O'Haver Lake Campground

For Colorado locals seeking a truly idyllic lakeside escape, O'Haver Lake Campground in Salida offers a slice of mountain paradise that perfectly balances serene relaxation with engaging outdoor activities. Nestled amidst "beautiful hills and mountains in the background," this charming campground is centered around the pristine O'Haver Lake, creating a picturesque setting that invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature. It’s a destination where the gentle lapping of water replaces the urban hum, and the majestic Rockies provide a breathtaking backdrop for your adventures. O'Haver Lake Campground isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a cherished spot where families create lasting memories and outdoor enthusiasts find their perfect aquatic playground.

What truly sets O'Haver Lake Campground apart is its unique focus on peaceful, non-motorized water activities. Visitors consistently highlight that this "small lake is perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing without the loud sounds of big boat motors." This ensures a tranquil environment, allowing the natural sounds of the lake and surrounding forest to prevail. Furthermore, unlike many high-altitude lakes in Colorado, O'Haver Lake offers the rare and highly sought-after opportunity to "swim here," making it an even more desirable destination for families, especially those with toddlers looking for safe swimming areas.

The dedication to visitor experience at O'Haver Lake Campground is evident in the praise for its camp hosts, like "Renee and Ron," who are described as "awesome," routinely checking in with campers "to ensure our needs were met." This level of friendly, attentive service, combined with "clean organized campground with pristine vault toilets," ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For Colorado residents, finding such a well-maintained and welcoming campground with unique water access makes O'Haver Lake a true gem, promising delightful experiences and fostering a desire to "definitely return in the future." It’s an ideal spot to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle we cherish in our home state.

O'Haver Lake Campground is conveniently located in Salida, CO 81201, USA. This address places it within the picturesque confines of the San Isabel National Forest, specifically in the stunning Arkansas River Valley region. While the exact GPS coordinates will lead you directly to the lake and campground, it's situated off U.S. Highway 50, approximately 12 miles southwest of Poncha Springs, making it a relatively accessible mountain retreat for many Colorado residents.

Access to O'Haver Lake Campground involves navigating a "bumpy road" for the final stretch, which is characteristic of many beautiful, more secluded spots in the Colorado mountains. However, this road is generally passable for most vehicles, though drivers should exercise caution and be aware of conditions, especially after heavy rain. Despite the minor road challenge, the journey is well worth it for the serene destination that awaits. The campground's proximity to Salida, a vibrant outdoor-centric town, means that while you feel immersed in nature, essential services, restaurants, and additional recreational opportunities are within a reasonable driving distance.

The strategic location of O'Haver Lake offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding "beautiful hills and mountains," providing a true sense of being deep within the Rockies. This blend of remote natural beauty with relatively straightforward access from major routes makes it an appealing choice for locals across Colorado, allowing for both day trips to explore nearby areas and extended stays at the campground itself. Its position within the San Isabel National Forest also means it serves as a gateway to countless hiking trails and wilderness areas for further exploration.

O'Haver Lake Campground offers a range of services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable lakeside camping experience, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness and visitor support. These offerings are tailored to enhance the serene, non-motorized nature of the lake environment.

• Individual Campsites: The campground features 29 individual campsites, including 3 accessible sites, suitable for both tents and RVs (with a maximum recommended length of 25 feet due to access roads).
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for convenient outdoor dining and enjoyable campfires (when conditions permit).
• Pristine Vault Toilets: Visitors consistently praise the "Clean organized campground with pristine vault toilets," indicating a high standard of cleanliness for essential sanitation facilities.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available via a hand pump, ensuring campers have access to clean drinking water.
• Trash Services: Dumpsters are provided for convenient garbage disposal, helping to keep the campground clean and free of litter.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and attentive "Camp hosts, Renee and Ron, were awesome," routinely checking on campers and providing assistance, such as "a parking pass to use at other locations in the area and some free night crawler bait for fishing." Their presence significantly enhances the visitor experience.
• Day-Use Area: In addition to campsites, there are day-use areas, one of which offers "clean water" suitable for "swimming with toddlers," providing a separate space for daily recreational activities.
• Accessible Fishing Dock: An accessible fishing pier is available, making fishing enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.

O'Haver Lake Campground truly shines with its array of features and highlights that make it an exceptional destination for Colorado locals seeking a peaceful and activity-rich outdoor experience. These attributes consistently receive high praise from visitors, underscoring the campground's unique appeal.

• Serene, Non-Motorized Lake: A standout feature is the small, "beautiful lake" where "big boat motors" are prohibited. This creates an incredibly peaceful environment, perfect for "paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing without the loud sounds."
• Swimming Permitted: Unlike many high-altitude lakes in Colorado, O'Haver Lake allows swimming, making it a rare and highly sought-after feature, especially for families with young children who enjoy playing in the "clean water."
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake is "stocked with fish for the kids" (rainbow trout), and campers report "caught some fish," making it a rewarding spot for anglers of all ages. The accessible fishing dock further enhances this.
• Friendly and Attentive Camp Hosts: The presence of "awesome" camp hosts like "Renee and Ron" who "routinely checked up on us to ensure our needs were met" is a significant highlight, providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Their helpfulness, including providing parking passes and bait, goes above and beyond.
• Picturesque Mountain Backdrop: The campground is surrounded by "beautiful hills and mountains in the background," offering stunning vistas that enhance the natural beauty of the setting and provide a true sense of being in the Rockies.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the "Clean organized campground with pristine vault toilets," ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience.
• Suitable for Various Water Activities: Beyond fishing and swimming, the lake's calm waters are ideal for "paddle boarding" and "kayaking," catering to a variety of non-motorized water sports.
• Sense of Seclusion (with minor trail access caveat): While the overall feel is remote, some sites, like #12, offer a sense of seclusion, though it's noted that "some folks enter/exit the trail through our site a few times."

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather the most current information regarding O'Haver Lake Campground, please use the contact information for the managing authority. O'Haver Lake Campground is part of the San Isabel National Forest, managed by the Salida Ranger District.

Address: Salida, CO 81201, USA

Phone: (719) 539-3591

Mobile Phone: +1 719-539-3591

The phone number provided is for the Salida Ranger District, which is the direct point of contact for O'Haver Lake Campground. Calling this number is the most effective way to obtain the most up-to-date information on the campground's operating season (typically mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting), current fees (around $24 per night, with discounts for Interagency Senior/Access Passes), availability, fire restrictions, and any specific road conditions, especially concerning the "bumpy road" leading into the campground. While the campground offers first-come, first-served sites, a portion of the sites (14 of 29) are also reservable through Recreation.gov, so checking online or calling the Ranger District is advisable, particularly during peak season.

For Colorado locals, O'Haver Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished destination, perfectly embodying the active, nature-loving lifestyle prevalent in our state. Its unique features and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a memorable outdoor escape right in our backyard.

Firstly, the ability to "swim here unlike most lakes in Colorado" is a monumental draw for local families, especially those with young children. This rare opportunity for refreshing dips in "nice clean water" provides a significant advantage over many other high-altitude camping destinations, making O'Haver Lake a true summer haven for aquatic recreation.

Secondly, the commitment to a peaceful, non-motorized lake experience resonates deeply with Coloradans who seek tranquility in nature. The absence of loud boat motors ensures that the serene sounds of the lake and the natural environment prevail, creating an ideal setting for paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the mountains. This dedication to a calmer atmosphere is highly valued by those looking to genuinely disconnect and relax.

Furthermore, the high praise for the "awesome" camp hosts like Renee and Ron highlights a level of personalized care and helpfulness that enhances the entire camping experience. For locals, knowing that a campground is well-managed and that staff are actively checking on needs, providing local tips (like parking passes and bait!), adds immense value and fosters a strong desire to "definitely return in the future" and make it a "yearly family tradition." This human touch elevates O'Haver Lake from just a campsite to a welcoming community.

In essence, O'Haver Lake Campground offers Colorado locals a quintessential mountain lake experience: beautiful scenery, clean facilities, engaging activities like fishing and paddling, and the rare joy of swimming, all within a tranquil and friendly environment. It's a true gem that captures the essence of outdoor living in our beautiful state.

O'Haver Lake Campground

Salida, CO 81201, USA