Colorado › Custer County › San Isabel National Forest

St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

Open

Open early May through late September, weather dependent. Ten of 15 sites are reservable through Recreation.gov; five sites are first-come, first-served. Bear closure order in effect requiring bear-resistant storage for all attractants. Services may be limited at season edges.

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Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 2:30PM MDT until July 3 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

2:30 PM — July 2nd, 6:30 AM

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT THURSDAY NIGHT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, AND 229... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 229. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 5 percent. * IMPACTS...Elevated fire danger is expected. Fires will catch and spread rapidly and erratically.

Fire Weather Watch issued July 1 at 2:30PM MDT until July 3 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

2:30 PM — July 2nd, 6:30 AM

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 2:30PM MDT until July 1 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

2:30 PM — July 2nd, 6:30 AM

Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO

9:10 AM — July 2nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Fremont, Teller, Huerfano, Pueblo, El Paso, Elbert, and eastern Custer Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Canon City, Cripple Creek, Walsenburg, Beulah, Rye, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Kiowa. WHEN...900 AM Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of the Aspen Acres and Sheep Head Fires 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.

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.

San Isabel National Forest

Willow Fire Area Closure

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public health and safety.

San Isabel National Forest

Pike National Forest Recreational Target Shooting Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte ranger districts. The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

San Isabel National Forest

Aspen Acres Fire Area Closure

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public health and safety.

San Isabel National Forest

Pike-San Isabel National Forests Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, San Carlos, Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts. The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public health and safety.

San Isabel National Forest

Interlaken Hotel and Annex Area closure

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety in an area with known hazards due to tree fall, damaged buildings, potential tree fall.

San Isabel National Forest

Spring Creek Trail and Area Closure

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety while fuels reduction work utilizing heavy equipment is occurring.

San Isabel National Forest

Interlaken Hotel Tree Hazards

Continued winds have impacted the Interlaken Historic Site, knocking down old green trees and impacting buildings. Dexter House was not impacted and is safe to tour, but please stay clear of other buildings in the area. Other trees may be further impacted by more wind. Please keep your…

San Isabel National Forest

Leadville and Salida Ranger Districts implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

This order affects the Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts. The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public health and safety.

San Isabel National Forest

National Forest Service Road 8 closure

This order affects the South Park Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public health and safety from roadway construction that will be occurring along the entire road prism.

San Isabel National Forest

Sacramento Gulch Mill Site removal action Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis

This alert contains project documents for the Sacramento Gulch Mill Site removal action Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis. The project documents will be available for public review for 30 days beginning on May 18th, 2026 and ending on June 18th. Written comments may be submitted electronically…

San Isabel National Forest

Badger Flats Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

San Isabel National Forest

Sharpe Fire Update

Sharpe FireCurrent as of 5/21/2026 9 a.m.Update/clarification: The Pueblo Interagency Zone Type 3 Team will be managing only the area of the Sharpe fire that is burning in Colorado. This includes firefighting activities, counting of acreage (in Colorado only) and containment. Date of…

San Isabel National Forest

LaSalle Pass West and Elevenmile Canyon Entrance Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District. The purpose of the Order is to protect active nest sites of birds of prey pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 668-668d) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. §§ 703–712).

San Isabel National Forest

Turquoise Lake Road (County Road 4) Closure

To prioritize public safety, Turquoise Lake Road (County Road 4) has been closed due to asphalt damage. The road is barricaded from the Abe Lee parking turnoff to Hagerman Pass. Access to Turquoise Lake is still available via County Road 9C and County Road 9 to the Hagerman Pass intersection. The…

San Isabel National Forest

Seasonal Prohibition of Motor Vehicles on Roads and Trails

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife by implementing specific seasonal road and trail closures identified in the September 26, 2022, Final Record of Decision for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests Motorized Travel Management (MVUM)…

San Isabel National Forest

Eagle Rock and Observatory Rock Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of the Order is to protect active nest sites of bald eagles and golden eagles pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 668-668d) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. §§ 703–712).

San Isabel National Forest

Downed and weakened trees on South Platte Ranger District

Due to sustained high winds from the last storm front, expect to see many downed and weakened trees on roads and trails in the South Platte Ranger District.Be mindful that, even if a tree looks okay, it may be weakened and could fall. Forest Service crews are working on clearing trees over the next…

San Isabel National Forest

Seasonal area closure for Rock Climbing near Devils Head Trailhead

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.Please note that this closure is only in effect between March 1 and July 31 of each year.The purpose of this Order is to protect American peregrine falcons, a species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.Please see the attached document…

San Isabel National Forest

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville, Salida and South Park ranger districts.This order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness and to protect the character, solitude and condition of this wilderness.Please see the attached document for more…

San Isabel National Forest

Wigwam Spur Trail, NFST 609.A closure

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and a sensitive riparian habitat from further damage.

San Isabel National Forest

South Platte Ranger District Over-Snow Vehicle Use

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Mount Evans Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Lost Creek Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park and South Platte ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Mount Massive Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Collegiate Peak Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville and Salida ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Waldo Canyon Burn Area Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety due to impacts of the Waldo Canyon fire.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Regulations

This order affects the San Carlos and Salida ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness and Spanish Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Pike National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte and South Park ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Occupancy and Use Prohibitions

This order affects the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

San Isabel National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

South Catamount Dam Repair

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during Colorado Springs Utilities South Catamount Dam repair.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

East Bear Gulch Trail Seasonal Closure Order

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nesting sites. The peregrine falcon is listed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a species of State Special Concern, and guidelines have been identified that calls for no…

San Isabel National Forest

Food Storage Prohibitions on Pike-San Isabel National Forests

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.The purpose of the order is to protect public safety by minimizing adverse interactions between bears and humans.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Castle Rock Area Closure

This order affects the Salida Ranger District.The purpose of the order is to protect an active golden eagle nest site.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Holy Cross Wilderness Prohibitions

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character by managing recreational use within the Holy Cross Wilderness.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Occupancy and Use Prohibitions Pertaining to Lakes

This order affects the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public safety.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Crags Winter Area Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Rampart Range Road 300 Winter Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to implement requirements of the July 17, 2016, final Decision Notice for the Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project designed to protect a unique population of greenback cutthroat trout, a threatened species under the…

San Isabel National Forest

Occupancy and Use Restrictions with Designated Camping and Parking Areas

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

East Indian Creek Road Closure

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety due to erosion and flooding in the area affected by the Spring Creek Fire.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest

Prohibition on Camping in Areas Posted as Closed to Camping

This order affects all districts on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is for protection of public health and safety and resource protection due to flood potential and environmental and facilities damage within the Hayman Burn…

San Isabel National Forest

Seasonal Restriction on Dogs Near Section House and Wagon Cabin

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.This order is needed to protect the health and safety of the public staying at the huts through the winter months. Melted snow provides the water source. To prevent fecal contamination of this water source, it is essential that dogs are not…

About

Nestled among aspen and tall Douglas fir trees, St. Charles Campground occupies a quiet section of the Lake Isabel Recreation Area in San Isabel National Forest. Located on the banks of St. Charles Creek at 8,600 feet elevation, the campground appeals to campers who enjoy the sounds of water tumbling through shaded boulders. The area was developed in the 1930s as a recreational escape from the plains below. The campground has 15 sites, each equipped with a fire ring, fire pedestal, picnic table, and bear-proof food locker. Ten sites require reservations through Recreation.gov while five remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. Double vault toilets are accessible, and potable water is available from a hand pump. A bear closure order is in effect requiring all food and attractants be stored in bear-resistant containers. Lake Isabel is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and an accessible lakeshore path provides fishing access. Brook trout inhabit St. Charles Creek. The Snowslide and Cisneros trails offer hiking opportunities, with both open to motorcycles and Cisneros serving as a challenging ATV route. A nearby lodge provides boat rentals, groceries, and a restaurant.

Directions

From Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. Head west 18 miles on State Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area and drive to Forest Road 374, the second left. Follow signs to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

St. Charles Campground 0.2mi La Vista Campground 0.3mi La Vista Campground - Lake Isabel 0.4mi Southside Campground - Lake Isabel 0.5mi Ponderosa Group Campground 0.5mi Spruce Group Campground 0.6mi Southside Campground 0.7mi Spruce Group - Lake Isabel 0.9mi Ponderosa Group - Lake Isabel 0.9mi

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Location

37.9811111, -105.0655556

47 Golf Vw, Rye, CO 81069

Amenities

Water	Yes
Fires Allowed	Yes
Toilets	Yes
Dump Station	—
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	45ft
Big Rig Friendly	—
Pull Through Sites	No

Contact

Phone

+1 (719) 269-8500

Cell Service

AT&T	None
Verizon	None
T-Mobile	None

Useful Links

Print Facility Map
Forest Service Concessionaire
Colorado State Tourism
Colorado State Road Conditions
View on Recreation.gov
USFS St. Charles Campground

Availability

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