Campground

Baby Doe

Near Leadville, Colorado

Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.

The campground was named for Elizabeth McCourt, whose nickname was Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the Host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.

Natural Features

Campsites are perched along the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

Recreation

The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail meanders along the shoreline is a gentle loop trail through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. This trail connects to the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Trail guides are available at the trailhead located about a mile south, at the entrance to Molly Brown Campground.

On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. A boat ramp is located about a mile south of the campground.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Management
Overnight

Activities

Water Sports
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Boating

Amenities

Accessible Vault Toilets
Campfire Rings
Firewood
Host
Lake Access
Picnic Tables
Self Pay Station
Trash Collection
Accessible Occupant Message
Accessibility

Nearby Attractions

Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.

Getting Here

Latitude

39° 16' 10.9999" N

Longitude

106° 21' 2.0002" W

From Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 about 3.5 miles, turn right on County Road 9C and follow signs to Baby Doe Campground.

Need to Know

Water will NOT be available in this campground in 2025. Please bring enough water for your needs, including water to fully extinguish your campfire.

Also, the RV Dump Station at White Star will remain closed this season.

Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)

Maximum of 8 people are permitted to occupy 1 site.

3 tent maximum per site. Or 1 RV and 2 tents.

Nightly fee includes parking for 2 vehicles. $11 nightly fee for a 3rd vehicle. An RV or boat/ ATV trailer is counted as 1 vehicle.

Dogs, including service and therapy dogs, must be leashed at all times.

Generators may not be operated after 10PM. CPAP machines and other medical equipment are not exempt.

Be bear aware. Do not leave any food unattended at your site. Lock inside your vehicle or RV.

OHVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes are not permitted to operate in any campground.

Firearms and fireworks are not permitted.

No hookups available

This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations

Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Firewood is available for sale at host site, $10.00/bundle.