Island Lake Campground

Hello, Colorado explorers and families! Are you searching for a special place where generations can gather, memories are effortlessly made, and the natural beauty of our state unfolds right outside your tent or cabin door? Look no further than Island Lake Campground, a cherished destination nestled on the stunning Grand Mesa near Cedaredge, Colorado. For those of us who live in this incredible state, finding a campground that offers not just a place to stay, but a truly enriching experience for groups and individuals alike, is a treasure. This article is designed to provide you with a comprehensive look at what makes Island Lake Campground a truly unique and highly suitable choice for your next Colorado adventure, viewed from our local perspective.

Island Lake Campground is more than just a collection of campsites; it's a vibrant community hub set amidst a serene natural backdrop. It caters to a wide range of needs, from individual campers seeking solitude to large families and groups looking for developed spaces for activities and gathering. The consistent feedback from visitors highlights its peaceful atmosphere, the cleanliness of its facilities, and the abundance of opportunities for both structured recreation and wild exploration. Whether you envision a quiet morning stroll along a hidden stream, an afternoon of spirited volleyball, or simply spending quality time with loved ones around a campfire, Island Lake offers the perfect setting. Let's delve into the details that firmly establish Island Lake Campground as a favored spot for Colorado locals.

Island Lake Campground is strategically located at 24862 Ute Trail Rd, Cedaredge, CO 81413, USA. This address places it directly on the magnificent Grand Mesa, one of the world's largest flat-top mountains, known for its thousands of lakes, stunning views, and extensive recreational opportunities. The campground is situated approximately 3.5 miles north of Cedaredge on Highway 65, then about 1.7 miles east on Ute Trail Road (Forest Route 116, which is gravel).

The accessibility of Island Lake Campground is a significant advantage for Colorado locals. While it provides a deep immersion in nature at an elevation of around 10,000 feet, it's easily reachable via paved roads (Highway 65) leading up to the gravel Forest Route 116. This well-maintained state highway makes the drive straightforward for cars, RVs, and trailers, with some sites accommodating RVs from 40 to even 100 feet. For residents of Western Slope communities like Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose, it’s a relatively short and incredibly scenic drive. Even for those coming from the Front Range, the journey across Colorado offers diverse landscapes, leading to this peaceful haven. Being on Grand Mesa also means it's a convenient base for exploring the myriad of lakes for fishing and boating (with a boat ramp and fish cleaning station near the lake), as well as accessing numerous hiking and biking trails across the Mesa. The campground's position, located in a thick grove of mature spruce, offers a genuine sense of escape without being overly remote or difficult to access. Visitors often recommend approaching from the south end of Island Lake on Forest Route 116 (from Highway 65) for a smoother drive compared to potential rougher northern access points.

Services Offered:

• Variety of Campsites: Offers 41 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, including some sites with electric hookups (50 amp).
• Electric Hookups: Specific sites (1-8) offer electric hookups for added convenience.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings with grates are available at each campsite for campfires and cooking. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available, with some reviews noting it comes from a mountain spring.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided.
• Trash Collection: Dumpsters are available for convenient trash disposal.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: Located down by Island Lake for easy access to boating and canoeing.
• Fish Cleaning Station: Available near the lake for anglers.
• Fishing Pier: Provides additional access for fishing on Island Lake.
• Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are available on-site.
• Day-Use Parking: Available for a small fee near the lake.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: While many sites are reservable via Recreation.gov, some are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Features / Highlights:

• Beautiful and Spacious Campsites: Reviewed as beautiful, with most sites offering nice tree cover and plenty of space for privacy.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Consistently noted for its tranquility, making it ideal for relaxation and creating a serene escape.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of restrooms and overall campground, with camp hosts often noted for daily cleaning.
• Proximity to Island Lake: Although the campground is about 1/4 mile from the lake, a short trail provides easy access, and some campsites offer panoramic views of the Grand Valley and several lakes below.
• Excellent for Water Activities: Ideal for fishing (Island Lake is stocked with trout), canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and paddle boating.
• Abundance of Outdoor Activities: Serves as a fantastic base for hiking, mountain biking, OHV trail riding, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing on the Grand Mesa.
• Friendly and Available Camp Hosts: Camp hosts are frequently mentioned for their helpfulness and welcoming demeanor.
• Memory-Making Potential: Many visitors share stories of cherished memories made at this spot, highlighting its capacity for fostering strong bonds and positive experiences.
• High-Elevation Escape: At 10,000 feet, it offers a refreshing escape from summer heat.
• Views: Some sites offer panoramic views of the Grand Valley and other lakes on the Mesa.

Contact Information:

Address: 24862 Ute Trail Rd, Cedaredge, CO 81413, USA

Phone: (970) 856-3741

Mobile Phone: +1 970-856-3741

Note: Island Lake Campground is part of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. For reservations and the most current information, it is recommended to visit Recreation.gov or contact the Grand Valley Ranger District directly.

For Colorado locals, Island Lake Campground on the Grand Mesa is an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for their outdoor adventures, particularly for families and groups seeking a balance of amenities and genuine natural immersion. What truly makes it a local favorite is its prime location on Grand Mesa, which for many Coloradans, is synonymous with high-country recreation and an escape from the summer heat. We cherish the opportunity to easily access thousands of lakes for fishing and boating, and Island Lake, being one of the largest and stocked with trout, is a fantastic hub for these activities, complete with a boat ramp and fish cleaning station.

The campground's design, featuring "very spacious" campsites with "plenty of privacy" and "nice tree cover," resonates deeply with the local desire for a peaceful and uncrowded camping experience. Even with some sites having electric hookups, the overall atmosphere remains quiet and serene, allowing for genuine relaxation. The consistent praise for "clean facilities," including bathrooms, and the presence of friendly and available camp hosts contribute significantly to a comfortable and hassle-free stay, which is always appreciated after a day of exploring.

Furthermore, Island Lake Campground serves as an excellent base for a wide array of activities that Coloradans love. Whether it's hiking the extensive trails across the Mesa, enjoying the "little stream hidden deep in the camp," or simply taking in the panoramic views, there's something for everyone. The high elevation provides a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures found at lower altitudes, making it an ideal summer retreat. Many locals have built cherished family memories here, returning year after year to enjoy the fishing, boating, and the sheer beauty of the Grand Mesa. For Coloradans seeking a well-equipped yet naturally rich environment to create lasting outdoor memories, Island Lake Campground stands out as a premier choice right in our backyard.

Island Lake Campground

Eckert, CO 81418, USA