White Star

Picturesque White Star Campground lies at the foot of Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak, among fragrant ponderosa pines. The campground provides convenient access to Twin Lakes Reservoir for plenty of water recreation opportunities, and works as a base camp for hikers and mountain bikers who love to explore nearby trails such as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Mount Elbert Trail. The Continental Divide Trail, which runs from Canada to Mexico, passes by the campground. About 300 miles of the trail is within Colorado's borders, and it is open to mountain bikes in the section from Halfmoon Road south to Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes are Colorado's largest natural glacial lakes, and sailing and water skiing are among the popular activities there. Fishing includes lake, rainbow and Mackinaw trout. White Star Campground is comprised of three loops. Sage Loop has limited shade, and Ridge and Valley Loops have a greater density of ponderosa pine and spruce trees. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided, and firewood is for sale at the Host site. A boat ramp, parking and angler fishing areas are located just down the road from the campground. The campground, at an elevation of 9,200 feet, sits on the north side of the Twin Lakes Reservoir near the base of Mount Elbert. The reservoir spans 2,805 acres and Mount Elbert stands tall at 14,433 feet. Nearby is the Mount Massive Wilderness area, a stretch of 30,540 acres that encompasses Mount Massive, Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields. Drive the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway to Independence Pass, one of the highest paved passes in Colorado, or continue over the pass for a day trip to the town of Aspen, a well-known ski resort town.