Baby Doe Campgroun Leadville, Colorado

by chapin31

The Baby Doe Campground at Turquoise Lake, just outside of Leadville, Colorado is one of the more pleasant and private RV campgrounds I've visited. Operated by the National Forest Service (under the auspices of the US Department of Agriculture), the campground is one of eight surrounding a beautiful 1,800 acre high mountain lake.

The area seems to be a well kept secret, and I'm hoping it stays that way! Every visit is met with the sound of lapping waves on the shore, and birds fluttering from pine tree to pine tree.

The lodgepole forest seems to filter out the noise of other campers and I always feel that I have the entire forest and lake to myself! The RV sites are spaceous and level, and most sites have direct access to the lake.

A boating ramp is available for those looking for more fun on the water, and picnic tables abound. Beware, however, that the evening temperatures, even in the midst of summer are a bit nippy at 9,900 feet! But that problem can quickly be solved by rustling up a fire in the accompanying fire pit. After all, what's a camping trip without roasted marshmallows?

There is a wonderful trail that emcompasses the entire lake and connects each of the eight campgrounds surrounding Turquoise Lake. The terrain is pretty level, and hikers enjoy a variety of views from forest, to rock outcroppings (there's a little known turquoise mine on the side of the mountain that is privately owned), to beachfront landscapes.

Fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and boating are all acceptable activities, as well. Each campground has its own camp hosts, which on several occasions have turned out to be extremely helpful in navigating not only the lake area, but the nearby historic town of Leadville. Baby Doe Campground can be found on the web at http://tinyurl.com/4a7vn5c and reservations are accepted via the web at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.

One of my pictures is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chapin31/5544279642/ **You have my permission to use it on the review page only.