153 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Beulah, Colorado encompasses a range of options from established campgrounds to rustic sites, all set against the backdrop of Colorado's mountain landscapes. The area sits within reach of Lake Pueblo State Park, which features Arkansas Point and Northern Plains campgrounds with lake access and mountain views. Lake Isabel, managed by the San Carlos Ranger District, provides camping at St. Charles and La Vista campgrounds about 25 miles southwest of Beulah. Aspen Acres Campground in nearby Rye offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Davenport Campground provides a more primitive experience with sites available from May through October.
Most campgrounds in the Beulah area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. Winter camping is limited primarily to Aspen Acres and select KOAs in the region. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly in drought conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as sites fill quickly. Colorado State Parks require both camping fees and daily vehicle passes, which adds to the overall cost. According to one camper at Lake Isabel, "Campground hosts were super friendly but respectful of our space. Clean restrooms and easy access." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity at lower elevations near Pueblo and more limited service in mountain campgrounds.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Lake Pueblo State Park campgrounds offer electric hookups, picnic tables with shade structures, and access to water recreation. As one visitor noted, "We had a fire ring and nice picnic table meant for 8 people! It was super close to the trails to walk my dog on and we walked down to kayak at the lake." Forest Service campgrounds like Davenport and Ophir Creek provide more rustic accommodations with vault toilets and drinking water but fewer amenities. Elevation differences affect temperatures significantly, with higher campgrounds experiencing cooler nights even in summer. The area's proximity to both Pueblo and Colorado Springs makes it convenient for accessing urban amenities while enjoying mountain camping.
"This was first camping trip staying in a Colorado State park and it was great! We had an electric only back-in site next to the bathhouse which was clean and had 4 separate bathrooms with showers."
"We were visiting a friend in Pueblo and this place was close by. (Downtown Pueblo has a really nice riverwalk. Found a free museum that honored Medal of Honor recipients.)"
from $36 / night
Check Availability"The family has property in Colorado city and we still love to come to local mountain! Great fishing, clean, quiet, & plenty of space"
"It is a beautiful quiet campground right next to a creek. It is not free though, it is $25 per night which is fine."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Our tent spot was tucked back in a quiet place, close walk from our tent to plumbed toilets and a further walk to the bathhouse with showers."
"Although with the COVID-19 virus going around the folks camping seem to be a little light and it does fill up fairly well on weekend campers it's a diamond in the rough for a place to be away from the"
"We probably had the worst walk-in site, distance wise. A long walk with all of our stuff. We'll chose a different one next time. All-in-all, it's a great clean CG with an attentive host."
"Great camping spot just south of Colorado Springs. The views were amazing of all the tall, gorgeous aspen trees and we were right by the creek which at night was so very peaceful to fall asleep too."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"My relatives live in nearby Trinidad, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs. This site is convenient to all three."
"Although placed next to the highway the campground is relatively quiet. Everyone is respectful of other campers. The staff are friendly and helpful. Amenities are accurately described."
"Arrived around 2 on a Saturday in the middle of August without reservations.. The camp takes reservations and there's a lady that comes around regularly to check registration/ enforce check out time."
"There is only one hand pump near sites 6/7 that takes forever to get water from, but does work (it was easier just to get water from the stream to put out the campfire than use the pump)."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Loved the setting and the short walk to Lake Isabel as well as the empty picnic area across the creek."
"The sites are a little close together and positioned so it you have a trailer where your awning comes out is in direct view of the other campers. Also we brought our kayaks to enjoy the Lake."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Its as small Campground outside Colorado City. There electric hook ups at your site; however the water is across the path and you need to port it to your rig."
"We found GMP in Colorado City and was told they never turn away a tenter. There are a number of spots aligned below a bluff, and a large open field for additional tents."
"This is our second time visiting Lake Pueblo. After staying at Arkansas Point the first trip, we decided to check out the other side of the lake and reserved a spot in Yucca Flats."
"The access to the lakeside water can be a bit tricky. Look for small trails that lead down to the lake. Lots of cliff spots and drop offs."
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
"Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability
TravelerGreat site that is right next to the creek for the kids to explore. Lots of flat spots for tents, but also a nice big flat spot for the van. The road is easy to navigate for 2wd vehicles.
Guideall drive in campsites, paved road. Very busy, spots are very close to one another. but right off the resivoir.
TravelerNice views higher up the road but it gets pretty rocky higher up
TravelerAbsolutely gorgeous spot but a little bumpy to get to. If you're ok with driving a couple miles over exposed cobble or have a 4x4 this is the place for you. A few spots spread around one nice shaded spot and some in the open with plenty of pinion pine to shade under. The creek flowing nearby seems clean and clear. Gorgeous sunset views
ScoutNice road getting in, driving a Tacoma and Jay Flight 20ft. We stayed at the first pull through lot, it was spacious. The road to the other 2 sites had some gnarly ruts. Lots of goathead weeds the dogs didn’t like, and some noise from the nearby atv trails. Overall still a nice place to stay
TravelerThe campground had plenty of space for large rig, and the camp store had a good array of supplies in addition to being one of the few places to get sand sleds. Only complaint was there was not a lot of bathrooms, and there was a decently long line at sundown for showers.
TravelerBest free camping money can’t buy . Close enough to the dunes and zapata . I would choose this spot over most paid sites
GuideThe views are incredible, sites are spacious. Sites are located far apart. Right next to hike to Zapata Falls.
TravelerQuiet. I’m not a huge fan of hiking through the sand but the campground itself is nice and quiet.
Camping options around Beulah, Colorado range from elevation 6,000 feet to over 8,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. The region connects to both the San Isabel National Forest and Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, providing access to multiple watersheds. Camping season typically runs May through September in most forest locations, though water availability becomes limited in late summer when some creeks dry up.
Waterfall hiking: 1 mile from Ophir Creek Campground to a beautiful cascade. "We took the 1-mile trail south to a really nice waterfall. Why they don't have a sign for directions to it, I don't know! The trail is pretty well worn and you have to cross the creek in three places, walking over stacked logs - some pretty precarious 'bridges'," reports a visitor at Ophir Creek Campground.
Mountain biking: Easy access from Arkansas Point Campground with moderate trails suitable for most skill levels. "We came to go mountain biking and fishing, did both," notes one reviewer of Arkansas Point. Another mentions "Nice spots with fishing, biking, and boating. The camp host John and his wife are incredibly friendly and helpful!"
Bird watching: Best in early mornings at creek-side sites in the region. "If you like birds this is a birding paradise. I saw so many different birds that were so unique looking," shares a camper. The higher elevations near Beulah attract different species than the reservoir areas, providing varied wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kayaking at Lake Isabel: Walk-in access available from both campgrounds on the property. "We brought our kayaks to enjoy the Lake. The only kicker is you are not allowed to park where the ramp is to walk your kayaks down to the lake unless you rent them from them. So you have to use the many flights of stairs that wind back n forth all the way down to the lake," advises a visitor at La Vista Campground.
Privacy at select locations: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "We lucked out on a first come-first served spot on a Friday - spot #10 is tent only, by a creek and several private trails. The camp was quiet with a vault toilet nearby. We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks," notes a visitor to St Charles Campground.
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature water features. "Nice little campground with an attentive host. Great Creek flowing through and a fantastic waterfall hike is nearby. Add to that, your rental includes access to the nearby reservoir," writes a camper at Ophir Creek.
Dark skies for stargazing: Limited light pollution makes for exceptional night viewing. "At night the site was amazingly dark. This was my first real time seeing the Milky Way. It was so amazing I am glad my friend was there so I have backup to my story. During the Perseids, so shooting stars were out," shares a visitor at Davenport Campground.
Covered picnic areas: Many sites include shelters. "Site 2 where we stayed had a covered shelter with picnic table," notes a Davenport camper. Another mentions, "Some spaces have a shelter with table. Outhouses are clean. Fire pits are built and work great."
Water access varies by campground: Some have pumps, others require bringing your own. "No potable water so be sure to bring your own. Vault Toilet was clean and well stocked," reports a camper at Davenport. Another notes, "There is only one hand pump near sites 6/7 that takes forever to get water from, but does work."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity drops in mountain areas. "We had no phone or internet service at all with AT&T or Verizon. That made it even better, got the chance to disconnect from the world for a few days," shares a visitor at St Charles Campground.
Site selection matters: Research before booking or arrive early for first-come sites. "We probably had the worst walk-in site, distance wise. A long walk with all of our stuff. We'll chose a different one next time," advises a camper at Ophir Creek Campground. Most sites across the region don't allow advanced site selection.
Bear awareness required: Proper food storage essential in mountain campgrounds. "Bears are in the area, but a bear-proof locker is on the site," confirms a St Charles visitor. Other campgrounds may require bringing your own storage containers.
Recreation areas with playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer dedicated kids' facilities. "The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Even the drive up to it was peaceful and beautiful. The rec center has some entertainment which was a nice bonus," notes a visitor to Aspen Acres Campground.
Cabin options for easier family trips: Alternatives to tent camping available. "This was a campground that had RV spots, cabins and tent spots. Our tent spot was tucked back in a quiet place, close walk from our tent to plumbed toilets and a further walk to the bathhouse with showers. Staff was very friendly and they had a lot things to do for the kids in the camp store/facility," explains an Aspen Acres camper.
Close-to-water camping sites: Choose locations near creeks for natural entertainment. "Me and my fiance stayed with 3 others and they're also dog friendly which was a plus for my best friend. We camped out in our tents at site #1 which honestly had the best views/privacy and if you don't mind a little hiking, walk past site #22 if you want to see the waterfall," suggests a visitor at Ophir Creek.
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "We were visited by several mule deer and very friendly chipmunks," shares a St Charles camper. Parents should supervise children around wildlife and teach proper distance protocols.
Limited hookup options: Most forest campgrounds have minimal services. "We had electric hookups only," notes a visitor at Northern Plains Campground. Plan accordingly for water conservation and power needs.
Site dimensions vary widely: Research length restrictions before booking. "40'+ 5th wheels, READ: 12' clearance coming into the park WILL HIT YOUR AIR CONDITIONERS. Use the main road and block traffic, don't go under the covering thing," warns an RVer at Northern Plains.
Water tank filling logistics: Plan water usage carefully. "The water was frozen at our site because the provided heat tape wasn't functioning. I had to re-tape it with some heat tape I brought and it thawed out and has worked fine all the other nights," shares a Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA camper.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer this service. "There is a laundry room and dump station. Not sure if the dump is included as the sign says $10 if your staying here or $15 if your a guest," notes a visitor to Greenhorn Meadows Park. Call ahead to verify services and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Beulah camping areas?
Camping areas near Beulah typically offer a range of essential amenities. Aspen Acres Campground provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with both drive-in and walk-in access options. For those seeking more developed facilities, Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park offers electric sites and clean bathhouses with showers. Many campgrounds in the region feature fire pits, picnic tables (some covered), and access to hiking trails. Availability of specific amenities varies by season, with some facilities closing during winter months.
What is the best time of year to camp in Beulah Valley?
The ideal time to camp in Beulah Valley is late spring through early fall (May to September) when temperatures are most comfortable. Red Canyon Park is best enjoyed in spring and fall as summer can be quite hot in this area. At Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park, visitors can experience pleasant weather even into early December with daytime highs in the 60s, though some camping loops close for the season. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations typical of Colorado's climate, with warm days and cooler nights. Winter camping is possible but limited, with fewer open campgrounds and colder conditions.
Where are the best camping spots in Beulah?
For camping near Beulah, St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel offers a picturesque setting with options for drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in camping, complete with water and toilet facilities that accommodate big rigs. Another excellent option is Davenport Campground, located near Canon City with drive-in access, reservable sites, and basic amenities. Both campgrounds provide convenient access to explore the natural beauty of the Beulah Valley area while offering different experiences depending on your preference for lake views or forest surroundings.
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