Clear Lake Campground

For Colorado locals seeking an authentic and immersive mountain camping experience, Clear Lake Campground, nestled along the breathtaking Guanella Pass Road near Idaho Springs, offers an ideal retreat. This high-elevation gem, situated at approximately 10,000 feet within the Arapaho National Forest (though often associated with Pike National Forest due to proximity and shared recreational areas), provides a rustic yet comfortable setting for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a place where the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains truly comes alive, inviting campers to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature.

Clear Lake Campground is celebrated for its picturesque setting, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, adding to its authentic, off-the-beaten-path charm. While it embraces a more traditional camping style, without the extensive amenities of large RV parks, it provides essential facilities that ensure a comfortable stay. Visitors often praise the clean vault toilets and the availability of water, which are crucial for high-altitude camping. The campground is a popular choice for those looking to explore the stunning Guanella Pass area, with its easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and the opportunity to simply relax amidst the pines. For those who appreciate rugged beauty and a genuine Colorado outdoor adventure, Clear Lake Campground is a destination that promises memorable moments under the vast mountain sky.

Clear Lake Campground is uniquely positioned on Guanella Pass Road, near Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA. This location places it approximately four miles south of Georgetown, making it an easily accessible escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountains for many Colorado residents. The journey to the campground itself is part of the experience, as Guanella Pass Road is a designated National Scenic Byway, offering stunning panoramic views as it winds through aspen groves, evergreen forests, and dramatic alpine landscapes.

Despite its high-elevation and seemingly remote setting, Clear Lake Campground is quite accessible. The Guanella Pass Road is fully paved from Georgetown, making it traversable by most passenger vehicles, including those towing small camper trailers, during the summer months when the pass is open. This ease of access from I-70 (Exit 228 in Georgetown) makes it a convenient option for quick weekend trips from Denver and other Front Range communities, allowing locals to quickly immerse themselves in the high country. While the campground offers a feeling of seclusion, essential services and charming historic towns like Georgetown and Idaho Springs are just a short drive away, providing opportunities for resupply or exploring local history. Visitors should note that Guanella Pass Road is typically open from late May/early June through Labor Day or later depending on snow conditions, so checking road status before visiting is always recommended. The accessibility for various vehicle types and its proximity to both town amenities and wilderness trails make Clear Lake Campground an excellent choice for a wide range of Colorado campers.

• Potable water available via hand pumps, essential for drinking and cooking at altitude.
• Vault toilets (outhouses) are provided, regularly stocked with toilet paper and generally well-maintained.
• Designated campsites, each equipped with a picnic table for outdoor meals.
• Metal fire rings at each site, perfect for cozy campfires (fire restrictions permitting).
• Trash dumpsters available for waste disposal, encouraging a Leave No Trace ethic.
• Self-pay station at the entrance for collecting the nightly fee ($23 per night as of May 28, 2023, exact change typically required with envelopes provided).
• First-come, first-served campsites; no reservations are accepted, promoting spontaneous adventure.
• Some sites are suitable for small camper trailers and tents.
• Campground host available during peak season, often able to provide local information and assistance.
• Opportunities to collect dead and downed firewood within the forest, reducing the need to purchase.

• Stunning Mountain Views: Immerse yourself in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, including nearby peaks like Mt. Bierstadt.
• Direct Access to Guanella Pass: Situated directly on the scenic byway, offering immediate access to further exploration and scenic drives.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: An excellent basecamp for accessing numerous trails, including popular 14er routes like Mount Bierstadt, and trails to scenic lakes such as Silver Dollar Lake and Naylor Lake.
• Fishing Opportunities: Clear Lake itself and nearby streams, particularly the South Fork of Clear Creek, offer opportunities for trout fishing.
• Wildlife Viewing: Frequent sightings of local wildlife, including various bird species and potentially larger mammals, adding to the wilderness experience.
• Rustic, Authentic Camping: Provides a traditional camping feel, ideal for those who prefer a less developed environment.
• Peaceful Atmosphere (Despite Road): While cars are frequent on Guanella Pass Road, the overall ambiance is generally quiet, especially with a crackling campfire.
• Good Firewood Availability: Opportunities to gather deadfall and downed wood for continuous, raging fires (check local fire restrictions).
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Vault toilets are noted for being regularly serviced and clean.
• Seasonal Accessibility: Typically open from early June through Labor Day, aligning with Colorado's prime summer and early fall camping season.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.

Address: Guanella Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

Phone: (303) 567-4382

Mobile Phone: +1 303-567-4382

For the most current information regarding Clear Lake Campground, including opening and closing dates, current conditions, and any fire restrictions, it is highly recommended to contact the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. While the direct campground phone numbers are provided, the Forest Service office can offer comprehensive updates. Additionally, checking the Guanella Pass Road information line at 303-679-2312 is advisable for road status before your trip, especially during shoulder seasons.

For Colorado locals seeking to fully embrace the unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor spirit of their home state, Clear Lake Campground on Guanella Pass Road is an outstanding choice. Its first-come, first-served nature fosters a sense of spontaneous adventure, inviting you to simply pack up and head for the mountains. The campground's strategic high-elevation location provides direct access to some of Colorado's most iconic hiking trails, breathtaking mountain vistas, and serene fishing spots, truly embodying the essence of Rocky Mountain outdoor living.

While a review highlights a concern about personal belongings and site etiquette, the overall consensus points to a well-maintained park with essential amenities that cater to a genuine camping experience. The availability of clean vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, coupled with the opportunity to gather firewood, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For those who can appreciate a rustic setting and value direct access to world-class outdoor recreation, the minimal fees and the sheer natural beauty make Clear Lake Campground an irresistible option. It's a place where the humming of a power station becomes mere background noise to the crackling of a campfire, and where the majestic Colorado wilderness is your backyard. Come experience the true heart of Colorado camping – a memorable and authentic escape awaits you at Clear Lake Campground.

Clear Lake Campground

Guanella Pass Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA