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Places to Camp near Howard, CO

1,141 Reviews

Looking for the best campgrounds near Howard, CO? Howard is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Howard camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Howard, CO (248)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    2.

    Ruby Mountain Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    23 Reviews
    132 Photos
    330 Saves
    Nathrop, Colorado

    Part of Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $28 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    3.

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    86 Reviews
    365 Photos
    658 Saves
    Gardner, Colorado

    Overview

    Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The dunes lie on the eastern edge of the valley at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The dunefield is part of the nearly 150,000 total acres of the park and preserve that also protects alpine lakes, tundra, six peaks over 13,000 feet, ancient spruce and pine forests, large stands of aspen and cottonwood, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the tallest dunes in North America. President Herbert Hoover established the park unit as a national monument by presidential proclamation on March 17, 1932 through the Antiquities Act. The Works Progress Administration constructed the Superintendent___s Residence, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But otherwise, GRSA did not see a great deal of development during the New Deal. Park development did not occur in earnest until Mission 66. During this period, the NPS was able to construct a Visitor Center, the Pinon Flat Campground (88 sites), a picnic area, five comfort stations, six single family residences and a triplex, while also building or improving roads and trails through the park. The Visitor Center shows the motivation of the Western Office of Design and Construction to configure designs to corresponding regions using principles of ___regional modernism.___ Built in the Pueblo Revival style, the Visitor Center mimics adobe construction through modern materials and forms blended with traditional materials and forms seen during the CCC-era in Cecil Doty___s work. Following Mission 66, Congress designated nearly 91% of the monument as wilderness in 1976, which certainly limited the park___s ability to further develop visitor and administrative facilities. GRSA became a national park and preserve in 2000, which also included a transfer of land from the Rio Grande National Forest.The dunes have long stood as a landmark for travelers from ancient North Americans to Southern Ute, Jicarilla Apaches, Navajos, early explorers, gold miners, homesteaders, ranchers, farmers and migrant field workers, to you - today's park visitor.

    Recreation

    Great Sand Dunes' wide range of natural features provides endless outdoor recreational activities. The park is perfect for kids, who love exploring the dunefield on foot or by sled. Medano Creek, at the base of the dunes, is a popular place in the summertime. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the cool water. Many kid-friendly, ranger-led activities and a junior ranger program are available. Many miles of hiking and backpacking trails lead through the park's forests and alpine terrain, including the Mosca Pass Trail, Dunes Overlook/Sand Ramp Trail and Indian Grove Trail.

    Facilities

    Reservations are required to stay in Pinon Flats campground. The campground offers 86 campsites. The park recommends making a reservation in advance, especially for peak summer months from May through September. Private first-come, first-served camping is also available just outside the park boundary. For more information about camping, visit www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Due to the historic design, the campground may not be able to accommodate all large, modern size vehicles. During visitor center operating hours, you can see a park film, experience interactive exhibits, speak with a helpful ranger and visit the Western National Parks Association store. Kids of all ages can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet or participate in the Junior Ranger Explorer program.

    Natural Features

    Great Sand Dunes are the magnificent centerpiece of a natural system that includes high mountain peaks, sparkling streams, vast grasslands and lush forests. The campground is situated among pinon pines and sagebrush beneath the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most sites have beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks. A wide variety of grasses and wildflowers can be found throughout the area, and mule deer are commonly seen in and around the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Zapata Falls is just south of the national park off Highway 150. A short but slippery 1/2-mile hike leads to a 25-foot high cascade. Simply driving to the trailhead provides an excellent view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset. San Luis State Wildlife Area is located at the western edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features a large natural lake popular for boating, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Rules and Reservation Policies__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $80 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Salida North BLM
  5. Camper-submitted photo from East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek
  7. Camper-submitted photo from Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek

    7.

    Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    54 Saves
    Coaldale, Colorado

    Located in beautiful Coaldale, Colorado, Cutty's Hayden Creek Resort has been a family tradition for over 50 years. We offer an abundance of RV and tent sites as well as cabins and other rentals. We have equipment available on-site for miniature golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and more. Our outdoor pool is open for 2020. Meals are served in the Rec Hall on the weekends for a surcharge and we have a general store for snacks and camping supplies. WiFi is available in the lodge. If you stay with us on a Thursday or Saturday night, you can enjoy an outdoor movie that is included in your stay. Check us out on Facebook and feel free to give us a call so you can book your getaway in the mountains. We are your Oasis in the Rockies, isolated and remote so you can kick back and disconnect.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $60 - $300 / night

  8. Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    8.

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    12 Reviews
    19 Photos
    303 Saves
    Poncha Springs, Colorado
    • Electric Hookups
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
  9. Camper-submitted photo from Sugarbush Campground

    9.

    Sugarbush Campground

    7 Reviews
    2 Photos
    58 Saves
    Howard, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  10. Camper-submitted photo from Stoll Mountain Campground — Eleven Mile State Park
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1141 Reviews of 248 Howard Campgrounds