Best Tent Camping near Gardner, CO

Public lands surrounding Gardner, Colorado offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Davenport Campground, located in the San Carlos Ranger District, provides dedicated walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a forested setting. The campground operates seasonally from May through mid-October and requires short hikes to reach individual campsites. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites north of Gardner offer dispersed camping along a scenic creek with established fire rings and minimal facilities. Great Sand Dunes National Park, approximately 90 minutes southwest, features unique backcountry tent camping opportunities in the dunefield for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Most tent campsites in the Gardner area feature dirt or gravel surfaces with varying degrees of shade. Walk-in sites at Davenport Campground require carrying gear approximately 50 yards from parking areas to campsites, with sites 8 and 9 being closest to parking. The campground has vault toilets and a hand pump for water, though many campers find the creek more convenient for collecting water to extinguish fires. Phantom Canyon BLM sites have limited facilities with only vault toilets available at designated points along the road. Bear activity has been reported in the area, particularly at Phantom Canyon, requiring proper food storage. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, and many dispersed sites lack potable water, necessitating that tent campers bring their own supplies.

Tent campers at Davenport Campground frequently mention the exceptional stargazing opportunities. One visitor noted, "At night the site was amazingly dark. This was my first real time seeing the Milky Way." The walk-in nature of the sites creates a more secluded tent camping experience despite sites being relatively close together. In the backcountry dunefield of Great Sand Dunes National Park, campers describe a uniquely challenging but rewarding experience. According to reviews, "The hike in over the dune with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with deer, snakes, and various bird species frequently observed at tent sites. Weekday visits typically offer greater solitude and site availability than weekends, when popular areas can fill quickly.

Best Tent Sites Near Gardner, Colorado (20)

    1. 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!"

    "Lots of open meadows with some tree/big bushes for shade. Clean showers!"

    2. Davenport Campground

    7 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "Good tent sites. Have to carry gear to camp site but only shoeRt hike to campsite. Maybe 50 yards. Has a couple of sires with shelter. Picnic tables are big and heavy."

    "Has a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and sites 2, 5, and 9 have the log covering. The sites are pretty close together, but we had no problem with our neighbors."

    3. Greenhorn Meadows Park

    7 Reviews
    Colorado City, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 676-3059

    "We found GMP in Colorado City and was told they never turn away a tenter. There are a number of spots aligned below a bluff, and a large open field for additional tents."

    "Its as small Campground outside Colorado City. There electric hook ups at your site; however the water is across the path and you need to port it to your rig."

    4. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable."

    "If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent."

    5. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    28 miles

    "We kept driving until we found a spot that was both uphill and private, which definitely requires a vehicle with some height to it like an SUV rather than a sedan."

    "Was surprised how many other campers were enjoying nearby sites. Plenty of room to enjoy site without feeling crowded. A nice site, enjoyed evening fire."

    6. Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    18 miles
    Website

    "For backpackers only - this may seem like a short distance from the trailhead, but it is a steep incline the entire way up. With packs, it took us close to 5 hours with short breaks."

    7. Rabbit Hole Ranch

    12 Reviews
    Mosca, CO
    33 miles
    +1 (907) 885-5556

    $30 - $44 / night

    "I expected it to be a place to just sleep after exploring nearby areas, boy was I wrong!"

    "Pros:

    -Amazing views

    -Feeling of solitude

    -Firewood for sale

    -Friendly interactions with who I assume was the property owner

    -Porta-potty and trash can near the entrance

    Cons:

    -Not RHR"

    8. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    38 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    50 miles

    "Driving down to this campsite I was happy to have a small car because the road is very narrow to say the least. I cannot imagine the feeling of driving a large rig here."

    "We arrived the Phantom Creek Road around 4:30pm. 10miles and 30 minutes later we found our spot."

    9. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    31 miles
    Website

    "Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains. The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous."

    "Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Gardner, CO

827 Reviews of 20 Gardner Campgrounds


  • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2022

    East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

    Pricey but beautiful

    This campground used to be free when I first found it years ago while visiting the Royal Gorge. Since the city has invested money into fixing up the campsites with fire rings, tent pads, and what seems to be pretty good county road maintenance, it’s definitely understandable why they charge a fee.

    No water is available. There are vault toilets.

    There are NO bear boxes.

    Rules worth nothing (according to the sign upon entering camp):

    1. no alcohol (that didn’t seem to stop anyone from enjoying themselves at their site)
    2. You can only stay for 72 hours per visit unless otherwise noted.

    There’s lots of hiking and mountain bike trails near the campground, which brought lots of mellow mtb riders in during my stay.

    Because of the rules/amenities, i felt the price was a little steep as others have mentioned. However it is clean, close enough to Cañon city that you can go to town if needed, but far enough away to “unplug” from the world in a beautiful location. Overall I’d recommend visiting this campsite! I’ll happily return.

  • B
    Feb. 9, 2022

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Piñon Flats Camping

    Piñon Flats was an awesome place to camp! It has restrooms as well as easy access to hiking trails, each spot has a fire pit and a big enough dirt pad to stake down a tent or awning. Quiet hours are also nice so you won’t be hearing generators at night.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2021

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    WOW just WOW

    Stayed here 1 night with the backcountry permit through recreation.gov to see the stars and stay the night in the dunes. The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable. Climbing in the sand is challenging with the extra weight of the pack and if the wind picks up you get whipped with sand BUT it is 100% worth it. We hiked in around 5/5:30pm at the end of the heat and were set up eating dinner around 8pm. Took a lot of breaks hiking in and went through a lot of water. In total we brought about a gallon of water each, and by the time we hiked out the next morning we were down to the last couple of ounces. Just the tent, no rain fly and using our sleeping bags as quilts was perfect in June. Even if you don't camp out the dunes are open for star gazing, and I highly recommend that. I tried hiking in both sneakers and just socks. Just socks was much better keeping your feet light and reducing cramping. Note: bugs come out at dusk so be ready with lots of spray and cover your limbs and bring good sunblock, you will get toasted.

  • T
    May. 17, 2022

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Mountain beach adventure

    Campsites are compact and overlook the Dunes - we parallell parked at our site. Short hike to Medano creek and the dunes. Sites have bear boxes for food storage, picnic table, and tent pads. Not ideal for large travel trailers but great in tents, vans, or smaller trailers. Site 7 is behind a pit toilet and the breeze blows the stink at you perfectly. Most other sites seem ok.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    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!

  • Jenni O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    So clean!

    We just left campsite 531 at Kettle Creek Loop! Our 3 kids loved playing around the little inlet of water and the playground was not too far! Very clean vault toilets close to that campsite and a bigger bathroom by the playground with showers! It’s a rocky tent pad so bring a footprint and sleeping pads. Shade provided over picnic table blocking the evening sun- it’s pretty sunny in the am but nice! It was HOT while we were there but it cooled off at night. Bring a shade tent! We will Be back!

  • Daniel S.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Awesome Scenery

    This campsite is located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. A well maintained campground with asphalt roads throughout, including the campsite parking area. Each campsite includes a level dirt area delineated with a low rock wall, a large metal bear proof food storage locker, a metal fire ring with grate and an aluminum picnic table. There is no water, sewage or electric at any of the sites, although at only $20 a night that is quite acceptable. Plan to pick and reserve your site about 6 months in advance as this national park is very popular.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Get lost in the desert dunes

    Absolutely beautiful Sand dunes in the mountains, it actually smells like an ocean beach and makes you feel like your on another world. The Dunes are 30 square miles and you can camp anywhere in them with a free permit available at the visitor center, just have to hike in past the first ridge aka the day use area. It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace. The winds blow often and hard, moving enough Sand to cover you tracks in minutes. The views of the sky and stars are absolutely mesmerizing, one of the most beautiful Sand fields in the world. The creek that runs through the day use area can fluctuate in size daily, it wasn't high when we were there, but it was still flowing half way through the day use area. A must see destination if your in the San Luis Valley.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Mosca Campground

    Ranger Review: Escape Campervan at San Luis State Park

    Campground Review:

    This campground was recommended to us due to its’ proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park that we were visiting. Not only did this campground have a convenient location (15 minutes west of the park), it was absolutely beautiful and so fun to explore! We woke up early and hiked along the wetlands nature trails, catching an amazing sunrise with panoramic views over the lake, Great Sand Dunes and surrounding mountains.

    Luckily, I have a current Colorado annual dishing license which covered the camping fee. Otherwise, an annual access permit ($36), Colorado hunting or fishing license is required to camp here. Reservations are not accepted here so everything is first come, first serve. We were surprised to find so many sites available even on a beautiful summer weekend, we had the entire loop of camp sites to ourselves. There are 51 camp sites available spread across multiple loops. The first loops (A) we encountered was quite full, but the additional loops were almost entirely empty.

    The sites were decently spaced apart and each offered electrical hookups, sheltered picnic tables and fire pits with grills. The free electrical hook-ups were quite helpful for charging up our electronics. Thankfully we had a power converter and power strip provided with our Escape Campervan. The picnic tables at the sites each have unique shelters that provided a nice break from the hot sun and strong wind gusts we encountered during our stay. Unfortunately, during our visit we were unable to use the fire pit due to fire bans that were in effect in this area. Along with the rest of the campground, the restrooms were spotless and well-maintained. Thankfully the pull-through parking spaces at each site made it super easy to park the 17.7-foot long campervanwe were driving! The parking spots were also all quite flat and level, which was an added comfort bonus to the whole experience.

    Due to the proximity to the San Luis lakes and wetland areas, bugs were plentiful this time of year. Our headlamps and lanterns drew some of the largest moths I have ever seen! I would definitely recommend bug spray for visitors to this campground during warm months.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally have the opportunity to test and review products from outdoor companies. On this camping adventure, I was able to test out a Mavericks Campervan, which is the signature campervan model offered by Escape Campervans. This was a unique experience for me and my adventure partner, as we typically car camp or backpack into the backcountry for camping. Renting one of these campervans provides many potential benefits for both nature newcomers and the most seasoned campers. They have locationsall over the country making them available to most geographic regions, we picked ours up in Denver, which gave us access to all of the fantastic camping Colorado has to offer! A few of my favorite things about the Escape Campervans:

    Convenience– This van provided more than a means of transportation…we also had a kitchen, living room, and bedroom all rolled into one well-appointed vehicle. This meant that everything we needed was readily available and easy to use with minimal set-up both on the road and when parked overnight. For instance, at one point, we start craving s’mores so we stopped at an 11,000-foot mountain pass overlook and simply opened up our kitchen stove and toasted some marshmallows in the parking lot! From a more practical stand-point, after a long day of hiking and driving, it was really great to be able to put our bed together in just a few minutes rather than going through the hassle of setting up a tent, sleeping pads, etc. plus the bed in the van was super comfy! The two-burner Coleman stove, sink, and fridge allowed us to cook pretty much anything without the usual compromises one must make while camping. Additionally, plenty of equipment is included in your rentalincluding; cookware, utensils, a space heater bed linens and even camp chairs. Additional accessoriescan be added on to your rental as well, so all of your needs are really covered. This was a huge added bonus and cut down on packing, which would be great for those coming from out of town or people that do not own much camping equipment.

    Drivable– I was a bit intimidated to get behind the wheel of such a large vehicle, especially on Colorado’s curvy mountain roads. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Maverick handled very well. We encountered some serious wind and rain on our journey and always felt quite safe behind the wheel of our trusty van. It was also not too bad on gas, especially compared to other larger campervan and RV options. Another perk of renting through Escape Campervans: they do not charge for additional drivers, so my friend and I were able to split up the burden of driving without being hindered by additional fees.

    Design– The layout of these vans are definitely optimized for comfort and functionality. There was plenty of storage throughout the van which made it easy to organize all of our belongings in despite being in such a small space. It also easy to move around and reach everything while on the road and while parked. The pull out bed was very easy to use and took only a few minutes to transition from the table and seating to the super comfortable bed. The curtains in the van were also a nice touch and gave a great sense of privacy and also kept things quite dark for sleeping.

    The #vanlife–Social media sites like Instagram are full of jealous- inducing travel photos of those that have converted their lifestyle to travel and live by campervan. I have always been plagued by wanderlust and this van camping experience totally let me live out that dream for a weekend! Furthermore, the fun paint job of our van (lovingly nicknamed the Fish-O) was certainly noticeable and we got tons of attention from other adventurers out on the road. We met quite a few fellow van campers that were excited to share tips and tricks and compare the set-ups of their campervans with ours. Being part of the #vanlife provided a unique sense of community that I can’t wait to join again!

    A note about the Escape Campervans company as a whole – I cannot say enough good things about my experience with this fantastic company. Every interaction we had with them, from initial booking to van return, exemplified nothing short of outstanding customer service. The staff was very well-informed about their services and vans but also had tons of personalized recommendations to offer about the potential adventures along our road trip. It was very evident that their staff is made up of fellow outdoor enthusiasts who also value the importance of professionalism and quality customer service.


Guide to Gardner

Dispersed tent camping options near Gardner, Colorado provide access to high-elevation mountain terrain at approximately 7,000 feet. Temperature swings can be extreme, with summer days reaching the 80s and nighttime temperatures dipping into the 40s even in July. The dry climate creates ideal conditions for stargazing at most sites, with minimal light pollution throughout the region.

What to Do

Visit Bishop Castle: Located a short drive from Davenport Campground, this unique stone structure offers an unusual side trip. According to a camper, "Clean bathrooms. Site 2 where we stayed had a covered shelter with picnic table" and the "Trail right off campgrounds is an easy, beautiful hike."

Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife including deer, mountain goats, and various bird species. A visitor to Dispersed Sand Area 1 reported "A large gathering of mountain goats hanging out along the road was a fun surprise! Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains."

Night photography: The dark skies create optimal conditions for astrophotography. At Hummingbird Ranch, campers found "We had the place to ourselves and a great view of the stars. A little hard to figure out exactly where to camp, but other than that, convenient to access and beautiful."

What Campers Like

Secluded camping along water: Many dispersed sites offer creek access for natural cooling. A camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites found a spot "tucked back away from the road and felt completely secluded from the world. No service, no noise, just the sound of the creek and an occasional car driving by."

Off-grid experiences: Several sites provide true isolation for tent campers seeking solitude. At Phantom Canyon, visitors enjoy the terrain where "The drive is nice and sometimes iffy, 4WD not necessary but always recommended in Colorado. My little Toyota did just fine, there was snow in the areas which was shaded but tires did not slide."

Shelter options: Some established campsites near Gardner offer protection from sun and rain. Davenport Campground provides "Designated tent spots. Some spaces have a shelter with table. Outhouses are clean. Fire pits are built and work great."

What You Should Know

Insect preparations: Bugs can be intense during certain seasons. A camper at Dispersed Sand Area 1 warned: "The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous. If you can't handle it or find a way to keep them away it could ruin someone's ability to enjoy the beauty."

Road conditions: Access to many tent camping areas requires careful driving. For Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, "The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn't trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space."

Temperature fluctuations: Desert-like conditions create significant day-to-night temperature changes. When tent camping at Phantom Canyon, prepare for temperature shifts as "It gets warm during the day but it does get pretty cold at night."

Tips for Camping with Families

Protected tent sites: For families with young children, look for sites away from traffic. One camper at Phantom Canyon found "an amazing camp site that was down a slope. We parked up top and lugged everything down the slope. It was tough but so worth it... Not easy but Highly worth the hard work as you're secluded from the road... Also great to utilize this if you have young children who like to wander."

Educational stops: Combine camping with learning opportunities. Near Greenhorn Meadows Park, visitors can access "the San Isabel National Forest" and might spot wildlife as one camper "Woke up to an 8-point deer munching in the bushes."

Day trip alternatives: When backcountry tent camping proves challenging, consider car-accessible options. At Greenhorn Meadows Park, "We went into the San Isabel National Forest and could not find a spot. We down the mountain off hwy 165 we found this spot. It was a one night trip and our only complaint was the highway noise."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup access: Most dispersed camping near Gardner lacks standard RV amenities. At Greenhorn Meadows Park, "There are electric hook ups at your site; however the water is across the path and you need to port it to your rig. There is a laundry room and dump station."

Site selection cautions: Choose sites carefully if bringing larger vehicles. One RVer warned about Greenhorn: "For goodness sake, do not camp in space six. You will make everyone around you upset and there's no room for a camper let alone camper and vehicle. Spaces are very close together."

Additional fees: Budget for extra costs beyond the base camping fee. A camper at Greenhorn noted: "It does not indicate anywhere in the pricing, but when you go to leave, you will find out that you were charged another $10 if you want to dump. This should be stated upfront before you ever make a reservation."

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 Hummingbird Ranch with a 3.8-star rating from 6 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.