Best Campgrounds near Gardner, CO

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gardner, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gardner 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 Gardner, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Gardner, Colorado (137)

    1. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    91 Reviews
    Gardner, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $20 - $80 / night

    "It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."

    "Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."

    2. Great Sand Dunes Oasis

    53 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-2222

    $25 - $169 / night

    "It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean."

    "It's slight hidden behind a bigger RV andodge campground. It was beautiful views from ANY tent site you got. It had bathroom n accessible showers if needed. Firewood. Friendly hosts and snacks."

    3. Zapata Falls Campground

    70 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    $20 / night

    "This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!"

    "This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while."

    4. Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park

    30 Reviews
    Walsenburg, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 738-2376

    $36 - $250 / night

    "Lovely weather while I was here very early December 2021. 60s for highs and close to freezing at night. the dry camping loop and loops A B and C are closed for the season."

    "The campground provides a nice visitors center, two small lakes (one non-wake), a sand beach, paved and unpaved bike trails, fishing, a kids fishing pond, trails, and electric or no-hook-up camping."

    5. St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel

    10 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "The family has property in Colorado city and we still love to come to local mountain! Great fishing, clean, quiet, & plenty of space"

    "We lucked out on a first come-first served spot on a Friday - spot #10 is tent only, by a creek and several private trails. The camp was quiet with a vault toilet nearby."

    6. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    54 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "The Dyrt map says Mt Blanco road but Apple Maps says lake Como road. They both branch off highway 150."

    "Campground Review:

    We chose this BLM campground because it is right outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park.  There are several sites along Lake Como Road. "

    7. Hummingbird Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Rye, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    $30 - $33 / night

    "My husband was a little concerned when we left the highway for a dirt county road, but his concerns quickly changed as we enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the Colorado mountains!"

    "Large area to park away from others!"

    8. Aspen Acres Campground

    8 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 485-3275

    "Although with the COVID-19 virus going around the folks camping seem to be a little light and it does fill up fairly well on weekend campers it's a diamond in the rough for a place to be away from the"

    "The lake and national forest are nearby. The mountains tower over us. The drive out was wonderful and the road is excellent... even pulling a 42' RV!"

    9. La Vista Campground - Lake Isabel

    6 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $35 / night

    "Loved the setting and the short walk to Lake Isabel as well as the empty picnic area across the creek."

    "The sites are a little close together and positioned so it you have a trailer where your awning comes out is in direct view of the other campers. Also we brought our kayaks to enjoy the Lake."

    10. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    9 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "A couple of friends embarked on an overland trip in Colorado's high country. Medano Pass Primitive Road is a wellknown 4x4 trail near the Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Colorado."

    "The road starts in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and runs over the mountain and exits on RT 69, or if you want an easy up and hard way down the mountain start off RT 69 and go to the dunes."

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Showing results 1-10 of 137 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gardner, CO

915 Reviews of 137 Gardner Campgrounds



Guide to Gardner

Camping near Gardner, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, stargaze, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking the Dunes: The Pinon Flats Campground is a great spot for hiking. One camper mentioned, "From the campground, you can easily hike up to the creek and the east face of the dunes within 15-30 minutes." This makes it perfect for those who want to conquer the Great Sand Dunes.
  • Exploring Waterfalls: At Zapata Falls Campground, you can hike to the falls, which is a short but rewarding trek. A reviewer said, "The hike to the falls is short and worth it," making it a must-do for nature lovers.
  • Stargazing: The area is known for its dark skies. One visitor at Zapata Falls Campground noted, "You MUST take a walk down into the dunes after dark… simply breathtaking."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Piñon Campground. One happy camper shared, "We love to come here to get great views of the Spanish Peaks."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Pinon Flats Campground mentioned, "Busy campground with clean toilets. Well maintained and clean camping spots."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the friendly vibe. A visitor at Rabbit Hole Ranch said, "Everyone was super friendly!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at Pinon Flats Campground warned, "In July, there were a ton of mosquitoes everywhere except over the sand."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Zapata Falls Campground, have basic facilities. A reviewer noted, "There are no frills at Zapata Falls—no hook-ups, no hosts, and only vault toilets."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentioned, "We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Great Sand Dunes Oasis, which has amenities like a store and restaurant. A family reviewer said, "The property was well-maintained and clean."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Zapata Falls Campground suggested, "Bring a flashlight for the hike to the falls."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra gear for comfort. A visitor at Piñon Campground noted, "The park is accommodating with toilets and showers at the campgrounds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Not all sites can accommodate large RVs. A reviewer at Mosca Campground mentioned, "A lot of RVs like to peep on tent campers and make snide comments."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Great Sand Dunes Oasis offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper said, "Our RV spot had full hookups but the sites were so closely spaced."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Pueblo South-Colorado City KOA noted, "Although placed next to the highway, the campground is relatively quiet."

Camping around Gardner, CO, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gardner, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gardner, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Gardner, CO and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gardner, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gardner, CO is Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gardner, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Gardner, CO.

What parks are near Gardner, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Gardner, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.