Woods Lake Campground

Long drive to get here- but it’s so worth it. Chose this site as it was recommended by other campsites close to the road that had filled. We arrived at about 8pm on a weekday and it was 2/3 full. Plenty of sites though varying in sizes and views and with good privacy. We went up the hill and had a site surrounded by aspen, dandelions and a view of snow capped mountains (in June!). Sites had picnic bench, fire pit and tent pad. Vault toilets are available. Definitely buggy- bring that spray! We did see some wildlife on the road getting here- deer and beavers- so be careful when driving. Heard rumors of a bear nearby but didn’t see anything. Hidden gem deep down a dirt path!

This campground is less than 60 miles from home and we have many options that are roughly the same distance. We go here at least a couple of times every year. We like this campground because of its surroundings. There is the adjacent lake, mountain views, aspen trees and many hiking options.
It is 6-8 miles off the highway and the water system seems to frequently be out of service so come prepared. Also FYI the lake is a Colorado Wildlife Management Area and if you wish to access it you are required to have a Colorado Hunting or Fishing License regardless of whether you are hunting or fishing.

As others have said the views are beautiful and it's a beautiful mountain lake they have here. The weather was chilly and a little rainy for summer but coming from Arizona we actually loved that. However, two issues kind of ruined it for us somewhat.

Number one, the water service stopped working for almost the entire time we were there. We kept getting promises that it would get fixed but it didn't start working until the last 4 hours we were there on the last day. We have very small tanks on our travel trailer so water service is important to us.

Worst part though was that we picked up a mice infestation for the first time ever in our 2 years of RVing. We had at least 3 mice which took us 3 days to catch. Not sure if we still have them all or not but we did catch trap those 3.

We pulled into Telluride for the day, and then went searching for a campsite for the night. Sunshine and a couple of others near that one were full...so we headed back to Sawpit and found Woods Lake Campground on our phone. It was about ten miles off that main road from Sawpit and dark when we got there...but such a sweet surprise when we woke up. We were there in September...bright yellow aspens hung over the Airstream and it was a lovely place for morning coffee. All spots are pretty private, but offered no hook-ups, which we knew before going. A two-minute drive up the hill from the campground is Woods Lake (quick/easy hike too)...it was really beautiful. IF you have time and don't care about hook-ups...this place is really worth it!

I think this place is all first-come, first-serve...and we were there during the Blues & Brews festival in Telluride...and there were probably five spots available. Lots of small spots in the National Forest land to pull off and park for free if needed as well. Very remote either way. They have vault toilets...no showers. Obviously no cell service. ;)

But again...SO worth the drive. One of the most beautiful mountain lakes we've seen.

After a hectic Telluride Film Festival we needed to recharge and enjoy the quiet night sky. Woods Lake, about 20 miles from Telluride was heavenly! 10 miles off Hwy 145 (5 miles paved, 5 miles well graveled) you'll have no hookups but super clean compost toilets. Paddle boarders were taking in the beauty on the nearby lake. There was serenity and beauty everywhere we looked. With booster we had two Verizon bars. Only regret, the Aspens autumn colors are a bit later this year so we missed the best show in town. $8/night is with senior park card. Whatever you pay will pay you back in stunning views from many great, wooded spots at Woods Lake.