Twin Lakes View Dispersed Camping

July 7-9, 2023 - First time dispersed camping and we came across this gem. Views are STUNNING! We arrived at noon on a Friday and there were only a few other people with PLENTY of sites to choose from. By 5pm quite a few people started to fill her up, but even those that arrived later could find spots with views without a hitch. This is dispersed with spacious sites but with fairly close proximity to others. Everyone was very nice and cordial so it didn't bother us. This did, however, make finding a spot to do your business a bit less private. . . We strung up a tarp around some trees to privatize our lavatory. There were lots of off leashed dogs, including our own (it was like one giant dog park), but we didn't mind one bit; just know before you go and be respectful. The drive to the lake is only 2 minutes. We ended up on the water for two days which was absolutely stunning (fyi the water is COLD). It can get breezy, and it was fairly dusty, but hey, we're camping. Verizon cell coverage was decent. We will definitely be back.

This is truly an amazing site and it's popularity makes me nervous. Please tread lightly and follow and monitor campfire restrictions and extinguish your fires with water to keep protect these sites.

This is my second stay, here and what I loved is the privacy and views. Simply some of the best boondocking available.

The best views are at the top of the hill,, past Lakeview Campground, overlooking the entire lake area.

The spot we set-up at was closer to the Mount Elbert Forebay and two water towers. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Twin Lakes below. Access depends on the spot you choose. We didnt have a problem with F250 and 27-foot Airstream, but saw others in all types of vehicles struggle with rough access. Getting out to scout on foot is a good idea around here. There is not an outhouse on site so make sure you're prepared. Great ATT mobile service. We based here to hike up Mt Elbert, fish the Upper Arkansas River, and explore Leadville.

Site access was extremely difficult for our van. Huge ruts and potholes, big rocks, steep grades and tight clearance between trees. We tried several different access points and eventually took the best one, which was really awful. This campsite is only for high clearance vehicles that don’t care about blowing a tire or two. If you can get to a spot it’s a beautiful overview. I’m surprised the previous reviews didn’t indicate the conditions we found

I took the very first path on the right after the first corner up the paved road. I found a spot, behind a tree but still with a great view. There are only about 5-6 places, for Van's or tent camping as it is very tight.
But if you keep going up, passed the campground, there are hundreds of sites. Some among the trees, great for shade, and some totally exposed, with superb views, great for solar, but exposed to heat and wind. There is a water reservoir on the North side. Very very pretty as there is a forest of Aspen trees, and one of pine trees. Good idea to walk the grounds first as there are here and there some deep ruts and big rocks. 2-3 bars of Verizon. Where I am, the place was clean when I arrived. There was a party of ten young women in 3 cars tent camping. They were a bit too loud but when I came back this morning from a bike ride, they were gone and left a ton of trash, toiletpaper etc...Shame on you young ladies

Stayed here for 4 nights. Unfortunately the first day we spent setting up and relaxing after a long drive, and then it rained for 2 straight days. Day 4 we got to enjoy a hike down to the lake. Gets a little cold up here at night (not sure if that’s the norm but it got about 40° each night).

Other than the weather which is obviously out of our control we absolutely loved our time here. There are countless sites as you drive up the mountain. Pick your spot and have a great time. The area that the GPS will bring you to has I’d say 8ish sites, but right next door there are plenty more and right down the road there are even more.

Big rigs should be able to find a spot, but definitely not any random spot would do here as the roads can get a little bumpy once you turn off into the camping area. Other than that it’s paved the whole way up.

Cell service: you will get between 1-4 bars LTE depending on if you’re blocked by the hillside. We basically parked directly where the GPS takes you and got one bar. The higher up you are is better signal, the more lakeside you are even better.

Would have stayed the whole 14 days but we had business to take care of in Denver. Will definitely be back at some point!

First few spots have easy access no 4x4 needed. Farther back the road is more inclined and rutted but most people seem to be able to get through. The lake view is amazing, we got such a great spot we just stayed for a whole week. Some of the most beautiful hiking trails I’ve ever seen not far from here. The Reservoir behind has a good amount of trout, lots more fishing nearby. Leadville is close and has a grocery store a few great restaurants and a dump station with drinking water. This spot is popular for good reason but it’s pretty spread out. If you can’t find a spot here there’s a lot of free camping in this area.

What a way to escape the heatwave that was hitting Denver. This spot is amazing. There is free camping all over this lake. We made it to the top and have been enjoying the views. It's Father's Day weekend, and I've still seen a few spots available. It's busy for sure, but you can probably find something on the weekends. We ended up moving spots because a large family was having a lot of fun and blasting their music. So we found something quieter.
If you enjoy eating out, we were told about Quincy's for steaks and Casa Sanchez for Mexican...both located on the main road in Leadville. There is also a $5dump and $2.50 water fill at the Leadville sanitation. There is a laundromat in town as well. Great place to load up and head up here for a few days