Fairplay, Colorado supports a range of camping experiences from established campgrounds to free dispersed sites on public lands. Several campgrounds like Middlefork RV Resort and Horseshoe Campground provide developed options with amenities such as picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. The area also features multiple designated dispersed camping areas including Boreas Pass Road and Hoosier Pass, where primitive sites accommodate tent camping with minimal facilities. Both areas serve as gateways to mountain recreation, with most campgrounds positioned at elevations between 9,000-11,000 feet, offering proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities.
Seasonal access varies significantly in this high-elevation region, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through September or early October. Winter conditions can close forest roads and limit dispersed camping options, particularly at higher elevations. Many forest roads leading to dispersed sites feature rough, washboard surfaces that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. The Fourmile Creek area exemplifies this challenge, as one camper noted: "Beautiful area! The road is too rough for what I was hauling so I pulled off the side of the road as dispersed camping is permitted."
Campers consistently highlight the mountain views and water features as key attractions around Fairplay. Horseshoe Campground receives particularly positive feedback for its riverside sites. One visitor described it as having "sites well shaded and comfortable during the day," though noting "it got quite cool in the evening." Between developed campgrounds, numerous pull-offs allow for more remote camping experiences, though these fill quickly during summer weekends. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviews mentioning bear activity advisories. Noise levels vary significantly—some dispersed areas sit under flight paths or near ATV trails, while others provide more secluded experiences. The region's campgrounds serve both as destinations and as basecamps for accessing nearby fourteeners and mountain lakes.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"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."
$24 / night
"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."
$5 - $15 / night
"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."
$17 - $665 / night
"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."
$24 / night
"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."
"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."
$27 / night
"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"
$29 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
"As the other reviews describe, it’s a groomed dirt road entrance near the parking lot for the Mount Quandary trail."
$24 / night
"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."
LegendFull Verizon lte and the furthest down the long and bump road. These campgrounds are so similar there is just no reason to go all the way down to this one. Unless all the spots are filled just stay at one of the other 50 along the lake there is no reason other than you can probably have it all to your self if if come all the way down to this one
LegendFull Verizon lte. All these campgrounds around this lake are pretty much identical. This one has some shaded picnic tables which is nice but only at a couple spots. Has a vault toilet and water pump like the other but it is up on a hill overlooking the lake. I think this is probably the best view. Also it has a massive gravel lot for big rigs and boat trailers
GuideThis is right off the road and winds back between the trees. Some spots can be accessible by low clearance vehicles but others require higher clearance. I parked my car and walked to a site I liked. The sites aren't perfectly flat but the one I used worked well enough for. my single person tent. The views were stunning. Definitely stick around for sunset and sunrise.
Legend4 bars Verizon lte. Long bumpy road to get here. This campground is split into two parts. One is down by the water and the other is down the road a few 100 yards and up on the hill. The area is so wide and open they both have the same view but the one on the hill offers some slight protection from the wind . I think the one down by the water would be fine in the summer but fall and spring that breeze off the water can be cold, vault toilets picnic tables and fire pit but fires are almost always banned
LegendFull Verizon LTE. Long bumpy washboarded dirt road. Takes forever because it’s rattles your brain out. The campground requires park pass and you have to pay to stay here but many of the spots are right in the water. It’s a windy place so prepare for that. There is a vault toilet on the far side. It’s kind of a walk but at least it’s there. Small sites picnic table and fire pit. There is a big gravel lot if you have a big rig but it’s not clear how you would go about paying or reserving that. Overall good place beautiful open background
LegendHalf mile from town. Full Verizon 5g. The main feature of this campground is the sweeping Mountain View among the valley. This campground is a Good Sam campground, so if your a member you could get some good discounts.the campground itself is nothing special it does have tiny homes for rent. The real star is the view and the nature access. Set in foothills and big rocks there is a ton of fun exploring todo find a nice spot and have a picnic with a world class view
TravelerStayed 2nd night on Santa Fe trail up top. Took a hike and scouted an open site further up so moved camp. This site is a less protected from wind and somewhat less private but stellar views.
TravelerFound this site on my drive from Nashville to Moab for an overnight stop. Arrived shortly after sunset and was able to find the trail easily and navigate up to the site. This road definitely needs raised 4 x 4 vehicle as the switchbacks and rocks would be too much for a lower vehicle. OnX rate this trail as Green and I would agree although it’s on the higher end of Green. I arrived on a Saturday and sites filled up quickly. Vehicles arrived 10 minutes after I found this spot and turned around.
LegendIf you are in a 2wd car or small suv, stay on a and b loop. There is one hill thats steep and loose rock to get up here and the views are only marginally better. Dont risk it if you have a 2wd heavy van. Not saying it cant be done, just saying there is a measurable risk for inexperienced drivers in low clearance cars. The views are amazing and the road keeps going up and up well beyond where I stopped. Honestly tho only go up here is the loops below are full its not much different but the whole area is amazing. Pack an extra blanket it gets cold and windy at night up here
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.
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