Best Campgrounds near Campo, CO
Public lands surrounding Campo, Colorado provide camping opportunities in a sparsely populated area of southeastern Colorado. Black Mesa State Park Campground located in nearby Oklahoma represents one of the more developed campground options in the region, offering sites for tent camping, RV use, and even glamping. Thompson Grove Boondocking, a free dispersed camping area in nearby Texas, provides more primitive sites suitable for tent and RV campers seeking a no-frills experience. The landscape throughout the area features rolling plains with limited shade, characteristic of the high plains region that spans the Colorado-Oklahoma-Kansas border.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas near Campo, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles and careful planning. Primitive sites typically lack amenities, while established campgrounds like Black Mesa provide electric hookups, water, and sanitary facilities. "Rough roads and thin clouds made me warm up to the place. Some spots have big nice shade trees, but with all the star watching you might actually want a spot without trees," noted one camper about Black Mesa State Park. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in many areas, with reviews indicating Verizon service often unavailable while AT&T sometimes provides sufficient coverage. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with high winds, extreme summer heat, and potential for sudden storms requiring appropriate preparation.
Stargazing represents a major draw for campers throughout the Campo region, with many visitors specifically mentioning the exceptional night sky viewing. Black Mesa State Park, while technically in Oklahoma, has specifically designated dark sky viewing areas where telescopes are common. Several camping areas feature basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. Wildlife sightings commonly reported in campground reviews include deer, turkey, rabbits, and various bird species. Campers particularly appreciate the quiet atmosphere and relative solitude available at many campgrounds in the region. A visitor mentioned, "The night sky was very dark and starry. Other campers had telescopes and were very friendly. Had zero Verizon cell service, and that was awesome!"
