Highland Lakes Campground

Been going here for over 15 years, sadly now for 2-3 years the upper campsite is closed, last time the worst camp host who is there now says they are gonna cut trees so that it’s safe. But they haven’t done that and now the price to camp is 25$, the camp host has no manners and is another reason we will not camp here again. Lots of good memories though. It really is too bad. The forest service has been really sucking lately. Find another spot to camp, read other reviews you’ll see the same.

This is premier Alpine camping at it's best. There are no reservations it is first come first serve camping that is $12 a night with two vehicle max per space. The drive is very straight foward and easy to find. 9nce you turn off of Hyw 4 on to Highland lakes road it is a very nice drive. I would recommend the use of a touch because you have to cross a small stream and the road is dirt and rock do expect rough spots. Highland lakes campground is a gem. The views were spectacular. We went the end of Aug. so the temp was a high of 80 and a low of 50, very pleasant weather but make sure to pack a long sleeve shirt because the wind picks up at about 3pm and lasts tell about 6pm. The mosquitos were plentiful so bring insect repellent. The sites were very clean, there is a vault toilet and you can pump your own water, but the water is not potable unless treated. Upper and lower highland lake are shallow but there are fish. Think your best luck would be to fish from a floater. If you do not want to fish then go hiking. This is a literal hikers paradise that has trails for all ages and abilities. If you are feeling brave then I would suggest hiking to Hiram Peak. It has great views and is worth the effort. Do yourself a favor get out and experience what Highland Lakes has to offer.

I had a real hard time finding any details on this place so I'll try and be thorough here. Getting there: The Ebbets Pass scenic byway is beautiful but it's slow driving and steep. The road to highland Lakes is easy to find but be prepared for a bumpy and somewhat rutted road. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. You could take in a mini van but a truck or 4 x 4 would be best. Campsites: campsites are not reservable and you self register with an envelope at the entrance. Cost is $12. I was surprised how full the campsite was when I went but we still found a spot. Fires are allowed and there are fire rings and picnic benches in each site. Tree cover is good. Views are spectacular. Bears were never an issue. We just kept our food in our car. Vault toilets are what you would expect. Overall I highly recommend this spot. Great place to not have your typical car camping experience.

The lakes are awesome but the camping is a complete shot in the dark. The upper campground is closed cutting the number of spots in half. We drove 2.5 hours and couldn’t find a spot so we had to backtrack to another site. This road isn’t exactly an easy ride either. There’s no explanation online or at the check in station. Prices are now $25 a night (going up to $30 in 2026). No online reservations available so it’s a complete crapshoot if you’re going to get a spot.

Campground used to be amazing. Now, the upper campground is closed indefinitely , the lower is crowded with people who dont know what camp etiquette is, loud until either curfew or they feel like being quiet, people dragging huge trailers in, (there was a 37ft trailer when we were there somehow) and running generators into the night, people lighting their sites up like football stadiums that in turn light up all the sites around them. Alot of sites on a downhill slope, forest service dosent pump the vault toilets out often resulting in a mountain of waste inside almost to the floor. The ranger who drives through to collect fees and check sites didnt seem to care about any concerns with a oh well attitude. Camp host Bru is a decent guy, but as he says im 74 i cant enforce it all and his atitude and mannerisms are what you would expect of a older generation ( hint older racist style attitude) still very friendly, will walk right up into your site and chatter away until he decides to wander off to the next site. It was ok when it was 12 a night but 25 a night for overfull toilets, sloped campsites that people walk through as they please, and loud rude fellow campers makes this spot not worth it anymore. Its a shame, its such a beautiful peaceful area ruined by people who have no respect.