White Star

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

Overview

Picturesque White Star Campground lies at the foot of Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak, among fragrant ponderosa pines. The campground provides convenient access to Twin Lakes Reservoir for plenty of water recreation opportunities. It also works as a base camp for hikers and mountain bikers who love to explore nearby trails such the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail.

Recreation

The Continental Divide Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico, passes by the White Star Campground. The hiking trail is open to mountain bikes in the section from Halfmoon Road South to Twin Lakes. About 300 miles of the trail is within Colorado's borders.

Twin Lakes are Colorado's largest natural glacial lakes, and sailing and water skiing are among the popular activities there. Fishing includes lake, rainbow and Mackinaw trout.

Facilities

White Star Campground is comprised of three loops. Sage Loop has limited shade, and Ridge and Valley Loops have a greater density of ponderosa pine and spruce trees. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Firewood is for sale at the Host site. A boat ramp, parking, and angler fishing areas are located just down the road from the campground. 

Natural Features

The campground, at an elevation of 9,200 feet, sits on the north side of the Twin Lakes Reservoir near the base of Mount Elbert. The Twin Lakes Reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet. Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a stretch of 30,540 acres that encompass Mount Massive, Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Drive on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. Or continue over the pass for a day trip to the town of Aspen, a well-known ski resort town.

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 49 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 49 sites
  • ADA accessible: 21 of 49 sites
  • Longest RV: 50 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Fees

Extra Vehicle Fee $10.00

Directions

From Leadville, travel 15 miles south on Highway 24 to Highway 82. Turn right and go west 5.5 miles on Highway 82, turn left into the White Star Campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

394 reviews
5 stars
275
4 stars
65
3 stars
32
2 stars
15
1 stars
7
Karen L
Loop:Sage
Site:
Reviewed 14 days ago
This campground and site are yearly favorites. The views take your breath away. Short walk to the lake and restrooms. Quiet and peaceful. Sunsets are spectacular. What could be better?
James D
Loop:Sage
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
changed from first come first serve in late summer.Caused issues. the campground is clean and quiet.
Madeleine M
Loop:Sage
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Beautiful campground.
Christina S
Loop:Sage
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Views were amazing..sage16 was a breathtaking view..
Joe R
Loop:Vall
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
This was comfortable, beautiful, fun, and exceeded our expectations. We'll be back next year.
jim h
Loop:Vall
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great location for hiking. Nice views. Great sites.
Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 21, 2027 – Sep 5, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 6, 2027 – Sep 18, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

May 23, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 7, 2028 – Sep 18, 2028

First come, first served

Camp Sites

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