Best Tent Camping near Crested Butte, CO
Looking for the best Crested Butte tent camping? Finding a place to camp in Colorado with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Crested Butte, Colorado (61)
1. Portal Campground
26 Reviews•147 Photos•1874 SavesAspen, ColoradoPortal Campground is located eleven miles southeast of Aspen on Independence Pass Road and seven miles south on Lincoln Creek Road at an elevation of 9,400'. Campers can access some wonderful day hikes from this location as well as terrain for motorcycle riding, mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing and horseback riding, among other recreation activities. Portal Campground has 5 campsites with limited spurs. 5 day stay limit. High clearance vehicles are required and 4x4 recommended.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
2. Campfire Ranch on the Taylor
4 Reviews•33 Photos•67 SavesAlmont, ColoradoWe are open for Summer 2023! Camp and adventure in the Gunnison-Crested Butte valley at Campfire Ranch. We're stoked, you're here. We feature walk-in tent campsites, convenient amenities, demo camping equipment and an Adventure Concierge service!
Located alongside the famed Taylor River in Gunnison County, CO is the home of our first campground, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. Our location is outstanding, positioned on County Road 742, down the road from the newly paved Cottonwood Pass, which is just 18 minutes to Crested Butte and 18 minutes to Gunnison. Taylor Canyon is home to some of the most iconic views in the Central Rockies, abundant recreational pursuits and outstanding access to nearby communities. We can’t wait to have you camp with us!
Get ready to camp in rustic comfort at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. All of our campsites are walk-in and tent-only, which means no RV’s allowed. This saves you from sleeping beside noisy generators, idling vehicles and slamming car doors each night. Each campsite is just a short walk from your vehicle, water and bathroom, a backcountry feel without the hassle.
- 10 Walk-in, Tent-Only Campsites
- 1 ADA Accessible Campsite
- 1 Micro Cabin Campsite
- 2-Car Max Campsite Size (contact us if you are traveling with a big group!)
- Tent pads, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Charcoal Grills & unlimited firewood included
- 10-Day Maximum Stay
- Reservations Are Available 2-weeks in Advance
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$67 / night
3. Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin
3 Reviews•18 Photos•60 SavesSnowmass Village, ColoradoOvernight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1083862.pdf
ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. Thousands of people every summer make the journey to see these sights. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! Early summer snowmelt makes the river crossing perilous and deep snow persists on the passes until late in the summer. Sudden thunderstorms can catch travelers exposed far from the cover of tree-line in mid-summer and snow fall returns to the high country early. Please observe all recommendations and regulations to help the US Forest Service protect this unique experience and wild landscape for all. View a downloadable trail guide: Four Pass Loop Trail Guide (PDF) View select campsite location & restrictions (PDF)
Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails. Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others. Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed. Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended. Campers must camp in designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes. Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas. As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.
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- Fires
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- Group
4. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness - Crater Lake Campground
2 Reviews•7 Photos•35 SavesSnowmass Village, ColoradoOvernight stays at Crater Lake require advanced overnight permit reservations, which must be purchased at recreation.gov.
Camping at Crater Lake is only permitted in designated sites, and overnight guests are required to bring bear canisters for food storage.
WAG bags are highly recommended for human waste removal/management, but not required. If not using WAG bags, please understand and follow proper human waste disposal techniques.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
$10 / night
5. Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
6 Reviews•17 Photos•53 SavesGunnison, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$30 / night
6. Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
11 Reviews•42 Photos•1098 SavesGranite, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. McClure Campground
5 Reviews•12 Photos•69 SavesGunnison National Forest, ColoradoThe McClure Campground is located on Highway 133 on the south side of McClure Pass. The historic town of Marble is nearby and the campground sits at the head of Lee Creek. Each campsites has a picnic table and fire rings/grills. This quiet campground is surrounded by aspen that provide excellent shade during the summer and there are beaver ponds near by for trout fishing.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
8. Gunnison National Forest Erickson Springs Campground
2 Reviews•5 Photos•32 SavesMarble, ColoradoErickson Springs Campground is in a dense spruce and fir forest setting near Anthracite Creek and receives little sunlight so it is cooler than much of the surrounding area. Each site has a tent pad and can accommodate smaller camping trailers, a picnic table and combination fire ring/grill. There is a picnic area prior to the campground with 2 tables and a restroom and a separate ATV parking area near the campground. The Dark Canyon Trailhead is just past the campground and accesses the Dark Canyon Trail #830. The parking area accommodates horse trailers for equestrian access into the Raggeds Wilderness Area. OHV/ATV users ride the nearby Forest Road #795 (Munsey Creek Road) that extends north from Erickson Springs Campground to the Raggeds Trailhead, Raggeds Trail #820. Campground Brochure
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
9. Brush Creek Campground
1 Review•1 Photo•22 SavesCrested Butte, Colorado- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
10. East Maroon Portal Picnic Site
1 Review•2 Photos•43 SavesSnowmass Village, ColoradoOverview
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site sits next to Maroon Creek, offering spectacular views of aspen and evergreen forests. The area is an excellent gathering spot for families, group gatherings and parties.
Reputed to be the most photographed mountains in Colorado, the spectacular Maroon Bells dominate this setting. The picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions.
Natural Features:
Located in White River National Forest, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Scenery includes aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline.
Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountain range. Unlike other mountains in the Rockies composed of granite and limestone, the Maroon Bells are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that give the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.
Recreation:
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is one of the top recreation Forests in the nation.
For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, the trail winds through aspen groves, crosses streams and switchbacks through forests. Climbing to alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in early summer. Designated camping sites are located at Crater Lake or Maroon Lake about 6 miles from the trailhead. Visitors should check regulations for camping in Colorado wilderness areas.
Facilities:
This picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events for a fee. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions.
The picnic area has 3 large picnic tables and can accommodate up to 75 people.
Vehicle traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. past the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Individuals who reserve this picnic site are issued five vehicle passes which allow travel in a motorized vehicle past this point.
Options for access to the site include parking at Aspen Highlands Ski Area and shuttling guests in cars possessing vehicle permits or riding the Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus. Operating hours for the shuttle bus are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. for a fee of $6 per adult and $3 per child or senior.
Details of the recreation event or wedding must be disclosed and approved prior to day of the event. This includes items to be brought onto the site. Bird seed, confetti, electric music and PA systems are prohibited at the site.
Visitors are required to remove or dispose of decorations after events. Dumpsters are located in nearby campgrounds. Accessible vault toilets are available at this site.
Nearby Attractions:
The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
Recent Tent Reviews near Crested Butte, CO
1528 Reviews of 61 Crested Butte Campgrounds
- W
Will T.
Guide
Tall Texan RV Park & Cabins
Great place to stop for the night
The tent sites are kind of centralized, not a lot of privacy. With that said, the sites were level and the facilities were fine. Good location, not far from crested butte.
- Amy S.
Traveler
Almont Campground
Small, primative sites between 135 and the Gunnison river.
Small, primative campground just off 135 on the way to Crested Butte. (10 minutes to Gunnison and 20 from Crested Butte. Just south of town of Almont). About five tent sites on north side of the campground and some camper/trailer sites on the south side. Fire pits at each site. Picnic tables. Stayed in a tent. No problems. Can hear traffic on 135, but it quiets down at night. Pit toilet is clean with usual odors. Apparently there is some electricity available on the camper/trailer side. Bear safe trash dumpsters. This is a bear site so care needs to be taken. Self pay envelopes and drop tube at the kiosk at entrance. Pd $12, but is $6 if have one of the senior passes as it’s on national forest land. If you’re pretty self sufficient and looking for a nice bargain, this is a good site. Had a great view of the milky way over the campsite as minimal light pollution.
- ggabeGuide
Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
Top tier site
4x4 recommended, I managed to get in to a deeper site with my Prius though. Bugs not bad, creek water tastes great (with filter). Some of the best views I’ve seen in CO. 20 minutes from Crested Butte. Very quiet and serene. 10/10 go here!
- SSara W.Traveler
Kebler Corner
Planned on staying 1 night, ended up staying 2!
This campsite was a nice creekside getaway! It had community bathrooms that included a sink with soap and even a shower! They had a general store that was accessible and had any goods that you may have forgotten. Overall this was a very clean and safe campsite with beautiful scenery. About an hour out from Crested Butte, this was great for a weekend getaway.
- DDavid L.Guide
Elk Creek Campground
Great views!
If you are tent camping I would try and get a site that is next to the reservoir. Makes for a great sunset view! Overall the campsite is well maintained. Each tent site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Everyone is generally spread out enough that noise isn't an issue.
Lynn J.
Scout
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
Oh Be Joyful
This is a small campground along the Slate River outside of Crested Butte, CO. There are bathrooms and tent sites. No utilities. Abundant hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.
- llyndsay D.Traveler
Dinner Station
Beautiful river, beautiful mountains
Great spot for fishing, waking up to river sounds, and sage brush Mountain Views. Lots of four wheelers/RVs so if you’re looking for something more remote and tent only this is not the place! We used it as an overnight spot for tent camping between Leadville and crested butte and that worked perfectly.
Troy C.Guide
Campfire Ranch on the Taylor
Great site but limited privacy
This is a tent only site but it was great. There is a host on-site who is very helpful. The restrooms are very clean. The tent sites are great and there is unlimited firewood. We went into Crested Butte to eat one night and we drove over to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison as well. Both were suggestions from our host. We also went boating on Taylor lake.
- PPeter S.Guide
Musician's Camp
5* for best sites; GREAT first-come FREE new campground
Crested Butte (wisely) decided to control the previously out-of-control dispersed camping situation around the region. This NFS region was heavily impacted with people cutting trees, trampling region, etc. etc. The NSF decided to take the bull by the horns and convert it into an official campground with 17 sites divided (geographically) into about 7 tent (only) and 10 RV (or tent) sites. The RV sites (#s 4 - 13) are just basically parking lot style in a big circular parking lot without trees near the only two toilets (clean) of the CG. I don't RV and those sites were super basic so i won't review them (they would earn a 2/5 * max if i were to review them… 2* because they are free and no hassle and no reservation… otherwise lame but an important conservation effort for the area). The tent sites (#s 1,-3; 14-17) are also separated somewhat with sites 1-3 decidedly less impressive than the 14 - 17 ones.
NOTE: the two tent sections have two distinct drive-ins. The better sites (14 - 17) require you to enter at the second driveway off slate road and go through the RV section (past the toilets) to the back (creeksite).
All sites(all) have a fire pit, and designated(although still confusing) parking area and nothing else(no table, bear boxes, no garbage, water, etc.). The creek rushes past(down a steep slope offering water(you can purify) and a great cold-water swimming hole. All have super easy access (simple drive into your spot… no issues).
Okay, now for the best sites (tent sites 14 - 17). Of these, 17 and 16 are the best with 16 taking the prize by a longshot. Sites 14, 15, and 17 are bit cramped (designed based on previous uncontrolled usage patterns and still under active design and improvement). 15 and 17 are creekside and while 17 is big and you can spread out (room for several tents and tarps) it's firepit feels like you are on top of site 15. 15 is a smaller site with room for about 2 -3 tents… (creekside as well) and is nothing spectacular but, hey, it's free and easy access… and, i think still one of the best front-country options in this valley.
Site 16 is a "walk-in" site (walking less than 15 seconds) to a wonderful private large knook within the crook of the rushing creek which surrounds the site on the back side. It's got great morning sun (earliest of all the tent sites) and space for many tents … and away from all the others. I wouldn't be surprised if they someday split it into two… but for now (with the CG just starting out)… it's the cream of the crop.
Lastly, the CG is currently free as the main motivation is to mitigate uncontrolled camping impact rather than generate income. We loved the spot as it felt super rustic and was a quick easy 10 - 15 min to town and 3 - 5 minutes to Oh Be Joyful TH.
We were there late-mid July (2021) and there were a few spots available. However, during our three days there, the place was full (at night) and we had to lend out space to late-arriving folks (raining hard) as no other options existed on the slate-river road.
Hannah K.Traveler
North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Paradise
An exceptional camping experience for our family. We go every summer and camp (in a tent) for about 10 days. The weather is superb and the trout is plentiful.
- Hannah K.Traveler
North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Paradise
The greatest camping experience a family could possibly have! We go every summer and camp (in a tent) for about 10 days. The weather is perfect and the trout are plentiful!
StephanieScout
Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park
Rv and Tent sites
Rv sites in lower meadow are great. We camped in a tent on weekend on site T12. AMAMZING river front meadow site. The last weekend we used a travel trailer and it rained all weekend so we were glad to have a trailer this time. The water is warm because it is below mt princeton hot springs.
- LLogan C.Scout
Father Dyer
Not a bad site
Tent camping spots didn’t really have a flat spot to put the tent (atleast the one I was in). Had to put my tent in a slope. But restrooms and camping sites were clean.
- Jenn G.Scout
White Star
Superb!
They have drinking water & firewood available.
Great views from my tent site.
- VVanpeDiem D.
Ranger
Adam Campground
More Tent / Walk-In Camping
The stream is nice, camping area is pretty small, maybe 3-4 tent sites. Drive in camping site is rutted and I didn’t feel comfortable driving van up into it. There were a few minor red flags; a large tent was set up in the back of the site, however no one ever showed up to occupy. Also a mule deer carcass was dumped between tent sites. I ended up parking off the side of the road for the night. It is close to Sylvan Lake. I would likely not camp here again as a van camper. Could work for tent campers.
- CCurtis K.Guide
BV Overlook
Buena Vista
Lives up to the Beautiful View in the foot hills of Presidential Peaks. Tent camped in August and woke up one morning at 38 degrees. Very nice and clean.
- KKIM V.Traveler
Elk Creek Campground
Nice campground, mountain views
Great spot, with lots of spaces RV, cabin and tent camping. Five minutes from Grand Lake Village where there is access to the Lake. A family of moose are often seen there.
Ron P.Scout
Angel Of Shavano Group — Psicc
No defined or maintained tent sites
Flies, no defined tent sites, some had tent areas but rain water ran right through them. Entire area smells very bad. Area was not maintained .weeds, grass etc no managed.
Matt S.Guide
Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground
Great spot
We had this campground all too our selves in late May as it was still rather cold out in the area but it was a great spot for tent camping. Lots of trails near by to explore.
Kelly G.
Legend
Difficult Campground
Cozy with bike trail access
I rooftop tent camped here before hiking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. The campgrounds have easy access to the hike/bike trail into Aspen. Restrooms were clean, my site had shade and bear boxes and was easy to get into. I will definitely be back.
Sydney S.Traveler
Dexter Point Campground
Absolutely stunning!
Couldn’t have asked for a better spot to camp. Tent sites are incredible with amazing views! If you’re in a rv it’s just a parking lot. But still has great views!
Sydney C.Guide
Road 240 - Dispersed
Beautiful spot, yucky road READ ME if you have a trailer
This area is absolutely beautiful. There are a few tent camping spots at the bottom right before you cross the bridge. As you continue up the road past the bridge, there are 3 spots you can bring a small trailer to and a couple more tent spots. DO NOT bring your trailer past the 3rd spot up the road after the bridge. And do not drive up that section to the 3rd if it is already taken (scout ahead here, trust me). You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around and no spots. There are more places for tent camping the further up you go though but the road is not good so all-wheel or 4WD with clearance is needed. I pretty much only saw trucks and outbacks and 4runners making it up there.
Other than that, it's next to the water, the trees are good and healthy, near lots of hiking trails, (angels of shavano TH takes you up the most beautiful section of Colorado trail (': it was a butt kicker though), not great service but I had enough to send a text whenever I needed to. I spent 4 nights here and will 100000% be back. Loved it so much.
- JJeff H.Scout
Arkansas River Rim Campground
Great Campground !
We enjoyed our stay here very much! Jeff has the place in fantastic shape and is very accommodating. There are very nice full hook-up sites as well as beautiful tent sites here. Bathroom and showers are spotless, too. And, rates are very reasonable!
We are Colorado folks and know where to find great campgrounds. We always enjoy Arkansas Rim and highly recommend it!
- JJamie W.Scout
South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
First come
Arrived in the evening on a Friday and somehow got the last first come tent site. Very nice area, shaded and easy to fly fish in the morning. Bathrooms were nearby as well
- SSid A.Traveler
Sugar Loafin' RV/Campground & Cabins
Great last minute camp near Leadville
We were tent camping on motorcycles and rode into Leadville late in the evening. This campground was open (with staff) late, and were very friendly and accommodating. A very nice camp with everything we needed. They had tent pads that were flat and soft. We just barely missed the ice cream social. We will visit again.
Ashlee W.Guide
Paonia State Park Campground
Quiet Campground
Had a great stay in Spruce Campground. The sites and restroom were clean and well-maintained. There is no drinking water so bring your own. The sites are a little on the small side so I wouldn’t recommend large campers but it was perfect for tent camping. The tent pads are very large and a nice bonus. The views were spectacular!
- GGreg P.Traveler
Bear Lake Backpack Site
Belle of Colorado @ Tourquoise Lake
Originally quite nice, tent camping, clean area, nice sites, water available, bathrooms, and access to fishing. Weekends tend now to religious services... :( Been 4 times but now prefer less commercial/church interuptions. RV crud makes for noisy generators, bouncy houses, karaoke... :( Some people swim. Boating. Good perimeter trail, biking allowed.
Guide to Crested Butte
Crested Butte, Colorado, offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds that cater to outdoor lovers seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy fishing and breathtaking views at Portal Campground, where you can cast a line right by the lake.
- Explore the scenic trails around Gunnison National Forest Erickson Springs Campground, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Experience the challenge of the Four Pass Loop while camping at Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin, where stunning mountain vistas await.
Tips for tent camping near Crested Butte
- Arrive early to secure a spot at Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness - Crater Lake Campground, as the best sites fill up quickly.
- Be prepared for primitive camping at Silver Bar, which offers a peaceful environment with clean facilities.
- Bring your own water and supplies to Castle Creek Campground, as amenities are limited but the natural beauty is abundant.
Unique features of local campgrounds
- Experience the charm of Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where unlimited firewood and clean facilities enhance your camping experience.
- Enjoy the tranquility of Granite Tent Campground, located near a river and offering a serene setting for relaxation.
- Discover the beauty of Crested Butte - Gothic dispersed camping, where breathtaking views and a sense of adventure await those willing to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crested Butte, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crested Butte, CO is Portal Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Crested Butte, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Crested Butte, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
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