Best Tent Camping near Howard, CO
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Howard? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Howard. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Howard, CO (41)
1. Turtle Rock Campground
Buena Vista, Colorado35 Reviews•91 Photos•835 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Cañon City, Colorado32 Reviews•130 Photos•911 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Mueller State Park Campground
Divide, Colorado54 Reviews•155 Photos•615 SavesMueller's campground has 136 campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are 99 electric sites, many with tent pads and 22 basic walk-in sites in Prospector Ridge (sites 55-66) and Turkey Meadow (sites 100-109) Campgrounds. Sites 12 and 22 are handicapped designated sites. You must have a handicapped placard or license plate.
Campground Amenities The Comfort Station is open year-round. The Camper Services Building is open only in summer (Mid May - Mid October) Both buildings contain flush toilets. On-site accommodations include firewood for sale, a camper services building with coin-operated showers/laundry and modern restrooms, vault toilets, dump station and a playground.
Mueller offers three group campground opportunities nestled in the aspen and conifer forest, conveniently located near the Camper Services Building.
Winter Camping: Mid October - Mid May Mueller has 29 electrical sites available within the Peak View Campground and the Revenuers Ridge Campground (Sites 1 –9, 11-13, 15-22 and 81 – 89) during the winter. The Comfort Station, containing flush toilets, will remain open. Vault toilets will be open at Outlook Ridge, Peak View Campground and across from site #87. Water is available at the outside spigot at the Comfort Station; all other hydrants are closed, so we suggest bringing your own water. The dump station is dry dump only, which means you will not have water to rinse out your equipment.
$18.00 per night Mueller State Park has 4 backcountry campsites located in 2 separate groups. Both backcountry campsite groups require an approximate 1.5 mile hike from the Black Bear Trailhead to the sites. Sites are available to reserve from May 1 through October 31st.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$18 - $396 / night
4. Red Canyon Park
Victor, Colorado21 Reviews•88 Photos•714 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
5. Road 240 - Dispersed
Monarch, Colorado9 Reviews•51 Photos•576 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
Nathrop, Colorado8 Reviews•73 Photos•601 SavesThe Browns Creek trail offers beautiful scenery with changing vistas and vegetation. The trail follows the stream and small waterfalls can be found along the way. The lower portion of the trail begins in primarily a Ponderosa pine environment and gradually moves into spruce/fir forest. At higher elevations the trail travels through pristine meadows that end at Brown's Lake. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead, in order to prevent erosion of the banks along Little Browns Creek. Campers are encouraged to find camp sites further south on County Road 272.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Coaldale, Colorado2 Reviews•15 Photos•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
$7 - $18 / night
8. AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site
Cotopaxi, Colorado1 Review•3 Photos- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$4 - $10 / night
9. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Moffat, Colorado3 Reviews•3 Photos•23 SavesEach campsite is 5-10 acres. Miles of running trails and an outdoor gym are available to guests. Each campground is equipped with a fire pit, log benches, charcoal grill, and hammock posts. Tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, And more are available to rent by reservation. Spectacular 7600 ft 360-degree high desert views.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
10. Mount Shavano and Mount Tabequache
Poncha Springs, Colorado2 Reviews•4 Photos•27 SavesThe trail travels along a saddle south of the summit and the last .5 miles to the summit is marked by a few rock cairns. To continue on to Mount Tabequache, follow the ridge, northwest, from the summit. WARNING! Hikers descending from Tabequache should not descend into McCoy Gulch! This is a dangerous route and a number of climbers have been injuried or killed. The Jenning Creek access located off of Forest Road 240 is permanently closed. For detailed information about climbing these peaks visit the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative website at : www.14ers.org
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Howard
1160 Reviews of 41 Howard Campgrounds
- M
Margo L.
Scout
Sand Dunes Recreation
Great stop otw to Great Sand Dunes
Everything was as described. They are open during the winter. The showers were hot and clean! Lovely views to wake up too!
Paulina B.
Ranger
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Wild and Untamed
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!
- Paulina B.Ranger
Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping
Spacious Mountain Views with a Few Cow Visitors
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.
sportzfytv A.Scout
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
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/
- sportzfytv A.Scout
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge
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/
Jordana P.
Traveler
Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
Beautiful views and great privacy
I stayed here for 1 night of car camping and will definitely go back. I only went about 4 miles in on the rocky/rutted road (vs the 5 miles that the directions say) and thought the sites were great. I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring. Aside from hearing some (maybe - not sure) coyotes at night, I wasn't aware of any other wildlife. I was in a 4Runner and my friend that I was with was driving a Highlander. As another poster commented, I saw a small sedan in one of the sites but wouldn't drive way out in anything but an SUV or truck. I have AT&T and had 2 bars of service.
Angela E.Traveler
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Beautiful and peaceful 💚
The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!
Alice S.
Legend
Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Great Scenic Drive
The road is a well maintained gravel road. There are quite a few available spots for folks with 4x4 drive or tent camping. I would NOT suggest this for larger rvs. I travel in a camper van and the spots I could use were more limited but still a few available.
Honestly, just the drive is worth it. The scenery is amazing. You’re winding down the road next to a creek (was dry when I was there) in between mountains. It’s absolutely amazing.
Zero signal. Like absolutely none.
There is a rest stop a few miles in with basic toilets. Nothing special but really nice option to have.
- JJuliana R.Traveler
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Perfect spot for exploring the dunes
Close proximity to the dunes, allows you to access at night and throughout the day to experience the range of landscapes the park provides.
The camp site has flushing toilets and drinking water.
Would highly recommend if you can snag a site.
- ZZu Y.
Guide
Valley Mobile RV Park
Great Management campground
The host, Margaret and her husband and few others working very hard to maintains this campsite.
Shower room have heat and hot water, environments are so peacefully and pretty, shops are close by, hot springs, rafting, nearby, my favorites is cottonwood lake!
- PPeterScout
Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Blocked off by private gate
Couldn’t get to trail head due to private gate blocking the road.
- pp M.Scout
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Costs a lot more than listed
We were charged $170 for a site in the middle of a gravel parking lot. It included dinner, breakfast and use of the hot springs. The WiFi didn’t reach us, but worked in the buffet style cafeteria-like dining area. Way overpriced for the experience!
Lily R.TravelerPhantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Great secluded sites
Pretty smooth mountain road, lots of site options. We found one that was down back from the main road and near the creek. Needed 4WD to get down there, but other sites 2WD would be fine. Appears to be a local cow wandering around, she approached our campsite but went the other way.
- ccarson C.Traveler
Mueller State Park Campground
Still camping !
From Texas, got married in Colorado two years ago and came back again this year to celebrate. Absolutely love camping and hiking, staff was friendly and everything has been clean so far. Super worried at first about hiking up to campsite but they have carts donated to help carry gear. This is one of the farther tent campsites on this side of the park and we had no issues getting there. Other than a bloody nose from elevation change. Beautiful view lots of wildlife:)
- SSam W.Guide
Collegiate Peaks
Out there but not too far
Went with the family and had a great time. We got a site because of a cancellation and, unfortunately it was next to the bathroom. Didn't bother us though. It was our first trip using our new popup and it was def a learning experience. That all being said we were able to hit up Mount Princeton hot springs AND visit the St. Elmo ghost town. By the end of the trip the kids were begging to go back asap.
- SSam W.Guide
Cutty’s Resort - Hayden Creek
Great All Around
We had a great time. 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. Aside from the aforementioned, there was a small store on site with ice and wood (can't bring your own wood) and the food they served at the mess hall was fire.
Brittany R.Guide
Valley View Hot Springs—Orient Land Trust
Came for the daily soak - stayed for the camping
This place was great! We originally planned just to do a daily soak before heading to our next campsite but ended up just staying here because we enjoyed it so much. The camp sites were simple but great and you have total access to all hot springs, bathrooms, showers, sauna, AND a communal outdoor kitchen. We participated in the clothing optional experience but didn’t feel like we had to. Great people all around from guests to staff. Highly recommend!
- LLorene N.Guide
Cottonwood Lake Dispersed Camping
More than 5 stars!
We got a spot with amazing views just past Cottonwood Lake campground. It’s awesome here. There is a creek full of Brook Trout right across the street.
- Brittany R.Guide
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great spot!
Beautiful views of the dunes and the mountains! Bathrooms were super clean and convenient. Highly recommend!
- DDeitz B.Guide
Crags Campground
Easy Access to Devils Playground
I camped here one night before I hiked up to the Devils Playground. Bring cash for the site, it is first come first serve. Great sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Very kind host.
- SSofia T.Scout
Hendricks Flat
Beautiful little spot
My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!
Luke R.Traveler
North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
Solid Camp Spot for early September
My sister drove up from Denver Saturday morning. My daughter and I drove from Paonia and met her there. Road was bumpy but manageable in my Outback. Drove down the road and took a hike with the dogs. Great trail. Rained a little but it was not a big deal. Decent amount of traffic on the road throughout the day and into the evening. Really cool to be able to snag a spot around lunchtime on a Saturday.
.! E !.Guide
Aspen Acres Campground
Perfect Spot
Stayed One night for Tent Camping, came with everything needed. Clean bathroom and showers. Great scenery and amazing night sky view.
Anthony N.Guide
Rocking Chair Campground — Eleven Mile State Park
Nice Campground Lousy Campers
The campground itself is very nice and had all of the makings for a peaceful camping trip. However, when we got there we found our neighboring campground had overtaken our campground because they didn't think we were going to show up (we arrived somewhere around 4 and check-in is at 3). Fortunately they moved their tents out of our campground pretty quickly. There was a separate campground that stayed up until 4 in the morning playing music very loud which was highly irritating. Very surprised there was no enforcement of quiet hours. All in all it was a good spot but definitely felt like it could use a campground host of some sort to help ensure all campers have a good experience.
- JJeff C.Scout
Shavano Mountain
Amazing vistas
Amazing vistas! Big private sites. Tough road that gets progressively technical as you go farther up towards trail head.
Shana D.Legend
Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort
Last Minute
We had to change plans last minute and arrive here on short notice. They had sites to accommodate us and they were very welcoming. This was hands down the nicest privately owned rv park/campground we have ever stayed at! The bathroom suites have recently been remodeled and they are so nice! Best shower of our 10 day road trip. Nice laundry facilities, community rec room, hot tub, and even a hiking trail to the top of the mountain. Highly recommend.
- JJasonLegend
AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site
Arkansas river overnight camp
Quick stop. Very clean. Self pay station if you do not have state park pass. Vault restrooms. No trash on site, pack in pack out. Ramp to launch rafts, kayaks...
Guide to Howard
Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Howard offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Some prices for tent camping range from $28 to $0
- The Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area charges $28 for basic sites, providing a scenic spot alongside the Arkansas River.
- For a free experience, check out Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy solitude and beautiful mountain views.
- If you're looking for a unique stay, consider Fooses Creek Dispersed Camping, which offers a peaceful environment near a river with no fees.
Tent campers should check out Browns Creek
- Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping is praised for its gorgeous trails and a lovely creek, making it perfect for hiking and relaxing.
- The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge provides a blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, ideal for sports enthusiasts looking to stay active.
- For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Mount Shavano and Mount Tabequache offers easy access to stunning meadows and breathtaking views.
Explore local activities near Howard
- The Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located right by the Arkansas River, perfect for fishing and kayaking.
- At Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping, you can embark on various hiking trails that lead to stunning mountain vistas.
- For a unique experience, visit AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site, where you can launch rafts and kayaks while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Howard, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Howard, CO is Turtle Rock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Howard, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Howard, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.