2025 to September 27, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is limited; there are only three sites designated for walk-up use. Weekends are busy, but weekday availability is better.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee. No-show visitors are charged $20.00 and forfeit the first night's rate and applicable add-ons.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground serves as a gateway to Lake Isabel and surrounding trails.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the Snow Slide Trail and the 15-mile Cisneros Trail, which is also open to ATVs and leads to the Wet Mountains. Trails feature wildflower-filled valleys and connect to St. Charles Peak.Fishing
Fishing is a key attraction, with Lake Isabel stocked with brown and brook trout. St. Charles Creek offers additional fishing spots.Biking
Bicycling is allowed on trails such as the Cisneros Trail, which offers diverse terrain and scenic views.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted on Lake Isabel, with the nearby lodge providing paddle and rowboat rentals.Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife due to its location in the Wet Mountains and surrounding forest.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not addressed in available materials.Water Sports
Lake Isabel supports non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings only.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh elevation may pose risks for those traveling from lower altitudes. Campground tight turns could lead to vehicle damage during maneuvering.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6 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
Emergency services are accessible in Canon City, including hospitals and police stations. Closest ranger station is the San Carlos Ranger District Office in Canon City.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLake Isabel is within walking distance and is stocked with trout; St. Charles Creek is nearby for additional fishing.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include lack of privacy due to close campsite proximity, insufficient maneuvering space for larger RVs, and poor bathroom cleanliness.
HostHosts are generally friendly and helpful, but some reviews cite issues with management attitude in recent years.
Campground Map
SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT, 3028 EAST MAIN STREET, Canon City, CO 81212, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground is the first within the recreation area on the left.
Roads to the campground are paved, allowing easy access from major highways. However, the campground has tight turns that prevent vehicles over 30 feet in length from safely maneuvering. Visitors traveling from lower elevations are advised to exercise caution due to the high elevation of 8,600 feet.Nearby places
Canon City (approximately 45.5 miles northeast), Pueblo (approximately 43 miles north), Colorado Springs (approximately 85 miles northeast).
Nearby supplies
A nearby lodge in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area offers paddle and rowboat rentals, groceries, and a restaurant. Additional grocery and camping supplies can be found in Canon City, approximately 45.5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
3.8
23 reviews
Southside Campground - Lake Isabel has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed experiences. While the natural beauty and proximity to Lake Isabel are appreciated, campers often cite the lack of space between sites and minimal amenities as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to Lake Isabel, and scenic hiking trails. Camp hosts are frequently described as friendly and helpful. One review highlights: 'Great camp...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the close proximity of campsites, lack of privacy, and limited maneuverability for larger RVs. Some users also report cleanliness issues with vault toilets and...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water due to on-site limitations and advise against visiting with large trailers. Early reservations are encouraged, as some sites are first-come, first-serve....
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during summer, with visitors enjoying fishing and hiking. However, winter storms can restrict access, as noted by a user unable to reach the site due to snow in...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The area is beautiful... We visit multiple times during the year.' 2. 'Nice campground & great location to view the lake.' 3. 'Campsites are extremely close together... We will not go back.'
Based on 23 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews highlight issues like narrow spaces and lack of water access. For example, 'The drive to the lake seemed lengthy, like 5 minutes,' said one visitor at campsite 005.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address the experience of campers with disabilities.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025