Best Campgrounds in Colorado

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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.

Campground Showdown in Colorado

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Best Campgrounds in Colorado (2,291)

1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
113 Reviews
Mancos, CO
Website
+1 (800) 449-2288
"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."
2. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
105 Reviews
Gardner, CO
Website
+1 (877) 444-6777
$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."

3. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
103 Reviews
Estes Park, CO
Website
+1 (970) 586-1206
$30 - $60 / 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."
4. Chatfield State Park Campground
84 Reviews
Littleton, CO
Website
+1 (303) 791-7275
$36 - $200 / night
"The easy access to the trail around the lake, the spread out sites, the clean bathhouse and laundry room, the sunset over the mountains, the location close to town, and they don’t have any breed restrictions"

"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."

5. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument
75 Reviews
Fruita, CO
Website
+1 (970) 858-3617
$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."
6. Zapata Falls Campground
73 Reviews
Blanca, CO
Website
+1 (719) 852-7074
$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."

7. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
70 Reviews
Montrose, CO
Website
+1 (970) 249-1914
$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."
8. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
72 Reviews
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
Website
"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."

9. Mueller State Park Campground
68 Reviews
Divide, CO
Website
+1 (719) 687-2366
$18 - $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!"
10. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
61 Reviews
Estes Park, CO
Website
+1 (970) 586-1206
$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."

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Recent Camping Photos in Colorado

4103 Photos of 2291 Colorado Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Recent Reviews in Colorado

10000 Reviews of 2291 Colorado Campgrounds

D
Danielle D.
Guide
Nov. 7, 2026
Lathrop State Park
We stayed here for two nights at the end of October and it was fantastic. No one else around. We stayed at site C 65 for perfect views of Spanish peaks. We did about a 5 mile hike/walk in the scrub behind the campsite and played a nine hole round of golf with two beers. Total cost of the golf and beers $33! The sites are pretty close together so I imagine it would be a little chaotic in the summertime. And beware there are lots of cactuses. We were picking them out of our dog’s skin for a bit.
Anna
Scout
Nov. 7, 2026
Site 3
Quiet, on the Woods with Fireplace
Kaylie/TT G.
Guide
Nov. 7, 2026
My Place
I was traveling and just had to stop it was beautiful you could see for miles, and the breeze was perfect!!
C
Carolyn K.
Traveler
Nov. 6, 2026
Steamboat Lake State Park
Beautiful Fall Colors, Fun Family Trip!
I love everything about the Steamboat Springs area, and Steamboat Lake State Park is now at the top of my list! It is hard to get reservations here as they book up well in advance, but at the last minute we were able to find a spot over the weekend in mid-September.

We camped with another family and stayed in two different campgrounds. We were at site #118 in the Dutch Hill Campground, while our friends were closer to the water in site #108 at Sunrise Vista Campground. The Dutch Hill Campground was an easy walk to a beach/day use area and a marina. Both sites had electric hookups and Verizon cell service worked well.

The fall colors were on point during our visit! We enjoyed riding our bikes back and forth between campgrounds on the Willow Creek Trail. The kids want to come back, but stay at different campgrounds again because the bike ride was so much fun.

The Sunrise Vista spot had easy access to the water where we fished for trout and caught a few! It was a little too cold to paddleboard in September, but would be lovely in the summer. This was a fantastic Fall camping trip. We will definitely be back!
C
Carolyn K.
Traveler
Nov. 6, 2026
Witcher's Cove Campground — Eleven Mile State Park
Beautiful Lakeside Camping, Worth the Bumpy Drive!
If you are looking for a place that is close to the water and where you step out of your vehicle and immediately feel the breathtaking beauty and peacefulness of nature around you, this is the place. We were here for four nights over Labor Day weekend. We don’t usually camp in Colorado on holiday weekends because everywhere is so busy. However, our son had Tuesday off from school, so we extended our trip to avoid the Monday traffic. I was pleasantly surprised that even though the campground was fully booked, it didn’t feel busy or overcrowded. We fished for trout and crawfish and caught plenty of both!

We were in site#803. The site was level, we had good Verizon cell service, and we loved being close to the water. We were able to leave our fishing raft and paddleboard on the shore overnight. There are only two campsites on this side of the campground which is great, especially if you have a curious dog! But, there is activity during the day at the boat dock, not a lot, but enough to note. You’ll want sites at the other end of the campground if a few cars coming in and out during the day bother you. No RV hookups at Witcher’s Cove, but if you need that you can camp on the other side of the lake at Rocky Ridge Campground.

The only downside is that the dirt road driving in and out is terrible. It is heavily washboarded and bumpy, for a few miles. We took it slow and still had minor damage to our camper trailer as one of our cabinet doors fell off on the drive in! It was probably loose to begin with, but the bumps were so bad it made the screws come out of the wood. That won’t keep us away, though. We will just tighten everything up before our next trip, and we will definitely be back!
M
Mary A.
Scout
Nov. 6, 2026
Brown’s Grotto
Designated camp sites with picnic table and fire pit. One bar Verizon at first site as you enter. I had no cell service beyond that. Very difficult to find a level spot. Nice views. Convenient for an overnight stay.
Fran C.
Scout
Nov. 6, 2026
Starlite Vintage Resort
Too fun!
I stayed on a Friday and Saturday night. I got to ride the fire truck, listen to live music, and eat pizza while watching the sun go down and watching the Royal Gorge Bridge.

I glamped in one of the trailers, but the rental RV sites and the camper trailer sites looked nice, too. The tent areas were close together, but a couple seemed okay.

The staff is super nice, the shower/restroom area is new and was very clean, even on a busy weekend. The dishwashing sink is outdoors, but they provide Dawn soap, a sponge, and a drying rack. There are lots of cool hangout areas. The pool was closed, as it was September, and it is sort of basic, but looks like something the younger set would like.

The location is great for hiking, Royal Gorge Park, and the train.

Absolutely would do it again, even if it seems a little pricey not to have indoor plumbing.
Fran C.
Scout
Nov. 6, 2026
Ami's Acres Campground
Not for tent camping
The man who runs the place is super nice, the shower, though small, is clean, as is the bathroom. The view was nice, but the noise from the interstate and the train is a deal breaker.

The website says there is a mountain between the campground and the highway, but it isn't tall enough to block the sound. It is not quiet, despite what the website says.
A
Ann M.
Traveler
Nov. 5, 2026
Sleeping Elephant Campground (Temporarily Closed)
Small spots, road noise, great area.
Very close to the road but lots of tall vegetation. No services except outhouses. Only suitable for cars, small vans

Guide to Colorado

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.

What to do

Explore the Outdoors: Colorado is known for its beautiful parks. For instance, at Chatfield State Park Campground, you can enjoy paddle boarding and hiking. One camper mentioned, “Loved the paddle board experience.”
Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Mueller State Park Campground, are home to diverse wildlife. A visitor noted, “Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery.”
Fishing and Boating: At Eleven Mile State Park, you can fish or take a canoe out on the water. One camper said, “Take a canoe, kayak, or fishing poles and enjoy a day on the lake.”

What campers like

Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Cherry Creek State Park Campground stated, “Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained.”
Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Mueller State Park Campground, a camper remarked, “Park staff are very friendly.”
Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One visitor at Turtle Rock Campground said, “This place is beautiful. Easy to get to.”

What you should know

Weather Variability: Colorado weather can change quickly. A camper at Eleven Mile State Park warned, “Winds in the evening almost made me leave site.”
Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, lack basic facilities. A review mentioned, “There’s huge piles of trash everywhere.”
Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Prospector Campground noted, “If you have one of the US Park lifetime senior lifetime whatever’s then it’s only $13.”

Tips for camping with families

Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. Cherry Creek State Park Campground offers various activities, making it great for families.
Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for the kids. One camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, “The staff was great and managed to get us a site at short notice.”
Plan Activities: Have a list of fun things to do. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground said, “The state park is enjoyable.”

Tips from RVers

Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mueller State Park Campground noted, “Our site was a pull through with a tight radius for a 25ft trailer.”
Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A review for Prospector Campground mentioned, “There is no water, no electric, no sewer.”
Stay Vigilant About Security: Some areas have reported theft. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park warned, “One vehicle stolen and several cars rummaged through.”

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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Best Campgrounds in Colorado

Campground Showdown in Colorado

Best Campgrounds in Colorado (2,291)

1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

2. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

3. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

4. Chatfield State Park Campground

5. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

6. Zapata Falls Campground

7. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

8. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

9. Mueller State Park Campground

10. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park