Spectacle Lake Campground
03 reviewsSpectacle Lake Campground
$26.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$30.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single campsite fees range from $26 to $30; $12 for day use (picnicking). Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.
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About this campground
Nestled at 8,700 feet in the heart of Colorado's wilderness, Spectacle Lake Campground beckons adventurers with 24 thoughtfully designed campsites, including 13 convenient pull-through sites perfect for RVs and trailers. This mountain sanctuary comes equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: sturdy picnic tables, stone fireplaces with limited firewood available, clean vault toilets, refuse containers, and two hand-pump water spigots delivering crisp mountain water. What truly sets this campground apart are the breathtaking panoramic views of towering cliff walls that greet you from most campsites. Located steps away from the pristine waters of Spectacle Lake and the rushing Conejos River, you'll have premier access to some of Colorado's finest trout fishing—and when winter transforms the landscape, the frozen lake becomes an ice angler's paradise. Adventure seekers will find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the untamed South San Juan Wilderness, with trailheads practically at your doorstep: the scenic Spectacle Lake Trail #730 lies just half a mile away, while the challenging Ruybalid Trail #855 and the dramatic Notch Trail #729 offer endless opportunities for backcountry exploration.
Spectacle Lake Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including tent sites, pull-through RV sites, and combined-use sites.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,700 feet above sea level, where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly against the mountain sky.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the gentle rustle of young spruce trees and stepping out of your tent to witness towering cliff walls painted in the morning light. The campground's strategic location, just across the road from the mirror-like waters of Spectacle Lake, offers an enchanting blend of forest and alpine scenery. A short stroll brings you to the banks of the fast-moving Conejos River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's own soundtrack. From nearly every campsite, dramatic cliff faces rise like ancient sentinels, creating a natural amphitheater that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across the stone. The scattered young spruce trees provide just enough shade and privacy while maintaining those spectacular panoramic views that make this campground truly special.
Geological RegionSpectacle Lake Campground sits within the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, where the landscape tells a story millions of years in the making. Positioned near the confluence of the Conejos River and Spectacle Lake, the area showcases nature's architectural prowess with its commanding cliff walls that tower above the valley floor. This unique geological setting creates a dramatic backdrop that has been shaped by ancient glaciers, volcanic activity, and the persistent carving of mountain streams, resulting in the spectacular alpine amphitheater that visitors marvel at today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeEach site is equipped with a picnic table and a fireplace. The parking aprons for RVs are made of gravel, and some sites are pull-through, accommodating larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites are described as well-spaced and have a panoramic view of towering cliff walls. Some sites are near scattered young spruce trees, providing partial shade and a degree of privacy.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 pm
Check-out
12:00 pm
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no information provided about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout24 sites, including 13 pull-throughs, with tables and fireplaces.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (May 26 to September 4).
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spectacle Lake Campground offers year-round fishing opportunities at Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River. Hiking trails, including Spectacle Lake Trail #730, Ruybalid Trail #855, and Notch Trail #729, are accessible nearby. Scenic drives and wildlife viewing are some of the other activities available. However, the campground itself does not have swimming areas, boating, or dedicated biking trails.
Hiking
"The Spectacle Lake Trail #730 begins 1/2 mile south on Forest Road 250." Additionally, Ruybalid Trail #855 and Notch Trail #729 are accessible from the campground. However, user reviews note, "A drawback is that there are no hiking trailheads here in the campground itself."Fishing
Fishing is available year-round at Spectacle Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout, and at the nearby Conejos River. Winter ice-fishing is also an option.Wildlife viewing
The campground is near the South San Juan Wilderness and offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, especially given its proximity to Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River.Winter Activities
Winter ice-fishing is available at Spectacle Lake.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not permitted due to the prohibition on boating at Spectacle Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBear country; campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash containers are provided for waste disposal, and refuse pickup services are available.
Proximity to water featuresAcross the road from Spectacle Lake and within easy walking distance of the Conejos River.
Common complaints"Road 250 to the campground is in poor condition, washboarded for 6 miles." (User review)
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Antonito, CO, take US Rt. 285 south 0.3 miles to State Rt. 17. Continue straight on Rt. 17 and go 21.9 miles to Platoro sign (Forest Rt. 250). At sign, turn right onto Rt. 250 (dirt) and go 6.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
"Road 250 to the campground is in poor condition, washboarded for 6 miles." (User review)Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Spectacle Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and convenient access to Spectacle Lake and the Conejos River. The scenic views of the surrounding cliffs are frequently mentioned as a highlight.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the clean and well-maintained restrooms, the availability of potable water through hand pumps, and the scenic beauty of the area. "Nice sites, graveled, level, good picnic tables...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The primary complaint from users was the condition of the access road: "Road 250 to the campground is in poor condition, washboarded for 6 miles," said one reviewer. Additionally, some noted the lack...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers are advised to prepare for the rough condition of the access road and to bring sufficient firewood, as availability on-site is limited. Bear-proof trash containers are provided, and...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Campers most frequently visit during the open season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, noting the pleasant weather and vibrant views during this period. Winter ice-fishing attracts a few visitors...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Stayed 2 nights at this hidden gem of a place in my trailer. Well spaced and managed, good water, clean restrooms." - Myron Leski | "Vaulted toilet facilities were very clean and had NO foul odor."...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
13 sites are pull-through and are well-suited for larger vehicles. Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned in the available reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, as noted in the authoritative sources. No additional reviews on accessibility are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pets or pet policies were found.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025