First Come, First Serve Campgrounds Near Leadville for Last Minute Planners
Colorado is home to some of the most gorgeous campgrounds that look like they belong in a National Geographic magazine, but most of the popular spots are booked up just weeks into the new year. Trying to make plans when your bucket list destinations are unavailable for months can be frustrating, especially if you're like me and tend to plan things last minute. Relatable? Fortunately, I found a bunch of first come first serve campsites just outside of Leadville around Turquoise Lake. Read on for all the details to make your next spontaneous getaway a reality!
There are 7 campgrounds on Turquoise Lake that you can camp at. In fact, some of the campgrounds are first come, first serve only meaning you can’t reserve them online in advance, meaning us last minute planners might have a chance of finding a spot for the night. I’ve made a list of some sites near Leadville and highlighted the campgrounds that are first come, first serve only. Although the other campsites take reservations, you still might be able to snag an available spot. In fact, my partner and I were able to claim a campsite at Father Dyer campground. If you’re unable to claim a spot near Turquoise Lake, don’t give up just yet! There are some more campgrounds near Twin Lakes, about a 30 minute drive from Leadville, that also have some first come, first serve camping spots. Make sure you get there right at check-in, 2:00PM, to increase your chances.
Turquoise Lake Campgrounds:
Baby Doe Campground
Belle of Colorado Campground
Father Dyer Campground
Matchless Campground
Molly Brown Campground
Silver Dollar Campground
Tabor Campground
Twin Lakes Campgrounds:
Dexter Campground
Lakeview Campground
Parry Peak Campground
Twin Peaks Campground
White Star Campground
For all other important information, I’d recommend going to Colorado’s Forest Service website for all campground details. You can find everything you need here.
Here’s What We Did On Our Spontaneous Trip
This trip was very minimalist to say the least. We packed only the bare essentials: an air mattress, sleeping bags, pillows, a change of clothes, camping chairs, a jug of water, and smore’s fixings. From our campsite at Father Dyer, we drove to Turquoise Lake and went on a short hike. The trails is actually 12 miles out and back, but we only walked for maybe a mile or so before turning around. You can make the hike, which follows the parameter of the lake, as long or as short as you’d like.
AllTrails Link : https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/turquoise-lake-trail--3
After our short hike, we went into the town of Leadville to find some dinner and check out some of the local shops. Leadville, CO is a historic mountain town nestled at an elevation of 10,152 feet, making it the highest incorporated city in North America. The town’s vibrant arts scene, local eateries, and small-town charm draw in visitors who seek both adventure and a taste of Colorado’s frontier past. One of Leadville’s biggest local attractions is Melanzana, a small, locally beloved outdoor clothing brand known for its ultra-cozy, handmade fleece hoodies, jackets, and other gear. Because Melanzana is dedicated to local production, an appointment is required to shop in the store.
For dinner, we were able to reserve a table at the Legendary Silver Dollar Saloon a historic restaurant and bar with a 19th century feel. The food and old-timey atmosphere was great. Known for its lively ambiance, the Silver Dollar Saloon offers visitors a classic watering hole experience, complete with friendly bartenders, hearty drinks, and the occasional live music or storytelling. It's a favorite spot for those wanting to experience an authentic slice of Leadville’s history, making it popular among both locals and tourists alike.
After our delicious meal, we headed back to camp, made some s’mores for dessert, and sat around the campfire until we were ready to go to bed. Although it was cold at night, we were able to stay nice and toasty with our sleeping bag quilt. In the morning, we grabbed some coffee at Before and After Coffee and Cocktails in Leadville before we hit the road. Would highly recommend visiting this cute little coffee shop off the main street.
And that’s a wrap of our overnight camping trip that involved little to no planning at all. It was so much fun and I can’t wait to go back to Leadville for our Melanzana appointment next year!
