Group camping recs for Elbert?

[ranthal]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for recs on camping for a trip to Elbert later this summer that's going to be for a group of 6+ with a whole mix of experience from summiting Capitol down to 0 summits. I know there's plenty of options out there for camping so I'm looking for help narrowing it down based upon this criteria:
- Near any Elbert TH (duh, but this is more to say any route is fine)
- Good for a group of 6+
- Other great hikes nearby for those who aren't going up Elbert (I'd also appreciate recs on trails here not starting with Mt ending with Massive)
- Decent enough amenities (fire ring, running water, etc) to keep the "I'm down to hike but don't really want to rough it" crowd happy without being glamping

Thanks in advance!

[wyyld]

Twin Lakes near the South Ebert TH has tons of camping options. Campgrounds, dispersed camping sites....tons of places to choose. Colorado trail runs pretty close to the Elbert trail as well and Independence pass is right there. Can't think of a better spot than around Twin Lakes area.

[peter303]

Another option is Turquoise Lake about 20 minutes to north. Nice view of 14ers and tree shade.
People can hike around much of lake. Go to nearby Leadville and hike part of 12 mile Mineral Trail.

[SkaredShtles]

If you don't want to roll the dice on a 1st come/1st serve campsite:

https://www.reserveamerica.com

[Voshkm]

sounds like you want lakeview campground which is essentially at the 2wd TH for Elbert East Slope. Well managed by nice live in couple with lots of Elbert Knowledge. Bathrooms relatively clean and water available. you would be adding about 200' for your day starting right from your tent. Personally I prefer the beautiful dispersed camping along the 4x4 rd to upper TH but they have fire rings but no water or bathrooms of course.

[Shaolin]

Twin Lakes near the South Ebert TH has tons of camping options. Campgrounds, dispersed camping sites....tons of places to choose. Colorado trail runs pretty close to the Elbert trail as well and Independence pass is right there. Can't think of a better spot than around Twin Lakes area.

2nd this option, very nice area.

[oldschoolczar]

Get there early! This was one of the most crowded camping areas I've seen in Colorado... outside of campgrounds with a fee.

[Shaolin]

Get there early! This was one of the most crowded camping areas I've seen in Colorado... outside of campgrounds with a fee.

Which one? Twin Lakes area?

[ranthal]

Thanks for the great recs! Seems like Twin Lakes is the winner. If a couple of the less outdoorsy friends can't make it then it will definitely be the dispersed camping spots instead.

[oldschoolczar]

Get there early! This was one of the most crowded camping areas I've seen in Colorado... outside of campgrounds with a fee.

Which one? Twin Lakes area?

No, my bad. The road leading to Elbert/Massive trailheads. The whole road was lined with full campsites for what seemed like a couple miles. I've heard Twin Lakes is nice.. sounds like a winner.