Best Tent Camping near Crestone, CO

Public lands surrounding Crestone, Colorado offer diverse tent camping opportunities, from high-elevation backcountry sites to dispersed desert camping. The Dunefield at Great Sand Dunes National Park, located 30 miles southeast of Crestone, provides a unique tent-only camping experience with permits available at the visitor center. Hermit Pass OHV area offers primitive tent camping at higher elevations, while Dispersed Sand Area 1 provides free tent campsites with minimal amenities. Medano Lake Backpackers Camp in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve requires a hike-in approach but rewards tent campers with alpine lake views.

Most tent camping areas near Crestone have minimal facilities, requiring self-sufficiency. Sites typically feature uneven natural surfaces ranging from sandy soil to rocky terrain. Campers should bring adequate water supplies, as most primitive tent campgrounds lack potable water sources. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions often apply during dry summer months. Vault toilets are rare except at designated campgrounds like Davenport Campground. Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, with one camper reporting "temperatures almost down to freezing at night in early June." Bear activity occurs throughout the region, requiring proper food storage for tent campers.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Crestone offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. One camper at The Dunefield noted, "The only noise all night came from the sand blowing in the wind around our tent." Walk-in tent sites often provide greater solitude than drive-in options, particularly during weekdays. Tent campers frequently report wildlife sightings, from deer to various bird species. For those seeking primitive tent camping with minimal crowds, visiting during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) provides the best experience. According to reviews, tent campers should prepare for challenging conditions at The Dunefield: "Climbing in the sand is challenging with the extra weight of the pack, and if the wind picks up you get whipped with sand, but it is worth it."

Best Tent Sites Near Crestone, Colorado (32)

    1. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    2 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!?"

    2. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable."

    "If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent."

    3. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    13 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."

    4. Hermit Pass OHV

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    5. Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "For backpackers only - this may seem like a short distance from the trailhead, but it is a steep incline the entire way up. With packs, it took us close to 5 hours with short breaks."

    6. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    27 miles
    +1 (907) 885-5556

    $30 - $44 / night

    "I expected it to be a place to just sleep after exploring nearby areas, boy was I wrong!"

    "Pros:

    -Amazing views

    -Feeling of solitude

    -Firewood for sale

    -Friendly interactions with who I assume was the property owner

    -Porta-potty and trash can near the entrance

    Cons:

    -Not RHR"

    7. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    32 miles

    "We kept driving until we found a spot that was both uphill and private, which definitely requires a vehicle with some height to it like an SUV rather than a sedan."

    "Was surprised how many other campers were enjoying nearby sites. Plenty of room to enjoy site without feeling crowded. A nice site, enjoyed evening fire."

    8. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    36 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    48 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."

    9. AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site

    1 Review
    Cotopaxi, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    $4 - $10 / night

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

    10. Davenport Campground

    7 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "Good tent sites. Have to carry gear to camp site but only shoeRt hike to campsite. Maybe 50 yards. Has a couple of sires with shelter. Picnic tables are big and heavy."

    "Has a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and sites 2, 5, and 9 have the log covering. The sites are pretty close together, but we had no problem with our neighbors."

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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Crestone, CO

897 Reviews of 32 Crestone Campgrounds



Guide to Crestone

Tent camping near Crestone, Colorado offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Crestone

  • The Medano Lake Backpackers Camp is ideal for those seeking a challenging hike, with a steep incline leading to breathtaking views at around 10,500 feet.
  • For a more relaxed experience, consider Davenport Campground, which features clean facilities and is conveniently located near Bishop Castle.
  • If you prefer a remote setting, Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park offers serene views and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides electric hookups and drinking water, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
  • At Rabbit Hole Ranch, you can enjoy firewood for sale and friendly interactions with fellow campers and their pets.
  • The Vallie Bridge Campground features picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a convenient camping experience along the Arkansas River.

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

  • Great Sand Dunes Dispersed offers free camping, perfect for those looking to save while enjoying the stunning scenery.
  • For a more structured experience, Vallie Bridge Campground charges $28 for basic sites, which include essential amenities.
  • The Dispersed Sand Area 1 is another free option, providing a peaceful environment with beautiful views, though it lacks some amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crestone, CO is Dispersed Sand Area 1 with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Crestone, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.