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Colorado is an outdoor paradise complete with mountain vistas and a number of freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Therefore it comes as no surprise that Colorado has many gorgeous lakeside campsites. From remote hike-in sites to drive-in campgrounds, each of these excellent Colorado campgrounds are easily accessible and all offer breathtaking, waterfront views. No matter if you want to kayak, boat, fish or swim, these five gorgeous lakeside campsites will offer both incredible scenery and lakeside accessibility to make for a remarkable camping trip.
For those in the San Juan Mountains, enjoy a great campsite on the east side of Lake San Cristobal. Wupperman Campground has 31 sites, which all offer great views of Lake San Cristobal. Some sites even accommodate RVs and are ADA accessible. However do not expect electricity or RV hookups here. Complete with fire grills and pits, picnic tables and vault toilets, this gorgeous lakeside campsite does offer a few amenities. So get your fishing rod ready, because this spot is the perfect place to cast your line.
Stagecoach State Park is a great place to camp, hike, boat and fish near Steamboat Springs. The campsites here are by the water of a 820-acre reservoir. Mountain views against this reservoir make this a gorgeous lakeside camping spot that shouldn’t be missed. The reservoir is filled with cutthroat trout, making this area the perfect place for fishing enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on hiking in the area in the Flattops Wilderness and Blacktail Mountain.
Fifteen miles from the town of Ouray is Ridgway State Park, which is home to Ridgway Reservoir. There are three campgrounds, some with RV camping, along with a few walk-in tent sites for backpackers. However for those who would like lakeside camping, choose to camp at Dakota Terraces Campground or Elk Ridge Campground. This state park is popular during the summer months due to its location, its popular hiking trails, and its accessibility to the reservoir. The five-mile-long reservoir is perfect for fishing, boating and swimming.
The White Star Campground is truly located in a remarkable area. Hikers choose to camp here since it's close to popular hiking trails like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the trail up to the 14,000-foot mountain Mt. Elbert. This campsite provides access to the Twin Lake Reservoir, making it a perfect stay for those wanting to indulge in water recreation. Fishing, sailing, kayaking, and waterskiing are popular in the Twin Lakes Reservoir. All the campsites at White Star Campground are lakeside but some are snuggled in dense groves of beautiful ponderosa and spruce trees.
North Sterling State Park is located in Colorado’s northeastern grasslands. Although this state park isn’t in Colorado’s most mountainous region, North Sterling State Park still offers incredible scenic views and gorgeous lakeside camping. From May to September, find boaters, fishermen, and water skiers enjoying the large reservoir here. However, many waterfowl hunters flock to this state park during the fall for hunting season. For the best lakeside camp spot in this park, head to Elks Campground or Chimney Grove Campground.
