Best Tent Camping near Hayden, CO

Looking for the best Hayden tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Hayden, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Hayden, Colorado's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Hayden, CO (29)

    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Crosho Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crosho Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crosho Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crosho Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Crosho Lake Recreation Area

    2. Crosho Lake Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    66 Saves
    Yampa, Colorado

    There are 10 undeveloped campsites near Crosho Lake. The area is popular for fishing in the lake and hiking on nearby trails. The Crosho Lake Recreation Area is located 10 miles northwest of Yampa at the base of the Little Flat Tops.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground

    3. Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    36 Saves
    Clark, Colorado

    Located near the Hahns Peak Lake Campground and in the Day Use Area, the picnic site provides 4 tables near the shores of Hahns Peak Lake. Fishing and hiking are available. Vault toilets and garbage services are offered. The lake is restricted to electric motors or hand propelled boats only. This picnic site is located in North Routt County and is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Dirt Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Dirt Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Dirt Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Dirt Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Dirt Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Dirt Reservoir
    • No image available
      • No image available

        7. Morapos Trailhead

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        1 Save
        Meeker, Colorado

        The Morapos Trailhead offers dispersed camping in the northernmost section of the White River National Forest, in an area adjacent to the Routt National Forest. The site offers access to a roadless section that is popular with hunters including the Wilson Mesa/Sleepy Cat Peak Trail (#1800) and the Salt Park Trail (#1805). Please Leave No Trace.

        • Tents
        Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Trailhead

        8. Beaver Creek Trailhead

        1 Review
        1 Photo
        11 Saves
        Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Colorado

        Trailhead parking is ample and ideal for parking horse trailers and unloading horses. The trail provides a good access to the Mt Zirkel Wilderness, great for groups with horses who want to get away from other more heavily used trails. Campsites are numerous, especially near Stump Park. This trail lies within the Mt Zirkel Wilderness. Please refer to the Wilderness Regulations. The wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles. No developed facilities. Setting is managed forest area. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. This trailhead is managed by the Parks Ranger District.

        • Tents
        • Alcohol
        • No image available

          9. Steamboat Camp

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          4 Saves
          Steamboat Springs, Colorado

          The Steamboat Springs area is east and north of Steamboat Springs, Colo. It is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District with a Ranger Station/Visitor Center in the town of Steamboat Springs. Recreation sites along Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass are located within this area to include the popular waterfall hike, Fish Creek Falls.

          The area lies against the western ridge of the Continental Divide and the Routt National Forest. Multiple wilderness areas are nearby. The area is bountiful with recreation opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, just to name a few.

          Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the national forests. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story. Across the forests, opportunities range from dispersed camping miles into wilderness or just off a forest road in designated dispersed areas. Make sure to bring everything you need when dispersed camping, as water, restrooms, and fire rings may not be available nearby, and always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.

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          • Dispersed
          • No image available

            10. Percy Lake Trailhead

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            3 Saves
            Steamboat Springs, Colorado

            Designated trailhead for motorized access to Percy Lake. No developed facilities. Setting is managed forest area. Ample parking is available at the trailhead. Water is available at several small creek crossings. Campsites are available at Lake Percy and Round Lake. The trail is situated in a natural corridor between several areas that have been harvested for timber. Horse forage is scarce, except along the Continental Divide. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. This trail is located in the Mount Zirkel/Parks Range and is managed by the Parks Ranger District.

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          Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Hayden

          311 Reviews of 29 Hayden Campgrounds


          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Chapman Reservoir
            Jan. 5, 2025

            Chapman Reservoir

            Great secluded campground

            I enjoyed my stay here very much. We were near the reservoir and saw a few mule deer. Easily accessible vault toilets. No on site water. Will be back!

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Meadows Campground
            Jan. 5, 2025

            Meadows Campground

            Great views

            I stayed here twice over the last 2 years. Our first time we were near the entrance on top of the hill looking at mountains. The second time we were in the back in the trees. Each stay provided a completely different experience. I would definitely go back!

          • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Craig KOA
            Sep. 27, 2024

            Craig KOA

            Typical KOA

            This is a nice quiet KOA that is reasonably priced. All facilities are clean, the staff are friendly and it’s close enough to the city of Craig and a few attractions

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from FSR-296 - Dispersed Campsite
            Sep. 4, 2024

            FSR-296 - Dispersed Campsite

            Quiet fire road camping

            Very quiet spot. There were many other campers all around but did not hear any noise other than from highway nearby which wasn't disturbing at all. Easy access off highway although I didn't drive too far into the road as it was raining.

          • Paul L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Pleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40
            Sep. 3, 2024

            Pleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40

            Steamboat - Beautiful view looking west.

            Summer is over, Labor Day evening, nobody except me here. 5-6 potential spots all in a row, lined up on dirt road that parallels 40 and far enough away to be quiet. Convenient to Steamboat 15 min.

          • Kelsey U.
            Camper-submitted photo from Freeman Reservoir Campground
            Aug. 6, 2024

            Freeman Reservoir Campground

            A Secret Gem!!

            We hit this place coming from the northern Colorado border with Wyoming on a Sunday night. I've grown up and camped in Colorado my whole life, this place was 10/10, and one of my favorite spots ever! With hiking, biking, and fishing, you could spend some time here!

          • gothinavan A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Maybell Park
            Aug. 4, 2024

            Maybell Park

            Good place to park, more expensive than advertised.

            This is a pet friendly campground around a square park right on 40. They have electric and non electric sites, but the majority were electric (and cost more). This was advertised $15 - $20 but the prices online were $38.50 for an electric site for one night (granted, it was a Saturday in August). There were not pet fees. There were lots of spaces available when we visited.

            There is no office here, you pay for your rental online or on an iPad in the kiosk (if working). There is WiFi at the kiosk, but it does not reach many of the campsites well.

            Sites are close together but level. Felt safe and it was quiet at night save for occasional passing cars. No fire pits or individual picnic tables, but there is a shared covered picnic area.

            Clean bathrooms. Showers were more of a 2.5/5. Not super clean and water smelled rusty. Water from sink was fine though.

            Morning became very busy with travelers stopping to use the public restrooms, which may help you decide where to park.

          • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH
            Aug. 3, 2024

            Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH

            Mirror Lake TH dispersed

            Only dispersed camping I found from here to Trappers Lake. 4 sites, only the one in open area is suitable for TTs. Rest are more overland spots. No tables, no toilet, no wayer, no trash. No Cell signal.

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Pass Dispersed
            Jul. 30, 2024

            Buffalo Pass Dispersed

            Our First Stop

            This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles.

            It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.

            My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.

          • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Trapline Campground
            Jul. 27, 2024

            Trapline Campground

            Nice CG

            One of five CGs. This one has larger sites than Bucks CG and is FCFS. $22/$12 senior. Toilets, water, trash. No cell signal though.

          • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Campground
            Jul. 27, 2024

            Bucks Campground

            Tightest CG

            One of five CGs. This one has smaller sites and is FCFS. $22/$12 senior. Toilets, water, trash. No cell signal though.

          • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shepherds Rim Campground
            Jul. 27, 2024

            Shepherds Rim Campground

            Nice reservation campground

            There are 5 CGs in this area. This one is all reservation. Nice sites, toilets, water, trash, host onsite. $22)$11 senior. No cell signal though.

          • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Trappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground
            Jul. 26, 2024

            Trappers Lake Horse Thief Equestrian Campground

            Equestrian focus CG

            This is the official CG for the horse crowd, however if it is empty anyone can camp there. FCFS, about 10 sites some with powder river corrals. One water spigot up at top by the single toilet one issue is NO shade.

          • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Himes Peak Campground
            Jul. 26, 2024

            Himes Peak Campground

            Nice small campgrpund

            This small CG has 11 FCFS sites. About 1/2 are RV or trailer size. Trappers lake complex is about 5 mi. Campground host onsite, firewood for sale. $22/$12 senior. No cell signal on T-Mobile for me. CG has tables, fire rings, one vault toilet and one dumpster. Bear boxes are at each site. NO WATER, system looks to be kaput. Trail goes down to river for fishing.

          • Donovan A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
            Jul. 25, 2024

            FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

            Travel Trailer

            Leaving this review for anyone else pulling trailer. You can get a small TT into the first 4-5 sites. I would not continue after what I think is site 5 on the right that has a fairly large rock fire pit and good loop for when leaving. Great parking area to drop and go scout with your vehicle first and I'd recommend doing so.

            Mosquitos are definitely worse than usual, but otherwise a lovely spot. The tree coverage is affecting my solar generation enough where I may need to move sooner than I'd like

          • Donovan A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Pass Dispersed
            Jul. 25, 2024

            Buffalo Pass Dispersed

            Must have Suspension

            Just to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. 

            You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.

            If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.

          • S
            Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Trailhead
            Jul. 18, 2024

            Base Camp Trailhead

            Little ways back from US-40

            I wouldn’t bring anything back here towing behind me except an overland trailer, personally. It’s rocky a good most of the way, but high clearance isn’t needed. A few off camber spots, but nothing horrible. I passed a Subaru Crosstrack coming in. Once you get back it is beautiful with great views. There is a creek below the spot with crystal clear water. You have to hike to Fishhook Lake from here on the Basecamp Trail (Wyoming Trail). It’s very secluded and quiet. Mosquitoes were very bad, be aware.

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Yampa River Headquarters Campground — Yampa River
            Jul. 12, 2024

            Yampa River Headquarters Campground — Yampa River

            Beautiful spot on Yampa

            The campground is beautiful, staff is friendly,you get a covered picnic table. The disappointing thing is the nice bathroom and showers are closed 10pm -6am, just a vault toilet is available during those closed hours. The have a path you can walk or bike that is a little over a mile but be ready the mosquitos are fierce. There are also small black bugs that seem to out also.

          • Fernando D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Off Highway 40 Dispersed
            Jul. 6, 2024

            Off Highway 40 Dispersed

            Pull off from highway 40

            We were hoping to stop at the loop just beofre this spot coming from Steamboat Springs butt here we're three other vehicles there. This stretch of road has a number of pulloffs but beware they are not flat. I was able to.level our travel trailer but only after busting a jack.

          • GThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Yampa River Headquarters Campground — Yampa River
            Jun. 28, 2024

            Yampa River Headquarters Campground — Yampa River

            Exactly what a State Park should be!

            I'm not a huge fan of State Parks, but when it's time, it's time.  This one has showers (included in the fee), laundry, wifi at the entrance building.  The RV sites are a bit close together, the tent sites are much more private.  The RV sites have an awning-like structure with an enclosed side to the west.  It provides nice cover for the summer afternoon showers.  There are lots of mosquitos as it's in Yampa river bottom land.  There is a nice reservoir and swimming beach at a nearby state run park (your fee for camping at YRSP will get you into the other park).  We stayed 2 nights after dispersed camping for a week - showered, did laundry, battled the mosquitos.

          • GThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park
            Jun. 27, 2024

            Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park

            Wildflowers in June

            The Dutch Hill Campground is north of the State Park Visitors Center on highway 62 in case you get there after hours as we did. We stayed at site 140 in the Wheeler loop. It was level and quiet with a tent pad a short distance away and a separate pad with a fire ring and picnic table. Bring a change of clothes as the mornings and evenings are chilly in June with warm short pant days. We had thunderstorms blow through most every day with 30+ mph winds possible. There is a store at the lake with basic provisions and there are restaurants and food stores down the road from the lake.


          Drive Time


          Guide to Hayden

          Tent camping near Hayden, Colorado offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

          Tent campers appreciate these amenities

          • At Strawberry Park Hot Springs, you can enjoy facilities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay.
          • Crosho Lake Recreation Area provides a serene environment with clean dispersed sites right by the lake, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
          • The Middle Fork Campground features well-maintained sites with access to fishing and gold panning, enhancing your camping experience.

          Tent campers like these nearby activities

          Tent campers should check out these features

          • South Beach - Yampa River State Park offers reservable sites along the river, perfect for those looking to enjoy water activities.
          • The Duffy Mountain area is known for its beautiful landscapes and is open for tent camping from mid-April to November.
          • Grizzly Trailhead provides access to hiking trails and drinking water, making it a convenient spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hayden, CO?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hayden, CO is Strawberry Park Hot Springs with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Hayden, CO?

            TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Hayden, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.