525 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Summer fills campground sites in South Park faster than most first-timers expect. Fairplay sits at roughly 10,000 feet in the center of the basin, which puts it within a short drive of Pike National Forest roads that spread north and west across the high plateau. Fairplay's dispersed camping spots run the full range from roadside pull-offs to more remote spots on two-track roads, with no water and no restrooms at any of them.
Developed campgrounds in the area include a mix of Forest Service sites and a handful of private RV parks along the highway. Most sites run small to midsize, which works fine for tent setups and shorter rigs but gets tight for anything over 30 feet. Breckenridge is 25 miles north, and free camping outside Breckenridge is a fallback if Fairplay-area roads are closed or crowded.
Afternoon thunderstorms roll through most summer days, so plan for early starts on long hikes. Park Reservoir and the South Platte corridor to the east give good fishing access without a long drive from camp.
"Roadside pull off areas. Mostly one lane dirt, can be tight and bumpy. Best for truck camper, small RV or tent. Don't get discouraged if the 1st spots are full just keep driving."
"While many of the campsites are quite small and located right along the roadside with limited parking, we were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot."
"This is for the Horseshoe Campground the the turnoff is just south of FairPlay towards the mountains to the west, near the base of Mt. Sherman."
"There was a river next to our campsite that was amazingly peaceful. I would have loved to actually plan to stay there, but our trip was unexpected."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"We had a spot right next to the river, got to do a little fishing on the stream fed trout pond, but most of all got to take in the South Park region which was great. "
"We weren't planning on staying in Fairplay, but it was getting late so we tried Middlefork RV Park. The sites are all gravel, ours was nice and level."
from $17 - $665 / night
Check Availability"This was a pretty cool campground in a good location, but there are only 5 official spots; the rest are dispersed camping along Highway 8, but there are several available."
"Did see a Porsche, but they did not drive all the way to the end. People drive up to camp and to park to hike the Quad."
from $5 - $15 / night
Check Availability"I arrived around 4:00 in the afternoon on a Friday and there were still a few sites available."
"Great little spot right off the highway for an evening of camping, or longer. There is a bit of foot traffic with hikers coming in but still really peaceful."
"20 minute drive from Sherman trailhead. Has restrooms. Few sites are pretty secluded. Easily accessible to camp ground with 2wd or 4wd."
"I have a front wheel drive Honda Accord. Cold at night and windy during the day."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Located on Dillon Reservoir, Prospector Campground offers a nice balance of feeling remote while being conveniently near some really neat towns."
"Great views of lake dillon and each spot is tucked into trees so you don’t see neighbors even if you can hear them. Short Hiking trail connected to the campground plus so many trail options close by"
from $27 / night
Check Availability"It’s right next to the stream which my pup was able to cool off many a times. We had neighbors (only one close by site) the other sites were up wheeler trail more."
"I would recommend a 4x4 or offroad vechicle for most of the pull off roads in the area. Campsites have signs designating them and fire rings. Look for signs and pull offs from the main road."
"Located a short drive off of 285, this campground has well dispersed sites with trees and privacy. Sites are large and offer views of nearby mountain ranges."
"This is a neat little campground that sits on the edge of beautiful Southpark in San Isabel National Forest. It's nestled in the trees, so most all of the sites are shaded."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This campground is located on the north side of the Twin Lakes just south of Hwy 82. "
"We love Twin Lakes! White Star campground is in a great location. Paddle boarding and fishing are great daytime activities here. Several sites have access to walk straight to the water."
from $29 - $30 / night
Check Availability
TravelerCampground was immaculate! Bathrooms had water and flushing toilets. Beautiful views of the reservoir. If you enjoy fishing, boating or hiking and would prefer to be off the beaten path this is the spot to be. The campground hosts were delightful. The frying pan River is stocked with fish!
TravelerWe visited Mueller State Park and were pleased by the crisp air and mountain scenery. That’s over 100 campsites however, they are far enough apart that you have the feeling of being secluded. There wasn’t the noise issues you sometimes experience from neighbors at popular campgrounds which really made it enjoyable. The visitor center was nice and we found the park ranger to be friendly and informative. I definitely will be visiting again.
GuideDriving north on the 40 from I70 is pure joy, but there is no warning for the turn-off and it’s easy to miss it. Great sites, loud truck noise, and unparalleled stargazing.
ScoutMany large sites. Some flatter than others.. site 15 had 2 bags of garbage stuffed in the pit. Including bread, jelly and tampons. Such a joy to clean up.
Travelerstayed at site 6 off of the road. It’s right next to the stream which my pup was able to cool off many a times. We had neighbors (only one close by site) the other sites were up wheeler trail more. This site was perfect for 2 cars and 2 tents, still with plenty of room. Jeep wrangler and friends rav 4 hybrid did just fine! Drove up to lower blue lake before leaving. Plan to hike up to both lakes next time i visit. I can see myself coming back here again and again!
TravelerThis was a great spot close to Leadville. If you don’t need access to water this is a nice flat area to camp. There’s a jeep road that goes up to birdseye gulch which was a beautiful morning hike/run.
ScoutThe campgrounds are now operated and well maintained by a 3rd party. Costs $23 a night.
If you drive up the dirt road towards the historic fulford, there are some BLM spots that you can pop in.
ScoutGreat time! $26/night for a car; CASH ONLY! Great pit toilets. Trash is available. First come first serve. Plot 6 is the best for larger groups/multiple tents.
The entire road is paved up until the turn into the campsite area. Well maintained dirt road easy for a 2wd car. 1 cattle guard at the entrance.
TravelerThis site is right on the water with a beautiful view. It was a great spot for fishing and launching a paddle board. The wind picked up for about an hour right before sunset as it does at these reservoirs but the night was still and silent. It was a beautiful stop and we will be returning.
Camping sites near Fairplay, Colorado sit at elevations between 9,000-11,000 feet in the heart of South Park basin. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months, with nighttime lows often reaching the 30s at campgrounds like Kite Lake. Access to many camping areas requires driving on unpaved roads that become impassable during spring runoff or after heavy rains.
Fishing in alpine lakes: Kite Lake offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at 12,000 feet elevation. One visitor noted, "Bring a rod and spend some time fishing. There are tons of trout in there," making it an ideal activity while acclimating to the high altitude.
Summit a fourteener: Kite Lake serves as basecamp for multiple 14,000-foot peaks. "The whitestar is fairly close to MT Elbert and MT Massive: 2 famous 14ners to be climbed: making it a great spot to start or end your adventure," mentions one camper about the nearby White Star Campground.
Gold panning: Try your luck at Middlefork RV Resort which offers on-site gold panning. A visitor highlighted this unique amenity: "We got to do a little fishing on the stream fed trout pond, but most of all got to take in the South Park region which was great."
Diverse site options: Buffalo Springs offers varied camping experiences. "Spaces are a fair distance apart from each other, making for a quiet atmosphere. The hosts were polite and graciously delivered firewood to my campsite," reports one visitor.
High country isolation: McCullough Gulch provides a sense of remoteness despite proximity to towns. A camper observed, "Didn't see another person on a Wednesday night. Very peaceful and plenty of spots to choose from. Road was rocky but not that rough, easy to handle in a Crosstrek."
Waterside camping: White Star Campground offers lake views. "We tent camped here for two nights and picked a spot via recreation.gov. The views from our site were out of this world. Any of the even numbered sites looked to be in a great location," shares one camper.
Limited cell service: Most dispersed sites have spotty connectivity. At Buffalo Springs, one visitor mentioned, "Cell service was spotty in the campground, but a quick jaunt to the main road got me back to full service (AT&T)."
Road conditions: Boreas Pass Road offers camping with variable access challenges. A visitor explained, "Easy to get to from metro Denver and it's super close to Silverthorne. Dispersed camping sites are still somewhat close together. We could definitely hear other campers around us talking and such."
Weather preparedness: Elevation makes for extreme temperature swings. One McCullough Gulch camper advised, "Temps were high 70s in the evenings and low 40s at night in mid July so prepare with layers."
Bear country awareness: Store food properly throughout the area. A Hoosier Pass camper warned, "Wonderful spots for camping off the road. Traffic noise is minimal as lots of trees and at night so peaceful."
Accessible trails: Buffalo Springs offers family-friendly walks nearby. One visitor shared, "We took wonderful walks with the dogs and found areas where additional campsites and recreation activities once existed."
Learning opportunities: Prospector Campground provides educational hiking. "Great campground with easy access. Nice little getaway from Denver. Easy to access and right near a huge lake. Hiking trails available."
Camp proximity to activities: Position your basecamp strategically. "If you are heading up to go for a big hike or just want to spend the night at 12,000 ft you must bring it all in," advised a Kite Lake visitor about water and supplies.
Altitude adjustment: Allow kids time to acclimate. One visitor to McCullough Gulch noted, "Being at a higher elevation, one person in our group did experience some mild altitude discomfort, even though we're from the Denver area—something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to elevation changes."
Site leveling challenges: Fourmile Campground and surrounding areas require preparation. "Sites are nice with plenty of room. Problem is the four mile road. It is really rough. Do not recommend driving anything heavy," warns one RVer.
Hookup availability: Middlefork RV Resort offers full-service options. A camper explained, "You can get either full hookups or water/electric only. There is a dump station on site. You can pan for gold or trout fish right at the campground."
Road access considerations: Buffalo Springs requires planning for larger vehicles. One RVer cautioned, "Sites are not very level and we had a heck of a time getting our 26' Travel Trailer level here - so bring lots of blocks/boards."
Turnaround space: At McCullough Gulch, site selection matters for trailers. A visitor noted, "Most sites would be tricky with a trailer because of the lack of turn around space (sites 6 & 7 would work for this)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free or dispersed camping near Fairplay, Colorado?
Fairplay offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Road 240 - Dispersed is considered one of Colorado's best-kept secrets, featuring numerous wooded camping spots with shade and river access all the way up to a lake. Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping provides free sites in a heavily wooded area close to Fairplay. Other noteworthy options include Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping, which offers free sites with mountain views, and McCullough Gulch, located just northeast of Fairplay. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no amenities like water or toilets, so come prepared with supplies. Most dispersed areas in this region require high-clearance vehicles, and some spots are available year-round, though winter access may require 4WD.
What outdoor activities are available near camping areas in Fairplay?
The camping areas around Fairplay offer abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Near Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground, visitors enjoy hiking, beach activities, and peaceful mountain views. Cascade Campground provides excellent access to four-wheeling and off-roading trails, making it a favorite for off-road enthusiasts. Fishing is popular at many locations, particularly at Fall River Reservoir and along the Middle Fork of the South Platte River. Hikers will find numerous trails throughout the area, including Rich Creek Trail near Weston Pass. The region also offers opportunities for mountain biking, wildlife viewing, photography, and during winter months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Fairplay's proximity to the Continental Divide means spectacular alpine scenery is accessible from most camping areas, with many 14,000-foot peaks visible or within day-trip distance.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Fairplay, CO?
Middlefork RV Resort offers excellent RV accommodations in Fairplay with riverside sites perfect for fishing and relaxation. The resort is conveniently located near local shops, though first-time visitors should note the somewhat hidden entrance off the parking lot for stores. For those seeking alternatives, Riverside RV Park provides additional RV camping options in the area. While Buffalo Springs accommodates RVs, longer rigs should be cautious as many sites have short parking areas despite being nicely spaced. Most RV parks in the Fairplay area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October, with some offering full hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months as availability can be limited in this popular mountain destination.
What are the best campgrounds in Fairplay for family camping?
For family camping near Fairplay, Buffalo Springs is an excellent choice with well-spaced, shaded sites that offer privacy and mountain views. The campground features a water pump, friendly hosts who deliver firewood to your site, and it's centrally located to hiking trails and Fairplay. Weston Pass Campground is another family-friendly option with 13 first-come, first-served sites and creek access. Families will appreciate its proximity to Rich Creek Trail for day hikes. Fourmile Campground is also suitable for families, providing water and toilets in a scenic setting. Most of these campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through September, depending on weather conditions, and fill quickly on holiday weekends, so arrive early for the best chance at securing a site.
Keep Exploring
