Best Tent Camping near Ault, CO

Public lands surrounding Ault, Colorado offer diverse tent camping options within an hour's drive. Backcountry tent sites at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space provide secluded camping just 30 miles southwest of Ault, with walk-in tent sites requiring a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead. Lory State Park Backcountry Campsites, located near Bellvue, feature tent-only camping areas accessible via multiple hiking trails. For primitive tent camping, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District offers dispersed camping opportunities with minimal facilities but maximum solitude.

Most tent campsites in the region feature natural surfaces with minimal site preparation. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in designated boxes or canisters at established campgrounds. Primitive tent camping areas typically lack potable water, so campers should pack in all necessary supplies. Vault toilets are available at developed tent campgrounds like Hermits Hollow, but dispersed camping areas require adherence to Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal. Seasonal fire restrictions frequently affect the region, particularly during summer months, with complete bans sometimes implemented during high fire danger periods.

Tent campers at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space report excellent privacy despite the relatively short hike in. According to one visitor, "The site is off the main trail and secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers." The backcountry tent sites at Lory State Park offer unique advantages for overnight hikers, with one camper noting that "At night, you've basically got the park to yourself because it closes to all other users at dark." Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides creek-side tent sites with natural sound barriers, though early arrival is recommended during summer weekends as these free backcountry tent camping areas have gained popularity. Most tent-only sites throughout the region offer flat tent pads and established fire rings when restrictions allow.

Best Tent Sites Near Ault, Colorado (22)

    1. Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

    3 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    24 miles
    +1 (970) 498-5610

    $25 / night

    "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve."

    "Great sunrises and away from traffic noise tho you may have to deal with a little bit of noise from the hiking trail but other than that horse tooth has 3 back country sites that are perfect. highly recommend"

    2. Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    23 miles
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $30 / night

    "The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite."

    3. Lory State Park Backcountry Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Bellvue, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 493-1623

    $18 / night

    "We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. It’s a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer."

    "We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. It’s a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer."

    4. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    25 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept."

    "Very conveniently located, only a short drive into Estes Park. Lots of trails for hiking and biking in the park. Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring."

    5. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    6. Northern Colorado Farmstead

    Be the first to review!
    Greeley, CO
    17 miles

    $30 - $45 / night

    7. Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    14 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    "The camp sites near the top of Longs Peak in the Boulderfield are worth the long hike (6 miles up steep terrain)."

    "Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything."

    8. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    9 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Clear skies at night, but tree cover if you prefer. Quick drive to Estes Park. No Verizon cell service."

    "Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ault, CO

1131 Reviews of 22 Ault Campgrounds


  • C
    Aug. 2, 2018

    Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Great Campground

    This Rocky Mountain National Park campground is fantastic. I tent camped with my husband for 3 nights in Loop B. We saw tents and all sizes of campers many with families. Our tent site included a nice tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a shared bear box. The fire ban had been lifted and we could buy fire wood each evening-and ice cream! Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. This campground is very close to a number of trails. We hiked the Sprague Lake Trail. It’s 2 miles round trip and pretty easy. Breathtaking views. If you don’t hike, you can drive all the way to the Trail Ridge gift shop and cafe at the top. This park fills up quickly-amost 3 million visitors a year-so plan to get started early. We love RMNP. We will be back this fall!

  • Chad K.
    Aug. 3, 2019

    Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Great campground

    This campground is in the middle of Rocky Mountain NP. Our site was in loop D. The sites are a little packed but give you enough space to spread out. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a shared bear box. The tent pads are level as d have plenty of shade. The bath rooms have no showers and are a little dated but adequate for a national park. It is centrally locates to bear lake and Estes Park. We will be back.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Dowdy Lake Campground

    Reflections

    Status: Open year round 

    Reserve mid spring through September 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    weekend reservations recommended 

    70 sites including 10 walk-in tent 30 sites year round $24.00 tent sites $32.00 electric $64.00 double sites 

    Vault toilets, water during season ,tent sites have bear boxes, picnic table, fire ring/grill, trash no sewer or water hookups The campground has beautiful Ponderosa Pines but the Pine beetle is beginning to take its toil. 

    The back loop closes early fall. all sites have electric except the tent sites. There are 5 double sites. The campground can accept various size rigs. The day use area with a boat ramp and pit toilet with a nice size parking lot. There were a lot of people fishing from the shore. The lake is beautiful with small islands and rock formations. The road to and in the campground is gravel and rather dusty. Potholes 

    Directions: Drive 21 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto the Red Feather Lakes Road (County 74E) and travel approximately 22 miles. Turn right (north) and travel another mile to signed campground entrance on the right.

    LNT

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • L
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Spacious and shaded

    This campground is beautifully designed. The spaces are slightly spread out and staggered to offer more privacy than others in the area. Lots of trees and big rocks to add to the privacy. Very clean facility, with easy access to bathrooms, water and bear boxes. We were very pleased with the quality of the tent space and table. (Technically we tent camped at a site for an RV, but it still has a level tent spot). It was one of the best in the area we have camped at. Also walking distance to a shuttle that will take you to nearby touristy trailheads (like Bear Lake). Only disappointing thing is the full fire ban currently in effect- so no campfire.

  • Judy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    A quiet oasis in a busy park

    Aspenglen is located just inside the Fall River Entrance Station.  Once you have entered the park it is the first left that takes you down to the Aspenglen campground.  There are a few more trees in this area, so you are more likely to find shade.  There are some sites that are specifically for tents and others that accommodate small to medium RV's.  There are no hookups for electricity or water and cellphone service is mostly non-existent.  The sites are spaced more widely apart than at Glacier Basin.  There are bear boxes to store your food, fire rings, and tables.  Three loops, and some walk-in sites compose the layout.  There was a host at the campground.  They did sell firewood near the check-in post.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Upper Chipmunk Backcountry Campsite — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Amazing backpacking campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park!

    I had the fortune of being invited along on a backpacking trip this past weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park. I say fortune in particular because obtaining Wilderness Permits for popular backpacking destinations can be difficult during the high season of tourism at RMNP. Thankfully, my friend had reserved this permit months in advanced so we were all set for our adventure! 

    To get to this campsite, backpackers typically park at the Lawn Lake Trail Head and hike the beautiful Ypsilon Lake trail. The site is located 4.2 miles from the trailhead just past Chipmunk Lake. The hike is moderately strenuous in my opinion, and is made more difficult with a full backpack of course. The approach to the site is all uphill (2100 feet of elevation gain) but that makes the hike out quite easy as your tired legs will be going downhill the entire way! From the campsite, the hike to Ypsilon Lake isn’t far and makes for a great additional day hike once you’ve set up camp. We also pushed on to the higher Spectacle Lakes, which is a very strenuous hike which requires some scrambling and route finding but 100% worth it. From the top there are amazing views of Long’s Peak, Estes Park and the Spectacle Lakes themselves which have the most magnificently glacial blue water. 

    About the campsites-

    There are two designated sites, we stay at the one on the right. At the site there is a designated space for tents which is relatively flat and free of rocks. There is plenty of shade from the dense surrounding pines. No fires are allowed at this site so a camp stove is necessary for cooking. Bear canisters are required and leave no trace ethics should be strictly followed. I was surprised to find that this site also had access to a privy. The privy itself was decently clean and signs indicated that no toilet paper should be thrown into it, although this rule was clearly not being followed as there was a good bit of trash in the toilet. Overall, the site itself was spotless and free of any trash. The views from the site were limited by the trees, but the nearby scenic lakes offer plenty of panoramic views. This is a great backcountry camp site and a fun backpacking trip overall. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone that enjoys the solitude of backpacking and has the time to obtain the necessary permits! 

    For more info, check out this site specific informational PDF: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/019-Upper-Chipmunk-2017-2.pdf

  • Jackie S.
    Jul. 28, 2018

    Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Quiet campground with occasion antlered visitors

    Campsites were nice sized, large food storage cabinets and the comfort station was new and cleaned well. Rangers were very helpful and happily answered questions for our kids. No electric at the campsites and no showers-par for the course at a National Park. Had a great stay

  • Chad K.
    Aug. 3, 2019

    Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    RMNP

    Glacier basin is one of our favorite campgrounds in RMNP. Our June 2019 site was in loop b. The site didn’t have any shade but it had spectacular views all around. The site was level and had a picnic table, fire ring and a bear box. The campground is close to sprague lake and an easy walk to the park and ride to bear lake. The bathrooms were clean but had no showers.

  • M
    May. 26, 2022

    Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

    Private, beautiful, and easy backpacking site!

    This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve. From the parking lot, it’s only about a mile and a half. The site is off the main trail and is secluded enough so you don’t see hikers or bikers. It has a nice view of Horsetooth Reservoir and you are surrounded by the trees/rocks. There isn’t much shade coverage though. This site would be a perfect base for exploring Horsetooth rock/Horsetooth falls! There’s a wooden table about 50 yards from where you set up your tent so no need to bring chairs. There isn’t a water source close by so you’ll have to pack all your water. Also leave no trace and pack all your trash when you leave!


Guide to Ault

Tent camping opportunities near Ault, Colorado extend beyond established campgrounds to include remote dispersed sites throughout Roosevelt National Forest and surrounding public lands. Located in the high plains at approximately 4,900 feet elevation, Ault serves as a gateway to camping areas ranging from mountain backcountry at 8,000+ feet to riverside camps along the Cache la Poudre. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Longs Peak Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities with minimal light pollution. "Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything," notes Neal C.

Creek-side exploration: The dispersed camping along Ski Road in Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides access to small mountain creeks for natural water features. As one camper shared, "We had a great night here! Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road."

Stargazing after dark: The remote sites at Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. According to Taylor C., this place is "a gem" especially "when it's sunny & gorgeous out" with multiple spots "deeper into the forest."

What campers like

Sense of solitude: Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping provides isolated sites for maximum privacy. One camper noted, "Stars were beautiful too very little light pollution." The area offers primitive camping with few neighbors.

Running water sounds: Allenspark Dispersed Camping features creek-side tent sites where the sound masks other noises. Kevin F. described it as "Serene" with "Good whitenoise from the creek."

Easy access to hiking trails: Hermits Hollow Campground connects directly to trail systems. One camper noted, "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of."

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Most dispersed camping areas permit fires in established rings when conditions allow, but restrictions frequently change. One visitor to Allenspark noted, "Sites have fire rings," but campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival.

Wildlife precautions required: Boat In Sites at Horsetooth Reservoir requires proper food storage. "We do the boat-in camping 2-3 times a season for the past 7 years or so. The coves are great but it's a bit of a gamble as sound travels so well and yahoos are prevalent," notes one camper.

Road conditions limit access: Many dispersed camping sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, one camper warned, "This is not meant for travel trailers, pop ups, or anything except texts... that road is wicked and jagged. 4x4 and smaller trucks only."

Tips for camping with families

Consider short backpacking options: Lory State Park Backcountry Campsites offers family-friendly backpacking distances. One visitor shared, "A relatively short hike in with multiple routes so good for a quick trip or with kids. At night, you've basically got the park to yourself because it closes at dark to all other users."

Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Hermits Hollow Campground provides family-friendly facilities. "Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept," according to Aliy L.

Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights get cold at higher elevations. A camper at Longs Peak Campground advised, "Bring a good sleeping bag and a tent you trust in high winds, as the wind will howl and shake your tent all night."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations for dispersed areas: The best tent camping near Ault requires careful vehicle selection for remote sites. At Canyon Lakes Ranger District, one camper reported, "It was pretty rough driving in, there were so many 'private' lands even when you hit the national forest."

Boat-in camping as alternative: Horsetooth Reservoir offers unique boat access camping. Morgan L. shared, "We took up 3 spots for a large family. It was the best time we had all in 2020 during the pandemic. There was a toilet of sorts, but due to the pandemic and it being boat-in spots, was not well maintained. We had a camping toilet and we're fine for 7 days. It was our own island paradise."

Watch for elevation changes: Access roads to campsites often involve significant elevation gain. As one camper at the Backcountry Campground in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space noted, "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ault, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ault, CO is Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ault, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Ault, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.