Lodgepole
Closed for the season. Reopens May 15, 2026. Operating season runs mid-May through mid-October, weather dependent. Stage 1 fire restrictions and bear closure order currently in effect. Reservations via Recreation.gov required at least 4 days in advance with a 2-night minimum on weekends and 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.
Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM 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 Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Thursday 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.
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
Lodgepole Campground is a high-elevation destination in Pike National Forest, situated at 9,900 feet along Jefferson Creek with views of Jefferson Hill. The single-loop campground features 33 campsites with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 40 feet, accommodating trailers and RVs up to 30 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. Vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump are available, along with trash service. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the area's outdoor recreation. Jefferson Lake, 3 miles to the north at 10,685 feet elevation, offers fishing for rainbow, brown, mackinaw, and brook trout, with a boat ramp for non-motorized and no-wake boating. The Colorado Trail passes nearby, providing access to the 471-mile route from Denver to Durango, as well as the 11-mile West Jefferson Loop Trail that reaches the Continental Divide. Campers should be prepared for high-altitude conditions and bear country. Bear-resistant food storage is required, and the Forest Service notes that pop-up campers and tents may not provide adequate protection from bears. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and stays are limited to 14 consecutive nights.
Directions
From US Highway 285 at Jefferson, take County Road 35 north to County Road 37 and turn right. Pay the user fee at Jefferson Lake Recreation Area entrance station and continue on the road to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 702-1420 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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