Best Campgrounds near Avon, CO

Dispersed camping near Avon, Colorado ranges from remote forest sites to established campgrounds throughout the White River National Forest. Red Sandstone offers primitive dispersed sites with rock fire pits and access to trails leading to Lost Lake, while Gore Creek Campground provides designated tent and RV sites with more amenities. The area includes both free primitive sites along forest roads and fee-based developed campgrounds, typically operating from May through September at higher elevations in the surrounding mountains.

Road conditions vary significantly across the camping areas, with many requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, especially after rain or early in the season. As one camper noted, "Road was REALLY rough. One portion looked like someone had just run around digging random holes in the road; however, once you got past the road, it was everything you'd want in a primitive site." Many dispersed sites along Piney River Road and Red Sandstone Road become inaccessible during winter and early spring due to snow closure. Elevation in the region ranges from 7,400 to over 10,000 feet, bringing cool temperatures even in summer months. Cell service is limited to non-existent in most camping areas, requiring advance planning for navigation and safety.

The Piney Lake area stands out as a particularly scenic camping destination with several visitors highlighting its natural features. According to one review, "The Piney Lake area of Vail is by far the most scenic spot anyone can drive to." Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, particularly moose near water sources. Sites with established fire rings become especially valuable during fire ban seasons, which are common in summer months. The region includes numerous hiking trailheads accessible directly from camping areas, including paths to waterfalls and alpine lakes. While primitive sites lack amenities, several campgrounds like Gore Creek provide picnic tables, designated fire rings, and vault toilets. The proximity to Vail and Beaver Creek resorts makes these campgrounds popular bases for both wilderness recreation and resort activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Avon, Colorado (392)

    1. Gore Creek Campground

    22 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 / night

    "If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you."

    "We stayed at the Gore Creek Campground last summer 2017 on a drive from Southern California to Denver, CO. We took highway 15 through Nevada and Utah, and connected to Highway 70 in Utah to Colorado."

    2. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "Closed off road access unfortunately till June 20. Beautiful and the road can get a little wonky but you’re gonna have to hike it up for a bit!"

    "You can drive or walk down a mile which leads to a trail to Lost Lake, which you can swim in. It was definitely buggy, got my fair share of mosquito bites, so I recommend bug spray."

    3. Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    25 Reviews
    Silverthorne, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "They take you off of Highway 9 and about 5 minutes you take a left and pass trail head (cant rmemeber the name) and parking lot and you continue on a pretty bumpy ride for about 10 minutes (you start hitting"

    "There is a good amount of traffic heading towards the trail head but it was still quiet. Even had a moose run through our camp!"

    4. Prospector Campground

    50 Reviews
    Dillon, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $27 / night

    "Located on Dillon Reservoir, Prospector Campground offers a nice balance of feeling remote while being conveniently near some really neat towns."

    "Great views of lake dillon and each spot is tucked into trees so you don’t see neighbors even if you can hear them. Short Hiking trail connected to the campground plus so many trail options close by"

    5. Halfmoon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Halfmoon Campground is located at the end of Notch Mountain Rd (forest Rd 707) near Minturn, CO in White River National Forest."

    "Got there around 5pm on a Friday (9/9) and there was no one else there. A few more campers showed up on Saturday morning, but it wasn’t ever fully booked at any point this weekend."

    6. Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (Vail-Eagle area)

    5 Reviews
    Avon, CO
    4 miles

    "Be sure to go equipped for hard trails, if you are doing any four wheeling. Also expect a little rain, after all it is Colorado."

    "**Campground Review: ** As an adventurer in Colorado, I often find myself driving down I-70 and over the Vail Pass."

    7. Peak One Campground

    35 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $28 / night

    "As someone who prefers wild camping, it was definitely not that, but was one of the more positive campground experiences I've had."

    "Just a few miles off I-70, in Frisco, CO, is the location of Peak One Campground. This is a very clean campground, and the only one around Lake Dillon with flush toilets and sinks."

    8. Homestake Road Dispersed - CO

    21 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "Close to midturn, red cliff, and Avon should you have forgotten anything. Perfect for a quick weekend get away"

    "Homestake Road is your gateway to a variety of off-road and primitive camping sites in the beautiful White River National Forest. We spent two nights here, each night at a different campsite."

    9. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 - $56 / night

    "Heaton Bay Campground, located near Dillon Reservoir in Colorado, offers a stunning lakeside camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains."

    "Bring your fishing pole, SUP, kayak, or hammock to hang out by the lake. This is my favorite campground in Colorado for the accessibility to the lake and town nearby."

    10. Yeoman Park

    8 Reviews
    White River National Forest, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 328-6388

    $8 / night

    "Creek at entrance. Wildlife dept offers educational entertainment on Saturday evenings at their tiny amphitheater. Great for children. Sylvan lake is approx 20 min drive."

    "i went on a sunday night so it was completely empty but if you get as lucky as me make sure to get the spot next to the trailhead"

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Recent Reviews near Avon, CO

2085 Reviews of 392 Avon Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Dispersed Camping - Turquoise Lake

    Next to logging area

    This is the closest area to the lack but you cant see it. Younare also right against the road coming in. And a logging area. So ita kind of a loud and ugly spot. You cant see the mountains at all. The spaces are very close in a small thinly wooded area. This is by far the worst of the 4 areas out here. 2 bars verizon and rocky dirt road. 2wd with some clearance is fine. I highly recceomend driving around the dirt roads back here and getting to one of the much better areas

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Turquoise Lake

    Area packed with options

    1-2 bars verizon signal and a loose rocky road but not hard to access. This is not right on the lake either despite its name. There are like 5 camping areas back here so if you see a good spot on the way back here just take it. I think the views are a little limited here and the spaces are in-between groups of pine trees so a little visual privacy but not muchnfor sound.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Turquoise Lake Dispersed

    Road getting bad

    The road down to this loop is starting to wash out. Its not super bad yet but if it doesnt get taken care of soon its gonna require high clearance. This loop branches off and goes to a large area that has been logged it is kind of sad looking but it gives you a great view of the mountains. The stone fire rings seem to be the only thing designating the spots. They range from just enough to park a car to some 20yard across areas you could fit a pull behind. No bathrooms 3 bars verizon

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Dispersed Camping CR 48

    Right off the road

    This is the first area when you turn left at the road. The Google maps takes you to a green gate on the right but this is actually the little road to the left. It opens up and there are two big spots with stone fire rings pretty close to each other. Dont expect privacy. Some decent views from one of the spots. No bathrooms and 2 bars verizon signal if you keep going down the road yoy will get to more dispersed camping areas. The road is a little bumpy with rocks but any suv or van ia fine

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    FR 48 Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views

    If you get in the back side of this place you have some amazing views of the mountains range. The loop around the spots is rough and muddy. 1-2 bars verizon signal. This place has kind of a vibe where people from town kind of live here and maybe they don't love tourists. Spaces are kind of spaced out but dont expect privacy as its pretty open

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Leadville RV Corral

    No longer an option

    This place has turned into a trailer park. The front half is all tiny homes now and the back half is people living long term in Rvs. There looked like zero avaliable short term spots. And it was kinda sketchy crowd

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Coffee Pot Road Dispersed

    Picked up a Rodent Hitchhiker

    I tried to stay here in Oct 2024.  The marked sites at deep creek seemed taken, so I drove up the hill and checked out the dispersed spots. One of them, a large one on the hill vs. dropoff side of the road, had a large shrine set IP for a suicide victim. I went back down and saw that site 1, on the creek was actually open. Backed in and set up my SUV for sleeping...  As I turned off my light, I heard critter sounds.  It was so loud, I thought it might be a coon on my roof, so I hit the road. Long story short, it was IN my sunroof channel (and actually came down the pillars into my front seat foot well).  Although I did not stay the night, i did finally rid my vehicle of the critter using bright motion sensor lights.  If you stay here, beware of the critters down near the creek.

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Peak One Campground

    Convenient and beautiful

    Convenient to town and all that Frisco/Dillon has to offer, but also right on the perimeter trail (6-mile dirt) and also the Dillon Reservoir loop (18-mile paved). Our site had a small path right to the beach.

    No hammocks are allowed here (we learned this by having one). There are bathrooms, but they were locked during our stay. Potable water was still available.


Guide to Avon

Camping near Avon, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking options. One reviewer mentioned, "The fam stayed here for 3 nights and we had a nice experience. It was our home base while we took advantage of nearby hiking, biking, and other activities" at Prospector Campground.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, head to the lakes nearby. A camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night," highlighting the wildlife you might encounter while fishing.
  • Mountain Biking: The area is also great for mountain biking. One visitor at Peak One Campground noted, "Bike trails to all the towns nearby," making it easy to explore the surroundings on two wheels.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. A review for Turtle Rock Campground states, "This place is fantastic. I don't think I've been anywhere that is this nice for free before."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A camper at Difficult Campground mentioned, "Clean campground. Nice amount of privacy between campsites," which is a big plus for many.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One visitor at Timber Creek Campground said, "Moose in campground, and elk calling at night," making it a memorable experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, lack basic amenities like water and toilets. A reviewer warned, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere. It is a homeless encampment."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Prospector Campground is open from May 22 to September 9, so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Arapaho Bay Campground noted, "The whole campground was full by the time we got there at 8pm on Friday."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A family at Peak One Campground enjoyed, "Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Turtle Rock Campground mentioned, "There are plenty of places to hike and explore and close to BV as well."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids happy with snacks and games for downtime. A visitor at Difficult Campground shared, "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring," perfect for family meals and games.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Size Restrictions: Some campgrounds have size limits for RVs. A reviewer at Peak One Campground noted, "We had no trouble fitting our 29' Class C, tow dolly, and towed vehicle in the site."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electricity, choose campgrounds that offer hookups. Reverend's Ridge Campground provides electric hookups, making it a comfortable choice for RVers.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can fill up fast. A camper at Arapaho Bay Campground mentioned, "The whole campground was full by the time we got there at 8pm on Friday," so arrive early to secure a spot.

Camping near Avon, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for camping in Avon, Colorado?

The prime camping season around Avon typically runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for enjoying outdoor activities at locations like Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground, which campers praise for its killer views, great hiking, and peaceful setting. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially in September when aspen trees turn golden. Cold Springs Campground is particularly beautiful during this season, offering an immersive mountain experience. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and rapidly changing weather conditions in spring and fall. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and knowledge of winter conditions, as many campgrounds close and access roads may become impassable.

What amenities are available at Avon camping areas?

Camping areas near Avon offer varied amenities depending on the type of camping experience you seek. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground provides developed facilities with stunning lakeside camping, breathtaking mountain views, and access to water activities. For a more rustic experience, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offers primitive sites with established fire rings but requires 4x4 vehicles to access. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some add potable water and trash service. Dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities but offer more privacy and scenic locations. Cell service varies widely by location, so it's best to download maps before your trip.

Where are the best campgrounds near Avon, Colorado?

Avon offers excellent access to several top-rated campgrounds in the surrounding area. Homestake Road Dispersed - CO is a popular free camping option located along a river, offering privacy and quietude while still being close to Avon for supply runs. For those seeking established facilities, Gore Creek Campground provides a fantastic boondocking location just minutes from Vail with great trails and mountain views. The campground is easily accessible from I-70 Exit 180, making it convenient for weekend getaways. Other excellent options include Red Sandstone for primitive dispersed camping and Halfmoon Campground near Red Cliff for those who prefer sites with basic facilities.