4.9
National Forest
#10
Black Hawk, Colorado
Campground in Colorado.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Deer Lakes (CO)
Federal campground in Colorado.
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's stunning natural landscape, Deer Lakes offers RV campers an authentic mountain retreat far from the hustle and bustle of city life. As a National Forest campground, this destination captures the essence of what makes Colorado's outdoor spaces so beloved by visitors from around the world. The setting provides an immersive experience in pristine wilderness, where towering pines frame mountain views and the air carries the fresh, crisp quality only high elevation can deliver.
The campground's location within the National Forest system means you're surrounded by vast opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels wind through the surrounding forest, offering everything from leisurely morning walks to challenging alpine adventures. Many visitors come specifically for the excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby lakes and streams, where Colorado's legendary trout populations continue to draw anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced fly fisher or just looking to wet a line, these waters provide both relaxation and the chance of a rewarding catch.
Deer Lakes serves as an ideal base camp for discovering the broader region's attractions. The National Forest setting puts you within reach of some of Colorado's most scenic drives, waterfall hikes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Early mornings and evenings are particularly magical here, as the forest comes alive with activity and the changing light creates breathtaking photo opportunities. The peaceful atmosphere makes this location perfect for families seeking a screen-free vacation, couples looking for a romantic mountain getaway, and solo travelers in search of solitude and natural beauty.
The campground experience here emphasizes getting back to basics while still providing the comfort of your RV home. This is the kind of place where you can truly disconnect, spend quality time with loved ones around a campfire, and wake up to unobstructed views of the forest canopy. With its strong 4.7-star rating from nearly 50 reviews, Deer Lakes has earned its reputation as a premier National Forest camping destination for those seeking authentic Colorado mountain hospitality.
The campground's location within the National Forest system means you're surrounded by vast opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels wind through the surrounding forest, offering everything from leisurely morning walks to challenging alpine adventures. Many visitors come specifically for the excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby lakes and streams, where Colorado's legendary trout populations continue to draw anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced fly fisher or just looking to wet a line, these waters provide both relaxation and the chance of a rewarding catch.
Deer Lakes serves as an ideal base camp for discovering the broader region's attractions. The National Forest setting puts you within reach of some of Colorado's most scenic drives, waterfall hikes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Early mornings and evenings are particularly magical here, as the forest comes alive with activity and the changing light creates breathtaking photo opportunities. The peaceful atmosphere makes this location perfect for families seeking a screen-free vacation, couples looking for a romantic mountain getaway, and solo travelers in search of solitude and natural beauty.
The campground experience here emphasizes getting back to basics while still providing the comfort of your RV home. This is the kind of place where you can truly disconnect, spend quality time with loved ones around a campfire, and wake up to unobstructed views of the forest canopy. With its strong 4.7-star rating from nearly 50 reviews, Deer Lakes has earned its reputation as a premier National Forest camping destination for those seeking authentic Colorado mountain hospitality.
4.7
Rating
46
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Lake City is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Colorado weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Lake City.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Lake City. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Deer Lakes (CO) Reviews
Sign in to Review
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Lala D
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Lala D
Not sure why this is listed as a hotel. It is a campground. Lovely, quiet and fairly primitive and very remote. Moose are regular visitors, fishing is good in the three lakes. The stars at night shine so brightly because of the remoteness thus lack of light pollution. 12 campsites, first come first served. Three brand new vault toilet buildings, bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings in every s... Not sure why this is listed as a hotel. It is a campground. Lovely, quiet and fairly primitive and very remote. Moose are regular visitors, fishing is good in the three lakes. The stars at night shine so brightly because of the remoteness thus lack of light pollution. 12 campsites, first come first served. Three brand new vault toilet buildings, bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings in every site. Day use area with very reasonable fees for fishing, hiking and picnicking. Beautiful site.
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Lala D
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Lala D
Not sure why this is listed as a hotel. It is a campground. Lovely, quiet and fairly primitive and very remote. Moose are regular visitors, fishing is good in the three lakes. The stars at night shine so brightly because of the remoteness thus lack of light pollution. 12 campsites, first come first served. Three brand new vault toilet buildings, bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings in every s... Not sure why this is listed as a hotel. It is a campground. Lovely, quiet and fairly primitive and very remote. Moose are regular visitors, fishing is good in the three lakes. The stars at night shine so brightly because of the remoteness thus lack of light pollution. 12 campsites, first come first served. Three brand new vault toilet buildings, bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings in every site. Day use area with very reasonable fees for fishing, hiking and picnicking. Beautiful site.
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Greg D. Lind
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Greg D. Lind
Newly reconstructed CG with toilets, dumpsters. However, No water and no cell on T-Mobile. Views are wonderful. 12 camp sites are freshly graveled and some are large pull thru. Bear boxes at each site. Managed by a concession $18/$9 senior, all sites FCFS, no reservations
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Greg D. Lind
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Greg D. Lind
Newly reconstructed CG with toilets, dumpsters. However, No water and no cell on T-Mobile. Views are wonderful. 12 camp sites are freshly graveled and some are large pull thru. Bear boxes at each site. Managed by a concession $18/$9 senior, all sites FCFS, no reservations
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R.S. Dickerson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by R.S. Dickerson
What an amazing place to visit! The small lakes in this area look pristine! The wildlife is teaming aground. We saw ducks, deer, fish, beavers, birds and so much more! Wow! Being able to just sit and observe the surroundings was the best thing! The silence was deafening! LOVE IT!! We were told of moose and BEARS who visit the area but we did not see them this go round. Very much off the beaten pat... What an amazing place to visit! The small lakes in this area look pristine! The wildlife is teaming aground. We saw ducks, deer, fish, beavers, birds and so much more! Wow! Being able to just sit and observe the surroundings was the best thing! The silence was deafening! LOVE IT!! We were told of moose and BEARS who visit the area but we did not see them this go round. Very much off the beaten path so using a 4x4 is likely a good idea. The path was pretty rough but not crazy by any stretch.
G
R.S. Dickerson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by R.S. Dickerson
What an amazing place to visit! The small lakes in this area look pristine! The wildlife is teaming aground. We saw ducks, deer, fish, beavers, birds and so much more! Wow! Being able to just sit and observe the surroundings was the best thing! The silence was deafening! LOVE IT!! We were told of moose and BEARS who visit the area but we did not see them this go round. Very much off the beaten pat... What an amazing place to visit! The small lakes in this area look pristine! The wildlife is teaming aground. We saw ducks, deer, fish, beavers, birds and so much more! Wow! Being able to just sit and observe the surroundings was the best thing! The silence was deafening! LOVE IT!! We were told of moose and BEARS who visit the area but we did not see them this go round. Very much off the beaten path so using a 4x4 is likely a good idea. The path was pretty rough but not crazy by any stretch.
G
Adam Henke
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Adam Henke
Beautiful place! You can see deer, moose, beavers, and ducks. We never seem to catch much fish but others had a full stringer when we arrived. We brought hot dogs built a fire and watched the sun set.
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Adam Henke
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Adam Henke
Beautiful place! You can see deer, moose, beavers, and ducks. We never seem to catch much fish but others had a full stringer when we arrived. We brought hot dogs built a fire and watched the sun set.
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Stephanie Courson
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Stephanie Courson
Nice little campground a few miles off the main road. Most sites are pretty small, but a few can fit a small trailer. The gem spot is site #7. The views are outstanding. This is a first-come, first-serve campground. The bathrooms are cleaned every few days, and we ran out of toilet paper. There is no cell service with Verizon or TMobile. Lake City is an amazing little town 25 mins away.
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Stephanie Courson
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Stephanie Courson
Nice little campground a few miles off the main road. Most sites are pretty small, but a few can fit a small trailer. The gem spot is site #7. The views are outstanding. This is a first-come, first-serve campground. The bathrooms are cleaned every few days, and we ran out of toilet paper. There is no cell service with Verizon or TMobile. Lake City is an amazing little town 25 mins away.
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