Gabe N.
Scout
ScoutMt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Mt Shavano
Great spot. Good views of the surrounding mountains. Pretty quiet and secluded with the added convenience of salida nearby
Best Campgrounds near Hillside, CO
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 Camping Sites Near Hillside, Colorado (269)
1. Alvarado Campground
17 ReviewsWestcliffe, CO13 milesWebsite+1 (877) 444-6777$30 - $60 / night
"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."
2. Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
10 ReviewsCoaldale, CO11 milesWebsite+1 (719) 942-4222$60 - $300 / night
"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."
3. Lake Deweese state wildlife area
8 ReviewsWestcliffe, CO9 milesWebsite"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
9 ReviewsVilla Grove, CO12 milesWebsite+1 (719) 256-4315"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
10 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO14 milesWebsite+1 (719) 539-7289$28 / night
"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."
"It tends to be a bit loud at night being so close to a major roadway but the breeze that blows through the canyon takes the edge off the heat."
6. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
25 ReviewsCañon City, CO22 milesWebsite+1 (719) 269-9028$20 / night
"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."
7. Hayden Creek Road
7 ReviewsCoaldale, CO12 milesWebsite$22 / night
"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."
"It had everything we needed: plenty of shade, the creek rolling by right next to us. I loved falling asleep to the sound of the water."
8. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
2 ReviewsHillside, CO3 milesWebsite+1 (719) 269-8500"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!"
9. Lake Creek Campground
2 ReviewsHillside, CO3 milesWebsite$25 / night
"The small Creek runs through it and it's right next to many of the camping sites. There is a downside though."
10. Sweetwater River Resort
3 ReviewsCotopaxi, CO9 milesWebsite+1 (719) 276-3842$50 - $150 / night
"You can absolutely see stars at night and are surrounded by the mountains. Only down side is how remote the tent sites are. Need to go across walking bridge."
"Driving in my car. Didn't have a tent. tenting campground is across a bridge that is only on foot. They compensated for me camping in a car."
Recent Camping Photos near Hillside, CO
502 Photos of 269 Hillside Campgrounds
Amy L.
Lake Deweese state wildlife area
Danielle W.
Sweetwater River Resort
Alicia S.
Cutty's Resort - Hayden Creek
Katie
Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust - CLOTHING OPTIONAL
Nicole B.
Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
Dare To Everywhere .
Hayden Creek Road
Sarah S.
Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Zach B.
Alvarado Campground
Stacey F.
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Daniel E.
San Isabel Lake
Karla S.
Five Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Hillside, CO
1565 Reviews of 269 Hillside Campgrounds
- MM K.
GuideBuena Vista Dispersed
Beautiful But Busy
Too many ATVs and motorcycles cruising through for my taste. Otherwise, it’s gorgeous.
- JJoshua N.
TravelerBLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
So good
Such an awesome spot and only 15 minutes to the dunes. The road can get pretty rocky but I made it up in a minivan just fine. Great views and the fourth campsite had a line of trees in the shape of a c and I parked my car at the opening to close us off from the wind. Absolutely loved it
- DDiane S.Guide
Alvarado Campground
I think people who reserve...
Should be fined. It is prior to the memorial day weekend and one camper in first come first serve put tickets on 2 first come first serve sites days in advance. Apparently paid senior on all 3 sites. Not cool that would be 150 per day per camp per violation.
Joe T.TravelerMonarch Spur RV Park & Campground
Great place great hosts
Peaceful respectable place right by the stream. Definitely returning.
Matthew C.TravelerSand Dunes Recreation
Awesome Soaking Pools & Proximity to Great Sand Dunes
This is our second time camping at The Hooper Pool (SandDunesPool.com). The first time we were in a C class in the boondocking area this time, we have a travel trailer with 30 amp & fresh water hooks. Water is the same hot water used to fill the pools, so it’s a little odd at first. Black water has to go to the dump site about 100 yards away. There are 10 RV sites with hooks, 3 rustic cabins, a lodge house, and an unimproved area that has RV pull through sites and tent pads. The unimproved areas are subject to high winds whereas the others are inside a wind break which works very well. Dogs are welcome in the camping areas but not in the pools. There are several pools filled with fish and frogs, but fishing (& frogging) aren’t allowed. We really like this site and plan to return at some point. Majestic views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the San Luis Valley. The night sky is amazing but the RV sites with hook ups have two parking lot type lights with white lights that stay in all night. Not sure if that’s a new development or if it has always been that way. Coin operated laundry and showers on site or pay for admission to The Greenhouse (21+) Pool and use the showers there.
- mmackenzie T.Scout
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Stunning views
Stunning views. Clean bathrooms. Everyone is respectful
- DDeitz B.Guide
East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge
Quiet Trail Hub
Very quiet Sunday night-Tuesday. This campsite is a little hub for a great trail system around the area. Was able to hop some trails with my bike just a few feet away from my campsite. Seemed like every site had a great fire pit.. although there was a fire ban. Recommend if you want a weekend exploring the Royal Gorge.
Kim G.
LegendSalida RV Resort
Open feeling and new
Newer RV park that feels open and has nice view of the mountains around Salida. One clubhouse with bathrooms and showers. Two stalls in the women’s room and two showers. The park is filled with tiny homes for semi-permanent residents. Close to Salida. We plan to ride our e-bikes but have to go along Highway 50 for a bit. Wish there was a bike lane.
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 269 campgrounds and RV parks near Hillside, CO and 79 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 4.4-star rating from 17 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 79 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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