Belle Of Colorado
4.3727 reviewsBelle Of Colorado
$0.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
Facility rates vary based on reservation method and season. Tent-only sites cost up to $29 per night during peak season.
About this campground
Escape to Belle of Colorado, where canvas meets wilderness in one of the state's most coveted tent-only sanctuaries. Nestled beneath towering lodgepole pines and blessed with front-row views of crystalline Turquoise Lake, this beloved campground captures the essence of Colorado's high-country magic. Here, the only sounds breaking the mountain silence are wind through pine needles and gentle waves lapping against the shoreline.
Belle of Colorado is a tent-only campground with 19 sites, primarily catering to small groups and individual campers. It does not allow RVs or motorhomes.
Weather and SeasonsSummer in this alpine paradise brings crisp mountain mornings around 38°F that warm to comfortable 64°F afternoons—perfect for hiking and lakeside adventures. The dry mountain air and gentle breezes create ideal camping conditions, with rain clouds rarely interrupting the endless blue skies. As autumn arrives, the campground prepares for its winter slumber, closing when snow blankets the high country.
ElevationPerched in Colorado's spectacular high country, Belle of Colorado sits in the rarified air near Turquoise Lake, where the mountains rise dramatically from the water's edge and every breath reminds you of the elevation's alpine character.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to sunlight filtering through dense lodgepole pine canopies, where shade provides natural air conditioning on warm afternoons. The sapphire waters of Turquoise Lake shimmer just beyond your tent, while Colorado's twin giants—Mounts Massive and Elbert—dominate the horizon like ancient sentinels watching over this pristine landscape.
Geological RegionTucked within the embrace of San Isabel National Forest, Belle of Colorado occupies a prime spot where lodgepole pine forests meet the shores of Turquoise Lake. This geological wonderland showcases Colorado's highest peaks, with the majestic profiles of Mounts Massive and Elbert creating an unforgettable backdrop that reminds visitors why this region has captivated adventurers for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned in the data.
Sites Size"Spot #4 was awesome! Great views, clean campsite, and the campsite was huge!" (Robyn Ferris); "All the sites are lovely, but site 3 is right on the beach." (Olga Wollinka)
Sites Privacy"The sites are spacious and they have good distance from other sites." (Carina Basio); "There are some great campgrounds with some space between sites." (Steve Dempsey)
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, avoid Site 3. Sites 7 and 15 are highly recommended for views and proximity to the lake.
Best CampsitesSite 7 is described as spacious with lake views. Site 3 offers beach access but lacks privacy. Site 15 is close to the beach and lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of eight people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout19 tent-only sites located near Turquoise Lake, with some offering direct beach access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 - August 31, 2025. First-come, first-served season begins June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed via Recreation.gov mobile app or in-person payment options.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served only. Popularity may lead to sites being fully booked by Friday nights during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations are allowed for an additional fee ($10). Refunds for cancellations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee and may forfeit the first night's fee if canceled late.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for various outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and water sports. Its location by Turquoise Lake also allows direct access to beach activities.
Hiking
"Great trails to hike nearby and a short 15min drive to Leadville." (T C); "Nearby hikes Winsor Lake and Timberline trail are amazing!" (Olga Wollinka)Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as an activity available at Turquoise Lake in user reviews, but no specific details about fish species are provided.Biking
"There is a nice bike [trail] around the lake that is also used by trail runners." (Joel Kranenburg)Boating
"Nearby Turquoise Lake has easy access for some water sports like kayaking." (Steve Dempsey); "Its great if you have your own kayak or paddleboard as the sites are right next to the lake." (Carl Gregory)Beach activities
"This campground is amazing with your own private beach that doesn't allow day use... campers only." (T C)Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed; firewood sold at $10 per bundle. Ensure fires are fully extinguished.
Hazards
General hazardsMinimal hazards reported. Noise issues during peak times have been noted in reviews.
Active alertsWater will not be available during the 2025 camping season. RV dump station at White Star is closed.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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 in Leadville, including medical facilities, police stations, and supply outlets.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - August 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Turquoise Lake, offering recreational opportunities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Common complaintsSome campers report issues with noise and rude behavior during peak times. Mixed reviews on campground host behavior.
HostHosts' reviews vary. Some describe hosts as helpful and friendly, while others report rude and unhelpful behavior.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe campground is located near Turquoise Lake, approximately 15 minutes west of Leadville, Colorado. To reach the site, take Highway 24 to the Turquoise Lake Road. Follow signs for Belle of Colorado Campground. Note that seasonal closures and limited cellular service may affect navigation.
The campground is accessible via paved roads but is subject to seasonal closures. Visitors should call ahead or check local conditions before traveling.Nearby places
Leadville: approximately 15 minutes (10 miles). Other cities are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby supplies
Leadville offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and dining options.
Camper Reviews
4.4
27 reviews
Belle Of Colorado is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews highlight the campground's scenic location near Turquoise Lake, its clean facilities, and the spaciousness of its campsites. However, some users report occasional issues with noise and difficult interactions with certain hosts. The private beach and proximity to hiking trails are consistent positives.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
"The campground was really nice. It was close to the lake and it was super quiet at night." (Carina Basio); "Bathrooms were also the best we've seen! So clean and there is a light at night." (Jackie...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Interactions with the campground host were sometimes problematic: "The campground host was so helpful and kind." (T C); another review described the host as "intentionally unhelpful." (Johnathan...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Plan to arrive early, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis: "When we came back from skiing and exploring the area on Friday, around 5:00 PM, all of the sites had been...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during weekends and holidays, as noted in user reviews. "Friday nights are difficult times to get a spot here." (Scott Lakeside); Visitors have reported noise issues during...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is one of the best campsites I've ever stayed at, bar none." (Hayden Harris); "The views of Mounts Massive and Elbert over the lake are just beautiful." (Scott Lakeside); "Bathrooms were kept...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
"Site 3 is right on the beach." (Olga Wollinka); "Spot #4 was awesome! Great views, clean campsite, and the campsite was huge!" (Robyn Ferris); "We stayed on #15 site, less than 100 steps to the...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews regarding accessibility features were found in the materials.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, as noted in user reviews: "We came up with the family, 12-year-old boys, 5 adults, and 2 dogs." (Lisa Gamper)
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025