Kite Lake Campground
Open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through August 1, 2026, though fires in designated fire rings are permitted. First-come, first-served only; no reservations accepted.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 30 at 8:54PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. The National Weather Service in Denver has allowed the Red Flag Warning to expire at 9 PM this evening. However, a Fire Weather Watch is still in effect for Wednesday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 212, 214 and 216. * TIMING...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Red Flag Warning issued June 30 at 8:54PM MDT until June 30 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. The National Weather Service in Denver has allowed the Red Flag Warning to expire at 9 PM this evening. However, a Fire Weather Watch is still in effect for Wednesday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 212, 214 and 216. * TIMING...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Tuesday June 30 to 900 AM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Wednesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Kite Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground located in Pike National Forest at the end of Buckskin Gulch Road, approximately 5.5 miles northwest of Alma, Colorado. The campground serves as a popular basecamp for hikers attempting Mount Democrat, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross, three of Colorado's iconic 14,000-foot peaks accessible via connecting trails from the area. The campground has five designated campsites, none of which are recommended for trailers due to the rough access road and limited site space. Facilities include fire rings and picnic tables at each site along with vault toilets. There is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own supply. Trash service is not provided; all garbage must be packed out. Access requires traveling north from Fairplay on Highway 9 to Alma, then turning onto Buckskin Gulch Road for 8 miles. The road is unpaved and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting, on a first-come, first-served basis with a $15 nightly camping fee.
Directions
From Fairplay, travel north on Highway 9 to the town of Alma. Turn right onto Buckskin Gulch Road and travel 8 miles to the campground. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 553-1400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Kite Lake Campground Page | |
| Pike-San Isabel NF Alerts |
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