Best Tent Camping near Ouray, CO

Searching for a tent camping spot near Ouray? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Ouray's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Ouray, Colorado (54)

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Recent Tent Reviews near Ouray, CO

1089 Reviews of 54 Ouray Campgrounds


  • D
    Jessica D.'s photo of tent camping at Elk Creek Campground near Ouray, CO
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Elk Creek Campground

    Great views!

    If you are tent camping I would try and get a site that is next to the reservoir. Makes for a great sunset view! Overall the campsite is well maintained. Each tent site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Everyone is generally spread out enough that noise isn't an issue.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Melissa K.'s photo of tent camping at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park near Ouray, CO
    Nov. 17, 2018

    Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Great campground if you flyfish

    The walk to the river was short and there even is a parking area for those who are not camping but want to fish.

    Sites were well maintained, restroom and showers were as well.

    Picnic tables, fire ring and grill at all sites. Deer wandered around freely and was an extremely restful night.

    They offer pull in sites or walk in tent sites. I chose a pull in even though I was tent camping. Had to check out a few sites to be sure there was level/cactus free spot to pitch the tent.

  • Darah F.
    Tyler G.'s photo of tent camping at Molas Lake Park & Campground near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 23, 2021

    Molas Lake Park & Campground

    Dated, but very nice

    Tent camped here at campsite 8 for five nights. Very nice tents sites but after traveling the country I felt it sucked because showers were $5 for a four minute shower and the toilets were basically glorified holes in the ground. Beautiful sights everywhere. Not far from Silverton and the OHV routes.

  • Rebeca H.
    Paulina B.'s photo of tent camping at Amphitheater Campground near Ouray, CO
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Amphitheater Campground

    Come here for views and location!

    Views are stunning!! Best location to camp near Ouray as the hiking (right off the campground) is amazing! Close drive into town. Sites are nice. Some closer together than others. It gets busy so make reservations. Host was attentive.

  • M
    Kendall's photo of tent camping at Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park near Ouray, CO
    Jun. 25, 2020

    Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Pa-Co-Chu-Puk - Small sites but very peaceful

    We originally had a tent site in Elk Ridge, but our friends with an RV couldn't get a site on that side of the park for the same dates.  Rather than have the 8 kids between us so far apart, we decided to get a tent site in Pa-Co.  We got #294, primarily because the tent sites are about 50 yards from the parking lot, and with 6 of us we haul a lot of stuff.  294 was one of the closest to the parking lot, with the downside it was also closest to the pit toilet.  If it was just two people with a couple backpacks this is a great location as you don't have any car noise and you're not hauling much, but for us it was a pain.

    It was a beautiful view of the river from the site.  Sites are small and fairly close together but it was a quiet campground.  The bathroom wasn't a problem except for a couple of hours when it seemed like someone left a door open and the wind was blowing our direction.

    Our tent is massive, and too big for the 10x10 space for tents at the site so we had to do some moving around but made it work.  I'd bring our smaller one next time.  The tent campground is well maintained and quiet, and the weather is great in the summer as the river keeps it cool.  The RV site our friend has didn't have a lot of trees and was close to the highway, so for just hanging out ours was preferable.  

    Unfortunately the showers at the shower house about 100 yards away were closed due to COVID, but the weather is cool and dry mostly so not a big deal.  The shower house and laundry were very well kept, and the campground hosts were very friendly.   Firewood was $5 and I believe ice was only $1.  

    The park overall was great.  We drove to the other parts to rent paddleboards and had a great time - very reasonably priced.   It worked well as a base for side trips, as Ouray and Ridgway were easy to get to, as was Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    GoWhereYouAreDraw N.'s photo of tent camping at Ouray KOA near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Ouray KOA

    Location!

    The best thing about this park was the location. It is located close to Ouray and many activities in the area. The park also offers beautiful scenery and it is a wonderful Basecamp for exploring the area. There is a state park nearby with a beautiful lake and kayaking. There are hiking trails nearby and many wonderful off road four wheel trails.

    The park can accommodate big rigs and we were able to get our 38 foot 5’er into the parking and into a spot, but I would not call the park big rig friendly due to tight turns and small sites.

    Amenities include a nice camp store, laundry facilities, restaurant with a nice outdoor deck, on property horseback riding, on property jeep rental, hiking trails. There were bathrooms and showers at the back of the property but it was too far to walk from the front of the property so we never used them. The laundry facilities are a little small for this sized park and we weren’t able to do laundry because it was too busy.

    One big problem was electrical outages during 100° weather. The electrical system in the park just cannot keep up. Luckily we had solar and were able to maintain AC until evening hours.

    There is one small hot tub that was usually very busy we didn’t use that either.

    There are nice tent camping spots.

    Most of the people in the park Had four wheelers or motorcycles for off-road trails. The off-road trails in this area are amazing and shouldn’t be missed. We took a tour from Ouray and thoroughly enjoyed it.

    We took a horseback ride from the park and had a lovely time. The horses were very safe and great for a family experience. They also offer 15 minute rides for children.

    We would stay again if we were in the area.

  • AJ G.
    Jason S.'s photo of tent camping at Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 15, 2023

    Dakota Terraces Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Nice base camp to explore the area.

    Camping here was nice. Limited trees so summer can be rough in direct sunlight. Sites are okay size wise. Bathroom and shower facilities were clean. Very pretty area. Park staff were super friendly. 5 min from Ridgeway, 25 from Ouray, 45 from Telluride.

  • Paul S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 30, 2019

    4J + 1+ 1 RV Park

    Great location, clean and convient

    We stayed here several times when we were planning our wedding in Ouray. It is right in town, there are RV hookups and tent only sites (which we stayed at). Showers and bathrooms are clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. Location is right in town, so walking distance to everything and if you need to wash clothes, there were machines very close by.

    Sites are relatively close together so not a ton of privacy, but the tent sites have a bit more trees and back into the mountain range.

  • Nicole D.
    Paulina B.'s photo of tent camping at Amphitheater Campground near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Amphitheater Campground

    Beautiful perch above Ouray

    Gorgeous setting perched above the town of Ouray. Mostly tent camping although pop up tent-trailers can fit in the campsite. The campground books up quickly due to it's stunning views and location so plan early. There's only a very small grocery store in Ouray so stock up with necessary items in Montrose or Ridgeway. Pit toilets were clean, well-maintained and plentiful. There was a bear in the campground so absolutely no food in tents & the campground host said the bear recognizes coolers in cars so cover coolers with other items. Better yet, eat in town at the super fun rooftop bar at the Ouray Brewery. Can't say enough about this special gem! The campground hosts sell bundles of firewood for I think $7/bundle but we needed to dig out the accumulated ash in the firepit to get the fire to light so consider bringing a small shovel. There is potable water but no showers or sinks.

  • Bill B.
    Nott S.'s photo of tent camping at Stoner RV Resort near Ouray, CO
    May. 23, 2024

    Stoner RV Resort

    A little piece of friendly heaven!

    I can't say enough good things about this place. The mayor of Stoner, Colorado, Scott is a great host and very generous. The place is very well maintained and clean and looked after. They have RV spots right on the river, Stoner Creek! My Jeep camper was quite happy over in the tent sites. With free shore power, even at the tent sites. Free barbecue with utensils and propane, fire pits with free wood! Yes, free wood! A different welcome gift each time but usually with a dozen farm Fresh eggs here from his chickens. Plus coffee, usually banana bread , tin foil even lighter fluid to light the free wood for your campfire! At 30 bucks a night for a tent site with shore power and all of that it just almost seems too cheap. 

    With lots of really gorgeous, mature Noble fur trees, this spot is not only gorgeous but really well located above Dolores but below Rico to access so much of the natural Colorado landscape. I love it here! Tell your friends!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Lauren K.'s photo of tent camping at Kendall Camping Area near Ouray, CO
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Kendall Camping Area

    Worth a look

    Excellent Boondocking area. Close to Silverton on Mineral Creek. Plenty of free tent camping along the road too

  • Kelly H.
    Kendall's photo of tent camping at Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park near Ouray, CO
    Nov. 26, 2022

    Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Great location and beautiful!

    We tent camped here on an amazing tent deck.  Our first experience with this!  We love this part of Colorado.  So many beautiful sites to see and things to do.  We have family to visit here, as well.

    Stayed here in the month of August when you have to watch for those pesky but awesome thunderstorms.  

    Well maintained campground with clean facilities.  We'll definitely be back!

  • p
    Will T.'s photo of tent camping at Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge

    Beautiful spot along the river.

    We are tent campers. There are only 4 tent sites and they are all wonderful; right next to the river! Bathroom/showers are very clean, but a bit of a walk from the tent sites. Office staff was super friendly and informative. Wifi available. Small store for any basics you may have forgotten/ran out of. Soft serve ice cream available. Basically, way more amenities than we are used to (a nice change from pit toilets). ..and the price is right! $20 a night for 2 people, plus $2 per additional warm body. Would come back in a heartbeat.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo at Orvis Hot Springs (Clothing Optional) near Ouray, CO
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Orvis Hot Springs (Clothing Optional)

    Fantastic experience

    We camped here overnight in October. We love to go to hot springs and thought this place was a 9/10. They had 10 tent sites and spots to park your camper or van. We called the same day and they were able to accommodate us that night. Price is a little steep at $50/per person per night but it includes 24/hr access to the hot springs, showers, coffee, etc. The tent sites are nice with fire pits and raised platforms. This place is super casual but well maintained which is what appeals to its charm. Staff is super friendly.

  • C
    Melissa K.'s photo of tent camping at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 23, 2018

    Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Fly Fishing Paradise

    The Paco Campground at Ridgeway SP is probably my favorite in the SP system. It’s down river from the lake and is tucked in rolling canyon of the Uncompahgre River. The river is a tailwater and has been restored by Trout Unlimited as a Catch & Release section. That bears repeating, especially for our Texas friends- Catch & Release... Sadly on 4 different occasions I’ve assisted Rangers in citing folks from there for keep trout.

    The Campground is spacious and beautiful. There’s everything from tent sites to full hook ups. Facilities are spotless and the hosts are outgoing.

    Bonus tip- Killer Thai food in Ridgeway. And daytrip for a soak in Ouray.

  • K
    Jessica D.'s photo of tent camping at Elk Creek Campground near Ouray, CO
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Elk Creek Campground

    Nice campground, mountain views

    Great spot, with lots of spaces RV, cabin and tent camping. Five minutes from Grand Lake Village where there is access to the Lake. A family of moose are often seen there.

  • T
    Karl G.'s photo of tent camping at Wupperman Campground near Ouray, CO
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Wupperman Campground

    Beautiful site and right next to the lake!

    Our family of 4 tent camped at this site. We were able to walk to the edge of the cliff and had a clear view of Lake San Cristobal. We had a creek running beside our campsite.

  • Jeremy H.
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Montrose / Black Canyon Nat'l Park KOA

    Nicest in town

    Tent camping is pricey but the amenities r almost with it. Close to black canyon and in town food and booze with in walking distance. What more could u ask for. A pool, they got that.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at 4J + 1+ 1 RV Park near Ouray, CO
    Oct. 13, 2020

    4J + 1+ 1 RV Park

    Cheap

    $28 for a tent site. Showers bathrooms and people. If you don't have a 4x4 this is the place to stay. So many trails so close like 4miles max.

  • Chantelle Z.
    Tré O.'s photo of tent camping at County Road 14, Dexter Creek Backcountry near Ouray, CO
    Aug. 27, 2020

    County Road 14, Dexter Creek Backcountry

    Perfect place to stop for the night

    We arrived at 8:30pm and found a spot right up the road next to the river. It was peaceful and easy to find. Plus it was close to town. We have a rooftop tent and the ground was somewhat level. I would not recommend tent camping because there were a lot of rocks.

  • Geoff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jacob B.'s photo of tent camping at Angel Creek Campground near Ouray, CO
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Angel Creek Campground

    Great for the price

    Nice campsite just outside of Ouray4. There's a camp at mile 2 and 3 on 361 county road outside of town. $10 a night. Mostly tent sites. Picnic tables and flat boxed areas for the tents. Super clean bathrooms. First come first serve. Van assesible.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Kendall's photo of tent camping at Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park near Ouray, CO
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Elk Ridge Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Great stay with the best views!

    I stayed in one of the walk in tent sites on the edge overlooking the lake. It was absolutely beautiful. The staff were very friendly and facilities were clean. I use Verizon and had full service available.


Guide to Ouray

Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains, Ouray, Colorado, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views and adventure.

Tent campers should check out the scenic beauty of Alta Lakes Campground

  • The drive to Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) features a long dirt road that rewards visitors with stunning lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • This location is perfect for those who enjoy fishing and hiking, with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
  • Campers can enjoy campfires and the company of pets, making it a great spot for families and friends.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10

  • Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers free camping with beautiful mountain views, making it an excellent budget-friendly option.
  • For a small fee of $10, Angel Creek Campground provides a well-maintained site with bear boxes for food storage and access to nearby trails.
  • Thistledown Campground also charges $10 per night and is conveniently located just outside of Ouray, offering easy access to local attractions.

Tent camping activities abound in the area

  • At Fall Creek Camping, visitors can enjoy a long weekend of hiking and exploring the nearby Telluride area.
  • The Bear Camp - Dispersed site is ideal for those seeking a more rugged experience, with opportunities for off-roading and wildlife viewing.
  • For a unique experience, Arastra Creek offers beautiful sites with fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ouray, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ouray, CO is Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) with a 4.4-star rating from 39 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Ouray, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Ouray, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.