About SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL
Overview Southside Campground is a small RV facility situated in the Wet Mountains by Lake Isabel. The popular recreation area offers a selection of hiking trails and great fishing and paddle boating on Lake Isabel. Lake Isabel was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, for the purpose of recreation.The 40-acre lake is stocked with trout and the nearby St. Charles Creek offers additional fishing opportunities. Recreation Lake Isabel welcomes non-motorized boating and fishing. Brown and brook trout are stocked in the lake and the St. Charles headwaters reap brook trout. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bicycling or motorcycling on either the Snow Slide Trail and Cisneros Trail. The 15-mile Cisneros Trail, also open to ATV riders, leads to the heart of the Wet Mountains, through forests and open, wildflower-speckled valleys. Along the way, the trail connects to St. Charles Trail, which heads to St. Charles Peak.Facilities The campground is designed for RVs less than 30 feet in length, with no large slide-outs and require no hook-ups. Roads are paved. The facility is not ideal for tent camping, but tent camping is permitted. All sites are pull-through; backing is not required. RV hookups are not available. Amenities include campfire grills, vault toilets, drinking water and picnic tables. Natural Features Aspen and ponderosa pine help shade the campground. Lake Isabel impresses visitors with a shoreline that meets the rocky base of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The Pike and San Isabel National Forest includes over a million acres of wilderness and over half of Colorado's mountain peaks that reach above 14,000 feet. Nearby Attractions Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (719) 489-2034.Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arri
How to Get There
From Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground is the first within the recreation area on the left.
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 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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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 SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL
Heading to SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL? 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 SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
No central reservation system listed for SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232101) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
From Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground is the first within the recreation area on the left.
How do I contact SOUTHSIDE CAMPGROUND - LAKE ISABEL?
You can reach the park at phone: FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR OTHER NON REAL TIME INFORMATION, CALL 719-269-8500. or email: lstewart@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
