Jamie W.
Traveler
TravelerForest Road 37
Muddy, logging area
There are a few muddy and grassy spots up the road. This area is being logged. I don’t think I’d stay here again, but we had rain the whole time which didn’t help
Best Campgrounds in Colorado
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 Camping Sites in Colorado (2,185)
1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
104 ReviewsMancos, COWebsite+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
96 ReviewsGardner, COWebsite+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
93 ReviewsEstes Park, COWebsite+1 (970) 586-1206$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."
4. Chatfield State Park Campground
79 ReviewsLittleton, COWebsite+1 (303) 791-7275$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."
5. Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument
72 ReviewsFruita, COWebsite+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
70 ReviewsBlanca, COWebsite+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
67 ReviewsMontrose, COWebsite+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
65 ReviewsBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, COWebsite"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
61 ReviewsDivide, COWebsite+1 (719) 687-2366$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!"
10. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
60 ReviewsEstes Park, COWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos in Colorado
3971 Photos of 2185 Colorado Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews in Colorado
10000 Reviews of 2185 Colorado Campgrounds
- Jamie W.Traveler
West Fork Dispersed
Road is closed
This area is absolutely beautiful but the road is closed past the paid camp grounds and there are no dispersed spots prior
- Jamie W.Traveler
Durfield Dispersed Camping
Good proximity to durango
Probably the closest dispersed camping area to Durango (~15min). There’s around 10 - 15 spots, some are definitely better than others. It’s in a dry sage brush area. Likely someone lives at the far end of the road.
- RRebecca B.
GuideBlack Canyon Dispersed Camping
Many Spaces
Lots of spaces for vans, trucks, small rigs. Anything bigger may want to stay at the turnoff into the area. Road is a little rutted as you go up, but we got to our spot with our 22’ lifted AWD van with no problems.
Great T-Mobile (316/16) and AT&T (113/13). Starlink was good from this area but many sites have trees so that could be a problem Starlink is your main connectivity method.
Peaceful, quiet, lovely. Can’t ask for more.
Aza R.TravelerSouth Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir
Probably more of a 3.5 than a three but not quite a 4
We had a hard time deciding what to rate this because there truly were so many pros, however the cons were fairly plentiful as well. We had a great time don’t get us wrong but… decide for yourself.
The pros: -Honestly I loved the location in relation to fellow campers. We had nobody to the south of us and our neighbors north of us were blocked by a bush. We were up the hill overlooking to the reservoir above the neighbors west of us. However to the east of us was the main road in and out of the area. So expect road noise over neighbor noise. -Shower house and flushing toilet that were clean and very well maintained. Climate control and comfortable and very well lit. However the shower token system didn’t take our bills so we couldn’t use our showers (I note a camper passing by on our first day telling us about the shower house “it’s a pain in the ass…”) -close to the dumpster and literal feet from the water. -could walk down to the water (even got picked up by some friends on a boat)… or travel north for a social trail along the water with some killer fishing areas.
- close to town and convenient to get to and the views are stunning. Beautiful view of Horsetooth mountain and our site did feel very private.
-electric pedestal with 30 amp and 50 amp worked.
-if you are a birder the birding was 10/10 being surrounded by kingbirds, grackles, orioles, cat birds, cormorants, even some osprey, and can’t forget out the campground goose ❤️
The cons- while not deal breakers for us we couldn’t give this site any more stars because of them -The road noise is a lot. We were lucky to be in an RV however tent camping would be a different story. -again with tent camping although this site felt private you would be amongst only rvs and trailers.
- the shower house didn’t take our money so we couldn’t get tokens to shower. (If we cared a little more I am sure we could have asked the camp host for some)
- crowded but of course it is its beautiful there and I don’t blame people for being there (I am people being there) -did I mention the road noise yet?
- not very shaded- great for solar terrible to staying cool- spent a lot of time at the water which was nice. Suggest bringing a shade tent, awning, or something.
Well that’s my review for site S46 at south bay campground of Horsetooth… attached are some videos of the site as well as a spot I was able to walk to just north of this site.
- close to town and convenient to get to and the views are stunning. Beautiful view of Horsetooth mountain and our site did feel very private.
-electric pedestal with 30 amp and 50 amp worked.
Kristin M.GuideSawmill Gulch
Nice campground with good views
Very clear sites marked with site numbers past site 5 you will reach hill valley campground if you keep going you will reach more sites but need a 4WD high clearance vehicle. There are at least 12 sites along the road and may be more (I didn’t explore past site 12). All sites are very secluded with water near by
- KKendra T.Guide
Flat Tops OHV Area
Exactly what you’d expect
Lot with 15-20 pull thru spots
Quiet, only 1 other camper when I was here
Michelle G.GuideArapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground
Beautiful
This campground is stunning, even with lower than normal water levels. The camp hosts were so sweet and helpful. We were only 17 minutes away from Adams Falls trail in RMNP. Easy hike and also beautiful. Spots are close together, but the view more than makes up for it. 109 has the flush toilet right behind it with small walking paths to it.
Kiersten V.
ScoutLakeview Campground
Amazing get away!
We stayed for 2 nights and loved it! The views are absolutely out of this world! The hosts were super nice and the spots were well kept! Bathrooms were nice as well! The surrounding area was lovely too only a 30 minute drive to Leadville and we went to the lake and did some fishing only wish we could have stayed longer!
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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