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Looking for a new type of Colorado camping experience? Try hike-in camping! Plan your hike-in camping trip and get inspired by the adventure of wild camping. Find the best information on hike-in camping in Colorado, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Colorado

The Best Hike-In Camping in Colorado

Looking to do something different near Fort Collins? Hike in camping is perfect for you. Visit one of these campsites that are off the beaten path with stunning views. Find the best information on hike-in camping near Fort Collins, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Fort Collins

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Fort Collins, Colorado

Six and one-half miles of water beckon visitors to come out and play! Surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands, this reservoir has it all: fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, and water skiing.

As part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation, the reservoir is jointly operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District who manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use. Larimer County manages recreation.

Horsetooth Reservoir requires entrance and camping permits, and is open year round. It's located west of Fort Collins, Colorado, at an elevation of 5,420 feet.

Larimer County Park Horsetooth Reservoir Campground

The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) covers elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park trails.

The outstanding Horsetooth Rock is a familiar local landmark visible from the plains. This open space is also known for Horsetooth Falls in the spring, and for tremendous Front Range views. Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please carry enough for your hike or ride.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires entrance permits, is open year round, and is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir, 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles northwest of Loveland. Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead is open 24 hours a day; Soderberg Open Space Trailhead is open sunrise to sunset.

Camping is allowed in the backcountry only at designated sites and is prohibited in the parking lot. You must register using the backcountry logbook near the Horsetooth Mountain entrance. (First come, first served.) Check in with a ranger if you have any questions. 

Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2

Horsetooth Reservoir County Park Inlet

CanyonSide Campground offers a serene and peaceful get away surrounded by national forest. Without even leaving the campground there is a chance to regularly view Mountain Goats, Ram, and Deer. We are right across the street from the Cache La Poudre River and it is accessible for your enjoyment. CanyonSide Campground is 420 friendly and offers spectacular views, and hiking to complete your Cannabis friendly experience. If you would like personal assistance with planning your marijuana friendly experience, please reach out to us, as we have concierge services available to assist.



CanyonSide Campground

Boyd Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground

Horsetooth Resevoir Campground

Flatiron Reservoir is 47 acres of water surrounded by 200 acres of public land. It is located northwest of Carter Lake at an elevation of 5,470 feet and is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. The purpose of this water project is to divert water from the west slope to the east slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. Reclamation is solely responsible for power generation. The agencies jointly manage water levels for irrigation, municipal, and industry use. Recreation is managed by Larimer County Natural Resources. Flatiron Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and family camping.

Flatiron Reservoir Campground

Mountain Park Campground is located on the Cache la Poudre River, 40 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colo., along Highway 14. Visitors enjoy the area for its great rafting, fishing and hiking opportunities. 

Recreation 
The Cache La Poudre River offers whitewater rafting and fishing. Anglers cast for brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail and Young Gulch Trail. Volleyball and basketball courts, a playground and horseshoe pits are located in the campground. Other popular activities include birding and wildlife viewing. 

Facilities 
The campground offers accessible single- and double-family sites, and a group site that can accommodate up to 75 people. Sites 1 through 32 have electric hookups. Sites 33 through 54 do not have hookups. Picnic tables, 12x15' tent pads, campfire rings and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. Coin showers are located on-site. Dead and downed firewood may be gathered in the forest or purchased from the host. Natural Features The canyon's vegetation varies from dense forests to open meadows, surrounded by steep mountains. A forest of ponderosa pine trees covers the campground, which is situated on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River. ADA Access: N

Mountain Park

You may camp within 300 feet of most Forest Service roads and some Larimer County Roads as long as you are on National Forest System lands. Note that many popular locations are closed due to the Cameron Peak Fire impacts. Check the closure information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Contact the Canyon Lakes Visitor Center at 970-295-6700 for a free Motor Vehicle Use Road Map (MVUM) or view it here . The MVUM shows roads where dispersed camping is allowed. Also view the CLRD Dispersed Camping map that shows areas where camping is restricted or prohibited.

Find out if there are any Forest campfire restrictions during your trip. If fires are allowed, use established fire rings where they exist. Put out your fire until it is cold to the touch.

When camping near the very popular Manhattan, Long Draw, and Peterson Lake roads, camp only at sites marked with numbered posts. These designated sites protect the roads from overuse. There is no camping within ¼ mile of Highway 14, within ¼ mile of lower Stove Prairie Road, or within ¼ mile of upper Pingree Park Road. Your vehicle must be within 300 feet of the road and at least 100 feet away from water or meadows. You may not camp at trailheads, picnic areas or day-use parking areas. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are limited to open Forest Service roads (no closed gates) that have numbered signs. The CLRD Dispersed Camping brochure  (pdf 453KB) lists all of the guidelines and restrictions.

Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping

**Heavily damaged by the Cameron Peak Fire and will remained closed throughout 2021** Jacks Gulch Recreation Area is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, in northern Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities. Recreation Popular activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding and viewing wildlife. A nature trail circles the entire area of Jacks Gulch, with one section providing stunning views of the Mummy Range. Facilities The campground offers an accessible group site with electric hookups, and five equestrian campsites without hookups. Additional single-family campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The group site accommodates up to 60 people, several cars and up to nine RVs with hookups. Ten 14-by-17 tent pads are scattered throughout the site. A picnic shelter is provided. Two central cooking and picnic areas are on-site, each with four picnic tables, a charcoal grill and campfire ring. The two equestrian sites have four horse stalls each. Picnic tables, campfire rings and tent pads are provided. Each site can accommodate a horse trailer. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Firewood, dead and down, may be gathered in the forest or purchased from the host. Natural Features The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest, dotted with aspens. Grassy meadows are scattered throughout the area. ADA Access: N

Jacks Gulch - **CLOSED FOR 2021 SEASON

Are you in need of a campground near Denver, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Denver and user-submitted reviews.

Denver

The Best Camping Near Denver | Colorado Campgrounds

While all Colorado towns are outdoor-friendly, Colorado Springs is up there with the best of them. If you’re looking to visit Colorado, but Boulder and Denver just aren’t for you, the Springs is where you want to be.

With a wealth of US Forest Service and BLM land, the best camping near Colorado Springs is all free. If you’re looking for the best hiking around, you have solid options between Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Unfortunately, there are no campsites for tents or RVs in either of those places. Point yourself towards Florissant, CO, and see the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument if you want to keep driving. There are no campgrounds available at the national monument either, though you, again, have a host of free camping opportunities nearby.

Colorado Springs

Looking for the best campgrounds near Colorado Springs, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Colorado Springs and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Colorado Springs Camping | CO Camping

Looking for the best campgrounds near Aurora, CO? Aurora is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Aurora and user-submitted reviews.

Aurora

The Best Camping Near Aurora, Colorado

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Fort Collins. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Fort Collins, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Fort Collins, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Lakewood, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Lakewood

The Best Camping Near Lakewood, Colorado

Searching for the best camping near Thornton, CO? Thornton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Thornton, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Thornton

The Best Camping Near Thornton, Colorado

Thornton is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Thornton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pueblo is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Pueblo is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Pueblo, reviewed by campers like you.

Pueblo

The Best Camping Near Pueblo, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Arvada, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Arvada camping trip.

Arvada

The Best Camping Near Arvada, Colorado

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Westminster, CO has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Westminster. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Westminster

The Best Camping Near Westminster, Colorado

Rio Grande National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Rio Grande National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rio Grande National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rio Grande National Forest

The Best Camping Near Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, San Juan National Forest, CO has a lot to offer. San Juan National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near San Juan National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

San Juan National Forest

The Best Camping Near San Juan National Forest, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, CO? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests camping trip.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

The Best Camping Near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

White River National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of White River National Forest. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near White River National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

White River National Forest

The Best Camping Near White River National Forest, Colorado

Searching for the best camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, CO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Colorado camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Colorado

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Curecanti National Recreation Area, reviewed by campers like you.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado

Surrounded by a steep gorge lies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, near the small city of Montrose, NV. RVers and campers will want to stop and stock up on supplies before heading toward the campgrounds by the Gunnison River. Offering some of the best camping in Nevada, campers can wander the trails catching stunning views of the striated Painted Wall cliff. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see include deer, elk, mule, and majestic golden eagles. Pitch a tent at one of the campsites by the river for a day of fishing or get a group together and stay in a cabin.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Best Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park embodies the Colorado spirit perfectly. If you want to get out into nature with other avid outdoors types, few parks are more suited for you. Though the altitude can be tricky, the views are worth the effort.

Currently, there are three campgrounds available during the summer season, with two on TBD status. Rocky Mountain campsites open at the end of May and close around late September. The three available campsites are all on a reservation system. Longs Peak, which is still TBD, is the only first-come, first-served camping option. You can RV camp in Rocky Mountain, though there are no RV-specific sites. If you can’t get a spot in the park during peak season, the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park is in Estes Park, CO, or any US Forest Service land to the east.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

The Best Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Dinosaur National Monument, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Dinosaur National Monument camping trip.

THE BEST Hike-In CAMPING NEARFort Collins, Colorado

About Fort Collins Hike-In Camping

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