About OHAVER LAKE
Overview The Forest Service wants your opinion on reserving sites at O’Haver Lake Campground. Please take a moment to fill out a brief survey at: https://forms.office.com/g/zFknf0tZbS O'Haver Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, with ponderosa pines and aspen. It is located on the shores of O'Haver Lake. This facility has 31 sites and is a very popular destination that is often full on the weekends. "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. Recreation There is an accessible fishing pier and non-motorized watercraft can be used to seek rainbow and brook trout on O'Haver Lake. If using non-motorized watercraft please be courteous to those who are fishing.Facilities Vault toilets and trash collection and campground host are provided. Firewood is sold on site. Sites #1-5, 7 ,13,21,23 and 24 are first-come, first-served, "Walk-up" sites. All other sites are reservable. Site #6 is used by the host from mid-May through September. After that time it is available as a "walk-up", first-come, first-served site.Natural Features This area attracts many campers for fishing, bird watching and canoeing on the calm, pleasant lake. Ponderosa pines provide a fresh vanilla scent in the mountain air and aspens please visitors with golden foliage displays in autumn. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions The historic Denver and Rio Grande railroad grade traveled from Salida, southwest to the summit of Marshall Pass. The grade travels along County Road 200 above O'Haver Lake. This is a very popular mountain biking route with cyclists traveling from Monarch Pass to Marshall Pass on the Crest trail and then traveling down the railroad grade into Poncha Springs. Silver Creek, Starvation Creek, Poncha Creek
How to Get There
From Salida, Colorado: Travel west on Highway 50 to Poncha Springs. Turn south on Hwy 285 and travel for 5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 200 and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn west on County Road 202 and proceed 2.5 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 16 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
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Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
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Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (41°F low → 68°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
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 OHAVER LAKE
Heading to OHAVER 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 OHAVER LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for OHAVER LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231870) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OHAVER LAKE?
From Salida, Colorado: Travel west on Highway 50 to Poncha Springs. Turn south on Hwy 285 and travel for 5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 200 and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn west on County Road 202 and proceed 2.5 miles.
How do I contact OHAVER LAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: CAMPGROUNDS DO NOT HAVE PHONE SERVICE, CALLING TO CHECK AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO ARRIVAL IS NOT POSSIBLE. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-877-444-6777.
References & Official Resources
