Campground

Molly Brown

Near Leadville, Colorado

Named after the "unsinkable" Molly Brown on the Titanic, Molly Brown Campground, on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake, sits in a shaded lodgepole pine forest. The campground offers access to boating, fishing, and hiking.

The famous Molly Brown lived in the town of Leadville, just 5 miles east of the campground. She became wealthy from her husband's mining success and took on a life as a philanthropist, socialite and activist.

Facilities

The two-loop campground offers single family sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is for sale at the Host site.

Natural Features

Campsites are perched along the scenic waters of the lake. Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a 30,540 acre stretch of forest land which encompasses Colorado's second highest peak, Mount Massive at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

Recreation

The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail 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 the dam to May Queen Campground. It is recommended that hikers pick up a trail guide prior to departure to learn about the flora and fauna along this trail. On the lake, sailing, boating and canoeing are always enjoyed. Anglers seek out mostly mackinaw and rainbow trout.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Management
Tent Only Nonelectric
Overnight

Activities

Swimming Site
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Historic & Cultural Site

Amenities

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

Nearby Attractions

The town of Leadville, a historic gold and silver mining town, is a fun place to explore with the family.

Drive on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. Continue over the pass to the town of Aspen, a well-known ski resort town.

Getting Here

Latitude

39° 15' 59.0000" N

Longitude

106° 20' 58.9999" W

From Leadville, Colorado, head west on County Road 4 and turn right on County Road 9C. Follow signs to Molly Brown Campground on the right.

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 10 PM. CPAP machines and other medical equipment are not exempt.

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

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

Firearms and fireworks are not permitted.

No hookups available

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

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 for $10.00/bundle.