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 (494)

    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

    "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."

    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

    $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."

    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 494 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Fairplay, CO

2767 Reviews of 494 Fairplay Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    CR 306 -Dispersed Site

    Some nice sites along the creek, easy to get to.

    Multiple sites along the creek, some of the road through a wooded area looks dicey for a large vehicle. There are multiple access points to various sites right off of CR306, some look more accessible to regular vehicles. A couple of those access roads seem pretty challenging for a two wheel drive.

    The site I camped at was just opposite the road to Avalanche Trailhead. It was a little bumpy but not challenging. All of the sites are within about 100 feet of CR306, separated by woods from the road, very quiet at night.

    I camped out in a tent in early October and temps were down in the 30 s at night. Had to keep my heater going. Camped there three nights, really peaceful.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    West Lenhardy Cutoff

    Awesome views

    We stayed 5 nights in our 25ft travel trailer. Found a great spot on fr376 that provided enough privacy even with neighbors. Fellow campers were very quiet. Beware, this area is used for OHV and can become noisy on the weekends.

  • Sue D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Magical

    Early October, no bugs. Gorgeous views if you can get on a high spot. About half an hour from any store. Fish were jumping. Gorgeous.

  • Sue D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Midland Bike Trail Dispersed

    Quiet and good views

    The road up for about a quarter mile was one lane not too bumpy. Campsite was quiet with great views of the peaks. Early October 2025.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Lost Mountain Site-3

    Remote spot

    A gem indeed. 1 star loss for the semi rough road. The steep parts are bad, but doable with 2WD (snd some clearance). I csn see it being bad with rain.

    There is a private prop early in the road. Google tried to send me through that - make sure you stay on the Forest Road.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Stayed here again! 34+ dispersed spots

    Just wanted to write another review of this spot, love it, easy road in but extremely busy even in late September on an early Friday afternoon. Completely full by Friday 6pm I wouldn’t even try after unless it’s November-April. Seriously. Lots of big spots for multiple cars and tents, fire pits in every numbered spot. Trails nearby, even found an old horseshoe! Get there early, but that’s known if you ever been there.

  • i
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Campground

    Dispersed spot above twin lakes!

    This spot is great! There are a good number of spots up here you just have to have a vehicle that can go over rocks / fit between trees. The fire pit spots are great as well. Overall 10/10! Views are seriously incredible!!!

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Miners Creek Rd Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great spot but have to drive a good ways back

    This is a good spot but confusing. You turn to go towards the trail. Once you get to the service road it starts at as what would look like a bike off. Yes you can drive on the path. Once you cross the road from the path you have to drive approximately 3/4 miles on trail. It’s pretty rough. I made it in my outback but I do have an Onyx XT with a 2 in suspension lift and 32’s. 2 creek crossings, rock bottom don’t be alarmed. After that there will be a sign said camping permitted passed this point. You’re good to go.


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.