Best Tent Camping near Avon, CO
Primitive tent camping sites surround Avon, Colorado within the White River National Forest, with options ranging from designated dispersed sites to established tent-focused campgrounds. The Red Sandstone Primitive Dispersed area offers multiple tent campsites in a forested setting, while Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District provides access to backcountry tent camping with mountain views near the Vail-Eagle corridor. Shrine Pass Road connects to numerous primitive tent camping opportunities with access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Campers should prepare for challenging road conditions when accessing most tent sites, as many require high-clearance vehicles. Red Sandstone Road features deep ruts and rough terrain, with one visitor noting that "the road is REALLY rough with random holes, but once past the road, it was everything you'd want in a primitive site." Most tent campgrounds have established stone fire rings but lack facilities such as toilets or potable water. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, limiting legal fires to permanent rings at designated sites. Mosquitoes can be abundant in early summer, especially near creek-side tent sites.
The tent camping experience typically includes wooded privacy and excellent stargazing opportunities. Sites farther up forest service roads offer greater seclusion but require more challenging approaches. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "There were probably 4-6 spots that were pretty close together near the creek. We took a left up the hill and found a more secluded spot." Tent campers should expect variable weather conditions even in summer months, with cool nights at higher elevations. Seasonal road closures affect access, generally limiting tent camping to late spring through early fall. Many tent sites provide proximity to hiking trails, with Lost Lake and Piney Lake being popular destinations accessible from nearby tent camping areas. Wildlife sightings including deer and occasionally moose are possible, requiring proper food storage techniques in all tent camping locations.
