Turquoise Lake Dispersed

Campers drive onto a dirt road that branches into a large, logged area where stone fire rings mark dispersed camping spots throughout the open terrain. The road access shows signs of washout, and johny R. notes "the road down to this loop is starting to wash out" though it remains passable for most vehicles currently. Sites range from car-sized spaces to expansive areas that accommodate trailers and RVs.

The logged landscape provides mountain views while leaving slash piles that serve as free firewood for campers. A creek runs through the area, released from the hydroelectric dam, which creates both water access and increased mosquito activity during warmer months. Sound carries well across the open terrain, so the camping experience depends heavily on neighboring campers and their generator use.

Verizon provides three bars of cell service throughout most of the area. The campground sits within camping spots outside San Isabel National Forest and offers quick access to Leadville for supplies, just 13 minutes away. No facilities exist on-site, and campers report occasional trash issues around some fire rings.

For a more developed experience with amenities, Turquoise Lake provides an alternative just minutes away.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Dispersed Camping

Turquoise Lake Dispersed is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.24620672 N
106.3705597 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 68 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 116 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 36 users
    Last on 4/2/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 68 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 116 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 36 users
    Last on 4/2/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Turquoise Lake Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

20%
60%
20%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Large dispersed area near Turquoise Lake with abundant space and fire rings, but lacks bathroom facilities. Some campers noted concerns about crowding, trash, and noise from generators.

Reviewed Mar. 25, 2026

Great spot

Stayed a few times, never had an issue finding a spot! Pretty quiet too.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Turquoise Lake Dispersed by Melissa M., March 25, 2026
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2025

Road getting bad

The road down to this loop is starting to wash out. Its not super bad yet but if it doesnt get taken care of soon its gonna require high clearance. This loop branches off and goes to a large area that has been logged it is kind of sad looking but it gives you a great view of the mountains. The stone fire rings seem to be the only thing designating the spots. They range from just enough to park a car to some 20yard across areas you could fit a pull behind. No bathrooms 3 bars verizon

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Turquoise Lake Dispersed by johny R., October 23, 2025
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Turquoise Lake Dispersed by johny R., October 23, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2025

Dispersed Site with plenty of space

A huge open area with some trees and fire rings throughout. No facilities but room for hundreds of rigs w/o crowding. Area has been logged and piles of slash remain, hence, free firewood. Very close to Turquoise Lake and 13 minutes to Leadville

Siteunnamed
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2024

Lots of bugs, too many engines

This area is by the lake ofc and there's a "creek" that's more like a river, released from the hydroelectric dam. So you end up with a lot of mosquitoes, unless you're coming here in the winter be ready

I was here for about a week, between a few different spots, and I kept being haunted by engines that wouldn't turn off. I know we all have to drive here, I did too, but why keep idling forever?! I'm not here to listen to your engine

I found out when I finally gave up and left the whole area that it was someone with a gas generator and then another person in a motorhome who refused to turn it off. Come on

Otherwise, strong cell reception in most areas, decent views, and a lot of secluded areas.

But because of the geography you'll hear sounds pretty well, so your experience will depend largely on who else is there and if they're mainly "getting away" rather than "going to". I find that to be an important difference in what people do out in nature.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023

Decent

Stayed here for one night with a small trailer. Close to shops in Leadville. Stayed here on Friday night multiple spots with fire rings. Seemed really crowded. Found a spot on the left when first driving onto dirt road that we almost missed but seemed to be more secluded. The noise from the road died down at night. No bathrooms. Trash around the campsite.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Turquoise Lake Dispersed?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Turquoise Lake Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Turquoise Lake Dispersed have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Turquoise Lake Dispersed does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Turquoise Lake Dispersed?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and good coverage for Verizon.