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Best Campgrounds in Colorado

10,000
Reviews

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 (2,277)

    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

    101 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

    102 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

    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

    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

    69 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

    $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 Reviews in Colorado

10000 Reviews of 2277 Colorado Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 25, 2026

    Meeker Town Park

    $20 for RV, $10 for Tent

    Wow, what an amazing camping spot! Meeker City Park is absolutely lovely, so clean and green—something the city should really be proud of. Thanks so much for sharing this hidden gem with us travelers passing through! The grounds are beautiful, and I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanest pit toilet that actually smelled good. The RV hookups are conveniently located in the parking lot before the bridge, and the tent spots are just across it. I slept so peacefully—such a restful night! Oh, and the Italian restaurant within walking distance has incredible pizza, and their red sauce is so good, I wanted to lick every last drop. I’ll definitely be back for another visit!

  • Gerard E.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    9-9-26

    Black Canyon of the Gunnison Arrived about 1720, long interesting farm drive from Garfield area. Site 31 in Loop A, pull through, mostly level, bear locker, nice table and fire pit.

    1/2” size gravel for site. Pit toilets are close and clean, not as clean as some of the national forests sites we stayed at.

    T-Mobile no connection SOS.

    The fire pit was about 1/2 full of debris. Ok to have a fire but we opted not to since the wind was blowing.

    I think they should limit the trails between sites to keep it more private. Just walk on the road.

    Bugs, bees and sweat bees. Water was available but limited.

    Definitely need a day or more on the south and north rim to fully appreciate the beauty of the area.

    The rangers who led the astronomers night were phenomenal. An excellent presentation of the stars, Milky Way and constellations.

  • DThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

    Awesome Thousand Trails Campground

    The air is dry, the sun is intense and the sky is clear, especially at night. Star gazing is a hobby around here. We were on the upper level, close to the outdoor pool, which made it very convenient for us. The roads in the park are blacktopped. The landing area's for RV's, are a black rock. No dust problems! Most sites have a small concrete slab and picnic table. We stayed for 20 nights. Will be coming back. The Gunnison Reservoir was dried up this season. Hoping for rain and snow fall this Fall and Winter. All in all, it's a great stay!

  • Gail G.
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Cat Creek RV Park

    Noisy truck noise

    Full hook up sites, spacious… but no showers or bathrooms. Does have a laundry room. Lots of truck noise, all the time!

  • M
    Sep. 24, 2026

    McClure Campground

    Nice place to stop for the night

    Very nice, convenient campground, perfect for a quick stop on a longer drive though I’m not sure it’d warrant more than one night. Current cost is $16; there’s no cell coverage but if you want to pay by credit card the pay envelopes have a place to write your credit card info.

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Diamond Campground & RV Park

    Great Campground

    After months on the road this is what I would consider a real campground , as opposed to an open field or RV parking lot. I would have rated 5 stars except that sites on the street can have road noise, also sites on the fence line are looking at a warehouse. Also leveling is needed so bring blocks. Good spacing between sites and lots of mature trees. Sites are irregularly spaced and at different levels (it’s hilly) which adds to the campground look and feel. No problems with placement of hook ups. Bathroom and showers very clean, laundry available. Wi-Fi was very inconsistent. Office staff nice and had everything ready when we arrived. Had an interior pull thru site. Daily visits by various wildlife, magpies, mule deer. Groceries and restaurants nearby if needed. Easy enough to get to Manitou Springs , Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and other cool Places. I’m keeping this on my list for next time.

  • Robert Y.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Grateful Flats

    Camping at grateful flats

    Our experience was excellent here, flat sites, restroom was very clean and shower has some awesome artwork on tile. If I’m ever in the area I will definitely stop again. I encourage others to stop here as well Jimmy the cohost did a fantastic job thanks

  • MThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Roche Gulch near Delores River

    quick and easy

    has been raining so was muddy, but we were able to setup the tent on a patch of grass to stay clean. multiple sites here, only 3 or so were used. can hear the river when vehicles aren't passing by on the nearby highway. we came from Moab, then hit up Telluride and are on our way to Durango, Silverton, Ouray, etc and needed a place to camp and this place provided what we needed.

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.

Keep Exploring

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