USA 250 Shirt →
Campsite nestled in the trees.
Open

Open for the 2026 season. The water system is closed and no potable water is available; campers must bring their own. Water can be obtained at nearby Chalk Lake Campground. Sites 1 and 14-17 are first-come, first-served; remaining sites reservable via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance.

San Isabel National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

San Isabel National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

San Isabel National Forest

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

About

Mount Princeton Campground occupies a picturesque setting in Chalk Creek Canyon, named for its distinctive white kaolinite canyon walls deposited by ancient hot springs. At 8,600 feet elevation, the campground is shaded by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, with direct access to Chalk Creek. The 19 sites include both reservable spots and walk-up sites (1, 14-17), with Site 2 becoming first-come, first-served after Labor Day when the camp host departs. The campground is well-suited for anglers, with stream fishing best above Cascade Falls about 2 miles west, and Chalk Lake a mile away offering rainbow, brook, and brown trout. OHV enthusiasts have access to nearby trails including Mount Antero, Baldwin Lake, Tincup Pass, and Hancock Pass. The historic ghost town of St. Elmo is a 15-minute drive, and the hot springs resort is just 4 miles away. Amenities are basic but functional: each site has a picnic table and fire ring with grill, and wheelchair-accessible vault toilets serve the campground. Firewood is sold on-site. Note that the water system is currently closed, requiring campers to bring all necessary water. Nearby Chalk Lake Campground has water available if needed.

Directions

From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 285 south to Nathrop. Turn west on County Road 162 and travel 7 miles to the campground.

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 $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length 45ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (877) 444-6777

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Campsite nestled in the trees.
View of creek from a campsite in campground.
Photo of campsite at Mt. Princeton Campground.
Campsite nestled in the trees.

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!