Island Lake

As its name suggests, Island Lake Campground is located just a short walk away from the shores of Island Lake. The lake offers several summertime sports, including fishing and boating. As a bonus, the surrounding areas are part of the Grand Mesa National Forest, which makes Island Lake Campground a hidden gem for trail seekers, horseback riders, and climbers.

If you're looking to spend the night, Island Lake has a total of 39 sites sprinkled throughout the area. The offerings cover everything from group areas to primitive, non-electric campsites. Pricing here varies depending on the features offered, with base rates only covering the barest of amenities, as well as your state forest admission. Make sure to check with the Island Lake offices before booking your stay if you're curious about up-to-date pricing. 

All of the sites in Island Lake come standard with a fire ring and picnic table, but lack modern toilets or shower facilities, so keep in mind that you'll be "ruffing" it during your stay. Speaking of canines, if you've decided that Fido deserves a vacation and have brought them along, make sure they stay on a leash and out of public areas during their stay.

Hiking is a hugely popular pastime for visitors of Island Lake Campground. The surrounding forests offer thousands of miles of trails, some of which date back thousands of years. As the network is both vast and complex, guests looking to hit the dirt with Fido should always check out the trail guides and maps found online before setting off. Make sure to pack a fresh supply of water, snacks, and a fully charged cell phone in case the weather patterns shift or you get disoriented. Accompanying dogs should have all their messes picked up, as these are public-use trails.

Guests should note that any amenities located outside of Island Lake Campground may sometimes require additional fees. If you're curious about a specific location or area, make sure to reach out to those third-party operators before booking your stay.