Lake Creek Campground

Introduction / Overview

Lake Creek Campground, located on Co Rd 198 near Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA, offers a distinctive camping experience for Coloradans who value peace, quiet, and a truly rustic connection with nature. This is a small Forest Service campground, known for its unpretentious charm and its ability to provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle often found at larger, more developed sites. Unlike some popular RV parks, Lake Creek Campground is not designed for massive recreational vehicles, which means you're less likely to hear the hum of generators and more likely to enjoy the natural sounds of the surrounding San Isabel National Forest. It caters to those who appreciate a more primitive setting, embracing the simplicity of camping with basic amenities. While some reviews highlight its "creepy" or "overgrown" aspects, these comments often come from campers expecting a different kind of experience. For the seasoned and adaptable camper, Lake Creek presents itself as an "okay quiet spot for a couple nights," a place where the emphasis is firmly on tranquility and the raw beauty of the Colorado outdoors. It's a testament to the diverse camping opportunities available in Colorado, offering a niche for those seeking genuine solitude away from the crowds.

Location and Accessibility

Lake Creek Campground is situated on Co Rd 198, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA, placing it in the scenic Wet Mountain Valley region, nestled within the San Isabel National Forest. Westcliffe is known for its stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and its status as a designated International Dark Sky Community. However, accessing Lake Creek Campground requires some preparation and understanding of the road conditions. From downtown Westcliffe, visitors travel approximately 11 miles north on State Highway 69 to County Road 198, then 3 miles west to the campground. It is crucial to note that this 3-mile stretch on County Road 198 (also a Forest Service Road) is described by reviewers as a "washboard road" and can be "rough" with "lots of little rock obstacles" and "babyhead rocks," particularly past certain landmarks like the Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. This indicates that while accessible by cars and pickup trucks, a vehicle with good clearance is highly recommended, and the drive will be slow and bumpy. Despite these access challenges, the location offers a secluded retreat away from the main thoroughfares, contributing to its quiet atmosphere. Its position also grants access to the surrounding forest, including the Rainbow Trail, a motorized trail for ATVs and motorcycles, as well as wilderness trails that climb into the Sangre de Cristo range, accessible only by foot or livestock. This blend of remote tranquility and trail access defines Lake Creek's unique appeal.

Services Offered

Lake Creek Campground is a US Forest Service campground offering basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. It is important for campers to set their expectations accordingly, as it is not a highly developed site.

• Individual Campsites: The campground offers 11 campsites. These sites are described as "tiny little overgrown spots that only a car or pickup truck could fit in," indicating they are generally small and best suited for tents or smaller recreation vehicles (RVs under 25ft and small trailers). Each site typically allows a maximum of 8 persons, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles OR 1 recreational vehicle.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of vault toilets.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available, typically provided by a well with a hand pump. This is a key amenity for a rustic campground.
• Fire Rings: Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Campers are reminded to ensure fires are completely extinguished.
• Bear Attractant Storage: As bears are common in the area, a bear closure order is in place. All bear attractants (food and nonfood items) must be stored in a bear-resistant manner, such as in bear bags, bear boxes, or within hard-sided vehicles. Pop-ups, tents, and open-top vehicles are not considered safe storage areas.
• First-Come, First-Served: Lake Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are generally not accepted. Sites must be occupied on the same night of arrival.
• Fees: There is a fee for overnight camping, payable by cash, check, or money order via a self-service fee tube. Golden Age and Golden Access Cardholders may receive a 50% discount.
• No Generators: A highlight for many, and a feature born from its primitive nature, is the absence of large RVs and their accompanying generators, contributing to the "peace and quiet."
• No Showers: Like most basic Forest Service campgrounds, Lake Creek does not offer shower facilities. Campers should plan accordingly.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Peace and Quiet: The most frequently highlighted feature of Lake Creek Campground is its profound tranquility. It's a haven for those who seek to escape the noise of daily life and the generators of larger RVs, offering a truly serene environment.

• Rustic, Authentic Camping Experience: For campers who appreciate a back-to-basics approach, Lake Creek provides a genuine Forest Service campground feel. It's less developed, allowing for a more immersive natural experience.

• Suitable for Tents and Smaller Rigs: Its limited accessibility for large RVs is a benefit for many, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded camping atmosphere. It's ideal for tent campers and those with smaller trucks or trailers.

• Access to Mountain Trails: Located within the San Isabel National Forest, the campground provides access to a network of trails, including the Rainbow Trail (motorized) and various wilderness trails that ascend into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (non-motorized).

• Potable Water Availability: The presence of a hand-pump well providing drinking water is a significant convenience for a rustic site, reducing the need for campers to haul in all their water.

• Secluded Setting: Despite the rough access road, the campground’s somewhat remote location ensures a sense of seclusion and privacy, appealing to those who prefer less traffic and more solitude.

• Stargazing Potential: Being away from significant light pollution, the night skies around Lake Creek Campground offer good opportunities for stargazing, especially in the clear Colorado mountain air.

Contact Information

Address: Co Rd 198, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA

Phone: (719) 553-1400 (This is often a regional or national Forest Service contact number. For specific, local information or current conditions, it's often best to contact the San Isabel National Forest - Wet Mountain Valley Ranger District Office. A quick online search for "San Isabel National Forest Wet Mountain Valley Ranger District phone" would provide the most direct local contact information.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lake Creek Campground near Westcliffe, Colorado, is particularly well-suited for locals who cherish the quieter, more authentic side of mountain camping. For Coloradans accustomed to navigating diverse terrain and seeking genuine solitude, this Forest Service campground offers a refreshing departure from the often-crowded and amenity-rich private campgrounds. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to peace and quiet, providing an ideal haven away from the noise of generators and large crowds that can sometimes detract from the natural experience.

The very challenges of its accessibility – specifically the 5 miles of washboard road – serve as a natural filter, ensuring that those who reach Lake Creek are often individuals or small groups truly seeking a rustic retreat. For locals with appropriate vehicles (cars or pickup trucks) and a willingness to embrace a bumpy ride, this journey leads to a rewarding sense of escape. The campground's small, intimate sites, designed for tents and smaller RVs, contribute to a less commercialized and more communal atmosphere among like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Lake Creek Campground offers a practical base for exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Isabel National Forest. Locals can easily access various hiking and motorized trails, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of their home state. The availability of potable water and basic vault toilets provides essential conveniences without compromising the primitive feel. For the Colorado resident who prioritizes tranquility, values self-reliance, and yearns for a genuine connection with the less-trodden paths of their beloved mountains, Lake Creek Campground presents an ideal and authentic opportunity to experience the serene side of Colorado camping. It's a place where the landscape speaks louder than any generator, truly a spot for those who prefer the quiet rhythm of the wilderness.

Lake Creek Campground

Co Rd 198, Westcliffe, CO 81252, USA