Best Tent Camping near Edwards, CO
Several primitive tent camping options exist in the national forests surrounding Edwards, Colorado. Red Sandstone offers dispersed, primitive tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access north of Edwards, while Halfmoon Campground provides established tent sites near Red Cliff. The Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District manages multiple tent camping areas throughout the region, with many sites situated along forest service roads.
Road conditions to most tent campsites vary considerably, with several requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Bellyache Road, while offering excellent tent camping opportunities, presents significant access challenges. As one reviewer noted, "The road has huge gashes and is impossible to diagonally do a dance to get through it." Many tent sites feature established fire rings but minimal other amenities. Most dispersed camping areas lack toilets and drinking water, making proper preparation essential. Halfmoon Campground does offer vault toilets and picnic tables at its established tent sites, though no drinking water is available.
The forested terrain around Edwards creates ideal settings for tent campers seeking seclusion. Sites at higher elevations provide spectacular mountain views and cooler temperatures during summer months. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The spots themselves are fairly large, we have put 4 cars and 5+ tents comfortably in one of them." Many campsites are within proximity to excellent hiking trails, including paths to Mount of the Holy Cross and various alpine lakes. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting deer and occasional black bears. Camping areas like Blue Lake offer crystal-clear water adjacent to tent sites, though limited tree cover makes some locations susceptible to strong winds. Most tent camping areas follow the standard 14-day stay limit typical of National Forest dispersed camping.
