Top Tent Camping near Blue River, CO
Searching for a tent campsite near Blue River? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Blue River. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Blue River, CO (85)
1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
Blue River, Colorado35 Reviews•94 Photos•2057 SavesThis designated dispersed camping area along County Road 10 has 23 sites.
**Please note: Camping is ONLY allowed in areas designated by a sign. ** Camping in undesignated spots could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service. Not adhering to camping duration maximums or using U.S. Forest land for residential purposes could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service.
Please refer to special orders and contact the USFS Offices with questions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd842796.pdf
Regulations pertaining to designated dispersed camping are as follows:
Camp only in designated sites.
No camping at trailheads.
Food and garbage must be properly secured in bear-resistant containers or inside vehicles in sealed containers.
Pack out all waste: human, garbage, paper, organics, etc.
There are many dispersed camping opportunities in the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.At the start of the tour you immediately have spectacular views of the Blue River Valley and the majestic Tenmile Range. The road, managed by Summit County, follows the old South Park and Pacific Railroad bed, climbing on a gradual 3% grade. The road climbs past Bakers Tank to the summit of Boreas Pass at the Continental Divide. The road then continues down the other side of Boreas Pass for another 10.4 miles to the town of Como in Park County. From 1872 to 1938 the road was used as a narrow-gauge railroad and gained fame as the nation’s highest narrow-gauge railroad, running from Como to Breckenridge. This is a great road to view Fall colors. This road is open to highway legal vehicles only during May-October, and closed to motorized vehicle access seasonally at Summit County discretion, generally October to May.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
2. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
Montezuma, Colorado12 Reviews•36 Photos•1151 SavesPLEASE NOTE: The water here contains heavy metals giving the water a distint blue/white color. People and pets should not drink from this water.
Please bring in drinking water
There are currently thirty designated sites with anticipation of adding more in the coming years. Please note that this area is surrounded by private land parcels and they aren't all marked. Campers must camp at a designated site or will otherwise likely be camping on private property.
Peru Creek is popular and will fill up on the weekends. Visitors should arrive early to make sure to get a site. The road can be narrow at times but is accessible to normal clearance vehicles. Low-clearance vehicles may have a hard time. Peru Creek Road is a popular place for OHV rentals to visit so drive slow and carefully. AT&T cell service is intermittent at the lower sites (1-8).
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Turtle Rock Campground
Buena Vista, Colorado35 Reviews•91 Photos•826 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
4. Kite Lake
Fairplay, Colorado13 Reviews•47 Photos•281 SavesKite Lake Campground is located 5.5 miles NW of Alma on CR 8. It has five campsites and none are recommended for trailers; camping season begins in May and continues until the road is snowed in. The camping fee is $12.00 per night with a $3.00 day-use parking fee. Facilities include fire ring, tables, and outhouse toilets, but there is no water and no trash service at this campground. Campsites at Kite Lake are first-come, first-serve.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$5 - $15 / night
5. McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
Blue River, Colorado5 Reviews•8 Photos•432 SavesTen sites in this area have been designated. Summit County does not allow parking along McCullough Gulch Road (County Road 851). Visitors must drive off of the county road and toward the campsites before parking. Sites 2 and 8 are suitable for some trailers. Sites 7-10 are high clearance vehicle recommended. AT&T cell service is intermittent at sites 1-6.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping
Blue River, Colorado6 Reviews•4 Photos•390 SavesMake sure to camp at least 100 feet from water Forest Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd896594.pdf
Please DO NOT drive on alpine vegetation as it is a very fragile ecosystem.
This area has beautiful alpine scenery with views of the Tenmile Range. A 4WD road leads to Lower Crystal Lake and then a hiking trail continues for approximately 2 miles to Upper Crystal Lake. The road will take you through numerous alpine meadows which are fed by the tributaries of Crystal Creek. The road rises onto a shelf with Lower Crystal Lake nestled against the mountain walls.
- There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5187053.pdf
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed
Red Cliff, Colorado7 Reviews•28 Photos•308 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
8. Portal Campground
Aspen, Colorado24 Reviews•140 Photos•1860 SavesPortal Campground is located eleven miles southeast of Aspen on Independence Pass Road and seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road at an elevation of 9,400'. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing and horseback riding, among other recreation activities. Portal Campground has 5 campsites with limited spurs. 5 day stay limit. High clearance vehicles are required and 4x4 recommended.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
9. Halfmoon Campground
Red Cliff, Colorado8 Reviews•29 Photos•241 SavesBear activity has been increasing. For this reason a food storage order is in effect at all developed campgrounds on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, and the Piney Gaurd Station, Tigiwon Lodge, Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook, Homestake Road FSR 703, and Nolan Creek Road. This order requires all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles, approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. The Halfmoon Campground is located at the top of Tigiwon Road #707 near the boundary for the Holy Cross Wilderness in a forested setting; all wilderness regulationsmust be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). This campground is located at the trailheads for several hiking trails and is heavily used by hikers who are climbing Mount of the Holy Cross. Due to the nature of the Forest Road to the campground and the short parking spurs within the campground, the Halfmoon Campground is not suitable for most RVs. There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this campground which is complete with directions, details, and other information about this campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
10. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
Empire, Colorado15 Reviews•57 Photos•1173 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Blue River
2222 Reviews of 85 Blue River Campgrounds
Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
Beautiful & Easy
We stayed on site 21, arrived around 5pm on a Thursday night and it was amazing! We were shocked the site was still available, a couple other sites also had great views but 21 was definitely impressive. We read the previous reviews which made it easy for us to find. Sunset was beautiful, it was quiet and peaceful, and the moon lit up the entire area. Each site had a stoned fire pit and there are marked site numbers. The road up was busy with people leaf peeping so drive carefully, as of Sept 19th aspens were bright yellow and leaves were changing beautifully.
Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
Easy and secluded
We came here after failing to find a dispersed location closer to Silverthorne. It turned out to be a hidden gem with lots of secluded sites. Plus the drive in/out is super easy (apart from the final road to the campsite; that requires a 4WD vehicle, without question) - it was more-or-less the same drive time as original choice. Just without the hassle of navigating a busy one-way dirt road.
Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
Easy to get to, beautiful scenery
Easy to get to from metro Denver and it's super close to Silverthorne. Dispersed camping sites are still somewhat close together. We could definitely hear other campers around us talking and such. The road to get up was easy (we stayed in #9 - not sure about the ones farther up the road). I had to come in later as I had a work appointment, so I drove up in my Jetta to meet up with my husband. If my little Jetta can make it, almost any car can! Timing wise, we were up Sept 21 & 22 (2024) and the fall colors were GORGEOUS.
Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
Busy AF
Hard to find a spot. Even in shoulder season. Was busy 3 weeks ago too. Nearly no privacy. Nice view, but hardly worth it.
Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
Spruce Creek Camping
Great campsite overall! You park and then walk to your site which is set back and surrounded by gorgeous trees. Lots of flat ground. It did get very chilly here, so beware! Also, lots of moisture in the air. The fire pit was fantastic!!
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Road Closed Mid-September
There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.
Collegiate Peaks
Out there but not too far
Went with the family and had a great time. We got a site because of a cancellation and, unfortunately it was next to the bathroom. Didn't bother us though. It was our first trip using our new popup and it was def a learning experience. That all being said we were able to hit up Mount Princeton hot springs AND visit the St. Elmo ghost town. By the end of the trip the kids were begging to go back asap.
Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
Tent Camping
This campsite was gorgeous and fairly easy to get to. We drove a 2WD SUV with average clearance up and as long as you go slow and avoid the divots you’ll be fine. We got our campsite on a Friday morning, most/all campsites were gone by Saturday so it’s definitely a good idea to get there early. Our campsite was a short walk down the hill from the road and it did a good job and keeping our site private.
FourMile Dispersed Camping
Tiny But Convenient
This dispersed camping area was extremely small but a convenient place to camp the night before summiting Sherman. It was a bit tricky to find/decipher what was dispersed and what was the intentional campground. Honestly not even sure if the place I found was the actual dispersed area. By other reviews left, it felt right to me. My friend and I car camped here, we had a quiet night. The neighbors were all very quiet and respectful of quiet hours and personal space. The vault toilet was extremely clean with no odor. I enjoyed the washboard road! During our time there were advisories for bear activity in the area.
McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
Great campground!
My partner and I hiked the McCullough Gulch Waterfall trail and camped at this campground. Couldn’t have been a better location for the hike! No problem getting a site and the roads were fine to get to with our non-4wd rental car. There were a few sites (I’m assuming the ones with the valley view that we couldn’t access in our car though). Highly recommend overall though!
Cottonwood Lake Dispersed Camping
More than 5 stars!
We got a spot with amazing views just past Cottonwood Lake campground. It’s awesome here. There is a creek full of Brook Trout right across the street.
Chief Hosa Campground
Good Spot, Beware road noise
This was a one-night overnight tent spot after a work conference in Golden. Drive to the site was not bad. The roads are a little bumpy to get into the tent-only camping but even my little Chevy did okay. Bathroom facilities are good with coin-operated showers. Relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of road noise from I-70.
White Star
Great Central Location
I’ve always thought Twin Lakes was the perfect middle ground to do a lot of different activities over a few days.
The spots here were easy and felt like a regular campsite. Not too much coverage next to each site, but enough space where it doesn’t bother you.
Forest Road 332 Dispersed
Quiet with lovely views
Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.
Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.
Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.
I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"
Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place
York Gulch Road
Great place dark skies lots of space
Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!
North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
Solid Camp Spot for early September
My sister drove up from Denver Saturday morning. My daughter and I drove from Paonia and met her there. Road was bumpy but manageable in my Outback. Drove down the road and took a hike with the dogs. Great trail. Rained a little but it was not a big deal. Decent amount of traffic on the road throughout the day and into the evening. Really cool to be able to snag a spot around lunchtime on a Saturday.
Lakeview Campground
Beautiful quiet campground
Spaces are large and well maintained. Views vary with the spots but all are peaceful. There
Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
Nice large paved pulloff with uneven grassy area and fire ring
The pulloff is one of many along the road. It's big, gets you quite far back from the road. Very little traffic on the road at night, I didn't notice any. Peaceful area. Not sure you could get a tent set up off of the pavement, but you could set one up on the gravel. I slept in my car.
Rocking Chair Campground — Eleven Mile State Park
Nice Campground Lousy Campers
The campground itself is very nice and had all of the makings for a peaceful camping trip. However, when we got there we found our neighboring campground had overtaken our campground because they didn't think we were going to show up (we arrived somewhere around 4 and check-in is at 3). Fortunately they moved their tents out of our campground pretty quickly. There was a separate campground that stayed up until 4 in the morning playing music very loud which was highly irritating. Very surprised there was no enforcement of quiet hours. All in all it was a good spot but definitely felt like it could use a campground host of some sort to help ensure all campers have a good experience.
Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
2 nights of the best stay
Woke up on the first morning pretty much alone on a Tuesday after Labor Day, fishing happens but the lake remains nice and quiet. Night two had snow and woke up to some white caps. Will be back for sure!
Portal Campground
Favorite spot!
This will probably always be my favorite spot for the beauty and memories. We were right on the lake by the inlet and fishing was fun. We’ve been twice.
Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
Spot guarantee
Went a little further up to a different pull out (same road, maybe 1/2 mile or less up), which ended up being a little more secluded. No outstanding views but a good spot. No cars at night so it was very quiet. If you keep driving on the same road you’ll find a bunch of pull off spots. No internet but starlink was great.
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Lost phone !
Please text 603 404 8514 if you find a phone at site 15 !
Great spacious spot with picnic table and walkable to the reservoir
Turquoise Lake
Perfect camp spot
Where Rd 4 and Rd 5 Y, there is a dirt road straight ahead. We took the third road, followed it to another Y and took the left. There are several sites along the boundary line. Nearest neighbor was more than 500 yards away. Fantastic scenery and very quiet.
Twin Lakes - Dispersed Camping
Party town
Too much partying and loud music until midnight-1am.... Campsites are nice though.
Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
Best Camping Spot Ever
Very beautiful place, there is a waterfall a little ways up the mountain, found a beautiful place to pitch up a tent and spend the weekend, definitely going back more often
McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
Nice spot between Alma and Blue River
As the other reviews describe, it’s a groomed dirt road entrance near the parking lot for the Mount Quandary trail. Most sites would be tricky with a trailer because of the lack of turn around space (sites 6 & 7 would work for this).
We took the road to its end, which is where you’ll find spots 9 & 10. These spots share a small parking area and turn around. The road to sites 8-10 gets tricky in a few spaces but we were able to make it up and down with an AWD SUV. Great views!
Guide to Blue River
Camping near Blue River, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities. One camper at Mueller State Park Campground said, "High elevation campground. Sites well spread out. Many pull through RV sites. Short walk to Grouse peak."
- Paddleboarding: If you enjoy water sports, check out the paddleboarding spots. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Loved the paddle board experience."
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Difficult Campground noted, "Moose regularly passed through, but all five minutes from Aspen."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Golden Gate Canyon State Park highlighted, "Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Peak One Campground shared, "The campground has spacious spots... Close proximity to Frisco is great too."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One visitor at Mueller State Park Campground said, "Park staff are very friendly."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Prospector Campground pointed out, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets."
- Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near busy areas. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes."
- Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Difficult Campground noted, "It books up super fast!"
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that allow pets and have activities for kids. A review for Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "It is pricey and there are many rules but it is full service with a very friendly staff."
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes family outings easier. A camper at Eleven Mile State Park shared, "The views from this campsite are amazing all around."
- Plan for Outdoor Activities: Bring gear for hiking, fishing, or biking. A visitor at Turtle Rock Campground said, "This place is beautiful. Easy to get to. Has cell service and wonderful for mountain biking."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mueller State Park Campground noted, "Our site was a pull through with a tight radius for a 25ft trailer."
- Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds lack basic amenities. A visitor at Prospector Campground mentioned, "They do have pit toilets, but it was obvious they were well maintained and clean."
- Be Prepared for Weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. A camper at Eleven Mile State Park warned, "Winds in the evening almost made me leave site."
Camping near Blue River, Colorado, offers a unique experience with plenty of activities and beautiful landscapes. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's something for everyone in this stunning area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blue River, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blue River, CO is Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Blue River, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Blue River, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.