Glamping options near Gypsum, Colorado offer camping experiences at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 10,500 feet in the White River National Forest region. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations with limited winter accessibility due to mountain road conditions. Several sites feature riverfront locations, with varying amenities from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV facilities.
What to do
Fishing at Deep Lake: Located at 10,500 feet elevation, Deep Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities where the Forest Service stocks the lake annually. The campground offers $6 per night sites with fire grates and toilet facilities. One visitor noted, "I love this lake. It's beautiful and you can always walk away with some fish."
Mountain biking from Carbondale: The Carbondale-Crystal River KOA provides direct access to extensive bike trails that connect to nearby towns. A camper reported, "If you love to ride a bike this place is the best... The bike trail is right outside the camp ground and you can ride to Aspen or Glenwood."
Cross-country skiing: Winter activities remain available when many other facilities close down. The trails around Halfmoon Campground serve as excellent routes for winter sports. According to a visitor, "Winter excursions are probably a bit tougher and would require an all wheel drive," but the solitude and snow-covered terrain make for memorable experiences.
Hiking to alpine lakes: The Gold Park Campground provides access to high-elevation trails and pristine lakes. A hiker shared, "We stayed here so we could hike Fancy Lake and the Missouri Lakes, both of which are less than 5 miles away. Gorgeous high alpine lakes."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many visitors appreciate sleeping near flowing water at Glenwood Canyon Resort where tent sites sit directly alongside the Colorado River. One camper explained, "Falling asleep to the sound of the Colorado River literally 3 feet away is just wonderful, well worth the $54/night for a tent site."
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn transforms the aspen groves surrounding these campgrounds with brilliant colors. A visitor at Sylvan Lake Campground reported, "Fall camping is the best! The aspens around this beautiful lake are really showing their color. The campsites are very spacious and spaced well apart."
Non-motorized lake activities: Several lakes in the region prohibit motorized watercraft, creating peaceful environments for paddling. Rifle Gap State Park offers convenient access for paddleboards and kayaks. A camper noted, "Lots of spots to park a kayak near your camp sites. Bathrooms and showers are clean."
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites provides exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor at Halfmoon Campground shared, "The best part about the site were the stars at night - I saw multiple shooting stars."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. At Dearhamer Campground, campers report no cellular reception with T-Mobile, requiring advance planning since "there's no cell service so make sure you have your plans ahead of time if you're meeting up with people!"
Road conditions vary: Access to higher elevation glamping near Gypsum requires driving on unpaved forest roads. A camper explained, "The road to get out here can be rough in bad weather but low clearance is fine to get out here."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate between May and October, with specific opening dates varying based on snow melt. A visitor noted, "The road and campground usually open late June and close late to early September."
Wildlife awareness: Bears remain active throughout the camping season. A camper at Dearhamer mentioned, "Definitely far from help so bring some bear spray because we would see some recent bear activity," highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Creekside exploration: Several campgrounds feature streams or creeks running through the sites, providing natural play areas. A parent at Hideout Cabins and Campground shared, "Hot water, toilets, showers, everything someone could need," making it convenient for families with children.
Site selection for shade: When glamping near Gypsum with children, prioritize shaded campsites during summer months. One experienced camper advised, "Stay away from camp grounds 4 & 7 if you can. They are the only ones with no tree coverage."
Pack for temperature swings: Even in summer, mountain elevations experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. A camper noted, "At 8,500 ft the weather can change fast so be prepared especially with rain gear and warm close."
Plan for limited amenities: More remote sites offer few services, so arrive prepared. A parent explained, "We loved this site because we were able to hike along the creek and sit on the boulders and watch the fly fisherman and then hike up the hill on the other side of this campsite. Lots to explore to keep the kids busy."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many mountain campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Glenwood Canyon Resort, an RVer warned, "But the RV sites are SMALL. We have a 42' fifth wheel, and while we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck."
Reservoir accessibility: For RVers seeking water activities, Rifle Gap State Park Campground offers sites with convenient lake access. A camper explained, "We camped right on the lake, with a concrete pad, picnic table and the bathhouse was close by."
Limited hookups: Many forest service campgrounds have no hookups, requiring self-contained operation. According to visitors, "There is no WiFi available in the actual campground. We had 2 bars of cell coverage on AT&T."
Gravel pads: Most RV sites feature gravel rather than paved pads. A camper noted, "Gravel, nothing paved in or around the sites," suggesting leveling blocks may be necessary for comfortable setup.
