Tabor
4.2615 reviewsnull
Tabor
$25.00 - $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
Standard nonelectric site fees range from $25 to $29 per night during the 2025 season.
About this campground
Nestled among towering lodgepole pines on the pristine northeastern shore of Turquoise Lake, Tabor Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This cozy retreat features 15 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience with vault toilets and no running water or showers, Tabor rewards adventurers with unparalleled access to crystal-clear alpine waters and breathtaking mountain vistas.
The campground primarily caters to primitive and standard nonelectric camping and is first-come, first-served.
Historical SignificanceJust a scenic drive away lies Leadville, Colorado's legendary mining boomtown where fortune seekers once walked the same streets you can explore today. This living piece of American West history invites campers to step back in time, discovering authentic saloons where miners once celebrated their strikes and historic buildings that whisper tales of Colorado's silver rush era. The connection between Tabor Campground and this storied past runs deep, offering visitors a chance to blend outdoor adventure with fascinating cultural exploration.
Weather and SeasonsSummer unveils Tabor's gentle side, with crystal-clear days and pleasantly mild temperatures that invite endless outdoor adventures. As autumn approaches and winter lingers into spring, this high-altitude sanctuary transforms into a realm of crisp air and possible snowfall, where frigid temperatures remind visitors of nature's raw power. The peak summer months offer the most reliable weather window, though mountain conditions can shift dramatically, creating spectacular cloud formations and afternoon thunderstorms that dance across the peaks.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,900 feet above sea level, Tabor Campground places you firmly in Colorado's thin-air territory. This lofty elevation delivers crisp, pine-scented breezes and spectacular panoramic views, though it demands respect from visitors unaccustomed to high-altitude environments. The rarified air here can challenge even seasoned adventurers, making proper hydration and gradual acclimatization essential. Evening temperatures can plummet even in summer, transforming warm afternoons into nights that require cozy sleeping bags and campfire warmth.
Natural Features and SceneryTurquoise Lake lives up to its gemstone name, spreading before campers in brilliant shades of blue and green that shift with the mountain light. The campground's lodgepole pine canopy creates a natural cathedral, filtering sunlight into golden patches that dance across the forest floor. Along the rocky shoreline, visitors discover hidden coves and granite outcroppings perfect for quiet contemplation or photography. The surrounding peaks frame every view, their snow-capped summits and alpine meadows creating a backdrop that transforms from rose-gold at sunrise to purple silhouettes at dusk.
Geological RegionTabor Campground sits within the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks and pristine alpine lakes. The surrounding lodgepole pine forest thrives in this high-altitude ecosystem, adapted to short growing seasons and winter's heavy snows. Turquoise Lake itself fills a glacially carved basin, its mineral-rich waters reflecting the surrounding granite peaks that tell a billion-year story of continental collision and erosion. This remarkable geological setting creates a natural playground where every trail leads to new discoveries about the Earth's dynamic past.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe sites can accommodate large recreational vehicles and allow for a maximum of 8 people per site.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit descriptions of privacy levels for campsites are provided in the source materials.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites in the upper ring for scenic views and room for hammocks. Avoid sites near the host if sensitive to intrusive behavior.
Best CampsitesUpper ring campsites praised for privacy, views, and spacious layouts.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 pm (noon)
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of eight people per site
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with 15 sites arranged in a circle; upper sites offer better views and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 to August 31, 2025; weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app using Scan & Pay.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis only; no online or phone reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to arrival with a $10 fee. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include proximity to Turquoise Lake, which provides options for fishing and paddleboarding. The surrounding area supports hiking, with trails offering scenic views of the lake and forest.
Hiking
The area features an easy hiking trail wrapping around Turquoise Lake. A user described it as, "an easy hike trail that wraps around the lake."Fishing
Fishing is available at Turquoise Lake. One user stated, "A great place to go for a fishing trip."Boating
Boating activities such as paddleboarding are supported. A user indicated that they "came by for closer access to the water with our paddle boards."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned as minimal with one user noting, "Very quiet, little wildlife."Winter Activities
One user mentioned stargazing in September after the campground closed, suggesting off-season potential for nighttime activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as paddleboarding are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings. Visitors must bring water to extinguish campfires fully.
- Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am
Hazards
General hazardsPotential for altitude sickness due to the 9,900-foot elevation.
Active alertsWater is unavailable for the 2025 season; visitors must bring their own supply. RV dump station at White Star will be closed.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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 available in Leadville, including hospitals, police stations, and fire stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - August 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Turquoise Lake; offers access to fishing and paddle boarding.
Common complaintsMultiple reviews cite host behavior as problematic: 'Campground host, Dale, is abominable. Avoid at ALL costs.' Other complaints include intrusive reminders about quiet hours, and some discriminatory behavior by the host.
HostMixed reviews about hosts; some describe them as 'friendly,' others as 'abominable.'
Campground Map
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Driving directionsnull
Located near Leadville at 9,900 feet elevation. Access roads may be difficult in early or late season due to weather. High-altitude conditions can impact accessibility.Nearby places
Leadville: Approximately 10-15 minutes driving
Nearby supplies
Leadville offers grocery stores (Safeway), restaurants, liquor stores, laundromats, gas stations, and more.
Camper Reviews
4.3
15 reviews
Tabor is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Tabor Campground highlight its scenic beauty and proximity to Turquoise Lake but are mixed on the campground host experience. Common complaints focus on intrusive and rude host behavior, while positive reviews praise clean facilities and serene surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Beautiful, super clean bathrooms, friendly host with everything we wanted."
- "One of the most beautiful and clean campsites I've visited."
- "Clean pit toilet. Easy access to Leadville."
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Host behavior: Multiple users described the host as intrusive, rude, and unprofessional. "The host literally kept bugging us every hour," and "The campground host, Dale, is abominable."
- Noise...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring enough water as there is no potable water available on-site.
- Wear sandals to navigate the rocky shoreline of Turquoise Lake.
- Plan for potential high-altitude sickness at 9,900 feet.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most discussed season, with reviews highlighting scenic views but also pointing out issues with campground management. One user shared a positive off-season experience with stargazing...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "The vault toilets were the biggest and cleanest I've ever seen at a campground!"
- "Such a beautiful campsite and lake!"
- "Quiet hours started at 10 pm and she came by at 10:02 and told us we had...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- "The upper ring has nice campsites with a large parking lot and ease of access."
- "The lake is low and the boat ramp was closed."
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
General reports of pets being allowed, with no specific amenities for them noted.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025