O'Haver Lake is a small, high-elevation mountain lake tucked into the San Isabel National Forest in Chaffee County, offering a peaceful combination of camping, fishing, paddling, and fall foliage viewing just a short drive from Poncha Springs. The lake draws families, anglers, and paddlers who appreciate its compact size, clear cold water, and well-maintained campground surrounded by dense stands of aspen and conifer forest.
Fishing is the anchor activity at O'Haver Lake, with the lake regularly stocked with rainbow trout that provide consistent action for shore anglers and small-boat fishers alike. Visitors report catching trout readily, with one group landing thirteen fish in five hours and another tallying twenty-three fish across their party. A fishing dock provides wheelchair-accessible access to the water, making this one of the more inclusive fishing destinations in the region. Ice fishing is possible in winter and early spring when the lake freezes over, with anglers pulling stocked rainbows through the ice during shoulder-season visits.
Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing thrive on the calm, protected surface of O'Haver Lake. The small footprint and absence of motorized boat traffic create glassy conditions ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, and reviewers describe the tranquility as perfect for quiet paddle sessions. The lake sits at elevation where afternoon winds can pick up, so morning paddles tend to offer the smoothest water. Swimming is permitted at your own risk, though the cold mountain water limits most visitors to wading rather than extended swims.
The O'Haver Lake campground features approximately twenty sites with level tent pads, vault toilets, and potable water taps. Sites eighteen through twenty sit directly on the lakeshore, and site twelve is frequently cited as the best overall spot. Camp hosts sell firewood and maintain clean facilities. Reservations are available online and recommended for weekends, as the campground fills reliably during summer months. RV access is possible despite the winding dirt road, though the campground lacks electric hookups. Generator noise from RVs is a recurring complaint from tent campers who visit for the quiet mountain atmosphere.
The access road to O'Haver Lake is a dirt road that can be rough in sections, with some visitors in low-clearance vehicles reporting a white-knuckle drive at five miles per hour. Most standard vehicles handle it without issue, but sports cars and low-slung sedans should proceed cautiously. A day-use fee of eight dollars applies during peak season.
Fall color viewing brings a distinct crowd to O'Haver Lake, as the surrounding aspen groves turn gold typically in late September. The combination of golden aspens reflected in the clear lake surface creates one of Chaffee County's more photogenic autumn scenes. The area near Marshall Pass offers additional hiking, dirt biking, and four-wheeling trails that pair well with a lake visit.
O'Haver Lake sits within easy reach of Poncha Springs and Salida, making it a convenient day trip or overnight destination for visitors exploring the upper Arkansas River valley. The elevation brings variable weather, and visitors report experiencing sunshine and snow simultaneously, so layered clothing and weather awareness are essential regardless of season.