Reservation Strategy
How to secure adjacent campsites for a multi-generational family trip.
Table of Contents
- The Challenge
- Understanding the Campgrounds
- Site Requirements
- Booking Timeline
- Making Reservations
- Passes Required
- Cost Estimation
- Site Selection Tips
- Confirmation Process
- Changes and Cancellations
- Special Circumstances
- Day-Before Checklist
The Challenge
Eleven Mile State Park has 326 campsites spread across multiple campgrounds. For a multi-generational family needing several RV sites with electrical hookups, side-by-side, for seven consecutive nights in peak summer season—you need a strategy.
Sites book up fast. The most desirable locations can fill 6 months in advance. Random clicking through the reservation system hoping for adjacent sites is a recipe for disappointment.
Understanding the Campgrounds
Rocky Ridge Campground (Recommended for RV Groups)
Rocky Ridge is the only campground with electrical hookups, making it ideal for RV camping. It’s located near the Park Office and Camper Services Building on County Road 92.
Loop A – Electrical sites, near the shower facilities Loop B – Electrical sites, slightly more secluded Loop C – Non-electric Loop D – Electrical sites Loop E – Non-electric
For RV camping with electrical needs, focus on Loops A, B, and D.
Other Campgrounds (For Overflow/Adventurous Family Members)
| Campground | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| North Shore | Near boat ramp, some electric | Fishing-focused campers |
| Stoll Mountain | Tent camping, scenic | Teens wanting independence |
| Cross Creek | Remote, primitive | Experienced campers |
| Lazy Boy | Reservoir views | Day-use focused |
| Rocking Chair | Walk-to sites | Couples, small groups |
| Witcher’s Cove | Near dump station | RV convenience |
| Backcountry | Walk-in/boat-in, 14 sites | Wilderness experience |
Site Requirements
Per-Site Limits
Each campsite allows:
- 1 camping unit (RV, trailer, tent, or motorhome)
- 6 people maximum
- 2 vehicles (if the second fits within the site)
For Your Family
Calculate your needs:
- Count total family members
- Divide by 6 (max per site)
- Round up
- Add one extra site for communal space/overflow
Example: 14 family members = 3 sites minimum (you’ll likely want 4)
Booking Timeline
When Reservations Open
Colorado State Parks reservations open on a rolling 6-month window. This means:
- January 1 → July reservations become available
- February 1 → August reservations open
- etc.
For a June/July trip:
- December 1 or January 1: Set calendar alerts
- 12:01 AM Mountain Time: Be online and ready
The Multi-Site Strategy
You cannot book multiple sites in a single transaction. Each site requires a separate booking. This creates a race against other campers.
The Coordinated Approach:
- Identify target sites in advance using the park map
- Assign each family member a specific site to book
- Synchronize watches (literally—use time.gov)
- All book simultaneously at 12:01 AM when reservations open
- Communicate success/failure via group text
- Have backup site numbers ready
Backup Strategy
If you can’t get adjacent sites:
- Book what’s available in the same loop
- Sites within the same campground work (short walk between)
- Call the park office—they sometimes help coordinate group camping
- Check back daily; cancellations happen
Making Reservations
Online (Recommended)
Website: cpwshop.com
- Create a CPW account in advance (don’t do this at midnight when booking)
- Save payment information to your account
- Navigate to Eleven Mile State Park
- Select dates and campground
- View available sites on the map
- Select your site and complete checkout
Pro tip: Practice the booking process before the real date. Know exactly how many clicks from start to confirmation.
By Phone (Backup)
Number: 1-800-244-5613
- Lines open at 8 AM Mountain Time
- Expect hold times on popular booking days
- Have site numbers, dates, and payment ready
- Ask about group camping options
At the Park Office
For cancellations and same-day availability: Address: 4229 County Road 92, Lake George, CO 80827 Phone: (719) 748-3401
Passes Required
Vehicle Pass
All vehicles entering the park require either:
- Daily Pass: Valid until noon the following day
- Annual Pass: Valid at all Colorado State Parks for 12 months
- Aspen Leaf Annual Pass: Discounted for Colorado residents 64+
- Disabled Veteran Pass: Free with Colorado DV plates
For a 7-night stay, the Annual Pass almost always saves money. One pass covers one vehicle. If you have 3 RVs and 2 cars, you need 5 passes (or a combination that makes financial sense).
Camping Reservation
Separate from the vehicle pass. The camping fee reserves your site but does not include park entry.
Fishing License
Required for all anglers 16 and older. Purchase at:
- cpwshop.com (online, recommended)
- 11 Mile Marina
- Sporting goods stores statewide
Cost Estimation
Sample Budget (2026 Prices Subject to Change)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Campsite (electric) | ~$41/night | ×3 sites ×7 nights = $861 |
| Campsite (non-electric) | ~$28/night | If needed |
| Annual Vehicle Pass | ~$80/vehicle | ×2-3 vehicles |
| Daily Pass | ~$11/vehicle | If not buying annual |
| Fishing License (resident) | ~$35/year | Per adult angler |
| Fishing License (non-resident) | ~$98/year | Per adult angler |
| Fishing License (youth) | Varies | Check current rates |
Rough Total for 7 Nights (3 electric sites, 2 annual passes): $861 + $160 = ~$1,021 base camping cost (plus fishing licenses)
Site Selection Tips
What to Look For
Proximity to facilities:
- Camper Services Building has showers, flush toilets, laundry (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- Vault toilets available at all campgrounds
Site characteristics:
- Level pad for RV (check reviews)
- Shade (sparse at Eleven Mile, but some sites have trees)
- Distance from road (noise consideration)
- View (reservoir views fill first)
Group configuration:
- Adjacent sites for shared meals and activities
- Sites facing each other work well for group dynamics
- Corner sites often have more space
Sites to Avoid (Generally)
- Near dump stations (traffic, odor)
- On main camp roads (dust, noise)
- Next to entrance stations
- Sites noted for slope/unlevel in reviews
Confirmation Process
After booking:
- Print confirmations for each site
- Screenshot reservation numbers
- Save to phone (accessible offline)
- Share with all drivers entering the park
- Call park 1 week before to confirm reservations are intact
- Have backup documentation in case of system issues
Changes and Cancellations
Modifying Reservations
- Can be done online or by phone
- Changes to dates/sites subject to availability
- Modification fees may apply
Cancellation Policy
Colorado State Parks policy (subject to change):
- Cancellations 14+ days out: Full refund minus service fee
- Cancellations 13 days or less: No refund of camping fee
- No-shows: No refund, site released after first night
Weather Considerations
The park does not issue refunds for bad weather. Consider:
- Trip insurance for major storms
- Flexible travel dates if possible
- Having backup plans (day trips, in-RV activities)
Special Circumstances
Group Camping
Eleven Mile doesn’t have a designated group camping area, but you can:
- Book multiple adjacent sites (as described above)
- Contact the park office about group accommodation
- Ask about reserving an entire loop for large groups (unlikely but possible off-peak)
Accessibility
Some sites are adapted for visitors with disabilities. These are marked in the reservation system. Contact the park office directly for specific accessibility questions.
Pets
Pets are allowed in campgrounds with restrictions:
- Leash required (6 feet maximum)
- Clean up after pets
- Never leave pets unattended
- Keep pets out of buildings and swim areas
Day-Before Checklist
- Print all reservation confirmations
- Have vehicle passes ready for dashboard display
- Note check-in time (typically 2 PM, but confirm)
- Have park phone number saved: (719) 748-3401
- Screenshot the park map with your sites marked
- Confirm all drivers know which sites are yours
Early Arrival: If you arrive before check-in time, you can enter the park with your pass and enjoy day-use areas. Your site may still be occupied by departing campers until checkout (typically noon). Be patient and explore while waiting.