Best Campgrounds near Carbondale, CO

Camping near Carbondale puts you right in the Rocky Mountains with options for every type of outdoor stay. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground has basic sites where hikers can set up camp before heading to the old ghost town of Independence or checking out the Grottos. Many of the campgrounds in the area have things for kids to do, which works well for family trips. The Colorado River runs close to several camping areas, making fishing spots easy to reach. Weather changes a lot by season – expect warm days and cooler nights in summer, with snow and cold in winter months. Some of the best spots require trucks or SUVs with higher clearance since the roads can be rough. If you want to take a day trip, the Great Sand Dunes are within driving range and worth seeing. Be ready to bring what you need, as many sites have minimal facilities. Roads that are fine in summer might be challenging after rain or snow, so it's smart to check conditions before heading out. Wildlife is common throughout the area – you'll likely see deer and possibly elk. When you need a break from camping, Aspen isn't far away for restaurants and shopping. Keep in mind that some campgrounds sit near highways or railroad tracks, which means occasional noise. During busy times like holiday weekends, you'll want to book sites ahead of time. Carbondale makes a good central point for seeing different parts of Colorado.

Best Camping Sites Near Carbondale, Colorado (258)

    1. Four Mile Road Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    "My first winter camping trip in Colorado."

    "To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite."

    2. Ami's Acres Campground

    26 Reviews
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-5340

    "It's super close to the hot springs, downtown area and gondola for the adventure park shopping etc."

    "Being next to the interstate didn’t end up being a problem, still very quiet. Very close to glenwood springs, which is a definite must do if you’re looking for some relaxation and views."

    3. Glenwood Canyon Resort

    20 Reviews
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 958-6737

    "Loved the location. Right on the Colorado River. Bike path is right out the front. We rode it from Aspen down valley and right back to our campsite. A feature we really liked.

    The sites were tight."

    "We’re Van camping in the lower campground, 50’ from the banks of the Colorado River. Electric & Water. Cabins avl. On the River and upper grounds."

    4. Carbondale-Crystal River KOA

    8 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2341

    "We enjoyed the paved bike bath all the way into Carbondale.  

    Carbondale is a nice town with some good restaurants.

    We also enjoyed playing pickleball in Carbondale with the friendly local club. "

    "This is a nice little campground outside of Carbondale. We stayed here while visiting Glenwood springs, which is only about 25 minute drive away."

    5. Redstone White River National Forest

    14 Reviews
    Redstone, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $38 - $91 / night

    "Location is great! A mile walk into the quaint town of Redstone, 20min drive to Carbondale or Marble (opposite direction)."

    "Short walk to downtown Redstone, and a short drive yo Marble or Carbondale, this campground has a great location. No cell signal! Staff was great and keep the facilites very clean."

    6. Avalanche Campground

    9 Reviews
    Redstone, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2266

    "For those without AWD/4WD vehicles I would use caution/advise against since the drive to get into the actual grounds requires a bit of off roading including crossing a creek."

    "Awesome valley with access to the creek. There is also a nice trail up the mountain that forks into two other trails."

    7. Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

    27 Reviews
    Marble, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 - $166 / night

    "My husband, 10 year old son and I just finished 6 nights of rent camping at Bogan Flats campground near Marble, CO. Our site was right on the Crystal River, and it was both huge and private."

    "The sites next to the river are the best. The sites closer to the entrance and on the river offer the best shade."

    8. Gateway RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 379-8151

    "This quaint little campground is just below the highway. While there is quite a bit of highway noise when outside, it didn’t bother us when we were inside our trailer."

    "FHU, friendly hosts, right on the bike path and next to the Roaring Fork River. It is not a destination campground, it is a the best place to park and explore the best of Colorado."

    9. Redstone Campground

    7 Reviews
    Redstone, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 963-2266

    "It's beautiful to look at the red stoned mountains and the night sky filled with stars while being fairly close to other things."

    "The Crystal was rushing, so we had to be extra cautious, but it’s super close to the campground for quick access."

    10. Basalt Mountain Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Basalt, CO
    9 miles

    "Very remote but easy access, we car camped to be near a trailhead the next morning."

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Showing results 1-10 of 258 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carbondale, CO

1218 Reviews of 258 Carbondale Campgrounds



Guide to Carbondale

Camping near Carbondale, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "Easy access to the ghost town of Independence, the Grottos, Weller Lake all on the pass and Aspen just 30 minutes on the other side" at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground.
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the local lakes and rivers. A camper at Portal Campground shared, "We were right on the lake by the inlet and fishing was fun."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Difficult Campground noted, "Moose regularly passed through, but all five minutes from Aspen."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Reservation Process: Some campgrounds have tricky reservation systems. A camper at Rifle Gap State Park Campground found the "reservation process is relatively difficult online."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby highways or trains. A review for Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA noted, "It was a little noisy... there is also a train track nearby."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Difficult Campground pointed out, "No amenities, no laundry, no showers, no electricity."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Amis Acres Campground noted, "Some sites would be tricky to back into with a mid to large RV."
  • Be Ready for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A reviewer at Portal Campground mentioned, "The drive in was ROUGH, but doable in a Honda CRV."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA appreciated the "full hookups allowed us to flush our water systems."

Camping near Carbondale, CO, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carbondale, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carbondale, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 258 campgrounds and RV parks near Carbondale, CO and 67 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carbondale, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carbondale, CO is Four Mile Road Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carbondale, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 free dispersed camping spots near Carbondale, CO.

What parks are near Carbondale, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Carbondale, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.