Overview
Picturesque White Star Campground lies at the foot of Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak, among fragrant ponderosa pines. The campground provides convenient access to Twin Lakes Reservoir for plenty of water recreation opportunities.
It also works as a base camp for hikers and mountain bikers who love to explore nearby trails such the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail.
Recreation
The Continental Divide Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico, passes by the White Star Campground. The hiking trail is open to mountain bikes in the section from Halfmoon Road South to Twin Lakes. About 300 miles of the trail is within Colorado’s borders.
Twin Lakes are Colorado’s largest natural glacial lakes, and sailing and water skiing are among the popular activities there. Fishing includes lake, rainbow and Mackinaw trout.
Facilities
White Star Campground is comprised of three loops. Sage Loop has limited shade, and Ridge and Valley Loops have a somewhat greater density of ponderosa pine and spruce trees.
Drinking water is available through a pressurized water system and vault toilets are located throughout the campground.
A boat ramp, parking, and angler fishing areas are located just down the road from the campground. Firewood is for sale at the camp host site.
Natural Features
The campground, at an elevation of 9,200 feet, sits on the north side of the Twin Lakes Reservoir near the base of Mount Elbert. The Twin Lakes Reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet.
Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a stretch of 30,540 acres that encompass Mount Massive, Colorado’s second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
Nearby Attractions
Drive on the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. Or continue over the pass for a day trip to the town of Aspen, a well-known ski resort town.
Nearby Activities
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
Gallery
Directions
From Leadville, travel 15 miles south on Highway 24 to Highway 82. Turn
right and go west 5.5 miles on Highway 82, turn left into the White Star Campground.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 39° 5′ 24.0000″ N
Longitude 106° 21′ 56.0002″ W