Best Tent Camping near Gardner, CO
Looking for tent camping near Gardner? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Gardner. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Gardner, Colorado's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Gardner, CO (20)
1. Davenport Campground
Beulah, Colorado7 Reviews•39 Photos•103 SavesOverview
Davenport Campground was one of the first Forest Service campgrounds, and is near the now-abandoned Squirrel Creek Campground, the very first Forest Service campground in the country. In 2010, Davenport was rebuilt to evoke the original 1920s design. Adirondack shelters and a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces were built and old-style log picnic tables add to the historic character of this campground. The campground offers access to an array of hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle and off-road vehicle trails.
Recreation
The 4.5-mile Squirrel Creek Trail is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding and motorcycle riding. This trail meets the original Squirrel Creek Campground site where a major flood, in 1947, washed out the never-reopened road and campground. Silver Circle, Second Mace, and South Creek Trails can be accessed nearby, too. Anglers enjoy casting for brook trout in Squirrel Creek.
Natural Features
The campground sits in a grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and spruce trees at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Squirrel Creek runs alongside this scenic facility in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado.
Nearby Attractions
Bishop's Castle, a replica of a medieval castle, is about 2 miles from the campground, just off Highway 165. The always-in-progress structure is an interesting display of labor-intensive masonry and intricate wrought ironwork. Beautiful Lake Isabel is less than 10 miles away. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the stocked lake. Several mountain trails weave through the area. Pueblo Mountain Park in Beulah Valley is about 7 miles east. This scenic park offers hiking trails, educational programs and a stone labyrinth.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$25 / night
2. Hummingbird Ranch
Rye, Colorado6 Reviews•12 Photos•146 SavesHummingbird Ranch is a gorgeous sprawling ranch in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country with panoramic views of the Wet Mountains and across the plains to the Spanish Peaks. Our location is only 12 easy driving minutes from I25 and just 2.5 hours south of Denver (45 minutes south of Pueblo) and offers 360 acres of the most pristine Colorado wilderness in North America.
The stellar cascading view of Spanish Peaks Country to the west offer a unique and unmatched level of natural beauty. The refreshing waters of Apache Creek that flows through the property and shaded tree lined camping areas make it a true Colorado camping wonderland to fall in love with! Celebrate life and love in what must surely be one of the most magical places to camp and enjoy the outdoors in all of Colorado.
Website: http://hummingbirdranch.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HummingbirdRanchColorado/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird.ranch/
Google Maps: https://g.page/HummingbirdRanchColorado?gm
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Picnic Table
$30 - $33 / night
3. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado8 Reviews•54 Photos•338 SavesExplore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Market
- Firewood Available
4. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
Blanca, Colorado10 Reviews•51 Photos•275 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
5. Rabbit Hole Ranch
Mosca, Colorado12 Reviews•71 Photos•146 SavesCamp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.
Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.
This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.
This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
$30 - $44 / night
6. Greenhorn Meadows Park
Colorado City, Colorado6 Reviews•11 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Cañon City, Colorado32 Reviews•130 Photos•911 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Dispersed Sand Area 1
Crestone, Colorado3 Reviews•5 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Tent Reviews in Gardner
763 Reviews of 20 Gardner Campgrounds
- M
Margo L.
Scout
Sand Dunes Recreation
Great stop otw to Great Sand Dunes
Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!
Paulina B.
Ranger
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Wild and Untamed
Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.
The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.
Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.
The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.
Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!
- kkarl
Guide
Yucca Campground — Lathrop State Park
Nice clean campground
Clean campground and restrooms. Great views of Spanish peaks
sportzfytv A.Scout
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/
- sportzfytv A.Scout
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts. With its expansive facilities, it perfectly complements Sportzfy TV's mission to promote active lifestyles and engage audiences in diverse sporting events. Whether you’re looking to train or unwind, this destination provides an excellent backdrop for fitness and recreation. For More: https://www.sportzfytvapks.com/
Chad H.
Traveler
St Charles Campground - Lake Isabel
Fall Aspen leaves.
Small park, plenty of room to relax. Trash receptacles close. Creek on the south side of park. Many pit toilet. Camp host during operation. Both times we stayed here the host was very helpful and friendly.
- CCaitlin C.Traveler
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
Great Spot
Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!
Grace R.Scout
BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
Not accessible
Gated off. Not accessible
Angela E.Traveler
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Beautiful and peaceful 💚
The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!
Alice S.
Legend
Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Great Scenic Drive
The road is a well maintained gravel road. There are quite a few available spots for folks with 4x4 drive or tent camping. I would NOT suggest this for larger rvs. I travel in a camper van and the spots I could use were more limited but still a few available.
Honestly, just the drive is worth it. The scenery is amazing. You’re winding down the road next to a creek (was dry when I was there) in between mountains. It’s absolutely amazing.
Zero signal. Like absolutely none.
There is a rest stop a few miles in with basic toilets. Nothing special but really nice option to have.
- JJuliana R.Traveler
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Perfect spot for exploring the dunes
Close proximity to the dunes, allows you to access at night and throughout the day to experience the range of landscapes the park provides.
The camp site has flushing toilets and drinking water.
Would highly recommend if you can snag a site.
DL M.Legend
Mountainside 4WD High-Clearance Dispersed Campsites
Tree sheltered sites along
I walked up the road about three miles on the way to the lake because the beginning of the road was way to rough for my van with large rocks about 6 inch diameter. There were lots of people disperse camping on the hilside above Como Road.
- PPeterScout
Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Blocked off by private gate
Couldn’t get to trail head due to private gate blocking the road.
- pp M.Scout
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Costs a lot more than listed
We were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!
Lily R.TravelerPhantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Great secluded sites
Pretty smooth mountain road, lots of site options. We found one that was down back from the main road and near the creek. Needed 4WD to get down there, but other sites 2WD would be fine. Appears to be a local cow wandering around, she approached our campsite but went the other way.
Brittany R.Guide
Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust
Came for the daily soak - stayed for the camping
This place was great! We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much. The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen. We participated in the clothing optional experience but didn’t feel like we had to. Great people all around from guests to staff. Highly recommend!
Kevin M.ScoutBLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
Area Gated; No Access
Locked gate at indicated entry point.
- Brittany R.Guide
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great spot!
Beautiful views of the dunes and the mountains! Bathrooms were super clean and convenient. Highly recommend!
.! E !.Guide
Aspen Acres Campground
Perfect Spot
Stayed One night for Tent Camping, came with everything needed. Clean bathroom and showers. Great scenery and amazing night sky view.
- SScott S.Guide
Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park
Always great views
We love to come here to get great views of the Spanish Peaks. This time we had site 93 that faced away from the peaks. Still gorgeous but is a subtle way.
- LLorene N.Guide
Zapata Falls Campground
Beautiful views
So close to Sand Dunes and just beautiful with a waterfall. Loved it
- JJasonLegend
Zapata Falls Campground
Labor day mountain camping
Nice campsite. Bathrooms were locked and no host on site today maybe due to holiday. Plenty of hiking nearby. Hike to the falls is short and worth it. You can also hike further up to the lake.
- JJasonLegend
Sacred White Shell Dispersed Camping
Peaceful BLM camping
Very easy access to several spots in the area. Can hike up the mountain.
Elsa P.GuidePhantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
breathtaking & plenty of tucked away spots
probably one of my favorite spots along the road trip. multiple really rad drive through tunnels and towering canyon walls that blew me away. got there after dark and took and it's definitely a popular place so I would recommend getting there with some day light left. a smidge chilly during the night but does heats up quick. would absolutely come back again!
Shana D.Legend
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
Great Location
We booked here last minute on a holiday weekend and we were thankful they had a spot for us! The campground parking area is just that. It’s a place to park for the night, with full hook ups. No wifi. The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible! The bath house was clean. There is a store and restaurant in property. They also have cabins to rent. . My only complaint…this is a dark sky area with expansive views of the sky and the opportunity to see the Milky Way. This is not something g I get to see at home! However, all the giant campers had their bright lights on at night and it really messed with viewing of the sky. I wish there was a rule of no outside lights at night. It’s unnecessary! If you are one of those people that leave your lights on when you go in for the night, please reconsider!
Lisa M.RangerGreat Sand Dunes Oasis
Close to the park but basic campsites
We spent one night here so we could go to the park. Nice enough campground with level spaces and full hook ups. We paid $54. Area also has cabins and a lodge as well as a store with a little restaurant. The showers were amazing at this place. Nice hot copious amounts of water and very clean. About 4 miles from the park entrance. Sandunes were pretty cool, but unless you want to hike to the very top of them, you could easily only spend two hours at the most here. 
W D.TravelerWild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Quiet camping and stars
Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV
Guide to Gardner
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Colorado, Gardner offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy the serene environment at Davenport Campground, where you can hike short distances to your tent site and explore nearby trails.
- Experience the beauty of nature at Medano Lake Backpackers Camp, perfect for those looking to hike and enjoy breathtaking views of wildlife and the surrounding mountains.
- Camp at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed for a unique experience of camping near the iconic sand dunes, with plenty of space for stargazing and enjoying the outdoors.
Tent campers should check out local attractions
- Visit the historic Bishop Castle near Davenport Campground, a fascinating structure that adds a touch of whimsy to your camping experience.
- Explore the trails around Greenhorn Meadows Park, where you can hike and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while taking in the local flora and fauna.
- Discover the stunning views and hiking opportunities at Hummingbird Ranch, an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Amenities that enhance your camping experience
- Davenport Campground offers picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to enjoy meals and evening campfires with friends and family.
- At Greenhorn Meadows Park, you'll find electric hookups and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy the great outdoors.
- Medano Lake Backpackers Camp provides a free camping experience with no permits required, allowing you to focus on your adventure without added costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gardner, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gardner, CO is Davenport Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gardner, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Gardner, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.