Tent Camping in Fort Collins, CO

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Fort Collins? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Fort Collins, CO (53)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1319 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    2. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    54 Photos
    956 Saves
    Allenspark, Colorado

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Open Space County Park Hermits Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Open Space County Park Hermits Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Open Space County Park Hermits Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Open Space County Park Hermits Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Open Space County Park Hermits Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Open Space County Park Hermits Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    4. Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    14 Reviews
    37 Photos
    520 Saves
    Allenspark, Colorado

    Longs Peak Campground is closed for the 2024 season. This campground opens in early July and closes each year in early September. Located about 20 minutes south of Estes Park on Hwy 7. This small, tents-only campground is located in a forested area that is 9,500 feet above sea level (3000 m). This campground has vault toilets and there is no water available. Campers must bring their own drinking water when camping at Longs Peak Campground.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2

    5. Horsetooth Mountain - Backcountry Site 2

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    46 Saves
    Masonville, Colorado

    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.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Alcohol

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    6. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1142 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.

    Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.

    In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.

    Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    7. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    652 Saves
    Pinewood Springs, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. see Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      8. Lory State Park Backcountry

      1 Review
      Bellvue, Colorado

      Lory has six back country campsites. All six campsites are a minimum 1 hour hike from the nearest parking lot. All campsites are now available for reservations. Remember that Lory DOES NOT ALLOW CAMP FIRES, however camp stoves are okay. All campsites are primitive and you must pack in and out all necessary items, including water.

      Camping at Lory State Park is in the back country only, meaning there are no campgrounds, car camping or RV camping available. These primitive sites can be accessed by at least a 2-mile, one-way hike. The back country sites are a good training ground for Scouts and other groups who want to train for longer backpacking and camping trips. There is no water, restrooms or tent pads at these sites and fires are prohibited. Small camp stoves are permitted. Call the park at (970) 493-1623 for back country camping information.

      • Reservable
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

      9. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

      20 Reviews
      55 Photos
      1156 Saves
      Eldorado Springs, Colorado

      Camping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles.

      Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away.

      Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      Camper-submitted photo from Carter Knolls Campground at Carter Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Carter Knolls Campground at Carter Lake
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    Showing results 1-10 of 53 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Fort Collins

    1618 Reviews of 53 Fort Collins Campgrounds


    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Chandler Dispersed
      Oct. 20, 2024

      Camp Chandler Dispersed

      Beautiful Place.

      Bumpy ride up, but we were able to do it in our car SLOWLY. Absolutely beautiful place. Lots of campsite options. I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view. Had the entire place to ourselves pretty much all Friday. Beautiful beautiful beautiful

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
      Oct. 16, 2024

      Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

      Trash+long term campers

      The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

    • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

      4x4 and tents only

      Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Vedauwoo Campground
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Vedauwoo Campground

      Moose Beaver and rocks

      Loved this place. Great rocks, great locations great wildlife.

      Yes you can hear the Interstate but it's great wondering where the semis are off to at sunset.

      Loads of cones to get fire started and don't miss the beaver pond. It's got beavers and moose!

      Facilities limited but great and clean

    • O
      Camper-submitted photo from Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne

      Beautiful piece of Wyoming

      This place is a fantastic spot to lay your head! It is exactly as represented in the description. We did have a bit of noise from some very late arrivals that set up nearby, but it was otherwise an absolute joy to stay here. Any food your heart could desire is a short and easy drive away.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
      Oct. 8, 2024

      Stillwater Pass

      Easy Spot, Trash Left Behind

      This spot was really easy to get to and had at least one bar of service for Verizon and T Mobile. The spot was nice and secluded, but there was some trash left behind from previous campers:(

    • Alex B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass over Lake Granby Dispersed Campsite
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Stillwater Pass over Lake Granby Dispersed Campsite

      Beautiful over look of Lake Granby

      A little off the beaten path and may need 4wd to get down and out from campsite. Overlooks the beautifulu valley and is amazing to Lake Granby on three horizon. A little windy up there and trees are burnt up but the view is worth it. Very secluded at this spot. Did see 4 or 5 other cars/campers at other spots but very spread out.

    • Lark H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pingree Road Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

      Far enough, close enough

      -Moderate to heavy foot traffic -Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site -Friendly and respectful people -Very well maintained sites, trails, signage, and other infrastructure -I’d recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) wil require awd/4wd

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Riverview RV Park & Campground
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Riverview RV Park & Campground

      Great stop over

      Staff were super friendly. The place did everything we needed for an overnight stay the drive in from RMNP was fantastic. Showers were clean(dated who cares, they worked. I’m not an instagrammer)

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cache la Poudre River
      Oct. 1, 2024

      Cache la Poudre River

      Employee Site

      This is not a campsite this is mishawaka owned land. There is a campsite there for employees by the flags in the trees

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
      Oct. 1, 2024

      Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

      Beautiful campground

      Loved this campground in Rocky Mountain NP! Full of new growth pine trees. Elk wondered through on some days. Depending on site, lots of privacy. Not for big rigs, but perfect for vans, tents and smaller trailers. Bathrooms clean, flush toilets. Only drawback to this stay - the dump station was already closed down for the season. Water was available. We found a dump station down the road in Stillwater Recreational area.

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Stillwater Pass

      Stillwater drive

      Plenty of spots available. But land and trees are decimated from fire in 2020. But hey it’s a free spot to sleep

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
      Sep. 29, 2024

      Gross Reservoir Dispersed

      Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

      Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pole Hill Rd Dispersed
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

      Camping 10/10. Off-road Trail Extreme

      I went up Pole Hill road in a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road and it took everything in me to not scrape or bottom out. Lifted 4x4 is highly recommended.

      Once you get past the off-road portion, the camping is amazing.

    • Hanna K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 27, 2024

      Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

      Quiet with a lot of options

      We parked in the parking lot and walked into the valley. After a while we found quite a lot of options with fireplaces already there. So you should mostly find something.

      It is quiet, but also a popular spot for hikers so early in the morning, some people arrived. But you can camp far enough in the valley and away from the trail. Water is available if you have a purifier or filter system.

    • Bryce B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Glen
      Sep. 26, 2024

      Aspen Glen

      Great campsite

      Beautiful campsite. Pretty remote. No cell services for about an hour down the road unless you use the emergency WiFi at the fire station in Rustic. Fire wood is available at big bend which is about 30-40 minutes back down the mountains. Camping in September got into the high 30’s. It says water is clean. When I filled my bottle it was pretty yellow so I still boiled before drinking. We were able to hear elk calls late into the evening. All together a great site.

    • Levi S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Green Ridge Campground
      Sep. 26, 2024

      Green Ridge Campground

      Spacious and shaded

      Some of these spots have a decent shade parts of the day. Decent privacy on a few spots. Maybe 10% full on a Wednesday night in September.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
      Sep. 18, 2024

      Gross Reservoir Dispersed

      Road Closed Mid-September

      There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.

    • Matthew L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Granby
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Lake Granby

      Awesome Primitive Beach Campsite

      There are tons of options along the shore of the lake in this area. We kayaked into our campsite from Sunset Point campground on Labor day weekend and didn't have any issues finding a spot. There was lots of boat activity during the day but it slowed down in the evening.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

      In the park!

      Loved the location inside Rocky. We were lucky to get two nights from cancellations and were happy even though we had 2 different sites so had to move. Our favorite was the B loop - small and quiet with very close restroom. We could hear the elk bugling and deer walked through often. The second night we were at the end of the C loop, site 42. Very large site next to the water spigot and right next to the walking path that goes a few miles towards Estes. Not a big deal, but after 3 days of hiking in the park, it was tiring to walk uphill to the restrooms and to the trash dumpster! Beautiful view of Deer Mountain and there is also a city open space at the end of the campground. Heard owls while walking here early in the morning. Hope to go back next year and stay in one spot!



    Guide to Fort Collins

    Nestled near Fort Collins, Colorado, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. From serene lakes to scenic trails, there are plenty of options for campers seeking adventure.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $36 to $45

    Explore local attractions

    Engage in specific local activities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Collins, CO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Collins, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Fort Collins, CO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Fort Collins, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.