Best Campgrounds near Hillside, CO

Really great pull through RV sites right in the river with nice level gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and tire rings with cooking grates. Boat ramp here too so it can get busy with people launching and recovering their river fishing boats and rafts.

This is a relatively quiet campground near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. When we were there, a huge dust storm came through the campground, forcing everyone back into the vehicles, so be prepared for that possibly happening. 

It's a convenient location with sites that are spread apart fairly well, each with a shade and wind structure and picnic table. 

More details: https://youtu.be/PirtMBoch6k

This campground is a popular spot for camping and climbing, offering easy access to well-known climbing routes and great views. Campsites are now available for reservation on Recreation.gov, making trip planning even easier. If you’re planning a trip to Shelf Road, The Bank Campground offers a convenient and comfortable place to stay.

We were able to pull a 27 foot Airstream up the road to the campground, so it's not too rough. But if it had rained, I wouldn't consider driving up the road pulling a large trailer.

More details: https://youtu.be/9_xvoSrQLis

The gate is not locked, just open it and you've got some great campsites in BLM land!

We were lucky enough to arrive here during moth season and I'm talking hundreds of thousands of moths (I think they were Millers moths). No matter what we did, we had moths all over the place.

Anyway,  the park was really nice, the people friendly, the walks were cool.

I wish I took some pictures.

Very pretty area with well maintained road. Comfortable distance between campsites, yet still many to choose from! Convenient hiking just down the road as well.

These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.

We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)

Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!

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!

Coordinates: 38.702830,-106.160280

This dispersed camping area offers stunning mountain views, spacious sites perfect for large groups, and easy access to excellent hiking trails. The September weather was ideal—cool and crisp without being too cold. While the site feels fairly secluded, beware of grazing cows from local ranches that wander through; be sure to secure food and belongings you don’t want damaged. Dog owners should be mindful of cleanup, as cow and dog waste can be an issue. There are two porta-potties onsite that are cleaned weekly, but campers must pack out all their trash to maintain the area’s natural beauty. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of room to spread out.

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/