J
James G.
Traveler
TravelerRidgeview Four Mile Creek
Extremely Windy, 4-5x the wind in the cities. But the view is amazing and you can drive right up to a round of campfire rocks. Some traffic as this spot is off the main trail. 10/10
Camping near Hillside, CO
278 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Hillside, Colorado is situated in a region with diverse camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area provides several developed campgrounds with river access, while the nearby Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area offers more remote camping experiences. Camping options include RV sites with hookups at places like Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek, primitive tent sites in the National Forest, and cabin rentals at Bighorn Park and Valley View Hot Springs. Many locations feature mountain views of the nearby Collegiate Peaks and access to the Arkansas River, making this area particularly popular for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water recreation and hiking opportunities.
Road conditions and seasonal accessibility vary considerably throughout the region, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough forest service roads. Most developed campgrounds operate from May through October, closing during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures. "This site is on Marshall Pass Road off of highway 285. The dispersed sites are spread along the creek just off the Forest Service Road," notes one camper describing the primitive camping options. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends, while dispersed camping in places like Cloverdale Mines typically follows Forest Service regulations with 14-day stay limits. Elevation ranges from approximately 7,000 to 9,000 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months and potential for afternoon thunderstorms.
The Arkansas River corridor provides some of the most popular camping experiences in the area, with numerous campers highlighting the scenic value and recreational opportunities. Along the riverbanks, established campgrounds like Five Points and Salida East provide access to fishing, rafting, and kayaking. "We stayed here for one night and it was beautiful! The river flows through the campground at a sedate flow. Our campsite was right next to and parallel to the river which provided some soothing sounds at night," shares one visitor. For those seeking more solitude, the higher elevation forest service roads leading into the mountains offer dispersed camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, bighorn sheep in certain areas, and abundant bird species, particularly near water sources.
Best Campgrounds near Hillside (278)
1. Alvarado Campground
"I absolutely love this area of Colorado. It's breathtaking no matter which direction you look. Decent campground that was a bit too big for my taste."
"There are several hiking trails nearby. The vault toilets were right by us and we didn’t have any issues with smell, and they were the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
"Close to everything you need but you will feel away from it all."
"Our family and another reserved two sites next to each other. The pools on site were perfect for the kids. On site mini golf was a blast. The views in the campground were awesome."
from $60 - $300 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Deweese state wildlife area
"Colorado State wild life areas (SWA) require a permit that’s ~$40 a year, or if you have a year fishing or hunting lisence you camp for free."
"Views were nice and plenty of spots but the spots are pretty close to each other and there was a decent amount of trash left behind. We picked up as much as we could."
4. Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
"The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen."
5. Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
"The campsite is very close to the highway, so if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, keep looking."
"Our original spot ended up being closed and this was near by. Great little campground. The sites are a bit small but we fit our 2 tents."
from $28 / night
Check Availability6. Hayden Creek Road
"Creek steps away from wooded private spot! Only issue is there were locals up all night till 1:30 am with flashlights beaming into site which kind of scared me."
"Tent camped in the dispersed area because Hayden creek was full, near Rainbow trailhead, entire area to ourselves 98% of the time besides two groups of hikers over 2 nights almost 3 days."
from $22 / night
Check Availability7. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
"Right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado, the highest suspension bridge in North America ! Do the Segway tour over the bridge!!"
"Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
"Sites are really close to the creek, which made for great white noise and easy water access. Restroom was close by and kept clean. Road in is dirt but easy to navigate for most vehicles."
"Great site that is right next to the creek for the kids to explore. Lots of flat spots for tents, but also a nice big flat spot for the van. The road is easy to navigate for 2wd vehicles."
9. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
"We hiked some of the surrounding areas and found bear scat close to our pull off. Intermittent cell service for AT&T and Verizon. Periods with no connection."
"The trails can get confusing so remember your way in!"
10. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
"It's a biologically diverse area in Southern Colorado, where high winds that blow through the Rockies deposit sand at the Southernmost tip . We made camping reservations about six months in advance."
"Access to dunes trails, and off road track. Dump station nearby visitor center with free air station. T-Mobile available at most sites, but good by the visitor center and primitive road access."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 37 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 29 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 53 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Hillside, CO
535 Photos of 278 Hillside Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lake Deweese state wildlife area
Sweetwater River Resort
Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
Hayden Creek Roadside CampK
Hayden Creek RoadD
Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Alvarado Campground
Cotton Creek TrailheadS
San Isabel Lake
Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Hillside, CO
1705 Reviews of 278 Hillside Campgrounds
- ddez F.Traveler
Zapata Falls Campground
Road is paved but can see some wear and will get more bumpy. Be prepared for the incline to get to camp sites. Road rough in spots in campground. We are 50’ with our tow. We stayed in 22 and see this view…
Jeff S.
ScoutBlack Sheep Retreat
Beautiful and quiet, miles from any traffic or noise. We used it as a base camp for hiking the local ranges.
- VVirginia E.Traveler
Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
The road getting in is a bit rough, but there were lots of available campsites, all clearly marked. Beautiful views.
Daniel H.ScoutMountaindale Cabin & RV Resort
Great spot for relaxing weekend getaway for our family. Plenty of room for the kids to explore and they even had a blow up bouncy house for them during the day. Hot tub under the stars at evening time. Very clean bathrooms!
Juliana J.
GuidePhantom Canyon
Love a little history/camping combo!
Cool spot. I like there were different sized spots and a clearly marked line where a 4WD/AWD vehicle is needed and no large rigs. I found a spot that was visible by the road, but there was water access and cool surroundings. The main road was well paved, but turning into my site was a bit rough and I needed the 4WD. There were large animal (I assume black bear) prints to give that extra bit of camping excitement, but no actual sitings (one day, Juliana. One day). Some mosquitos but not overwhelming. The scenery was gorgeous. Definitely a bit desert-esque but it was legitimately perfect weather in mid September. Cool creek rocks and a stunner of a sunset. Would absolutely return again. No numbered sites. Toilets about 1/4 mile beyond the drive through boulder.
- Juliana J.Guide
Cripple Creek BLM Area
Worth the trek! Stunning landscape right on the creek
Quite the drive but worth it. They were repaving some of the road and I personally had no issues getting to a site. It’s gravel, but doable for most vehicles. There was a propane tank and some trash left behind when I got there (always disheartening to find), but it didn’t feel “lived in” like some other spots have so I ultimately felt pretty safe. It was truly beautiful. I got a spot right at the creek that was tucked away from the main road. Maybe a handful of cars passed throughout my stay, so very peaceful and quiet. Zero amenities, so come prepared. No Verizon cell service. Lots of milky quartz laying about, beautiful birds and minimal bugs. Would make the trek here again in a heartbeat.
Lauren P.TravelerFive Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Very close to the highway
Basic amenities, but clean and easy to find. The campsite is very close to the highway, so if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, keep looking. However, if you just need a place to sleep with great views, this is a solid spot. We saw bighorn sheep and even heard what sounded like a bobcat possibly mountain lion at night.
Keith P.ScoutWillow Creek Trail
Small pullouts along road
Easy access with a Honda. Chilly nights
Guide to Hillside
Hillside, Colorado sits within a region of diverse camping opportunities stretching from the Sangre de Cristo mountain range to the Arkansas River Valley. Lake Creek Campground, located directly in Hillside, provides established tent and RV sites in a forested setting with creek-side spots. The surrounding area includes both developed sites with amenities and dispersed options like Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area, offering primitive camping experiences. Several campgrounds feature varying accommodation types, from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping facilities at places like Cutty's Resort and Valley View Hot Springs.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region's campgrounds and dispersed areas. Many sites remain open seasonally from May through September or early October, with higher elevations closing earlier due to weather conditions. "The road around the lake is a little rough but we got our 25' travel trailer back here no problem," noted one camper about Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area. Some dispersed areas like Cloverdale Mines require vehicles with decent clearance, especially after rain when water runoff creates challenging conditions. Cell service remains intermittent in many locations, with visitors reporting spotty coverage for major carriers. Many campgrounds maintain toilet facilities, though amenities like showers, potable water, and trash service are primarily found at developed sites.
The Sangre de Cristo mountain views represent a significant draw for campers throughout the area. Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area provides particularly notable vistas, with one visitor describing "incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo range" and "spectacular" fall colors. Water access features prominently in campground selection, with sites along creeks, lakes, and the Arkansas River receiving positive mentions. Several campers noted the relaxing sound of flowing water as a highlight of their stay. Privacy between sites varies considerably, with Lake Creek Campground offering "tall trees and vegetation that offer nice privacy" despite relatively close spacing. Wildlife sightings, fishing opportunities, and stargazing under dark skies are frequently mentioned experiences, with one camper noting "you can see the Milky Way" during new moon periods at Lake Deweese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hillside, CO?
What camping is available near Hillside, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hillside, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 278 campgrounds and RV parks near Hillside, CO and 85 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hillside, CO?
Which is the most popular campground near Hillside, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillside, CO is Alvarado Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillside, CO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillside, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 85 free dispersed camping spots near Hillside, CO.
What parks are near Hillside, CO?
What parks are near Hillside, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Hillside, CO that allow camping, notably Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve and Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve.
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