Colorado encompasses a wide spectrum of camping experiences, from remote dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management land to well-developed facilities in national parks. Several prominent campgrounds such as Mesa Verde National Park's Morefield Campground and Rocky Mountain National Park's Moraine Park Campground provide established amenities for tent and RV campers. The state's public lands support diverse accommodation types, with many locations like Mueller State Park offering both traditional campground options and cabin rentals. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping represents numerous primitive camping opportunities on public land throughout the region, where campers can experience more solitude away from developed campground settings.
Seasonal considerations vary dramatically across Colorado's diverse elevations. Many campgrounds like Saddlehorn in Colorado National Monument operate only from spring through fall (March to October), while others such as Chatfield State Park remain accessible year-round. Road conditions in dispersed camping areas can present challenges, particularly after rain or snow events. Permits and reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds, especially during peak summer months when popular sites fill quickly. Visitors should be prepared for significant temperature variations, even during summer months, particularly at higher elevations where overnight temperatures can drop considerably. A camper noted, "Lots of dispersed camping throughout this area. At this spot we found a nice area for a tent that had a fire pit."
Several visitors highlight the appeal of waterside locations, with creek and riverside sites receiving particularly positive reviews. Campers frequently mention the combination of natural settings and basic amenities as key factors in their satisfaction. Campgrounds with electrical hookups like Moraine Park provide a middle ground between rustic and comfortable camping experiences. Public lands offer the greatest flexibility for those seeking solitude, though they typically lack facilities like running water or maintained restrooms. Primitive sites on BLM land provide cost-effective alternatives to developed campgrounds, with one reviewer stating they "Got lucky and found a perfect site right by the creek with a fire ring. Easy to get to in our camper van, no 4 x 4 required." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping represent the majority of established options throughout the state.
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Round 1 of 5
"Good showers, some of the camp sites have decent WiFi connection, fairly quiet, and wildlife (deer and prairie dogs) in camp side. Toilets not the best, lots of wasps"
"I'm not sure what the hook-up situation is for campers. We were able to enjoy cool evening walks; where we would often spot deer."
$20 - $80 / night
"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."
$35 - $70 / night
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
$36 - $200 / night
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"We were on the outskirts of D Loop. The western views of the mountains were beautiful. Better views in other sites but a walk about gave way to the front range."
$22 / night
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds, because Colorado National Monument is so stunning."
"Colorado National Monument is one of the treasures of the National Parks system."
$20 - $34 / night
"The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"
"Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."
$20 / night
"This was our last night camping in Colorado and it was beautiful!"
"This area in Colorado is one of the most unique places I've seen in a while."
"Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"
"A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."
$28 - $270 / night
"This Colorado state park brings visitors year-round for all types of recreation. We have traveled here several times, both tent camping and in our camper."
"By far my favorite campground in Colorado. Sites all have great views and are paved. The park is clean and rangers are always around checking in. Close to town and great hikes. Can’t wait to go back!"
$35 - $70 / night
"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
ScoutThis was a beautiful area, lots of great spots right on the river, but the never-ending dust and noise from the ATV traffic from 6am-10pm ruined the experience a bit. If you’re an ATV driver, please don’t do donut at the entrance to other people’s camp sites
LegendBeautiful Campground located in a type of Canyon with lots of separation between campsites and very clean with picnic tables and fire pits, which cannot currently be used due to restrictions. Nice but not inexpensive.
LegendAny vehicle can make it on this road but it's purely washboard and was really rough on my trailer. Many spots along the way to camp and 2 miles in before the road gets worse is a good location. At 3 miles there is a sign recommending no trailers and only high clearance vehicles.
GuideChallenging road with ruts but worth the.peace over July 4th.
TravelerStayed here the week leading up to July 4th and loved the peace and quiet. Only had one neighbor the entire stay. 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. First come, first served, so get there early if you have a site in mind.
One heads up: no cell service until about 2 miles out toward the main road, so plan accordingly. Also dealt with a lot of flies during our stay, bring bug spray and have nets.
Temperature was good. Highs of 85f with lows of 35f at night.
Would come back for the quiet and the creek access alone.
TravelerQuiet campground with clean vault toilets. No trash, electric or water service.
Nice place although it felt like it was mostly used on the way to somewhere else. No access to hikes or biking.
Campground mostly empty over holiday weekend.
ScoutIf you want a spot for an RV near Breckenridge. This is it. Cool in July low 70’s for a high low 40’s at night. Gravel sites tarred road so not stupid dusty.
TravelerNice open view at top of hill.
ScoutWe have stayed here before and had a wonderful experience, which made this visit especially disappointing. Since the property changed ownership, our experience was completely different, and unfortunately we will not be returning. We booked our stay online, accurately disclosed the number of people and pets, and drove more than 800 miles to get there. Our first night was great. The employee who checked us in was friendly, helped us get situated at our site, and answered all of our questions. The following morning, however, the new owner, Christina, approached our campsite in a very confrontational manner. Her first words were,“Oh no, I’m going to have to charge you for two sites.” She then told us we couldn’t have our dogs and became increasingly rude throughout the conversation. She explained that she was trying to set up new glamping tents and had already turned away other campers because, according to her, we were taking up too much space. This was confusing because the site we reserved was advertised as 100’ x 50’, and our setup occupied only a small portion of that area—approximately 20’ x 30’. When I tried to explain that our reservation and site description matched what we had booked, she interrupted me and said she didn’t care because she was the owner and made the rules. At that point, we decided we no longer wanted to stay. We informed her that we would be checking out and requested a refund since we were unable to receive the accommodations we had reserved under the terms presented at booking. She told us she would refund what we had paid and walked away. Given how the interaction had unfolded, I recorded that conversation. Later that day, she sent me a text stating that she would not be issuing a full refund after all. Rather than continue arguing, I filed a chargeback with my credit card company. It’s unfortunate because we genuinely enjoyed this campground under its previous ownership. Based on this experience, however, I cannot recommend it. If you’re considering staying here, be aware that your experience may be very different than reviews from before the ownership change.
Camping in Colorado offers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Centennial State.
Camping in Colorado can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Colorado for scenic views?
Colorado offers breathtaking vistas at numerous campgrounds. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir is renowned for having some of the best views in the state after 15+ years of camping comparisons. For mountain panoramas, Oh Be Joyful Campground delivers amazing vistas with a convenient honor system for fees. The high-elevation sites at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground provide killer views with great hiking opportunities. For unique landscapes, consider the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park where dramatic cliff views create an unforgettable experience.
When is the best time of year to camp in Colorado?
Summer (June-August) is prime camping season in Colorado with warm days and cool nights. At Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll enjoy stunning summer hiking opportunities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early fall (September-early October) offers spectacular aspen color changes with fewer crowds at places like Freeman Reservoir Campground, which is praised as a 10/10 camping destination with perfect fall weather. Late spring (late May-June) brings wildflowers but potential lingering snow at higher elevations. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, but requires proper cold-weather gear. For high mountain camping, the season is shortest, typically July-September due to snow conditions.
Where can I find free camping in Colorado?
Colorado offers excellent free dispersed camping options. Road 240 - Dispersed is described as one of Colorado's best-kept secrets for free camping, with numerous wooded sites along a river. Buffalo Pass Campground provides free camping in wide-open spaces away from weekend crowds. The Black Canyon Dispersed Camping area offers free sites on BLM land. Throughout Colorado, National Forests provide abundant dispersed camping on Forest Service roads - just look for existing fire rings and camp at least 100 feet from water sources. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be prepared with your own water and waste disposal systems.
What are the most popular camping areas in Southern Colorado?
Southern Colorado features several remarkable camping destinations. Zapata Falls Campground near the Great Sand Dunes offers beautiful high-desert camping with access to a scenic waterfall. Great Sand Dunes Oasis provides spacious tent sites with dune views and clean facilities, perfect for first-time Colorado campers. The Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins is praised as one of the most beautiful RV parks in the region. For history enthusiasts, Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park offers convenient access to ancient cliff dwellings. Pinon Flats Campground at Great Sand Dunes National Park is another popular option with its unique landscape.
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