Best Campgrounds in Colorado

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Colorado (2,263)

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    112 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. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    100 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    Website
    +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."

    3. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    101 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."

    4. Chatfield State Park Campground

    82 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    Website
    +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

    73 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

    72 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

    68 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

    70 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

    66 Reviews
    Divide, CO
    Website
    +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

    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

4086 Photos of 2263 Colorado Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


Recent Reviews in Colorado

10000 Reviews of 2263 Colorado Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 6, 2026

    Hecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

    Camp Host at Hecla

    I've was the Camp Host at Hecla Junction for the summer of 2026. Here is what you should know...

    The 3 mile dirt road to get here is pretty well maintained but has some very sharp turns. If you are over 40ft in length it is doable but tough.

    All  sites are by reservation only. There are no first come first serve sites. Plan ahead because cell service is not great. You will get one bar if you are lucky.

    There are pit toilets available but there is no water, electricity or sewer. You have to pack your trash out.

    All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and a spacious place for tents. 

    The sites are a reasonable distance from each other. The sites on the side by the river are pretty flat but the sites 1108, 1113, 1116, 1117 have a pretty steep parking area so if you plan on putting your RV there be ready to spend some time leveling. 

    If you have a large RV (over 35ft) you might want to avoid sites 1110-1114 because the loop  has a pretty tight corner. Site 1114 is a pull-through site.

    My favorite sites are 1103 (nice tree for shade), 1102-1111 (river views) and 1112 (nice view, good shade from the hill and a trail that goes to the river), 1113 and 1114 back up against the hillside and get shade earlier.  1116 and 1117 are good for really large groups (extra tables)

    There is a good hiking trail that runs along the river (1.5 miles out and back). It starts from the day use area.

    Quiet hours are 10:00pm to 6:00am and most people are pretty good about following that.

    Hecla Junction is also a Dark Skies designated park so the view of the stars is amazing!

  • RThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 6, 2026

    Hubbard Mesa West

    Just depends what you are looking for and if you can get to it…

    Looked like a nice place if you’re looking to be away from everyone. It was dry this year so I didn’t have any trouble in my 1/2 ton but it was rutted up bad in a couple of places so keep that in mind. I won’t be taking my camper there but looks like decent spots for tents. See photos of road and the views

  • J
    Sep. 6, 2026

    Pleasant Valley RV Park, 0018 County rd 47, Howard, CO

    Truly wonderful park

    The PV team is so nice and helpful, the park is beautiful, very clean (even the bathrooms!) and the decorations throughout add an extra touch. They offered donuts, live music and a movie night while we were here. This park exceeded our expectations and we will for sure be staying here again.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 6, 2026

    Peak One Campground

    Inter-city escape.

    We stopped at Peak One Campground on our way home from a backpacking trip in the Flat Tops. At that point, I was desperate for a campground that didn’t also come with the stress of bears, extreme elevation, or being completely isolated. Don’t get me wrong—I love that level of wilderness, but after a week of it, I was ready for some dialed-down relaxation. Peak One met that need to a T. You can tell the campground is a relatively recent development, but they planted enough pines that they have finally grown tall enough to hide the nearby town—while remaining short enough to preserve the incredible views of the mountains in the distance. It offers a great balance: beautiful scenery and a connection to nature without feeling completely removed from civilization. The bear boxes are large enough to hold two full-sized coolers, and the bathrooms were clean and well maintained. When we visited, there were also at least four first-come, first-served campsites available. For camping in Colorado at the end of summer, that felt like an absolute blessing. Overall, Peak One was exactly what we needed: peaceful, scenic, convenient, and relaxing. A solid 10/10 for what it is designed to be.

  • Morgan D.
    Sep. 6, 2026

    Durfield BLM Boondocking

    Sufficient, ample space near Durango

    Very pleased with this option. Not far off the main road, less than 20 minute drive from Durango. Decent cell service with Verizon. Plenty of available spaces, even though it’s Labor Day weekend. There are spaces that can fit bigger rigs if you have one, and the road is passable for any vehicle type. We only drove in less than a mile before having plenty to choose from. Only downside is it’s not beautiful, no views - just a place to camp.

  • LThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 6, 2026

    Stillwater Campground

    Squeezed in camp spots

    Came here after sunset point was full. Plenty of spots even with it being Labor Day weekend. Spots were really squeezed in together but the bathrooms were clean!

  • AThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 5, 2026

    Rio Grande Campground

    Rio Grande Campground

    Very nice campsites. We got one steps from the water. However, it is not free as described. Must pay via Rec.gov app. $11

  • Fa B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 5, 2026

    Boreas Pass site 21

    Perfect location super easy to access

    Stunning views and drive all around, very easy to access from Breckenridge, and quiet.

    Bear boxes at all sites. One narrow passages on the way that will only allow one vehicle at a time so expect needing to yield.

    The drive up is not as bumpy as I expected it to be, so a sedan could make it.

  • Wm S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 5, 2026

    Lost Lake Campground

    Long drive beautiful lake

    The drive takes longer than you might think unsaved and twisty road. Lake is very nice and hiking trails all atound

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.