Baby Doe

Show on map719-486-0749 (INFORMATION ONLY, NO RESERVATIONS)tbolton@goexplorus.com
LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET
LEADVILLE, CO 80461

Overview

Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.



The campground was named for Elizabeth McCourt, whose nickname was Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner.

Recreation

The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail meanders along the shoreline is a gentle loop trail through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. This trail connects to the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Trail guides are available at the trailhead located about a mile south, at the entrance to Molly Brown Campground.

On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. A boat ramp is located about a mile south of the campground.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the Host. Parking spurs are gravel or dirt.

Natural Features

Campsites are perched along the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

Nearby Attractions

Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.

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.

Camp site features

Across 48 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 48 sites
  • ADA accessible: 6 of 48 sites
  • Longest RV: 45 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Fees

Extra Vehicle Fee $10.00

Directions

From Leadville, Colorado, drive west on County Road 4 about 3.5 miles, turn right on County Road 9C and follow signs to Baby Doe Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

315 reviews
5 stars
218
4 stars
51
3 stars
23
2 stars
15
1 stars
8
Melodie M
Loop:Baby
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Great, large parking spots, most are level. Fishing, hiking, biking and paddle board. Great hosts.
Brian O
Loop:Baby
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Baby Doe is a great spot on Turquoise Lake in Leadville. Fishing was slow but what can we expect in this epic drought condition. The hosts Darrrell and Dana are wonderful and keep the place fully supplied and spotless!
Susan E
Loop:Baby
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
We went camping to Baby Doe during the week after Labor Day weekend. They aren’t normally open the but because of the fire during the summer they stayed open a couple weeks longer. The bathrooms were clean, thee camp hosts were very nice. Campground was the quietest I have ever seen it. We have AT&T cell service and it worked great.
Alicia J
Loop:Baby
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Nice clean campground. Darryl and Dana were excellent, friendly camp hosts, Bathrooms were spotless. Fishing was good, sad the lake is so low. We were so glad to be able to have a campfire.
Stephen G
Loop:Baby
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Stayed at site 13 for 2 nights - great views and experience!
ron h
Loop:Baby
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Pretty cool spot I go there usually twice a year. Nice slice of heaven. Especially on weekdays when there aren’t any screaming kids. With no water or dump station the price is a little painful.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 28, 2027 – Sep 5, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jun 5, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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