Best Campgrounds near Red Cliff, CO

White River National Forest surrounds Red Cliff, Colorado, providing diverse camping experiences at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 11,000 feet. Halfmoon Campground, located directly in Red Cliff, offers established sites with picnic tables and toilets, operating from mid-May through mid-September. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Gore Creek Campground near Vail, featuring fire rings and vault toilets in a forested setting. The area includes both developed campgrounds with basic amenities and dispersed camping options along forest roads, particularly near Homestake Reservoir. Tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking glamping experiences all find suitable accommodations throughout the region, with most developed sites requiring reservations during peak summer months.

High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many dispersed camping areas, particularly along Homestake Road where rough terrain limits passenger car access. According to one camper, "Dogs welcome. No bathroom or water. Along a river. Free. Fire pits at certain sites. Rarely neighbors. Quiet. Close to Minturn, Red Cliff, and Avon should you have forgotten anything." The camping season generally runs from late May through early October, with some higher elevation sites opening later due to snowmelt. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 30s even during summer months, requiring proper cold-weather gear. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience throughout the area, with many sites offering access to alpine lakes, creeks, and hiking trails. The Colorado Trail passes near several campgrounds, providing day-hiking opportunities. Campers frequently mention the solitude available at dispersed sites compared to established campgrounds. "Gore Creek Campground is a true gem of the National Forest Service. If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you," notes one reviewer. Wildlife sightings, including moose, mule deer, and various bird species, add to the camping experience. Highway noise affects some campgrounds closer to I-70, while those deeper in the forest offer greater quiet and seclusion.

Best Camping Sites Near Red Cliff, Colorado (419)

    1. Gore Creek Campground

    22 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 / night

    "If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you."

    "We stayed at the Gore Creek Campground last summer 2017 on a drive from Southern California to Denver, CO. We took highway 15 through Nevada and Utah, and connected to Highway 70 in Utah to Colorado."

    2. Prospector Campground

    50 Reviews
    Dillon, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $27 / night

    "Located on Dillon Reservoir, Prospector Campground offers a nice balance of feeling remote while being conveniently near some really neat towns."

    "Great views of lake dillon and each spot is tucked into trees so you don’t see neighbors even if you can hear them. Short Hiking trail connected to the campground plus so many trail options close by"

    3. Homestake Road Dispersed - CO

    21 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Close to midturn, red cliff, and Avon should you have forgotten anything. Perfect for a quick weekend get away"

    "Homestake Road is your gateway to a variety of off-road and primitive camping sites in the beautiful White River National Forest. We spent two nights here, each night at a different campsite."

    4. Peak One Campground

    34 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $28 / night

    "As someone who prefers wild camping, it was definitely not that, but was one of the more positive campground experiences I've had."

    "Just a few miles off I-70, in Frisco, CO, is the location of Peak One Campground. This is a very clean campground, and the only one around Lake Dillon with flush toilets and sinks."

    5. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Roadside pull off areas. Mostly one lane dirt, can be tight and bumpy. Best for truck camper, small RV or tent. Don't get discouraged if the 1st spots are full just keep driving."

    "While many of the campsites are quite small and located right along the roadside with limited parking, we were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot."

    6. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 - $56 / night

    "Heaton Bay Campground, located near Dillon Reservoir in Colorado, offers a stunning lakeside camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains."

    "Bring your fishing pole, SUP, kayak, or hammock to hang out by the lake. This is my favorite campground in Colorado for the accessibility to the lake and town nearby."

    7. Camp Hale Memorial

    12 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $25 / night

    "Spent 2 quiet nights here in this roomy and quiet campground adjacent to the Colorado and Continental Divide Trail. Lots of great hiking and just 25 minutes north of Leadville."

    "Other spots perfect for our trailer with views are : sites 11 (near toilets), 14 and 15.

    The cons: There was no cell phone service for us (t-mobile) or water / electricity."

    8. Gold Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    "It is next a big creek and has some good 4x4 trails near it. I thought some of the sites were a little close to each other. There are trees between the sites, but you can see right through them."

    "This is a great campsite 30-40 minutes outside Minturn. 

    There is no cell service (which is great), and the sites were easy and spaced pretty well apart."

    9. Halfmoon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Halfmoon Campground is located at the end of Notch Mountain Rd (forest Rd 707) near Minturn, CO in White River National Forest."

    "Got there around 5pm on a Friday (9/9) and there was no one else there. A few more campers showed up on Saturday morning, but it wasn’t ever fully booked at any point this weekend."

    10. Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Drove up Homestake Road on a Thursday afternoon, lots off spots taken already. we took our offroad capable teardrop to the loop at the reservoir but I don't recommend taking a non-offroad trailer past"

    "Beautiful drive all the way up to the reservoir multiple dispersed, camping spots along the road fresh water source coming from the reservoir hundreds of feet away from camping sites."

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Recent Reviews near Red Cliff, CO

2150 Reviews of 419 Red Cliff Campgrounds


  • B R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Vail Area

    Super unfriendly town for RV

    There is no parking for RV around town in walking distance (Long Walk included). All parking only for cars.

  • Bill R.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Little Maud Campground

    Nice little campground close to the fishing below the dam on the Fryingpan

    First things first. I was just there September 15-22. The water was on, toilets were flushing and I think the fire ban was discontinued (we had propane fires but neighbors didn't). No cell, no dump stations at any of the three campgrounds here (they were taken out of service sometime in the last 12 years). Two hosts, tho we never had any interaction with either in our week there. Bathroom were super clean and fully functional.

    Cold nights, down to between 29 and 34 the first 4 nights were we there. Reservoir activity winding down, level down 15-20', campground uncrowded during the week. Closing around the end of October. Late closure probably to accommodate hunters.

  • Brittanie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Nice Pull Off Dispersed Site

    Easy access

    Easy to access spot with plenty of parking. There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks. Campfire ring and great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    Amazing views

    Stayed here over the 4th of July weekend this summer. Would recommend arriving during the day as it’s hard to see spots/determine what is dispersed vs campground when it is dark as a first-time visitor. We found it very quiet with respectful (though plentiful and close-by) neighbors. Fire rings are present at some spots. Road up is rough and requires somewhat high clearance. Incredible views to wake up to!!! Highly recommend.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    West Lenhardy Cutoff

    Great views. Rough road

    After traveling off road 375 and south on Lenhardy cut off road we traveled about a half a mile but the road became very rough. Therefore we turned around and camped at a site in the southwest of road 375 and the Lenhardy cut off. The views were great. The lot is not very level. The views of the collegiate peaks were spectacular.

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Twin Lakes Dispersed2

    Fantastic Views- Fall colors are #1

    There are multiple dispersed camping sites along Elbert Road. The Mt. Elbert Trailhead is nearby as well as the CDT. Fantastic place to camp especially during the fall Colors. There are 2 spots here. The east side is enough for two vehicles close together. West has much more space for a larger group. Recommend 4x4 if possible but have done it in the past in Subaru Outback

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Rapid #6 Dispersed on Arkansas River

    Easy Spot with Large Truck Canper

    Running a Ram 5500 with large truck camper. Lots of spots on the road to pull off. Nothing fancy but great views! Large campers no bigger than 35ft should have no problem.

  • S
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Herman Gulch Trailhead

    Highway noise, but car camping friendly

    Lots of car noise from the highway but otherwise a good spot to park overnight and sleep in your car. Gravel/asphalt road, easy access, porta potties.

  • S
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sawmill Gulch

    Drive in + makeshift firepits

    Loved this spot because it felt like a secret. Only 4 or 5 designated camping spots, but you can drive your car into the spot as well. I came from Kenosha Pass ($24 to camp there and you can’t drive your car to your campsite). The road up to the campsites starts out like a regular dirt road, but then it gets a tad rocky and then it gets slightly rough with several potholes. I drive a 2008 Prius and I went slow and it was not a problem for me at all, I cannot speak for the road coming from the other side though. There are bear signs so please be careful. There are also a couple spots along the way to park but not camp. Each of the campsites had makeshift rock style firepits as well. No bathrooms, no water, no trash cans. Private property on most of the rest of the land. No cellphone service for Verizon until you get to the highway again. Highly recommend!


Guide to Red Cliff

Camping near Red Cliff, Colorado offers overnight options at elevations between 8,000-11,000 feet with temperatures that can drop below freezing even in July. The area features multiple dispersed camping areas along forest service roads with quick access to alpine lakes, hiking trails, and small mountain towns for supply runs. Most dispersed sites lack facilities but provide more solitude than established campgrounds.

What to do

Hiking Missouri Lakes Trail: Access this popular trail from Gold Park Campground, located 7 miles down Homestake Road. "Lots to do around white river national forest and I would stay here again!" notes one camper. The campground serves as "a great place to stay if you want trails and high alpine lakes at your fingertips."

Mountain biking near Dillon Reservoir: Prospector Campground provides direct access to multiple biking trails. "Hiking trails available. Great views at sunset," reports one visitor. Another adds: "Plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as some great Disc Golf courses within a 15 minute drive."

Historical exploration at Camp Hale: Visit this WWII training site where 15,000 soldiers once prepared for mountain warfare. "We explored the area and loved the little town of Red Cliff and the Mango's Mountain Grill, as well as Minturn and ate yummy burritos at the Rocky Mountain Taco. Check out the Colorado Trail nearby as well as the Camp Hale Historic Monument," recommends a camper who stayed at Camp Hale Memorial.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Homestake Road offers numerous pull-offs with established sites. "Dogs welcome. Along a river. Free. Fire pits at certain sites. Rarely neighbors. Quiet," reports one visitor to Homestake Road Dispersed. Another adds: "Multiple camp spots. We came out mid week and were able to find a spot early evening."

Creek-side campsites: Many spots along forest roads feature water access. "Great campground with easy access. Nice little getaway from Denver. Easy to access and right near a huge lake. Hiking trails available," notes a visitor about Homestake Road. Another camper reports: "Great spot for camping, mellow and just what you need, a creek flows through the campsite so there are multiple sites along the water."

Dark skies for stargazing: The distance from major cities creates excellent night sky viewing. At Boreas Pass, "Incredible views, each spot tucked in the trees," notes one camper. Another visitor to Halfmoon Campground reported: "The best part about the site were the stars at night - I saw multiple shooting stars."

What you should know

Road conditions vary widely: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. "Homestake road is usually an easy drive and most cars will be fine on it. Like most areas in the White River National Forest, the roads will open and close based on weather. Usually this is open Mid June to Mid October," explains one regular visitor.

Fire restrictions common: Bans frequently occur during dry periods. "Sites each have a large picnic table and fire ring," notes a visitor to Gore Creek Campground, but adds "There is a fire ban in this area so be mindful of that."

Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most remote camping areas have no bathrooms or water. A camper at Homestake Road reports: "Road out was a little bumpy but a 2 wheel drive sedan could easily make the trip. Quite a few people were camping along the road but still super quiet. No services at all. Gotta pack everything out."

Reservations needed for established campgrounds: During summer months, reserved sites fill quickly. "Very busy on the weekends as it's a favorite local spot," notes a frequent visitor to Homestake Road. Sites at Gore Creek Campground are described as "very spacious, well-maintained, and equipped with picnic tables and fire rings."

Tips for camping with families

Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Sites with toilets and tables work best for young children. "Each site has a bear locker, fire pit, picnic table, and long parking spot. Gore Creek runs right next to the sites on the left side of the campground," reports a family who stayed at Gore Creek Campground.

Look for sites near water features: Creeks and small lakes keep kids entertained. At Gold Park Campground, one parent notes: "We loved this site because we were able to hike along the creek and sit on the boulders and watch the fly fisherman and then hike up the hill on the other side of this campsite. Lots to explore to keep the kids busy."

Pack for cold nights: Even summer temperatures drop significantly after sunset. "The nights can get chilly, so it's essential to pack warm layers, even in the summer," advises a family who camped at Heaton Bay Campground, adding that the "campground is set in a picturesque location, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups available: Most campgrounds in this area are primitive. "Each site has a bear locker, fire pit, picnic table, and long parking spot (30+ ft). Gore Creek runs right next to the sites on the left side of the campground," notes an RV traveler.

Measure your rig before choosing a site: Many forest roads have tight turns and limited space. "At Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping, not all sites are equal. Most sites are only slightly off the road. Road is fine for high clearance," warns one RVer. Another notes: "We're in a van, and while some spots would have been great, not all would work for our van."

Water fill locations limited: Plan to arrive with tanks filled. "There is no water to fill your tank unless you're a lucky one who got loop C. There also isn't a dump anywhere," warns an RVer about Heaton Bay Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Red Cliff, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Red Cliff, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 419 campgrounds and RV parks near Red Cliff, CO and 173 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Red Cliff, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Red Cliff, CO is Gore Creek Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Red Cliff, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 173 free dispersed camping spots near Red Cliff, CO.