
8
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL
Overview Southside Campground is a small RV facility situated in the Wet Mountains by Lake Isabel. The popular recreation area offers a selection of hiking trails and great fishing and paddle boating on Lake Isabel. Lake Isabel was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, for the purpose of recreation.The 40-acre lake is stocked with trout and the nearby St. Charles Creek offers additional fishing opportunities. Recreation Lake Isabel welcomes non-motorized boating and fishing. Brown and brook trout are stocked in the lake and the St. Charles headwaters reap brook trout. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling or motorcycling on either the Snow Slide Trail and Cisneros Trail. The 15-mile Cisneros Trail, also open to ATV riders, leads to the heart of the Wet Mountains, through forests and open, wildflower-speckled valleys. Along the way, the trail connects to St. Charles Trail, which heads to St. Charles Peak. Facilities Lake Isabel welcomes non-motorized boating and fishing. Brown and brook trout are stocked in the lake and the St. Charles headwaters reap brook trout. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling or motorcycling on either the Snow Slide Trail and Cisneros Trail. The 15-mile Cisneros Trail, also open to ATV riders, leads to the heart of the Wet Mountains, through forests and open, wildflower-speckled valleys. Along the way, the trail connects to St. Charles Trail, which heads to St. Charles Peak. Natural Features Aspen and ponderosa pine help shade the campground. Lake Isabel impresses visitors with a shoreline that meets the rocky base of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet. Nearby Attractions A nearby lodge provides paddle and rowboat rentals, groceries and a restaurant. Golf courses are about 15 minutes away. Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
- 8 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (8).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL special
Perched in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado near the small city of Canon City, Southside Campground at Lake Isabel is a compact and welcoming retreat for RV campers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With eight sites nestled among ponderosa pine and spruce, the campground offers easy access to the calm, scenic waters of Lake Isabel, a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and quiet lakeside relaxation. The setting is quintessential Colorado high country. Granite outcroppings dot the hillsides, aspen groves shimmer in the breeze, and the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range rise in the distance. Rainbow trout and brown trout attract anglers to the lake year after year, and a network of forest roads and trails opens up opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife watching. The Royal Gorge, one of Colorado's most dramatic natural landmarks, is a short drive to the north. Being a small facility, Southside fills up quickly on summer weekends, so reservations are strongly advised from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fall brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds, making September and early October particularly rewarding. The campground accommodates RVs but check site-specific length limits before booking. For a peaceful mountain escape that puts you right on the water, Southside Campground at Lake Isabel is a reliable pick.
Campsite Inventory
8 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Pull-Through
Driveway surface
Gravel
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR OTHER NON REAL TIME INFORMATION, CALL 719-269-8500.
Getting There
From Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground is the first within the recreation area on the left.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL.
How do reservations work for SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
Reservation availability for SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL currently lists Unknown (8).
Where is SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL located?
SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL is in Colorado near Canon City. Coordinates: 37.9828, -105.0575.
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