Colorado encompasses a wide spectrum of camping experiences, from remote dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management land to well-developed facilities in national parks. Several prominent campgrounds such as Mesa Verde National Park's Morefield Campground and Rocky Mountain National Park's Moraine Park Campground provide established amenities for tent and RV campers. The state's public lands support diverse accommodation types, with many locations like Mueller State Park offering both traditional campground options and cabin rentals. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping represents numerous primitive camping opportunities on public land throughout the region, where campers can experience more solitude away from developed campground settings.
Seasonal considerations vary dramatically across Colorado's diverse elevations. Many campgrounds like Saddlehorn in Colorado National Monument operate only from spring through fall (March to October), while others such as Chatfield State Park remain accessible year-round. Road conditions in dispersed camping areas can present challenges, particularly after rain or snow events. Permits and reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds, especially during peak summer months when popular sites fill quickly. Visitors should be prepared for significant temperature variations, even during summer months, particularly at higher elevations where overnight temperatures can drop considerably. A camper noted, "Lots of dispersed camping throughout this area. At this spot we found a nice area for a tent that had a fire pit."
Several visitors highlight the appeal of waterside locations, with creek and riverside sites receiving particularly positive reviews. Campers frequently mention the combination of natural settings and basic amenities as key factors in their satisfaction. Campgrounds with electrical hookups like Moraine Park provide a middle ground between rustic and comfortable camping experiences. Public lands offer the greatest flexibility for those seeking solitude, though they typically lack facilities like running water or maintained restrooms. Primitive sites on BLM land provide cost-effective alternatives to developed campgrounds, with one reviewer stating they "Got lucky and found a perfect site right by the creek with a fire ring. Easy to get to in our camper van, no 4 x 4 required." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping represent the majority of established options throughout the state.
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Round 1 of 5
"Good showers, some of the camp sites have decent WiFi connection, fairly quiet, and wildlife (deer and prairie dogs) in camp side. Toilets not the best, lots of wasps"
"I'm not sure what the hook-up situation is for campers. We were able to enjoy cool evening walks; where we would often spot deer."
$20 - $80 / night
"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
"Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."
$35 - $70 / night
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
$36 - $200 / night
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"We were on the outskirts of D Loop. The western views of the mountains were beautiful. Better views in other sites but a walk about gave way to the front range."
$22 / night
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds, because Colorado National Monument is so stunning."
"Colorado National Monument is one of the treasures of the National Parks system."
$20 / night
"This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!"
"This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while."
$20 - $34 / night
"The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"
"Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."
"Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"
"A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."
$28 - $270 / night
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
$35 - $70 / night
"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
ScoutThis campground is awesome!! Funnest one we’ve ever stayed at. Tons of things to do for the whole family! We spent three nights there and had the best time. Looking forward to staying again. Spacious lots.
GuideI am in a Subaru Outback and was a little intimidated by the road, mostly the amount of sharp jagged rocks. I would likely have been able to go further but there are a few sites right at the turnoff for the FR so I decided to stay here. Still amazing views overlooking Ute mountain. Tuesday night was so quiet I only saw one other car pass by me.
ScoutClean. Just off the highway. Convenient for that reason.
GuideAlong this whole road are dispersed campsites - way more than just the specific locations noted - all the way up to the trailhead and paid South Mineral Springs Campground. Campsites are mostly on the south side with small firepits, flat dirt areas for tents, some tent sites further down closer to the water if you want to walk a bit. I stayed on Friday and Saturday night and there was plenty of space for everyone along the road, I could only see one set of neighbors. Super quiet, amazing scenery, right near the trailhead for an early morning hike. Pit toilets are at the trailhead. No Verizon service along the whole road or the Ice Lakes hike. I saw a moose at night! Keep your eyes open!
GuideAmazing views of Mesa Verde especially Park Point. There are a lot of designated, numbered campsites along this road. I went as far as site 8 easily in a Subaru Outback. I could have gone further down the road if I wanted to - no high-clearence needed. Some sites are pull-through and some are back in but all have ample space for multiple tents, multiple cars, or an RV. Firepits at all sites but there is a fire ban in place. Was here early June and the midges are horrendous. If you get a site on the South side the wind helps a bit but I ended up hiding in my vehicle for most of the evening. On Sunday night it was very busy and people coming in around 7-8 struggled to find a spot. Monday night was nearly empty.
GuideEasy gravel road with large pull-offs for camping. Lots of trees provide shade after the hot and sunny day. On a Monday night it was very quiet - I saw maybe 3-4 cars all night. Two extremely clean pit toilets at the start of the dirt track. No Verizon coverage at the campsite, but I did have it at the toilets.
ScoutCorrect location is: N 40.959524 W 108.904624
I camped here (site 5) for 2 nights - a Thursday and Friday - in early June. I had the campground to myself. I needed a level spot which limited my choice (site 3, 5 and 6 seemed to be the most level).
There are only 6 sites with sites 5 and 6 sharing a large grassy area. The campground is within a young aspen forest with some tall standing dead trees (I had my fingers crossed that more would not be falling down and blocking the road).
The single outhouse was clean and well stocked. The area is very quiet at night - some OHV traffic in the area during the day on Friday but not a lot.
I'm guessing this campground is much busier during hunting season (s).
I approached from county 10N and then onto county 72 and then a turn on to a two-track at a marked sign for the campground, however this access goes through State Trust Land (Cold Springs Mountain) and you must have a Colorado fishing, or hunting license. County 10N and 72 are both good gravel roads while the two track has a few large boulders and a significant tilt in places.
I'm not sure if there is access from the north that avoids the State land.
There's a second BLM campground nearby called "Bishops Hunting Campground" it is a large grassy area with one picnic table and 2 fire pits at the edge of an aspen forest. No outhouse.
No fee.
GuideNice campground with hot showers, good drinking water, full hookups, affordable price Nice camp store RV and tent sites
RangerThe North Park campground at State Forest State Park has just been renovated with full hookups and a brand new bath house! The hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing & other outdoor activities are second to none! And you’re surrounded by snow capped peaks to boot! Highly recommend North Park campground if amenities are of importance!
Camping in Colorado offers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Centennial State.
Camping in Colorado can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Colorado for scenic views?
Colorado offers breathtaking vistas at numerous campgrounds. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir is renowned for having some of the best views in the state after 15+ years of camping comparisons. For mountain panoramas, Oh Be Joyful Campground delivers amazing vistas with a convenient honor system for fees. The high-elevation sites at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground provide killer views with great hiking opportunities. For unique landscapes, consider the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park where dramatic cliff views create an unforgettable experience.
When is the best time of year to camp in Colorado?
Summer (June-August) is prime camping season in Colorado with warm days and cool nights. At Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll enjoy stunning summer hiking opportunities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early fall (September-early October) offers spectacular aspen color changes with fewer crowds at places like Freeman Reservoir Campground, which is praised as a 10/10 camping destination with perfect fall weather. Late spring (late May-June) brings wildflowers but potential lingering snow at higher elevations. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but requires proper cold-weather gear. For high mountain camping, the season is shortest, typically July-September due to snow conditions.
Where can I find free camping in Colorado?
Colorado offers excellent free dispersed camping options. Road 240 - Dispersed is described as one of Colorado's best-kept secrets for free camping, with numerous wooded sites along a river. Buffalo Pass Campground provides free camping in wide-open spaces away from weekend crowds. The Black Canyon Dispersed Camping area offers free sites on BLM land. Throughout Colorado, National Forests provide abundant dispersed camping on Forest Service roads - just look for existing fire rings and camp at least 100 feet from water sources. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be prepared with your own water and waste disposal systems.
What are the most popular camping areas in Southern Colorado?
Southern Colorado features several remarkable camping destinations. Zapata Falls Campground near the Great Sand Dunes offers beautiful high-desert camping with access to a scenic waterfall. Great Sand Dunes Oasis provides spacious tent sites with dune views and clean facilities, perfect for first-time Colorado campers. The Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins is praised as one of the most beautiful RV parks in the region. For history enthusiasts, Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park offers convenient access to ancient cliff dwellings. Pinon Flats Campground at Great Sand Dunes National Park is another popular option with its unique landscape.
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