The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near Fairplay, CO

538 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates
    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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.

    Connectivity Maps

    Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
    Map showing cell service coverage and campground pins
    Try Connectivity Maps

    Best Campgrounds near Fairplay (538)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

      4.5(43)16mi from FairplayTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      2. Horseshoe Campground

      4.5(11)5mi from Fairplay19 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

      3. Middlefork RV Resort

      4.2(10)0mi from FairplayRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

      4. Kite Lake

      4.3(13)9mi from FairplayTents

      "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

      5. Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping

      3.9(13)10mi from FairplayRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      6. Fourmile Campground

      4.5(8)6mi from Fairplay4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

      7. McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

      4.5(10)12mi from FairplayTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      8. Prospector Campground

      4.6(51)26mi from Fairplay107 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

      9. White Star

      4.8(30)22mi from Fairplay67 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

      10. Buffalo Springs

      4.5(10)13mi from Fairplay18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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
    View all 538 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Fairplay Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Fairplay, CO

    1255 Photos of 538 Fairplay Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Fairplay, CO

    3101 Reviews of 538 Fairplay Campgrounds

    • Timothy N.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 30, 2026

      Horn Fork Basin Dispersed Camping

      Plentiful camping at treeline

      A large number of good quality sites of varying sizes.  Our group of 6 had no issues finding a space big enough for our tents and a central tarp area.  The majority of sites start around 11500 at the split for Harvard and Columbia,  We chose a large area up around the bend in the trail at 11600.  There are sites lower on the trail as well.  Water is easily reachable.  No cell signal.  No fires allowed.  A few small critters and some deer, no sign of bears.  The main trail was busy on Sat and Sun mornings.  The trailhead filled up quickly.

    • Nicholas A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 28, 2026

      twin lakes camping

      Easy access with beautiful views

      Easy access off the main road. Depending on where you camp, you'll have a nice view of the mountains and Twin Lakes. Bring leveling blocks or prepare to use rocks to level out. Otherwise, it's a great site with just enough campers nearby that you don't feel packed in, but safe should you need help.

    • Aiden The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

      Close but gross

      Decent views from some sites and privacy for a select few. Most sites are grouped closely together, offering little to no privacy. All sites had bear-resistant containers, which was nice.

      Several sites we looked at were trashed. Fire pits were filled with trash, and wipies were littered behind just about every tree in the area. We cleaned up some, but the place needs a serious cleansing.

      Camp Robber birds, squirrels, and chipmunks were abundant during the day while mice came out at night. All were too comfortable attempting to steal our food.

      The stream that runs nearby was beautiful and full of small fish.

    • Lou P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 27, 2026

      Chapman Campground And Group Camp - White River NF

      Nicest campsite we have had in a long time

      This campground is well run, well maintained and very clean. The campsites are huge, many right next to the Frying Pan River. There are wildlife everywhere. The sites have plenty of privacy. We definitely need to visit again!

    • Benjamin W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful spot, close to the metro, fairly easy to access.

      We journeyed up to Chinns Lake on a late August Saturday. Plenty of spots available. Rainbow Road and the Jeep Road to the lake were doable in a stock Tundra. Reservoir was clearly low, it would be spectacular full. Great option close to the Denver metro area. Plenty of tent camping spots. Car camping spots aren't the flatest. We passed a load of spots along Fall River that would also be very nice tent camping.

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      May Queen

      Peaceful Retreat

      Quiet, Christmas tree filled area. Just what I was looking for.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      Twin Lakes Area North

      Twin lakes

      A little busy up here with campers within 10’ but nice

    • brickhousegary H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 24, 2026

      Michigan Creek

      Enjoyed enough-stayed another night

      Worth the fort. Numerous open, flat, clean sites to choose from. Took many walks/hikes on trails along the creek. Very peaceful. Heard elk bugle. Stayed an extra night. I will return.

    Guide to Fairplay

    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.

    What to do

    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."

    What campers like

    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.

    What you should know

    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."

    Tips for camping with families

    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."

    Tips from RVers

    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

    4. View all Colorado cities for camping