Campsite near creek surrounded by trees
Campsite in trees with tents, fire pit and picnic table
Campsite near creek surrounded by trees
Campsite with Chalk Cliffs in background
Campsite with small camp trailer with trees in background

Available sites

11 total sites

About Chalk Lake

Chalk Lake Campground is located in beautiful Chaffee County, Colorado. This popular facility sits near Chalk Lake and is within 4 mi of a private hot springs resort, making it an ideal location for rest and relaxation. "First come, first served" does not necessarily mean that the site will be available when you get there. Someone may get there before you. This is a popular campground and is normally full starting on Friday, sometimes as early as Thursday, so plan accordingly.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

11 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 46 × 17 ft · Gravel
🚐 003, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 18 × 21 ft · Gravel
🚐 010, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 41 × 17 ft · Gravel
⛺ 011, Loop: CHAL Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 012, Loop: CHAL Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 013, Loop: CHAL Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 015, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 59 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 016, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 35 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 017, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 62 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 018, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 47 × 14 ft · Gravel
🚐 019, Loop: CHAL RV
Pet Friendly · 44 × 16 ft · Gravel

Reviews (192)

What Guests Are Saying

Chalk Lake Campground is praised for its beautiful scenery, friendly hosts, and well-maintained facilities, making it a favorite among campers. Many visitors appreciate the spacious campsites, especially those near the creek and lake, as well as the access to hiking trails. While some sites are close together, which may affect privacy, the overall experience, including clean bathrooms and the stunning views, leaves guests eager to return.

Review Summary

4.6
192 reviews
5
74.5%
143
4
16.1%
31
3
5.2%
10
2
1.0%
2
1
3.1%
6

jeffrey d

Verified

September 27, 2026 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: CHAL

5

New host was great. Saw them picking up trash around the lake, that was a first. On a negative note, too many dogs in the campground and getting worse. Irresponsible dog owners are ruining it for everyone. They all think there dog "won't bite" and i heard two or three dog fights. Just uncomfortable at times. We love our time at chalk lake, 50 years running now. Hope we can continue to enjoy the campground well into the future. Thank you, Jeff & Karla Defore

dana m

Verified

September 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: CHAL

5

As usual, the stay at Chalk Lake is one of our favorites. Well spaced spots, beautiful scenery, nearby stream are something we look forward to. The restrooms are clean, as well as the grounds. Buena Vista, St. Elmo, Hancock, Twin Lakes, Cottonwood Lake and pass are all nearby.

Sara G

Verified

September 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: CHAL

5

Such a beautiful campground! The hosts were very friendly. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back.

Gerardo L

Verified

September 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: CHAL

5

The campground is beautiful but Linda, the Camp Host, made the whole experience amazing. We have traveled all over the US and she is by far the best campground host. She checked in on us, was
Super friendly and helpful, gave us tips on hikes and places to
Go and even gave us some coffeee which we had forgotten, the campground and barhrooms were spotless. I highly recommend the campground and special thanks to Linda

Mike S

Verified

September 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: CHAL

5

Everything was great. Clean and well attended too.

marissa d

Verified

September 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: CHAL

5

First timers to this campground - definitely coming back! Host were so friendly and welcoming.

Robert B

Verified

September 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: CHAL

5

The hosts were super friendly and very helpful

Vivian M

Verified

September 4, 2026 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: CHAL

5

This campground was immaculate and beautiful! Camp hosts were awesome! We can’t wait to go back!

Teresa D

Verified

August 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: CHAL

5

Beautiful campground with a friendly Host! We would love to come back here again!

Katharine G

Verified

August 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: CHAL

5

This is our favorite campsite! Can't wait to go back and spend more time there. Quiet, shady, beautiful, and peaceful.

Location & Directions for Chalk Lake

Salida Ranger District, Salida, CO 81201 United States

Elevation: 2,669 ft

Getting There

From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 285 south to Nathrop. Turn west on County Road 162 and travel 8 mi to the campground.

Nearest town

Salida, CO - 25 mi

About 35 min to downtown

Highway access

Chalk Lake Camp is accessible via Highway 285, which is approximately 8 miles from the campground when traveling from Nathrop.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 17, 2026

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Explore Salida, CO

Population: 5,861

Nearby larger city

Colorado Springs, CO

Approx. 76 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 7,051 ft

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