Best Campgrounds near Fairplay, CO

Looking for the best campgrounds near Fairplay, CO? Fairplay is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Fairplay, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Fairplay, Colorado (492)

    1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "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."

    2. Horseshoe Campground

    11 Reviews
    Fairplay, CO
    5 miles
    Website

    $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."

    3. Kite Lake

    13 Reviews
    Fairplay, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 836-2031

    $5 - $15 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Middlefork RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Fairplay, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 836-4857

    $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."

    5. Fourmile Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alma, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    $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."

    6. Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "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."

    7. Prospector Campground

    50 Reviews
    Dillon, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $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"

    8. McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "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."

    9. White Star

    27 Reviews
    Granite, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 486-0749

    $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."

    10. Buffalo Springs

    9 Reviews
    Hartsel, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    $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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 492 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Fairplay, CO

2738 Reviews of 492 Fairplay Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • Kevin C.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Nice Campground but Terrible Neighbors

    It is a nice spot to make camp.  We had plenty of spots to choose from.  We thought it was perfect at first.  Then the people with the ATVs started showing up and it got loud.  And stayed loud all night long.  Loud, with massive lights that would light up our tent every time they drove by all night long.  We will not be going back, purely because of the other people.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    FR 48 Dispersed Camping

    Solid spot

    Good spot, lots of space, many have fire rings built. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing you’d need 4wd or clearance for.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful

    Arrived late as usual amd the road was definitely a bumpy one. Didn't think we were going to find a spot. Found a pull in for the night, then sped out the area the next morning, and thank goodness we found a different spot. It was very spacious and had a pretty view. Took a hike up to Browns Creek falls and it was well worth the 7 mile round trip hike. Would go again.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Winfield Camping Area

    Beautiful

    Thanks to Dyrt we found this beautiful place. Every weekend we try to disperse camp in a new location and this one was amazing. Got in on a Friday afternoon and found an amazing large spot. Had 2 fire pits but nobody camped beside us so we had it all to ourselves. Drive up to the trail head for Lake Ann. Friday need some clearance and 4x4. Hikes Lake Ann and wow that last 1.5 miles is a doozy but well worth it!! Will be back for sure to hike Mt. Huron

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • Will F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Shrine Pass Road Dispersed Camping

    Overnight stay

    I stayed at the first pull out up the road. It’s quite bumpy road but was quite at night and conveniently off of i70. It’s a busy road during the day though. I didn’t go past the first pull out so idk how many spots there are.

  • John M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Buffalo Springs Dispersed

    Everything but a view

    There are plenty of spots and plenty of distance between them. The only complaint is that there is no view and nothing to see. Would definitely stay again, though.


Guide to Fairplay

Camping near Fairplay, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The park staff are very friendly. Loved the paddle board experience," at Chatfield State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers nearby are perfect for fishing. A camper at Eleven Mile State Park said, "Take a canoe, kayak, or fishing poles and enjoy a day on the lake with a great view of the mountains."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Mueller State Park Campground noted, "Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A visitor at Difficult Campground said, "What a beautiful campground in a beautiful location!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "The bathrooms never have soap and they are from the 70’s a trash RV park," but others appreciate the cleanliness of facilities at places like Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Prospector Campground shared, "The camp hosts were good!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, lack basic amenities. A camper warned, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash."
  • Weather Conditions: Be prepared for changing weather. A visitor at Eleven Mile State Park noted, "Winds in the evening almost made me leave the site."
  • Bear Safety: Always secure your food. A camper at Difficult Campground advised, "Make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A parent at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "The group campsite was spacious. The site was also pretty clean."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food. A camper at Mueller State Park Campground mentioned, "There may be other such sites, but many loops of the park are closed for our April visit."
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring games or books for quiet time. A visitor at Turtle Rock Campground said, "This place is fantastic. I don't think I've been anywhere that is this nice for free before."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Peak One Campground noted, "Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in."
  • Be Ready for No Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t have electric or water hookups. A camper at Prospector Campground shared, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer."
  • Secure Your Belongings: Keep valuables safe. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park warned, "One vehicle stolen and several cars rummaged through."

Camping near Fairplay, Colorado, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

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.