We planned a small group camping trip with friends and, after much deliberation, decided to try Lakeview Campground. This was the best decision we could have made. The federal campground has eight camping loops. As its name implies, there are some sites with views of Twin Lakes and the mountains that tower over this beautiful region. The sites have no water, sewer, or electric hookups, though there are water spigots to fill jugs throughout the campground. No dump station is available, but the bathrooms in each loop are meticulously maintained. In fact, they were the cleanest bathrooms any of us had ever seen at a campground. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed talking with them when they made their rounds.

We were in campsites C1 and C2. These large sites sat in the pine trees and provided ample shade. A picnic table and fire ring were at each site. Neither of these had a tent pad, though there was ample flat space at C2 for a large tent. Spots in the A and B loop seemed closer together than those in the other loops. Sites in the G loop were some of the best in the entire campground. The G loop is not reservable, though, and this campground fills early all summer.

The campground sits on top of the hill above the lakes and not near the town or the beaches. One of the days we were here, we enjoyed a hike from the campground that traveled through an astonishingly huge aspen forest into the mountains. This hike would be even more beautiful if completed in the fall when the aspens change. The hike moves from thick aspen meadows to a slow creek, then up switchbacks through evergreens. At all points, the views are worth every step. Even if you don’t make it to the top of the mountain, you will not be disappointed. Find the trailhead for this hike in Loop G.

On a couple days, we went to the Big Mac fishing beach and went fishing and kayaking along the lake’s edge. The lake is stocked with trout and we were fortunate to catch several in the afternoon if the water was still. The water was often choppy due to the constant breeze lakeside, but the breeze was welcome as it was warm in mid-July. It never rained while we were there, but the clouds would roll in and threaten the usual summer thunder storm.

The small town of Twin Lakes has very few things, but does have a restaurant that is known by locals for solid food and drinks. In the summer, Independence Pass is open and travels up twisting roadways to spill into Aspen. This drive is considered one of the most beautiful in the state.

Three days camping in this area is not enough for the outdoor enthusiast. The pleasant, quiet campground, clean facilities, and proximity to the lake make this a must-camp location with astounding mountain views.