Best Campgrounds in Colorado
Camping in Colorado spans from 5,000-foot desert valleys to alpine sites above 10,000 feet, where overnight temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months. Morefield Campground at Mesa Verde National Park leads TheDyrt's rankings with 90+ reviews and wildlife sightings including deer and prairie dogs, while Pinon Flats at Great Sand Dunes offers stargazing opportunities and access to unique sand dune landscapes. Rocky Mountain National Park's Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds provide mountain views near Estes Park, though elevation considerations become important as many popular spots sit above 8,000 feet.
Campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov for national parks and forests, while Colorado State Parks use their own system through CPW's website. The optimal camping season runs from June through September when daytime temperatures reach 70-80°F, though higher elevation locations may experience snow and freezing temperatures at any time. Popular destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods.
Colorado's diverse climate requires preparation for temperature swings, with mountain valleys like the San Luis Valley around Alamosa experiencing subzero winter temperatures while summer nights can still dip below freezing above 9,000 feet. State parks charge daily entrance fees of $10-11 plus camping fees, though the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass provides year-round access to all 42 state parks. Maximum stays are limited to 14 days per park within any 28-day period, and many campgrounds transition to first-come, first-served availability during shoulder seasons when amenities may be reduced.
