Best Tent Camping near Coaldale, CO

Public lands surrounding Coaldale, Colorado provide diverse tent camping opportunities along the Arkansas River corridor. Vallie Bridge Campground in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers 16 walk-in tent sites with designated tent pads and fire grills. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, located about 30 miles east of Coaldale, provide free primitive tent camping with established fire rings along a creek. Browns Canyon Dispersed camping areas north of Coaldale offer tent-only sites with mountain views and varying levels of seclusion, while Red Canyon Park near Canon City features tent campsites amid distinctive red rock formations.

Most tent campsites in the region have minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency from campers. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Red Canyon Park and at intervals along Phantom Canyon Road, but many primitive tent camping areas have no facilities whatsoever. Ground surfaces vary from sandy riverside spots to rocky mountain terrain, with limited flat areas for pitching tents. Water sources are inconsistent, with some sites offering creek access for filtered water while others require bringing all water supplies. Bear activity has been documented in Phantom Canyon, necessitating proper food storage for backcountry tent camping.

During weekdays, tent campers often find greater solitude at dispersed sites. According to one visitor at Red Canyon Park, "I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful." Sites along creeks are particularly valued by tent campers. A Phantom Canyon camper noted, "We pulled off just before the turnaround for long trailers and camped on the other side of the creek near a towering wall. No signal, no restroom, no water, no trash cans, no light, no noise, just nature and an occasional car." Many primitive tent sites offer exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, with several reviewers mentioning clear views of the Milky Way from their tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Coaldale, Colorado (36)

    1. Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Coaldale, CO
    3 miles
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "Amazing to be right on the river but camp sites are pretty close to one another. Not much sun cover (camp map through state shows which sites have shade) and super windy. 360 views. So beautiful."

    2. AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site

    1 Review
    Cotopaxi, CO
    5 miles
    Website

    $4 - $10 / night

    "Vault restrooms. No trash on site, pack in pack out. Ramp to launch rafts, kayaks..."

    3. Browns Canyon Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    22 miles

    "Awesome location, beautiful views of the collegiate peaks and about 20 minutes away from Salida. There are lot of spots in this area (some side roads lead you to 360 views)."

    "Propane for pits were allowed but while on Colorado please don’t start a wildfire. Close driving distance to Nathrop and Buena Vista."

    4. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    28 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."

    "Stayed near the browns creek trail head. Restrooms there, along with a few temp toilets around."

    5. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    36 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    39 miles

    "Driving down to this campsite I was happy to have a small car because the road is very narrow to say the least. I cannot imagine the feeling of driving a large rig here."

    "We arrived the Phantom Creek Road around 4:30pm. 10miles and 30 minutes later we found our spot."

    6. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    7. Red Canyon Park

    21 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    "This was my first time solo tent camping. It went well. The space had a fire ring and picnic table. I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful!"

    "Views were terrific, whether you want something a bit more open or further into the canyon where it’s surrounded by gorgeous red rocks. I chose an open site and if you do, beware of the wind."

    8. Road 240 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Monarch, CO
    30 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."

    9. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains. The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous."

    "Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?"

    10. Hermit Pass OHV

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400
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Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Coaldale, CO

1238 Reviews of 36 Coaldale Campgrounds



Guide to Coaldale

Coaldale, Colorado, offers a fantastic selection of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Some prices for tent camping range from $28 to $0

  • The Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area charges $28 for basic sites, providing a scenic spot alongside the Arkansas River.
  • At AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site, camping is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers seeking a peaceful environment.
  • Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping offers free camping with ample space and beautiful trails, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and rafting at the Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, where the river provides ample opportunities for water sports.
  • The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge is ideal for sports enthusiasts, offering a blend of outdoor activities and relaxation.
  • Hikers will appreciate the trails near Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping, which lead to stunning mountain views and serene creekside spots.

Tent campers should check out the amenities

  • Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park features picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient spot for families and groups.
  • The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge allows pets and has reservable sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers.
  • At Fooses Creek Dispersed Camping, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with access to a nearby river, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Coaldale, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Coaldale, CO is Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Coaldale, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.