
15
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 ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL
Overview Nestled among aspen and tall Douglas fir trees, St. Charles Campground is in a quiet part of the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. Located on the banks of St. Charles Creek, the campground is popular with campers who enjoy the sounds of water tumbling through the shaded boulders. Recreation Lake Isabel is stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The accessible lakeshore path provides ample fishing spots. Brook trout can be found in St. Charles Creek. Several trails begin at the recreation area. Hiking opportunities include the Snowslide Trail and the Cisneros Trail. Both trails are also open to motorcycles, and Cisneros is a challenging ATV route. Facilities Lake Isabel is stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The accessible lakeshore path provides ample fishing spots. Brook trout can be found in St. Charles Creek. Several trails begin at the recreation area. Hiking opportunities include the Snowslide Trail and the Cisneros Trail. Both trails are also open to motorcycles, and Cisneros is a challenging ATV route. Natural Features The campground sits a mile west of Lake Isabel in the Wet Mountains, a beautiful range in the San Isabel National Forest. At an elevation of 8,600 feet, Lake Isabel was designed and constructed in the 1930s as a recreational haven from the dusty plains far below. Rugged mountain peaks in the area provide water for the abundant wildlife and fish populations. Nearby Attractions A nearby lodge offers 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.
- 15 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (15).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL special
Surrounded by shimmering aspens and stately Douglas firs in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area, St Charles Campground offers 15 sites in one of southern Colorado's most inviting mountain settings. The campground sits near Lake Isabel, a small but scenic alpine lake framed by the Wet Mountains southwest of Canon City. The forest here is lush and fragrant, with wildflowers speckling the meadows from late June through August and the aspens putting on a golden show each fall. Lake Isabel itself is a magnet for anglers chasing stocked rainbow trout, and non-motorized boats are welcome on its calm waters. Quiet mornings on the lake, with mist rising off the surface and the only sound being a distant woodpecker, are the kind of memories that keep campers coming back year after year. Several hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, and the San Isabel National Forest offers vast backcountry for those seeking longer adventures. The Royal Gorge and its famous bridge are within a scenic hour's drive for a day trip. Sites are best suited for tents and smaller RVs, and the intimate size of the campground means it fills quickly on summer weekends. Reservations are highly recommended from June through September. Shoulder seasons bring cooler weather and thinner crowds, with late September being especially rewarding when the aspen groves blaze with autumn color against deep green conifers.
Campsite Inventory
15 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
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway surface
Gravel
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
18, 25, 28, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Site Access
N/A
Water Hookup
No
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR NON-REAL TIME INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND, CALL (719) 269-8500.
Getting There
From Pueblo, go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. Drive west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area and drive to Forest Road 374, the second left. Follow signs to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL.
How do reservations work for ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
Reservation availability for ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL currently lists Unknown (15).
Where is ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL located?
ST CHARLES CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL is in Colorado near Canon City. Coordinates: 37.9811, -105.0656.
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