Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

ECHO LAKE

Idaho Springs, Colorado · Clear Creek County · Campground

Overview Echo Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Blue Sky along Hwy 103. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. Recreation Activities in the area include hiking in the Mount Eva…

Advertisement
39.65627, -105.59564
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at ECHO LAKE

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High57°F
Avg Low36°F
Peak Rain Chance28%
Humidity49%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality62 · Moderate
Today
🌫
Fog
50°/34°
💧 2%🌬 20mph
5:37 AM8:22 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
55°/33°
💧 1%🌬 22mph
5:37 AM8:23 PM
Mon
🌦
Drizzle
60°/37°
💧 20%🌬 9mph
5:36 AM8:24 PM
Tue
🌧
Light Rain
63°/36°
💧 21%🌬 12mph
5:36 AM8:24 PM
Wed
🌧
Rain Showers
59°/40°
💧 28%🌬 7mph
5:35 AM8:25 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About ECHO LAKE

Overview Echo Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Blue Sky along Hwy 103. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road. Recreation Activities in the area include hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing. Several trails leave directly from the campground.Facilities The campground offers 11 sites more suited to RV camping and seven sites designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Also, there are vault toilets, hand pumps with potable water and trash service.Natural Features Echo Lake sits in a spruce forest near the shores of Echo Lake. The campground's 10,600' elevation creates cool to chilly nights, even in summer, and its location on a mountain pass makes for windy conditions year-round. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland on the foothills and slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The forests and grassland cover 1.5 million acres and extend north to the Wyoming border, south to Mount Evans and west across the Continental Divide. The area encompasses mountains, lakes and five scenic byways, designated by Congress for their scenery, wildlife or history, including the highest road in North America. Mount Evans Road, also known as Colorado Highway 5, allows visitors to drive from 10,500' to 14,130' above sea level in just 14 miles. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578. Nearby Attractions Nearby Idaho Springs, a former mining town, makes for a nice outing. History buffs will appreciate the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum. The City and County of Denver Mountain Park, Echo Lake and Echo Lake Lodge are located adjacent to the campground.Charges & Cancellations Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444

How to Get There

Take I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Go south 14 miles to the intersection of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 (Mt Evans Road). Turn right on Hwy 5 then turn left to enter the campground.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 20 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to ECHO LAKE

Heading to ECHO LAKE? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for ECHO LAKE?

No central reservation system listed for ECHO LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231857) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to ECHO LAKE?

Take I-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Go south 14 miles to the intersection of Hwy 103 and Hwy 5 (Mt Evans Road). Turn right on Hwy 5 then turn left to enter the campground.

How do I contact ECHO LAKE?

You can reach the park at phone: 801-226-3564.