Are you in need of a campground near Pitkin, CO? Pitkin is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Pitkin, reviewed by campers like you.
$26 - $250 / night
"Slept right next to the creek. Trailheads walking distance away."
"Lottis Creek is peaceful and beautiful, and just a great place to relax and enjoy the Colorado air. We stayed here over the weekend and really enjoyed the hosts on Baldy loop."
$25 / night
"This is probably my family's favorite area to camp in Colorado. Off the beaten path enough that traffic is minimal. But nice and close to some great four wheel and off roading areas."
"This place is beautifully positioned in the trees. Clean facilities, a wonderful camp host and fellow campers were great. 15 minutes from Buena Vista and 30 to Salida. "
"This was our first time camping at Mirror Lake, we originally were planning to stay at Gold Creek where we have camped before but decided to try somewhere new."
"The three miles from Tincup, Colorado were challenging for my 2017 CRV AWD...but we took it slow and crawled our way over and around the 12" rock covered road."
$22 / night
"You do have to drive for a while on unpaved roads to get here. The campsites are very spacious and rarely is it full."
"We were on the tail end of our 10 day camping trip through the mountains of Colorado and spent our last two days here. The camp host Steve is amazing!"
$22 / night
"Cottonwood creek and Cottonwood lake are close by. The first come first serve sites are spacious and well laid out. There is a very nice day use picnic and fishing docks on the lake."
"Cottonwood Lake campground near Buena Vista is my favorite campground on this particular road (my other favorite campground in the vicinity is Cascade)."
$25 / night
"I gave this a 4 star because of the crowds.I backpacked to a high alpine lake called Kroenke Lake in the Collegiate Peaks wilderness area near Buena Vista, CO in August to catch some high country Cutthroats"
"Everything I want in a campground: roaring river, Aspen, trails views. Plenty of shade and the sound of the river at night was wonderful. We took our trailer and were in site 14."
"This spot is one of the best kept secrets for dispersed camping in Colorado. The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade."
"And do not drive up that section to the 3rd if it is already taken (scout ahead here, trust me). You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around and no spots."
"The hiking is good with several trailheads and easy access to the Colorado Trail."
"Recommend the hike to browns lake nearby. Vault toilets at the trailhead if needed.
Our spot was right off the Colorado trail, lots of thru hikers going by."
$24 / night
"Sites were sheltered slightly by bushes it looked like and I noticed at the kiosk that there were several trails that ran through or near the site."
"We stayed in site 34 next to a bubbling creek. Very quiet, only a few other campers. The vegetation is beautiful, the air smells refreshing, and the water is extremely clean."
"Its proximity to Pitkin was ideal. We would stay here again. Well worth stopping in."
GuideWe remember this area being over run with rvs and atvs. They camped and parked all over the place. Now it has a concession. The area was improved. Only thing now is the host won't enforce rules. Like leash, no atvs, folks parking in first come first serve and saving a spot for a friend ( against the law) and tents off the pads. The poor fish are totally harassed and left for dead on shore. People need to learn if they fafo they can lose all our public lands. That wonderful experience we all loved as kids? Gone!
GuideBoth areas, Castle rock, Gulch, and mushroom gulch have forest roads with multiple disperse, camping spots off the road in both open and secluded areas. Including areas where multiple vehicles can park and camp in the same central location. Roads continue for miles and miles with many camp spots. Some roads are well maintained while others are rockier and more rugged.
TravelerOpen spots Memorial Day Weekend. Well labeled from Highway 50 just before entering Salida. About or greater than 20 camping spots (but we didn't venture to the last site). Initial road was more rough but evens out as you go further back (we don't have 4-wheel but made it no problem). Porta-potties when you enter the road but no toilets for the campsites further back. Built in fire pits at each established campsite.
TravelerOnly about 10-15 campsites in the section but good area to camp. They've added portapotties to help with the toilet issue but they're only at the entrance. Get there early if you want to reserve a site!
ScoutLots of dispersed camping throughout this area. At this spot we found a nice area for a tent that had a fire pit.
GuideNot bad close to river. Ideal for tenting or small RV. Hiking nearby. 2025.05.24
GuideNice easily accesable spot There are 2 ways in. It is mostly open but there are areas that have more trees and therefore more privacy. 2025.05.24
TravelerThis is a lovely, well maintained campground next to the Arkansas River. There is a boat launch and vault toilets (clean). There are no frills, but it is a peaceful setting. The only real downside to us is the close proximity to the highway, which didn’t bother me but may annoy some. The tent sites are nice and picnic tables are clean and useable.
GuideWe spent 7 days here in what we refer to as spot#5(the best spot) but be advised any of the spots in this area are difficult to get into unless you have a high clearance vehicle and rig. I would suggest that no Class C or A try to camp in this area. We explain more in our video that we have linked on the videos tab here but this is also the direct link https://youtu.be/6Rp2QHxAgrc
Camping near Pitkin, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Pitkin, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just be prepared for the unique challenges that come with camping in this stunning area!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Pitkin, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 325 campgrounds and RV parks near Pitkin, CO and 105 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pitkin, CO is Lottis Creek Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 105 free dispersed camping spots near Pitkin, CO.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Pitkin, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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