About PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL
Overview Ponderosa Group Campground, located near the sparkling 40-acre Lake Isabel, beckons large groups for picnicking and camping in the Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground accommodates 60 guests for overnight camping. Visitors can enjoy entertainment like volleyball and horseshoes, or head to the lake for canoeing and fishing. Lake Isabel is one of the few lakes in Colorado developed solely for recreational purposes. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lake attracts many campers who come to hike, canoe, fish and spend time bird watching. St. Charles Creek flows near the campground and offers additional fishing opportunities.Recreation Kayaking, canoeing and fishing are popular in Lake Isabel. Brown and brook trout are stocked in the lake and the St. Charles headwaters reap brook trout. Guests can enjoy hiking, bicycling or motorcycling on either the Snow Slide Trail or 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 group campground has a picnic shelter that seats 25 to 30 people, a group-sized charcoal grill and eight single-site campfire rings. A horseshoe pit, volleyball court, vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump and dumpsters are provided.Natural Features Shady pine and aspen trees are scattered throughout the campground. The shoreline of Lake Isabel meets the rocky base of sweeping mountains at an elevation of 8,600 feet. At 8,600 feet the area enjoys cool summer days, a welcome relief from the heat in the plains far below. 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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (719) 489-2034. Nearby Attractions The Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway is a gr
How to Get There
From Pueblo, go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the south entrance at Lake Isabel and drive 1 mile. Look for Ponderosa Group campground signs.
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.
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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 PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL
Heading to PONDEROSA GROUP - 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 PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL?
No central reservation system listed for PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233804) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL?
From Pueblo, go 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the south entrance at Lake Isabel and drive 1 mile. Look for Ponderosa Group campground signs.
How do I contact PONDEROSA GROUP - LAKE ISABEL?
You can reach the park at phone: FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR OTHER, NON REAL TIME INFORMATION, CALL (719) 369-8500. or email: lstewart@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
