Blue Lakes Campground

For Colorado locals yearning for a true high-altitude escape into the heart of the mountains, Blue Lakes Campground near La Veta offers a fantastic and genuinely remote camping experience. This is a place where you can truly disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Colorado wilderness, over 10,000 feet above sea level. While one reviewer had a challenging experience with wind and crowds, another paints a picture of a "fantastic remote campground" that is "far far away from city life," despite being a manageable 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs. This contrast highlights the varying experiences one can have in the high country, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding the nature of remote, high-altitude camping. Blue Lakes Campground is ideal for those who appreciate spacious and private sites, the soothing sounds of a creek, and the thrill of wildlife sightings. It’s a destination for seasoned campers who are prepared for mountainous conditions and seek a deep connection with nature, offering trails that lead to pristine Blue Lake and beyond to Bear Lake, inviting exploration and adventure in the stunning Colorado landscape.

Blue Lakes Campground is located in the vicinity of La Veta, CO 81055, USA, placing it deep within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, likely within the San Isabel National Forest. Its address serves as a general geographic marker for this high-altitude wilderness area. For Colorado locals, accessing this campground means a journey into the rugged beauty of the mountains. Be prepared for a significant ascent, as the campground sits at an elevation of "over 10,000 ft."

The road leading up to the campground is described as "gravel and washboard in spots." While one reviewer noted it was "easily navigated in our mini van," this suggests that most standard vehicles with decent clearance should be able to make the journey, though caution and slower speeds are advised. It is not a paved, easily accessible highway entrance, reinforcing its "remote" status. This gravel road is part of the experience, separating it from more urban-adjacent campgrounds and contributing to its peaceful, "far far away from city life" atmosphere.

Given its high-altitude, mountainous location, accessibility can be seasonal. Roads to such elevations are typically open from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and the first heavy snowfalls. It's crucial for locals planning a visit to check current road conditions and potential closures with the relevant Forest Service office before departing, especially when planning a trip in late spring or late fall. This preparedness ensures a safe and successful journey to this elevated natural retreat.

Blue Lakes Campground, as a remote, high-altitude camping destination, offers fundamental services designed to facilitate a comfortable, yet rustic, outdoor experience. The focus here is on providing essential amenities while preserving the natural environment.

• Designated Campsites: The campground provides clearly defined campsites, some of which are spacious and offer a high degree of privacy. These sites are suitable for both tent camping and RVs, though campers should note that specific RV amenities like hookups are unlikely at such a remote, high-altitude location.

• Picnic Tables: Each site likely includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other camp activities. As noted by a reviewer, these tables are part of the clean and spacious sites.

• Fire Rings: Campsites are typically equipped with fire rings or grates, allowing campers to safely build and contain campfires for cooking, warmth, and ambiance. It is imperative to check for any fire restrictions or bans before lighting a fire, especially in dry Colorado conditions.

• Access to Water (Creek): While not explicitly stated as potable water spigots, the presence of a "creek" backing up to sites, with "waterfalls," implies natural water access. Campers should always filter or treat any natural water source before consumption. The sound of the creek provides a wonderful natural amenity.

• Proximity to Trails: A key service is the immediate access to "trails going to Blue Lake and on to Bear Lake." This provides direct routes for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness without needing to drive.

• Clean and Spacious Sites: Reviewers have praised the sites for being "super clean and spacious," indicating a well-maintained environment despite its remote nature. This contributes to a more pleasant and comfortable camping experience for visitors.

Blue Lakes Campground distinguishes itself with several compelling features and highlights that draw seasoned campers and nature lovers from across Colorado.

• High-Altitude Remote Experience: The most defining feature is its "high altitude (over 10,000 ft)" and truly "remote" nature. This offers a profound escape from city life, providing crisp mountain air, vast views, and a sense of deep immersion in the wilderness that is sought after by many Colorado locals. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect.

• Privacy and Spaciousness: As highlighted by a positive review, the sites offer "tons of privacy" and are "super clean and spacious." This is a significant draw for campers who prefer not to be packed tightly with neighbors, allowing for a more serene and personal outdoor experience. Site #8, for example, "backed up the the creek," adding to the secluded feel.

• Creek-Side Ambiance: The presence of a "creek" winding through or alongside the campground, complete with "waterfalls," provides a wonderful natural soundtrack to your stay. The soothing sounds of flowing water enhance relaxation and contribute to the peaceful atmosphere.

• Direct Trail Access to Alpine Lakes: A major highlight is the immediate access to "trails going to Blue Lake and on to Bear Lake." This makes the campground an excellent basecamp for hiking, fishing, and exploring these pristine alpine lakes, offering stunning scenic rewards just a short trek away.

• Abundant Wildlife Sightings: The remote setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Reviewers mention "wildlife sightings," including "very friendly chipmunks and blue jays and camp robbers that came right up to the picnic table to say hello." This interaction with nature adds a special touch to the camping experience.

• Navigable Gravel Road Access: While the road up is gravel and "washboard in spots," the fact that it's "easily navigated in our mini van" suggests it's accessible for most standard vehicles (though higher clearance is always a plus in the mountains), making this remote gem within reach for many Coloradans.

• Stargazing Potential: Given its high altitude and remote location, away from light pollution, Blue Lakes Campground likely offers spectacular opportunities for stargazing on clear nights.

As a remote campground within a National Forest, Blue Lakes Campground likely falls under the management of a specific Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest or Rio Grande National Forest, given its proximity to La Veta and the general area. There isn't typically a dedicated phone number directly for the campground itself.

For reservations (if available, as some remote sites are first-come, first-served) and the most accurate, up-to-date information on road conditions, fire restrictions, water availability, and opening/closing dates, it is best to contact the relevant U.S. Forest Service Ranger District office.

Based on the provided address (La Veta, CO 81055), the campground would likely be managed by a district within either the San Isabel National Forest or the Rio Grande National Forest. A good starting point for inquiries might be the San Carlos Ranger District office, which covers areas near La Veta.

Suggested Contact (San Carlos Ranger District, San Isabel National Forest):

Address: 300 Dozier St, Pueblo, CO 81002 (This is a main office; closer sub-offices might exist but this is a reliable starting point).

Phone: (719) 269-8500 (This is a general number for the San Isabel National Forest. You would ask to be directed to the relevant district for Blue Lakes Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 719-269-8500

Alternatively, you can check the USDA Forest Service website for the San Isabel National Forest or Rio Grande National Forest, or Recreation.gov for reservation information, if applicable. Always call ahead, especially when planning a trip to a high-altitude, remote location in Colorado.

Blue Lakes Campground, despite one challenging experience, holds immense appeal for Colorado locals who truly appreciate the rugged beauty and serene solitude of their home state's high country. For Coloradans, it represents the quintessential mountain escape: high-altitude air, incredible privacy, and direct access to pristine alpine lakes and winding trails. Its remote nature, accessible via a manageable gravel road, ensures that you are "far far away from city life," providing a much-needed respite from daily routines. While preparation for chilly nights and strong winds is essential, the rewards are immeasurable: the soothing sound of a creek outside your tent, abundant wildlife sightings, and the sheer joy of exploring untouched wilderness. This campground is ideal for tent campers and RVers alike who value spacious, clean sites and are comfortable with a more rustic experience without extensive amenities. For Colorado locals, Blue Lakes Campground offers an opportunity to forge deep connections with nature, challenge themselves in a beautiful setting, and create lasting memories in the very heart of the state's iconic mountains, making it a truly authentic and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Blue Lakes Campground

La Veta, CO 81055, USA