Best Tent Camping near Buena Vista, CO

National Forest lands surrounding Buena Vista, Colorado offer numerous primitive tent camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping provides tent campsites along County Road 365, approximately 7-8 miles from town, serving as an excellent gateway to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed camping features walk-in tent sites with established fire rings and access to multiple 14,000-foot peaks. Browns Creek South Dispersed Camping, located between Buena Vista and Salida, offers secluded tent camping under tall pines with mountain views of Mt. Princeton.

Tent camping surfaces throughout the region consist primarily of natural forest floor with minimal site preparation. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many primitive tent campgrounds, particularly those along county roads with rough, unpaved sections. A camper at North Cottonwood noted that while 2WD vehicles can reach the trailhead, "high clearance FWD vehicles" provide better access. Most dispersed sites lack amenities - no drinking water, no toilets, and limited cell service. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, so checking with local ranger stations before planning campfires is essential. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with sites at higher elevations experiencing freezing temperatures well into the camping season.

Backcountry tent camping experiences vary significantly with elevation and proximity to popular trailheads. One visitor to Browns Creek South reported "big wide dispersed camping spaces" with "plenty of nice hiking," noting the area was "peaceful" despite August dryness and lack of nearby water. Sites along Chaffee County Road 390 offer excellent mountain views but suffer from constant traffic noise, with one camper reporting that "hikers start pouring down the road" before 4:30 AM heading to nearby 14ers. For tent-only camping with more privacy, visitors recommend seeking sites that branch off main roads on secondary forest service roads, where the spacing between sites creates a more remote backcountry experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Buena Vista, Colorado (62)

    1. North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    7 miles

    "After a nice meal in nearby Buena Vista, Co, we headed out on the 7-8 mile drive to the trailhead. Now 7-8 miles on a CR isn’t always the same as a similar distance on a paved road."

    "A lot of spots the further up you drive towards trailhead. Found a spot right next to the creek with room for several cars and framed in by trees. Sounds of water is awesome."

    2. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Big wide dispersed camping spaces. Plenty of nice hiking - especially Brown's Creek area. Great location with easy drive to Buena Vista & Salida & Mt. Princeton."

    "Awesome location between Salida and Buena Vista. Keep driving thru the gate and find your own piece of paradise. We have a 24’ RV and out spot, buried in the tall pines, was an easy in and out."

    3. CR 306 -Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Buena Vista, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-3591

    "Right off the highway so a little noisy at night but calms down. The river runs right by spots, relaxing sound and plenty of water. Even surface and easy to set up."

    "An easy to find camp right off the road with a few different entrances and a creek running alongside."

    4. Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Granite, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    ".

    • Great views and access to a stream.
    • Great sites and fire rings.
    • Access to trails nearby and Buena Vista if you need to supplies.

    Cons

    • Little to no privacy. "

    "Located near the town of Granite, this forest service road is host to trailheads and lots of dispersed camping."

    5. Road 240 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Monarch, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-3591

    "This spot is one of the best kept secrets for dispersed camping in Colorado. The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade."

    "There are a few tent camping spots at the bottom right before you cross the bridge."

    6. Kite Lake

    13 Reviews
    Fairplay, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 836-2031

    $5 - $15 / night

    "Did see a Porsche, but they did not drive all the way to the end. People drive up to camp and to park to hike the Quad."

    "most reasons to head out to the kite lake area are to try and summit 4 fourteeners in one day. Mt. Democrat, Mt. Lincoln, Mt Cameron, and Mt. Bross."

    7. Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West

    14 Reviews
    Granite, CO
    22 miles

    "If you go up 24 toward the South Elbert trailhead, you’ll find lots of dispersed camping options for everything from RVs to tent camping."

    "A few spots allow you to pull off and set up a tent with great views. The site we stayed in was about 50 ft from the trailhead and could accommodate a group!"

    8. Railroad Bridge

    1 Review
    Buena Vista, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    9. Bootleg Campground - Temporarily Closed

    1 Review
    Nathrop, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-3591

    $10 / night

    "Slept perfectly on a sandy tent pad listening to the river flow. This site has an in-tact bear safe, picnic tables and designated campfire ring. Will go back."

    10. Portal Campground

    27 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 925-3445

    "We stayed here for most of our camping trip to Colorado and loved it! It's easily the most beautiful campground we've stayed at. There's only ~5 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring."

    "This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass."

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Showing results 1-10 of 62 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Buena Vista, CO

1769 Reviews of 62 Buena Vista Campgrounds



Guide to Buena Vista

Buena Vista, Colorado, offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor lovers seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers should check out the scenic views and amenities

  • Experience the beauty of nature at Turtle Rock Campground, where well-maintained facilities and picturesque surroundings make for a perfect getaway.
  • Enjoy the clean and spacious sites at Kite Lake, located at the base of majestic mountains, ideal for hikers and nature lovers.
  • Settle in at North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping, where you can find ample space and a serene environment, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Tent camping activities for adventure seekers

  • Hike the nearby trails from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping, which offers access to stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities.
  • For mountain biking enthusiasts, Kite Lake provides excellent trails and breathtaking scenery, making it a great base for your biking adventures.
  • Explore the hiking opportunities around Mount Shavano and Mount Tabequache, where you can tackle challenging trails and enjoy the stunning alpine landscape.

Unique local attractions to enhance your camping experience

  • Visit the charming town of Buena Vista, just a short drive from Turtle Rock Campground, where you can find local shops and eateries to explore.
  • Discover the historical significance of the area by checking out the Vicksburg Mining Camp Interpretive Site, which is near several camping spots, including Granite Rock Camp.
  • Enjoy fishing and boating at nearby lakes, with easy access from Railroad Bridge, making it a great spot for water activities after a day of camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Buena Vista, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buena Vista, CO is North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 62 tent camping locations near Buena Vista, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.