St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

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.