Best Campgrounds near Cotopaxi, CO

Cotopaxi, Colorado camping options range from riverside spots to mountain retreats throughout the Rocky Mountains area. The City Park Campground sits next to the Colorado River, where fishing and water activities are common draws. Colorado National Forest Sites around Cotopaxi give campers basic, no-frills camping with good mountain views. The Area State Park has shady campsites that help during the hot parts of summer. Not far away, the Great Sand Dunes make for an interesting side trip that looks completely different from the mountains. Cotopaxi Recreation Area works well for families because the sites are bigger and hiking trails start right nearby. Weather changes a lot by season - summers can get hot while winters bring snow and cold. During dry times, fire bans might be in effect, so always check what's allowed before you go. Most camping areas have a 14-day limit to help protect the land. You should book ahead for the best spots, especially when lots of people are camping in summer and on holidays. Some campsites feel pretty private while others are more open. Cotopaxi camping works for both summer trips and winter adventures if you come prepared.

Best Camping Sites Near Cotopaxi, Colorado (273)

    1. Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek

    10 Reviews
    Coaldale, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 942-4222

    $60 - $300 / night

    "Close to everything you need but you will feel away from it all."

    "Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."

    2. Sugarbush Campground

    7 Reviews
    Howard, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 942-3363

    ".  really friendly staff, clean facilities, and very close to Salida! Was a perfect weekend."

    "The creek that runs through the sites drown out any highway noise. Easy 5 minute run to fishing access. Very family friendly."

    3. Hayden Creek Road

    7 Reviews
    Coaldale, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    $22 / night

    "There’s a General Store and Liquor Store in Cotopaxi right on Highway 50. Plenty of room for a decent size setup with existing fire rings. Easy dirt road access."

    "Tent camped in the dispersed area because Hayden creek was full, near Rainbow trailhead, entire area to ourselves 98% of the time besides two groups of hikers over 2 nights almost 3 days."

    4. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL

    11 Reviews
    Villa Grove, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 256-4315

    "The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."

    5. Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Cotopaxi, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "Our original spot ended up being closed and this was near by.

    Great little campground. The sites are a bit small but we fit our 2 tents."

    "It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat."

    6. Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Howard, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 539-7289

    $28 / night

    "This is a lovely, well maintained campground next to the Arkansas River. There is a boat launch and vault toilets (clean). There are no frills, but it is a peaceful setting."

    "Basic campground surrounded by beauty nice lake"

    7. Bighorn Park

    3 Reviews
    Cotopaxi, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 942-4266

    "We spotted big horn sheep on the cliff behind us! The park also had a live singer entertain one night!"

    8. Sweetwater River Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cotopaxi, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 276-3842

    $50 - $150 / night

    "You can absolutely see stars at night and are surrounded by the mountains.

    Only down side is how remote the tent sites are. Need to go across walking bridge."

    "Driving in my car. Didn't have a tent. tenting campground is across a bridge that is only on foot. They compensated for me camping in a car."

    9. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge

    25 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    $20 / night

    "Right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado, the highest suspension bridge in North America ! Do the Segway tour over the bridge!!"

    "Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."

    10. Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

    3 Reviews
    Coaldale, CO
    7 miles

    "level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we"

    "Quite a few flat tent spots right by the creek although there are boulders from preventing you from driving too far into the woods."

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Showing results 1-10 of 273 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cotopaxi, CO

1395 Reviews of 273 Cotopaxi Campgrounds



Guide to Cotopaxi

Camping near Cotopaxi, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: The area is surrounded by beautiful trails. Campers at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites rave about the "multiple really rad drive-through tunnels and towering canyon walls." It's a great spot for those who love nature and want to hike along scenic routes.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, the Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is known for its great views and access to the river. One visitor mentioned, "The campsite has an awesome view of the mountains and at some sites the river as well."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Salida North BLM have spotted mountain goats during their stays. One camper shared, "Very quiet stay with few visitors except for the mountain goats who were just as curious of us as we were of them."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the breathtaking views. At Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, one reviewer said, "Spacious sites that are magnificently kept. Big flat tent sites at each site, right near the river."
  • Privacy and Space: Campers at Red Canyon Park enjoy the seclusion. One camper noted, "This is a beautiful park with great dispersed sites! We went quite a ways in and found a site for our campervan. Needed leveling blocks but saw several occupied sites more level."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like Browns Creek, offer a peaceful environment. A visitor mentioned, "This isn’t one of those horribly loud OHV spots. There are tons of dispersed spots along these trails and many are spread out from one another."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge do not have drinking water or electric hookups. One camper pointed out, "Pit toilets were pretty standard, and a camp host was available if needed."
  • Mosquitoes in Summer: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. Campers at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites mentioned, "In June there were plenty of mosquitoes."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Salida North BLM noted, "The road going in was a little bumpy but any car should be able to make it."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and water access. At Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, one parent shared, "Lots of great stuff for kids. Slide, playground, mini golf."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. Campers at Ruby Mountain Campground enjoyed the river but reminded others to be cautious, saying, "Fishing is also an option."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in summer. Campers at East Ridge Campground noted, "Lots of bugs when it gets hot."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Alvarado Campground mentioned, "The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and RV up to 30 or so."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. Campers at Hecla Junction Campground advised, "Some of the RV/trailer sites are uneven. So bring extra leveling blocks!"
  • Plan for Limited Services: Many campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A visitor at Chalk Creek Campground noted, "No water or electrical hookups."

Camping near Cotopaxi, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cotopaxi, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cotopaxi, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 273 campgrounds and RV parks near Cotopaxi, CO and 84 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cotopaxi, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cotopaxi, CO is Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 84 free dispersed camping spots near Cotopaxi, CO.

What parks are near Cotopaxi, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Cotopaxi, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.