Chalk Lake Campground

The Chalk Creek Canyon is one of the valley's most popular areas.

Camping and campfires are restricted in the Chalk Creek Canyon to developed campgrounds only. Campers who are unable to find a campsite in one of the four developed campground may camp above the townsite of St. Elmo on County Road 267 or near the Hancock townsite located 5 miles south on Forest Road 295. Additional camping is available in the Browns Creek area south of County Road 162 at the junction of County roads 270 and 272.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Check out: 12 pm (noon) Quiet hours: 10 pm to 6 am
Reservations:	Prior to Memorial Day weekend, sites may be first-come, first-served and hosts and water may not be available. During peak season dates, some sites can be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 at least 4 days in advance. (Friday and Saturday 2-night minimum required stay for weekend reservations. Three-night minimum for holiday weekend reservations).
Area Amenities:	Accessible,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets
Fees:	$24 per site for overnight camping. Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee. $8.00 for a third vehicle. $8.00 fee for day use if not camping overnight. Fees are payable by cash, check or money order. Self-servicing fee tube is available. Sites must be occupied the first night of payment. Interagency Senior/Access passes valid for 50% discount to the camping fee for one site.
Open Season:	May 19, 2023 - Sept. 24, 2023
Restrictions:	Maximum 8 persons per site: 2 tents and 2 vehicles or 1 recreation vehicle (RV). Maximum RV length is 50 ft. Dogs must be leashed at all times. No discharge of firearms or fireworks. Only licensed vehicles can operate inside campground.
Closest Towns:	Buena Vista, CO and Salida, CO
Water:	Drinking water, hand pump
Restroom:	vault toilets
Operated By:	Rocky Mountain Recreation Company

General Information

Directions:

From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 285 south for 7 miles to County Road 162. Turn west on County Road 162, traveling 8 miles to the Chalk Lake Campground.

Accessibility:
General Notes:
Parking:

Activities

Campground Camping

RV Camping

OHV Road Riding

There is abundant OHV riding near the campground. For information on what county roads permit OHVs, please visit: https://www.chaffeecounty.org/Road-and-Bridge-OHV-Roads

Popular rides include: Mount Antero, Baldwin Lake, Tincup Pass, Hancock Pass, Pomeroy Lakes, Hancock Lakes and Williams Pass (open during the month of August). Visitors should purchase a San Isabel National Forest map which shows the various roads in the Chalk Creek area. Maps are available at the Salida Ranger District office and other retail stores.