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 (268)

    1. Four Mile Road Dispersed

    19 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

    28 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

    21 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. Avalanche Campground

    10 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."

    6. 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."

    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

    5 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

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

    "River access, no bugs, water, bathroom facilities, isolated spots surrounded by trees and close proximity to hayes waterfall and penny hot springs."

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

    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 268 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carbondale, CO

1304 Reviews of 268 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

Where can I find campgrounds near Carbondale, Colorado?

Carbondale offers several excellent camping options within easy driving distance. The Carbondale-Crystal River KOA is located right outside town, offering riverside sites with concrete pads and full hookups. Just 20 minutes from Carbondale, Redstone White River National Forest provides scenic sites with easy access to the quaint town of Redstone. Other nearby options include Bogan Flats near Marble, McClure Campground about 10 miles past Marble, and Avalanche Campground. For those willing to drive a bit further, Oh Be Joyful near Crested Butte and Cold Springs Campground offer beautiful mountain settings. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak season, with prices ranging from $20-45 per night depending on amenities.

What are the best free dispersed camping options around Carbondale?

The Carbondale area offers several excellent free dispersed camping options. Four Mile Road Dispersed is located near Sunlight Mountain Resort, just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale. This area in White River National Forest provides beautiful sites that are popular for winter camping access. Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground is another fantastic option, offering stunning views, great hiking trails, and beach access to nearby water. Basalt Mountain Dispersed area also provides free camping with some sites that can accommodate larger vehicles. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, and pack out all trash. Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.

When is the best season for camping in the Carbondale area?

The prime camping season around Carbondale runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Bogan Flats Campground near Marble provides a perfect summer getaway with sites along the Crystal River that are particularly enjoyable during warmer months. Early fall brings spectacular aspen colors, making September a magical time at campgrounds like Oh Be Joyful, where visitors in early October have reported amazing views and pleasant conditions. Spring camping can be beautiful but prepare for variable weather and potential snowmelt runoff. Winter camping is possible at some dispersed sites, especially near Sunlight Mountain Resort, though many established campgrounds close for the season. Higher elevation campgrounds typically have shorter seasons, while those closer to Carbondale proper may open earlier and close later.

What amenities are available at Carbondale campgrounds?

Amenities vary widely across Carbondale area campgrounds. Gateway RV Park offers full hookups, double-wide sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus well-maintained facilities. It's conveniently located though you may hear some highway noise. McClure Campground provides a more rustic experience with basic amenities but in a particularly scenic setting. KOA campgrounds typically feature the most comprehensive facilities, including clean bathhouses, camp stores, and riverside concrete pads with patio furniture. Public campgrounds like Redstone offer varying levels of amenities, with some providing water access, toilets, and fire rings. Most established campgrounds have vault toilets at minimum, while dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities whatsoever. Cell service can be limited at many campgrounds in the area, particularly those in canyons or surrounded by mountains, so plan accordingly for connectivity needs.