Best Campgrounds near Gypsum, CO

Camping options in Gypsum, Colorado include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites along the Eagle River and Colorado River corridors. The area features BLM-managed lands with facilities like Deep Creek Campground and Gypsum Campground, offering accommodations for tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds provide river access, making them popular among anglers and water enthusiasts. About 20 miles south, Sylvan Lake State Park offers more developed camping with cabins and yurts. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available on public lands, including Upper Colorado River BLM areas and sites along Bellyache Road.

Interstate 70 proximity influences camping conditions in this region, with several campgrounds positioned near the highway corridor. Many sites are accessible via maintained roads, though dispersed areas often require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor commented, "Definitely would advise 4x4, and not for travel trailers at all. Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation, since there are no places to turn around whatsoever." Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, while dispersed sites typically lack facilities. Weather conditions vary by elevation, with lower sites along the river corridor remaining accessible year-round. Summer temperatures can be hot in the valley, especially at sites with limited shade. Most developed campgrounds charge fees ranging from $5-10 per night, while dispersed camping on BLM land is generally free.

River access represents a significant draw for many campers visiting the Gypsum area. The Eagle River and Colorado River provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and rafting. Campers frequently mention road noise as a consideration when selecting sites, particularly at campgrounds near Interstate 70. According to one review, "This campground is right on the river which is very nice but it's right on 70 so the road noise is pretty loud all night." Sites farther from main roads typically offer more solitude but may require additional driving on rough roads. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with deer and small mammals commonly sighted. Many campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, making advance planning essential during peak season. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV campers, though amenities vary significantly between established sites and primitive dispersed camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Gypsum, Colorado (308)

    1. Gypsum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-9000

    "So we arrived late in the evening after driving the first leg of a road trip. There weren't a ton of spots open, in fact we might have gotten the last one."

    "Definitely hear highway noise so I wouldn’t recommend for rent campers as it gets pretty loud at times. Had great AT&T cell service to work remotely."

    2. Deep Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-9000

    "We camped right by the creek and it was peaceful to sleep next to the white noise of it. No issue setting up a tent but make sure to bring layers for night time if you go early May. "

    "No need to pay, which means the campground may not be the cleanest, but is is still very good spots next to the creek, which make the nights very amazing with the sound of the water."

    3. Sylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park

    12 Reviews
    White River National Forest, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 328-2021

    $28 - $190 / night

    "Located 15 miles south of Eagle off of I-70 in the White River National Forest sits Sylvan Lake State Park."

    "Slyvan Lake State Park is located outside of the Town of Eagle, CO. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from town to the park. Upon entering, there is a multitude of activities you can partake in."

    4. Deep Creek Trailhead Camp

    7 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    9 miles

    "There are a few campsites next to the river and additional camp sites up the canyon."

    "Easy to find the site, ours was near the river. Lots of bugs so bring bug spray. Very calming and felt safe. Would recommend!"

    5. Bellyache Road

    6 Reviews
    Eagle, CO
    8 miles

    "Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation , since there are no places to turn around whatsoever. That said, views were absolutely breathtaking."

    "Hikers on road in the AM and bikers on trail nearby. Good for a drive through on 70"

    6. Lyons Gulch Campground & River Access

    6 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-9000

    "Camped here after a day floating along the Colorado River. Awesome views and really nice campsites. Only a few sites and each offers great seclusion right along the river."

    "Private campsites, around 5-6, probably could find a few more if you searched. Right next to the river, beautiful and peaceful little area."

    7. Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    8 miles

    "Great views overlooking the Colorado River. It is an open area with some flat spots and some areas requiring leveling. Can handle big rigs, but space is limited."

    "Left around 5:30 AM, and it was still dark out, so didn’t really get to see the view of the river, and didn’t get any pics. The area was fairly quiet, other than the train that went by."

    8. Glenwood Canyon Resort

    21 Reviews
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 958-6737

    "Loved the location. Right on the Colorado River. Bike path is right out the front. We rode it from Aspen down valley and right back to our campsite. A feature we really liked. The sites were tight."

    "We’re Van camping in the lower campground, 50’ from the banks of the Colorado River. Electric & Water. Cabins avl. On the River and upper grounds."

    9. Little Maud Campground

    13 Reviews
    Meredith, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $32 / night

    "We came to this campground right after wildfires in 2018 decimated the surrounding area. Despite this tragedy the campground was lush and green, full of adult pine, aspen and spruce trees."

    "The road around the loop is paved but the sites themselves are not. You tent peg into the dirt. It’s a 5, 10-minute walk to the reservoir but you feel a world away from it’s busy day visitors."

    10. Riverdance RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 400-7078

    $75 - $110 / night

    "Driving through the Vail valley and we needed a place to cam. No answer on the phone but when we arrived there was a number on the door for the weekend attendant."

    "Showed up late after driving through vail valley. This made for a nice stop. Kids were happy to play in the field and win in the river. Showers were nice and clean."

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Recent Reviews near Gypsum, CO

1666 Reviews of 308 Gypsum Campgrounds


  • RGR D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed

    Quiet and easy to find

    This is a very nice rest overnight-point but would not be a “destination” location given its adjacency to private property. Good place for a night though!

  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Coffee Pot Road Dispersed

    Picked up a Rodent Hitchhiker

    I tried to stay here in Oct 2024.  The marked sites at deep creek seemed taken, so I drove up the hill and checked out the dispersed spots. One of them, a large one on the hill vs. dropoff side of the road, had a large shrine set IP for a suicide victim. I went back down and saw that site 1, on the creek was actually open. Backed in and set up my SUV for sleeping...  As I turned off my light, I heard critter sounds.  It was so loud, I thought it might be a coon on my roof, so I hit the road. Long story short, it was IN my sunroof channel (and actually came down the pillars into my front seat foot well).  Although I did not stay the night, i did finally rid my vehicle of the critter using bright motion sensor lights.  If you stay here, beware of the critters down near the creek.

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Peak One Campground

    Convenient and beautiful

    Convenient to town and all that Frisco/Dillon has to offer, but also right on the perimeter trail (6-mile dirt) and also the Dillon Reservoir loop (18-mile paved). Our site had a small path right to the beach.

    No hammocks are allowed here (we learned this by having one). There are bathrooms, but they were locked during our stay. Potable water was still available.

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    White Star

    Nice campground with great water and trail access

    Beautiful campground that is big but felt pretty quiet and chill, even on 4th of July weekend. The paved loops were perfect for my kids to bike around and we loved being able to walk to the water and trails

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Oh Be Joyful Campground

    Beautiful quiet campground

    This is a beautiful small campground with great trails nearby. Feels far from town, but really it's just a 20ish min drive into Crested Butte. There are also trails to bike or run into town. We filled water here. https://townofcrestedbutte.colorado.gov/rv-dump-station

    Docked it a star because the host really isn't around much. She was on site just one of our 4 days there. We talked to cyclists who spend a lot of time there and it sounds like that's about typical for her. It didn't impact our stay, but some others were complaining that someone else was occupying their spot despite them having a reservation. Since nobody is there to monitor, they get a lot of squatters.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed

    Good Overnight Spot

    Convenient spot right off of I70. It’s really just a dirt parking area, but good enough for an overnight stop! We pulled in after 11:00 PM. It was dark! There were a few other cars spread about. We had our pop up camper, and we were able to find a level spot and set up to get a few hours of sleep. Left around 5:30 AM, and it was still dark out, so didn’t really get to see the view of the river, and didn’t get any pics. The area was fairly quiet, other than the train that went by.

  • i
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Lakeview Campground

    Dispersed spot above twin lakes!

    This spot is great! There are a good number of spots up here you just have to have a vehicle that can go over rocks / fit between trees. The fire pit spots are great as well. Overall 10/10! Views are seriously incredible!!!

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Miners Creek Rd Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great spot but have to drive a good ways back

    This is a good spot but confusing. You turn to go towards the trail. Once you get to the service road it starts at as what would look like a bike off. Yes you can drive on the path. Once you cross the road from the path you have to drive approximately 3/4 miles on trail. It’s pretty rough. I made it in my outback but I do have an Onyx XT with a 2 in suspension lift and 32’s. 2 creek crossings, rock bottom don’t be alarmed. After that there will be a sign said camping permitted passed this point. You’re good to go.

  • B R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Vail Area

    Super unfriendly town for RV

    There is no parking for RV around town in walking distance (Long Walk included). All parking only for cars.


Guide to Gypsum

Camping near Gypsum, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails. Campers have enjoyed the hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "Easy access to the ghost town of Independence, the Grottos, Weller Lake all on the pass and Aspen just 30 minutes on the other side" at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground.
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes in the area are great for fishing. One camper at Deep Creek Campground said, "They had a fire ring. Also, you can hear the creek down below the entire night which was quite peaceful."
  • Sightseeing: Check out the stunning views and local attractions. A visitor to Glenwood Canyon Resort noted, "We’ve enjoyed watching Rafters, Kayakers & Geese float & fly the turns of the River."

What campers like:

  • Seclusion: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by sites like those at Difficult Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "Nice amount of privacy between campsites."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Gore Creek Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Hands down the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One visitor at Ami's Acres Campground said, "Super friendly hosts and no problem finding a spot without reservation."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "No amenities, no laundry, no showers, no electricity."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Homestake Road Dispersed mentioned, "The road was fine this past weekend and was easily navigable in an all stock '13 sub outback."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Difficult Campground warned, "There was a bear raiding vehicles at night so make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. A family at Glenwood Canyon Resort enjoyed, "Clean, accessible Bathhouse facilities."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One reviewer at Four Mile Road Dispersed said, "We found a spot that was easy enough to pull into in our Nissan Rogue."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Gypsum Campground mentioned, "This is a great stop for a night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Glenwood Canyon Resort noted, "The sites were tight. Class A's take up most of it."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. One camper at Gypsum Campground said, "The campground is right on the river which is very nice but it's right on 70 so the road noise is pretty loud all night."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to more remote sites. A camper at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, "If first 5 designated spots are filled just drive up to rec area and get into the ACEC area and you’re fine."

Camping near Gypsum, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with camping in this beautiful area!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Gypsum, Colorado?

Gypsum offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Gypsum Campground is conveniently located off I-70, making it easily accessible for travelers. For a more secluded experience, Gypsum Creek Road Dispersed sites are situated about 30 minutes from town along a scenic creek, though some sites require 4WD access. The area also features several additional campgrounds within a short drive, including options in the nearby White River National Forest and along various waterways, giving campers plenty of choices for both convenience and natural beauty.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Gypsum, Colorado?

The prime camping season in the Gypsum area typically runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm days and cool nights, with Cold Springs Campground providing a refreshing mountain retreat during hot months. Early fall brings spectacular foliage and fewer crowds, making Sylvan Lake State Park particularly scenic. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer and potential snow in spring and fall. The high elevation means even summer nights can be chilly, so pack accordingly regardless of when you visit.

What types of camping are available in the Gypsum, Colorado area?

The Gypsum area offers diverse camping experiences to suit various preferences. For those seeking established campgrounds, Gore Creek Campground provides traditional amenities about 10 minutes from Vail with sites that can accommodate RVs. Dispersed camping enthusiasts can explore Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground, which offers more primitive experiences with spectacular mountain views. The region also features lakeside camping at nearby reservoirs, group camping options, and both free and fee-based sites across public lands. Many locations in the surrounding White River National Forest provide opportunities for boondocking away from developed areas.