Lazy Boy Campground: Lakeside Serenity at Eleven Mile State Park, CO

Lazy Boy Campground Introduce

For Coloradans seeking a tranquil and less-developed camping experience, Lazy Boy Campground, nestled within the expansive Eleven Mile State Park, offers a truly unique opportunity. Located near Lake George, in the heart of Colorado's picturesque landscape, this campground provides a serene escape for those who appreciate quiet evenings under a vast, starlit sky and direct access to the expansive Eleven Mile Reservoir. Unlike some of the more bustling campgrounds, Lazy Boy embraces a rustic charm, focusing on the natural beauty of its surroundings. It's the perfect spot for those looking to unplug, embrace simplicity, and immerse themselves in the stunning high-plains and mountain views that define this remarkable part of our state.

Eleven Mile State Park is renowned for its vast reservoir, which is a mecca for anglers and boaters alike. Lazy Boy Campground sits on the western edge of this impressive body of water, providing campers with unparalleled access to its shores. The name "Lazy Boy" might suggest extreme relaxation, and while it certainly delivers on that front with its peaceful atmosphere, it also serves as an excellent base for a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're casting a line for trophy-sized trout, enjoying a leisurely paddle on the lake, or simply taking in a breathtaking Colorado sunrise over the water, this campground allows for a deep connection with the natural environment.

The unique appeal of Lazy Boy Campground lies in its more primitive feel compared to other loops within Eleven Mile State Park. While it offers essential amenities, it steers clear of excessive development, ensuring a genuine "off-grid while on the grid" experience. This atmosphere attracts campers who prioritize solitude, dark skies, and quiet nights over bustling social scenes. For many Colorado locals, finding a spot that truly offers peace and quiet, coupled with spectacular natural beauty, is a high priority, and Lazy Boy Campground consistently delivers on this promise. It’s a place where the stars truly shine, and the quiet allows you to hear the subtle sounds of nature.

Lazy Boy Campground is situated within Eleven Mile State Park, with its primary address being 4229 County Rd. 92, Lake George, CO 80827-9201. However, Lazy Boy specifically is a loop within the larger park, often accessed via a dirt road that can be somewhat bumpy, requiring careful driving. The general area falls under the Colorado 80827 zip code.

To reach Eleven Mile State Park, visitors coming from Colorado Springs typically take Highway 24 west for approximately 38 miles, passing through Lake George. West of Lake George, a left turn (south) onto County Road 90, followed by a continuation onto County Road 92 for about six miles, leads directly to the park entrance. While the park is relatively easy to find, reaching the Lazy Boy loop within the park may involve navigating some unpaved sections of road. Some reviews mention that coming from the south can involve a large uphill turn that may become muddy when wet, suggesting Highway 24 as a more reliable approach.

The campground’s location on the western edge of Eleven Mile Reservoir is a significant draw, offering direct access to the vast lake for boating, fishing, and enjoying waterfront views. While it feels wonderfully remote, it is still within a reasonable driving distance to supplies and services in nearby Lake George or Florissant, ensuring that essential provisions are never too far away. This balance of secluded natural beauty and manageable accessibility makes Lazy Boy Campground an excellent choice for Coloradans looking for a genuine mountain-lake escape without venturing too far into the deep backcountry.

Lazy Boy Campground provides a more rustic set of services, focusing on the core essentials for a natural camping experience.

Campsites: The campground offers 14 individual campsites. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate for cooking and campfires.
No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that Lazy Boy Campground does NOT have potable (drinking) water available directly at the campsites. While there may be hand pumps for water spigots elsewhere in the park, campers at Lazy Boy should plan to bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and extinguishing campfires.
Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are available for guest use, offering essential restroom facilities.
No Electrical or Sewer Hookups: The campground emphasizes a dry camping experience, meaning there are no electrical or sewer hookups available at the individual sites. This makes it suitable for self-sufficient RVs and tent campers.
Trash Receptacles: Secure trash receptacles are typically provided, encouraging campers to dispose of their waste properly and maintain a clean environment.
Reservations Recommended: While some older information might suggest a first-come, first-served policy, current information from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and booking sites indicates that sites at Lazy Boy Campground are now reservable online up to six months in advance, especially important during peak season.

Lazy Boy Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a distinctive choice for campers in Colorado.

Stunning Lakeside Location: Situated directly on the western edge of Eleven Mile Reservoir, the campground offers breathtaking views of the water and surrounding rolling hills, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Lazy Boy Campground is a prime location for stargazing, offering incredibly clear and dark night skies where the Milky Way can often be seen.
Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Described by campers as "completely silent" and "pitch black at night," the campground’s small size and somewhat rugged access contribute to a peaceful and uncrowded environment.
Direct Access to Eleven Mile Reservoir: Ideal for fishing and boating enthusiasts, with ample opportunities to cast a line for trophy trout or enjoy various water sports on the expansive reservoir.
Wildlife Viewing: The open spaces and proximity to the reservoir attract a variety of wildlife, including birds and other animals, offering excellent opportunities for observation.
Rustic, Off-Grid Feel: For those seeking a more authentic camping experience, away from the amenities of full-service RV parks, Lazy Boy delivers a raw, natural feel.
Suitable for Various Camping Units: While more primitive, sites can accommodate both tents and RVs (up to 45-85 feet in length, depending on the site), making it versatile for different camping styles.
Year-Round Accessibility: Eleven Mile State Park generally remains open for camping year-round, though services like water may be limited or turned off during winter months.
Hiking Opportunities: Although not heavily treed, the surrounding state park offers nearly five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails for exploration.

For those planning a trip to Lazy Boy Campground within Eleven Mile State Park, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Eleven Mile State Park, 4229 County Road 92, Lake George, CO 80827-9201, USA

Park Office Phone: (719) 748-3401

For making reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, you can typically book online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or ReserveAmerica. It’s advisable to check the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for Eleven Mile State Park for the most current information regarding campsite availability, fire restrictions (which can change rapidly in this arid environment), park conditions, and any seasonal closures or service limitations. For direct inquiries about specific site conditions or current restrictions, calling the park office is the best method. Remember that a valid daily vehicle pass for Eleven Mile State Park is required in addition to camping fees.

For Coloradans, Lazy Boy Campground at Eleven Mile State Park offers a compelling and authentic outdoor experience that perfectly aligns with our state's adventurous spirit. What truly makes it suitable for locals is its ability to deliver a genuine "get away from it all" feeling without demanding an arduous journey into the deepest wilderness. We appreciate stunning vistas and quiet nights, and Lazy Boy delivers on both fronts, providing an incredible backdrop of rolling hills and the expansive Eleven Mile Reservoir, along with virtually no light pollution for unparalleled stargazing. This is the kind of quiet solitude many Coloradans seek after a busy week, a chance to truly decompress under an immense sky.

The emphasis on a more rustic camping experience, without full hookups or constant running water at every site, appeals to the self-reliant nature inherent in many Colorado outdoor enthusiasts. It encourages preparedness and a deeper connection to nature, reminding us that true outdoor enjoyment often comes from simplicity. The availability of vault toilets and the expectation to bring your own water reinforce a Leave No Trace ethic, a principle deeply valued by our local outdoor community, ensuring the preservation of these beautiful spaces for future generations. For those who own self-contained RVs or prefer traditional tent camping, Lazy Boy provides the perfect, low-impact setting.

Furthermore, the immediate access to Eleven Mile Reservoir is a huge draw for Coloradans passionate about fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the serenity of a vast body of water. Eleven Mile is famous for its trout fishing, offering a prime opportunity to pursue our favorite outdoor sport close to home. While the campsites themselves might be open, the surrounding area offers ample space for exploration and water activities. Its location, within a manageable drive from the Front Range, means that a rejuvenating weekend escape is always within reach, offering a convenient alternative to longer, more distant trips. Lazy Boy Campground truly encapsulates the essence of Colorado camping: stunning landscapes, quietude, and a chance to embrace the simple joys of the great outdoors.