Spectacle Lake Campground

Hello, Colorado adventurers! Are you yearning for a genuine high-country escape, a place where the air is thin, the stars are bright, and the sounds of nature prevail? Look no further than Spectacle Lake Campground, nestled at nearly 9,000 feet in the breathtaking Rio Grande National Forest near Antonito. This hidden gem offers a tranquil and authentic primitive camping experience, perfect for those of us who appreciate the rugged beauty and serene solitude of Colorado's magnificent mountains. For locals seeking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild, Spectacle Lake Campground promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Spectacle Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park a small trailer; it’s an invitation to experience the pristine wilderness of the San Luis Valley. This campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers a back-to-basics approach to camping, focusing on well-spaced sites and essential amenities that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. While it demands a certain level of self-sufficiency due to its remote, high-elevation setting, the rewards are immeasurable: panoramic views of towering cliff walls, access to excellent fishing, and a pervasive sense of peace. Spectacle Lake Campground is ideal for those who are prepared for mountain conditions and are eager to embrace the true spirit of Colorado's outdoor lifestyle, away from the crowds and noise of more developed areas.

Spectacle Lake Campground is located near Antonito, CO 81120, USA, within the expansive Rio Grande National Forest. Its elevation, nearly 9,000 feet (specifically, around 8,900 feet), is a key characteristic, offering stunning mountain vistas but also requiring visitors to be mindful of altitude.

To reach this mountain haven from Antonito, you will typically travel south along US 285 for a short distance before turning onto CO 17. You'll continue straight on CO 17 for approximately 21.9 miles, then turn right at the sign for Platoro (Forest Road 250). From there, you'll travel about 6.3 miles on a dirt road to reach the campground sign, where you'll turn left into the entrance. Visitors should be aware that this final section of Forest Road 250 is unpaved and can be "washboarded" or rough in sections. While generally passable for various vehicles and smaller trailers, it's advisable to check current road conditions, especially after heavy rains or early/late in the season. The journey is part of the adventure, leading you deeper into the secluded beauty of the national forest and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, truly earning its "hidden gem" reputation among those who make the trek.

• Campsites: Approximately 24 well-spaced individual campsites. 33 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 40 feet, with 9 pull-throughs and 15 back-ins.
• Water Hand Pumps: Some reviews indicate the presence of "good water" and "potable water via a hand pump," while others state "no drinking water." It is safest to assume potable water may not be consistently available and bring all your own drinking water.
• Vault Toilets: Two vault-type toilets are on-site, consistently noted by visitors for their cleanliness and lack of odor.
• No Sewer Hookups: There are no sewer hookups at individual sites.
• No Campground Host: While a host might occasionally be present, it's not guaranteed, so campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient.
• No Trash Removal: Campers are generally required to pack out all trash to maintain the natural environment, although some information mentions refuse containers. It is always best to plan to pack out everything you pack in.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table.
• Fireplaces/Fire Rings: Individual fireplaces or fire rings are available at most sites, some with adjustable grates.
• No Electrical Hookups: This is a primitive campground, with no electrical hookups at individual sites.
• Gravel Sites: All campsites feature gravel pads.

• High Elevation Beauty: Situated at almost 9,000 feet, offering stunning panoramic views of towering cliff walls and the surrounding San Luis Valley landscape.
• Well-Spaced Sites: Campsites are notably well-spaced, providing a good sense of privacy and seclusion for campers.
• Clean Facilities: Despite being primitive, the vault toilets are consistently praised for being clean and well-maintained.
• Fishing Opportunities: Spectacle Lake (a 2-acre lake stocked with fish) is located across the road from the campground, and the Conejos River (a Gold Medal trout fishing river) is also nearby, offering excellent fishing. No boating is allowed on Spectacle Lake itself.
• Hiking Trails Nearby: Access to various trails, including the 2.1-mile Spectacle Lake Trail and the 3.5-mile Notch Trail.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Quiet and Serene: Visitors consistently highlight the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a quiet getaway.
• Beautiful Surroundings: Nestled in a mixed species forest, offering a picturesque setting among trees.
• Pet Friendly: Pets are welcome, allowing locals to bring their furry companions on their outdoor adventures (leash required).
• Reservable Sites: All sites are currently reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing for advanced planning of your trip.
• Scenic Drives: The drive on Forest Service Road 250 itself is scenic, leading to old mining towns like Stunner and Jasper, enhancing the overall experience.

Address: Antonito, CO 81120, USA (This address serves as a general locator for the area; the campground is accessed via a remote forest road.)

Phone: (719) 852-5941 (Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor's Office, which oversees this area)

Mobile Phone: +1 719-852-5941 (Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor's Office)

For specific campground inquiries or to check current conditions, it's often best to contact the Conejos Peak Ranger District within the Rio Grande National Forest. Their phone number is typically (719) 274-8971.

For us Coloradans, Spectacle Lake Campground truly represents a quintessential mountain escape, making it an excellent choice for a local outdoor adventure. Its location at nearly 9,000 feet within the Rio Grande National Forest provides the stunning high-elevation scenery and crisp mountain air that define our state, offering a much-needed respite from daily life. This campground is a true "hidden gem," as many locals have discovered, allowing for a peaceful and secluded experience without the crowds found at more developed sites.

The well-spaced and well-managed campsites, combined with clean vault toilets, provide essential comforts while maintaining a primitive camping feel. The presence of potable water (though it's wise to bring your own as a backup due to conflicting reports) is a significant convenience. For fishing enthusiasts, the proximity to Spectacle Lake and the renowned Conejos River means unparalleled opportunities for trout fishing, a favorite pastime for many Coloradans. The surrounding area also offers numerous hiking trails, inviting exploration into the vast wilderness and providing chances for wildlife viewing.

While the access road may be unpaved and the high elevation requires some preparedness for altitude, these aspects are often seen as part of the authentic Colorado experience by locals. The ability to reserve sites in advance adds convenience for planning. Spectacle Lake Campground embodies the spirit of self-sufficient outdoor enjoyment that many Coloradans cherish, offering breathtaking views, ample recreational activities, and a profound sense of tranquility. It's a perfect destination for those seeking to truly connect with nature and experience the raw beauty of our state's majestic mountains right in our own backyard.

Spectacle Lake Campground

Antonito, CO 81120, USA