Lost Creek Campground, operated by the National Park Service, is a small, tents-only campground located on the road to Pinnacles Overlook, just three miles from Crater Lake’s rim. The Crater Lakes (upper and lower) are a fantastic destination, in the heart of the James Peak Wilderness. Crater Lake is one of the most pristine lakes in the world, the deepest lake in North America, and hands down one of the most interesting. They then mail the permit to you. Plan your trip in advance and secure a permit before they are all gone!

Parking will tend to fill up by 10 a.m. on weekday mornings, so plan to arrive early. You will need to obtain a permit if you plan on hiking from June 1 – September 15th. One such hidden gem is (yet another) Crater Lake, tucked away in the South San Juan Wilderness - an area labeled by many as "Colorado's wildest corner".

Please note: Campgrounds, dispersed camping, and camping facilities (including tipis, cabins, group pavilions) at all Larimer County reservoir parks and open space properties will close effective Friday, March 27 until further notice.

Colorado Springs, Colorado 118 contributions 21 helpful votes Rough hike and not worth the view I hiked to Crater lake in Maroon Bells yesterday The weather was gorgeous, but hike is rough and all rocks The lake is dried up and not so pretty. Explore Pawnee Lake if you have multiple days to explore. Achonee. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of lakes, streams and trails. My friends would like to backpack in to Crater Lake and camp overnight, then hike back the next day. Crater Lake Hike Details Crater Lake Camping Permit. We encourage campers who have reservations Camping in Colorado: The Basics. This large file is used under the Creative Commons License. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. One can ascend class 4 Lone Eagle Peak or several other class 3 and 4 mountains in the area and enjoy great fishing and swimming in Crater and Mirror Lakes. First of all, I know we need a permit to camp in Indian Peaks Wilderness before September 15.

Plan ahead by reviewing the websites listed above and the information posted at campground entrances.

If you made it up to the lake in record speed, there are plenty of areas to explore nearby. Do your part to support your parks and open spaces!

The permit allows backcountry access to the area but all campsites are first come, first serve. Fill out the form here and mail in your $5 to get a permit in advance which I highly suggest doing. Lone Eagle Peak can be accessed from the East side of the Divide via Pawnee Pass Trail. Colorado is a huge state, with millions of acres perfect for a camping trip, including those in Colorado State Parks. That area is the crown jewel of the ipw though. Permits are always required for large groups of 8-12 people and outfitters/guides. Permits are required if you plan on camping by Lone Eagle Peak between June 1st and September 15th. Crater lake is now a tough permit to get; I'll bet it's all booked for the summer.

The trail up to Crater Lake is no less impressive than the cirque above. The Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance (IPWA) is a 100% volunteer 501(c)3 non profit dedicated to preserving and protecting the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas. Please note: Campgrounds, dispersed camping, and camping facilities (including tipis, cabins, group pavilions) at all Larimer County reservoir parks and open space properties will close effective Friday, March 27 until further notice. To find your Colorado campground, choose a location, pick amenities and make a reservation. Crater Lake Trail is a 3.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Aspen, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. ; There is no indoor overnight lodging in the park.For information about lodging in our gateway communities, check with Visit Estes Park and the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. No advance reservations are needed to enter the park. The Denver-based travel and lifestyle blog, Blue Mountain Belle chronicles Channing Morris’ adventures around Colorado and the world. o Winter Backcountry Use at Crater Lake Brochure about winter backcountry camping in Crater Lake National Park. Is it too late to get a permit if we go before September 15? NOTE: This area requires permits for camping throughout most of the summer, please check with the USFS for details.