The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lakes to Camp at in Colorado

If you’ve ever found yourself gazing longingly at a postcard of the Rocky Mountains, you know that Colorado offers an outdoor experience unlike any other. But let’s be honest, while mountain peaks are majestic, there’s nothing quite like the serenity and recreational freedom that comes with setting up camp right next to a pristine body of water.

I’ve spent countless summers exploring the Centennial State, and I can tell you firsthand: finding the best lakes to camp at in Colorado is the key to unlocking the ultimate high-country vacation. This isn’t just about pitching a tent; it’s about waking up to the sound of loons, casting a line before breakfast, and watching the sunset paint the water in shades of gold and violet.

In this comprehensive guide, I want to take you beyond the obvious spots and dive deep into the specific campgrounds and unique features that make these destinations the absolute best camping in Colorado near water. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer looking for full hookups or a backpacker seeking a remote alpine retreat, we’ve got your perfect lakeside adventure mapped out.

Why Colorado Lakes Offer Unforgettable Camping Experiences

When we talk about Colorado camping lakes, we’re not just talking about small ponds. Due to the state’s intense focus on water storage and recreation, many of the best spots are massive reservoirs managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, State Parks, or the Forest Service. This means they are often surrounded by protected public lands, ensuring ample space and breathtaking views.

What sets lakeside camping apart here is the combination of high altitude, crisp mountain air, and the sheer diversity of activities. You can literally go from kayaking in the morning to hiking above the timberline in the afternoon.

We need to understand that “best” is subjective, so I’ve categorized my top recommendations based on what you might be looking for: iconic destinations, high-altitude serenity, and family-friendly convenience. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore these gems.

Must-Visit Lakes for Premier Colorado Camping

These are the heavy hitters—the large, multi-faceted destinations that offer everything from boat rentals and marinas to primitive shoreline camping. If you’re planning a trip focused heavily on water recreation, start here.

Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir: The Grand County Trio

When discussing colorado camping lakes, it’s impossible not to mention the triumvirate of water bodies near the town of Grand Lake, just west of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). This area includes Grand Lake (the deepest natural lake in Colorado), Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and the massive Lake Granby. While Grand Lake itself has limited camping, the adjacent reservoirs offer some of the best lakes to camp at in Colorado.

Lake Granby: The Angler’s Delight

Lake Granby is one of the largest reservoirs in Colorado, known primarily for its incredible fishing—especially lake trout (mackinaw) and rainbow trout.

• Campground Highlights: The East Shore Campground and Sunset Point Campground, managed by the Arapaho National Forest, are incredibly popular. East Shore is fantastic for larger RVs, offering paved access and some electric hookups. Sunset Point is more dispersed but provides stunning views, particularly for tent campers who don’t mind a little walk to the water.
• The Vibe: Energetic and outdoorsy. You’ll see large fishing boats, paddleboards, and hikers heading into the nearby wilderness areas.
• Expert Tip: If you want a truly rustic experience, look into the dispersed camping options around the less-developed northern shores, but remember these usually lack facilities and require a high-clearance vehicle.
• Why it’s the Best Camping in Colorado Near Water: The sheer amount of shoreline camping available here is unmatched, giving you direct, easy access to launching a kayak right from your site.

Shadow Mountain Reservoir: The Quiet Connection

Shadow Mountain Reservoir is unique because it is artificially connected to Grand Lake by a short channel and to Lake Granby via a pump canal. It often feels quieter than Granby, making it perfect for non-motorized recreation like kayaking and canoeing.

• Campground Highlights: The Green Ridge Campground is a fan favorite. It offers beautiful loops nestled among the lodgepole pines, and many sites have direct paths down to the reservoir edge.
• Reservation Reality: Because of its proximity to RMNP and the popularity of the area, reservations for both Granby and Shadow Mountain need to be secured almost six months in advance via Recreation.gov if you plan on visiting during peak summer (June through August).

Blue Mesa Reservoir: Colorado’s Largest Body of Water

If size matters, then Blue Mesa Reservoir, located near Gunnison in Curecanti National Recreation Area, wins hands down. It is the largest body of water in Colorado, boasting 96 miles of shoreline. This place is so big, it feels less like a lake and more like an inland sea.

• Campground Highlights: You have incredible diversity here.
  • Elk Creek: Best for RVs and families, offering a marina, boat ramp, and developed sites with modern amenities.
  • Stevens Creek: Offers some of the best water views and is slightly more secluded than Elk Creek, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
  • Lake Fork: Known for its high cliffs and deep water, ideal for serious boaters.
• The Vibe: Massive and remote. Even on busy weekends, the sheer scale of Blue Mesa means you can usually find a quiet cove to explore.
• Activities: Trout and salmon fishing (it holds the state record for brown trout!), sailing, and houseboating.
• Why I Love It: The dramatic orange and red sandstone cliffs surrounding the water make for incredible sunset viewing. It truly feels like a geological masterpiece.

Eleven Mile State Park: Pike National Forest Gem

Nestled high in the South Park Valley near Fairplay, Eleven Mile Reservoir is a mandatory inclusion on any list of best lakes to camp at in Colorado. It’s renowned for its massive rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and, perhaps most importantly, its incredible number of shoreline campsites.

• Campground Highlights: Eleven Mile State Park manages several distinct campgrounds, each offering unique perspectives:
  • Coves, Witcher’s Cove, and Rocking Chair: These areas offer sites right on the water, often with large granite boulders protecting the shore. Many sites allow you to walk just a few steps from your tent to the water.
  • Ponderosa and Rocky Mountain: More sheltered, tucked into the trees, providing necessary shade during hot afternoons.
• Water Access: This reservoir is known for its excellent boating conditions (though often very windy!) and is strictly regulated to maintain water quality, making the water exceptionally clear.
• Insider Tip: Eleven Mile is an established State Park, meaning you must purchase a valid Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) pass in addition to your camping fees. Always check the fire restrictions here; due to its high altitude and common dry conditions, restrictions are often in place.

High Altitude and Alpine Gems: Finding Serenity at Higher Elevations

If your definition of the best camping in Colorado near water involves crisp, thin air, towering peaks, and a feeling of true escape, you need to head above 9,000 feet. These colorado camping lakes offer unparalleled solitude but often require more preparation due to unpredictable weather.

Turquoise Lake: Leadville’s Hidden High-Country Treasure

Located just outside the historic mining town of Leadville (at 10,200 feet!), Turquoise Lake is a dazzling, deep-blue alpine reservoir surrounded by the peaks of the Sawatch Range. The views of Mount Massive and Mount Elbert are simply stunning.

• The Experience: This is quintessential high-country camping. The air is cool, even in July, and the pine forests are dense and fragrant.
• Campground Highlights (USFS): Turquoise Lake offers several fantastic US Forest Service campgrounds.
  • Molly Brown: A highly sought-after campground with stunning lake views and easy access to the boat ramp.
  • Matchless and Baby Doe: These offer more primitive camping options, often appealing to tent campers who prioritize seclusion over amenities.
• Activities: The 13.5-mile paved road around the lake is perfect for cycling. The fishing for brook and rainbow trout is excellent, though often challenging due to the cold, clear water.
• A Warning: Be prepared for cold nights, even in mid-summer. I always pack a four-season sleeping bag when camping this high up!

Trapper’s Lake: The Cradle of Wilderness

For those who truly want to disconnect, Trapper’s Lake, located in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, is a legendary destination. It is often called the “Cradle of Wilderness” because it was the location where Arthur Carhart, a Forest Service landscape architect, first conceptualized the idea of protecting wilderness areas in the 1920s.

• Access: This is challenging camping. The lake itself is protected, meaning no motorized boats are allowed, preserving the stunning natural quiet. The drive in is long and often involves bumpy, unpaved roads.
• Campground Highlights: Campsites are primitive and managed by the Forest Service. They are generally basic, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in nature.
• The Vibe: Primitive, quiet, and profoundly remote. This is where you go to hear nothing but the wind and the water.
• Perfect For: Fly fishermen and hikers seeking true solitude. The surrounding Flat Tops are crisscrossed with high-altitude trails, including those leading to the distinctive flat-topped mesas. If you want true wilderness camping near water, this is it.

Ruedi Reservoir: Aspen’s Quiet Neighbor

Located east of Basalt and accessible via a stunning drive up the Fryingpan River Valley, Ruedi Reservoir provides a beautiful alpine setting without the intense crowds sometimes found closer to Denver.

• Campground Highlights: The campgrounds here, like Ruedi Creek and Little Maud, are managed by the Forest Service and offer a mix of developed and undeveloped sites. They are typically set back slightly from the immediate shoreline but offer easy access to boat ramps and fishing spots.
• The Draw: While it’s popular for sailing and boating, Ruedi is also famous for the incredible fly fishing in the Fryingpan River below the dam, known for its massive, picky trout.
• Why it’s a Top Choice: It balances accessibility (it’s relatively easy to reach from I-70 via Glenwood Springs) with a genuine high-mountain feel, making it one of the most underrated colorado camping lakes.

Family-Friendly and Convenient Options: Easy Access and Amenities for All Ages

Sometimes, you need a lakeside retreat that doesn’t require four hours of driving or bear canisters. The following best lakes to camp at in Colorado excel in amenities, paved roads, and proximity to major population centers, making them perfect for quick getaways or camping with small children.

Chatfield State Park: Denver Metro Area’s Favorite

For those living near Denver or Castle Rock, Chatfield State Park is an absolute lifesaver. Situated right where the South Platte River flows out of the foothills, this large reservoir provides an amazing amount of recreational opportunity just minutes from the city.

• Campground Highlights: Chatfield offers some of the most developed camping in the state. We’re talking full hookups (water, electric, sewer), laundry facilities, clean modern bathhouses, and paved, level sites. They even have designated loops for equestrian camping.
• Activities: The park is a hub of activity: swimming beaches, a designated dog off-leash area, hot air balloon launches, and extensive paved trails that connect to the regional trail system. It truly offers the best camping in Colorado near water if convenience is your priority.
• The Downside (If any): It’s popular. Extremely popular. You will hear highway noise and you will see other people. If you’re looking for complete solitude, this isn’t your spot, but if you want convenience and amenities, it’s unbeatable.

Boyd Lake State Park: Northern Colorado Convenience

Up in Northern Colorado, serving the Fort Collins and Loveland areas, Boyd Lake State Park is another excellent State Park option focused on accessibility and water sports.

• Campground Highlights: Similar to Chatfield, Boyd Lake offers developed campsites, many of which have electric hookups. The sites are generally spacious, though the landscape is flatter and less forested than the mountain parks.
• Activities: This park is an absolute haven for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and sailing. The lake tends to be windy, which keeps the boaters happy. There is also a dedicated swim beach and picnic areas.
• Why it Works for Families: The flat terrain and dedicated amenities make it incredibly easy for families with young children or those needing accessible facilities.

Steamboat Lake State Park: The Northwestern Retreat

If you’re willing to drive a bit further north into the beautiful Elk River Valley, Steamboat Lake State Park offers a stunning blend of high-mountain views and excellent amenities.

• The Scenery: This park is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. The views are spectacular, often featuring lush green meadows leading up to the water’s edge.
• Campground Highlights: Both the Dutch Hill and Marina campgrounds are highly rated. They offer comfortable, developed sites, and the Marina area provides easy access to rentals and supplies.
• Unique Feature: Steamboat Lake is a fantastic spot for paddle sports, thanks to its generally calm waters and beautiful coves. It also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose and elk.

Essential Planning and Preparation: Mastering Your Colorado Camping Lake Trip

Planning a trip to the best lakes to camp at in Colorado requires more than just throwing a tent in the trunk. The altitude, the popularity of these sites, and the variable mountain weather demand careful preparation.

Reservation Realities: Booking Your Spot

The single most important piece of advice I can give you about camping in Colorado, especially near water, is this: plan early.

The Six-Month Rule

Most prime sites (State Parks and popular Forest Service campgrounds) operate on a strict six-month rolling reservation window via Recreation.gov or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation portal.

• State Parks (CPW): Parks like Eleven Mile, Chatfield, and Steamboat Lake are highly competitive. Log on exactly six months to the day (and minute!) before your desired arrival date to secure a spot, especially for weekend trips.
• Forest Service/BLM: While some USFS campgrounds can be first-come, first-served (FCFS), the most desirable lakeside spots (like those at Granby or Turquoise) are often reservable.

Understanding First-Come, First-Served (FCFS)

If you’re attempting FCFS camping, particularly at a smaller, higher-altitude reservoir, you need a backup plan.

1. Arrive Early: For weekend camping, arrive by Thursday afternoon or very early Friday morning.
2. Look for Dispersed Sites: Many of the National Forests surrounding colorado camping lakes offer dispersed (primitive) camping. This is free but requires you to be entirely self-sufficient (pack out all waste, bring your own water, know where you can legally park).

Gear Checklist: What You Need for Lakeside Comfort

Camping near water presents specific challenges—namely moisture, wind, and insects. Here’s a tailored gear list for maximizing comfort at these best lakes to camp at in colorado.

Temperature and Moisture Management

• Layering System: Even if it’s 80°F during the day, it can drop into the 40s or lower at night, especially above 9,000 feet. Bring moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell.
• High-R Value Sleeping Pad: Don’t skimp on insulation beneath you. A good sleeping pad prevents cold ground from sucking the heat out of your body.
• Rain Fly and Tarp: A tent footprint or tarp beneath your tent is crucial for preventing ground moisture from seeping into your floor, especially near the shoreline.

Lakeside Specifics

• Water Shoes/Sandals: Essential for launching kayaks, wading, or just walking around the sometimes-muddy shoreline.
• Bug Protection: Mosquitoes and biting flies can be intense near the water, particularly at dusk and dawn. Bring quality repellent (DEET or Picaridin) and possibly a screen room or bug net.
• Sun Protection: Altitude means intense UV exposure. Sunscreen, hats, and polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable. Reflection off the water doubles the intensity.

Altitude Acclimation and Safety

Many of the best lakes to camp at in Colorado sit well over 8,000 feet. If you are traveling from sea level, take it seriously.

• Hydrate Aggressively: Start drinking water two days before you arrive, and continue throughout your trip. Dehydration exacerbates altitude sickness.
• Take It Slow: Don’t hike or exert yourself heavily on your first day. Relax by the water.
• Monitor Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, and unusual fatigue are signs of mild altitude sickness. If symptoms worsen, the only cure is to descend to a lower elevation.

Responsible Recreation: Leave No Trace Principles

When enjoying the beauty of colorado camping lakes, we must commit to protecting them. The “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principles are critical, especially when camping near sensitive aquatic environments.

1. Pack It In, Pack It Out: This means all trash, including food scraps, cigarette butts, and fishing line. Never burn trash.
2. Dispose of Waste Properly: Utilize vault toilets or flush toilets where available. If not, human waste must be buried in a 6-8 inch cathole, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites.
3. Respect Wildlife: Store food securely (in vehicles or bear boxes) and never feed animals. Bear activity is common near water sources like Lake Granby and Ruedi.

Water Activities and Recreation: Beyond the Tent

The primary reason we seek out the best camping in colorado near water is, of course, the activities! Colorado lakes offer a massive range of options, from quiet fishing to adrenaline-pumping water sports.

Fishing Hotspots and Regulations

Colorado is a paradise for anglers, and the lakes we’ve discussed are major hubs for trout and salmon.

Licensing is Mandatory

Every person aged 16 and over must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. You can purchase these online through the CPW website or at most sporting goods stores and marinas. The fines for fishing without a license are steep.

Lake-Specific Specialties

• Lake Granby & Blue Mesa: Famous for Lake Trout (Mackinaw). Blue Mesa holds the state record for brown trout. You’ll need heavy gear and often a boat to fish the deep channels.
• Eleven Mile: Known for massive, trophy-sized Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon. Ice fishing here in the winter is legendary.
• Alpine Lakes (Turquoise, Trapper’s): Excellent for smaller, highly colorful Brook Trout and native Cutthroat Trout. Fly fishing or light spinning gear works best here.

Boating, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding Logistics

Most of the larger reservoirs (Blue Mesa, Granby, Chatfield, Boyd) permit motorized boats, while smaller or protected alpine lakes (like Trapper’s) restrict them.

Watercraft Inspection (AIS)

Colorado takes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) extremely seriously, particularly protecting the quality of the water in these colorado camping lakes.

• Mandatory Inspection: All watercraft (motorized boats, jet skis, sailboats, even paddleboards and kayaks if they have been in other states/waters) must be inspected before launching at State Parks and major reservoirs.
• Why it Matters: Invasive species like Zebra Mussels can devastate ecosystems. Be prepared to wait in line for inspection, especially on summer weekends. Always drain, clean, and dry your vessel completely before moving it to a new lake.

Renting Equipment

Don’t own a boat? No problem! Most of the major reservoirs have marinas or nearby outfitters:

• Blue Mesa: Elk Creek Marina offers pontoon boats, fishing boats, and houseboats.
• Chatfield: Offers paddleboard and kayak rentals right near the swim beach and marina.
• Steamboat Lake: The park marina provides rentals for fishing and recreational boats.

Renting saves you the hassle of hauling gear and dealing with the mandatory inspection process, making your trip to the best lakes to camp at in colorado much smoother.

The Seasons of Lakeside Camping in Colorado

Colorado’s camping season is largely dictated by altitude. Understanding when to go can make or break your experience.

Spring (April – Early June)

• The Challenge: Mud and snowmelt. Many high-altitude campgrounds are still closed due to snow.
• The Opportunity: Lower-elevation State Parks (Chatfield, Boyd) are opening, and reservations are slightly easier to get. The fishing is excellent as the water warms up.

Summer (Mid-June – Mid-August)

• The Challenge: Crowds and reservations. This is peak season. You must book months in advance.
• The Opportunity: All high-altitude destinations, including the most remote colorado camping lakes like Turquoise Lake, are fully accessible. The weather is generally predictable (warm days, cool nights).

Fall (Late August – October)

• The Opportunity: In my opinion, this is the absolute best time for camping. The crowds dissipate, the reservation pressure drops, and the weather remains pleasant (though nights get cold). The aspen trees turn brilliant gold, especially around high-country lakes like Granby and Ruedi.
• The Challenge: High-altitude sites often close after the first significant snowfall, usually by mid-October.

Conclusion: Making Memories at Colorado’s Waterfront Campgrounds

Choosing the best lakes to camp at in Colorado is really about choosing your desired adventure. Are you chasing the high-altitude solitude of Turquoise Lake, or the massive recreational opportunities of Blue Mesa? Are you seeking the family-friendly ease of Chatfield, or the ultimate fishing challenge at Eleven Mile?

Colorado’s colorado camping lakes offer a perfect convergence of mountain majesty and aquatic tranquility. They allow us to slow down, disconnect from the digital noise, and reconnect with nature in a truly profound way.

I encourage you to use this guide, plan meticulously, book your site six months out, and prepare for the kind of outdoor experience that only the Rocky Mountains can deliver. Whether you’re paddling silently across a glassy morning surface or enjoying a roaring campfire under a blanket of high-desert stars, I guarantee that your experience camping near the water in Colorado will be one you cherish forever. Happy camping!