Best Tent Camping near Rifle, CO

Public lands surrounding Rifle, Colorado offer diverse tent camping opportunities within White River National Forest and nearby BLM areas. Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed camping provides free tent sites with reservoir views, while the SE Flat Tops Area features walk-in tent-only camping with excellent star viewing. Thompson Creek Campground near Silt offers tent camping along a stream with designated sites and dispersed options further up steep dirt roads. Lower Prince Creek Campground provides five primitive tent campsites with privacy created by thick scrub oak vegetation between sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Campers should bring all necessary water, as potable sources are rare even at established sites. Fire rings are common at designated areas, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Road conditions vary significantly, with many tent camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. According to visitors at Harvey Gap BLM, "super rugged roads" make access challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Vault toilets exist at some locations like McClure Campground, but most primitive tent sites operate on pack-in, pack-out principles with no trash service available.

Tent campers frequently note the exceptional solitude and views available at backcountry tent sites. One visitor to the SE Flat Tops Area reported being "off service until you head about a mile down the mountain" with "beautiful views of the stars." Sites in White River National Forest dispersed camping areas offer wildlife viewing opportunities alongside primitive tent camping experiences. Thompson Creek campers noted that "spots by the stream are cooler, more shaded but empty in late August," while "mid-summer they fill up fast." Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, with cool nights common even during summer months. Weekend availability becomes limited at most tent campgrounds, with visitors recommending early arrival to secure spots at popular locations.

Best Tent Sites Near Rifle, Colorado (17)

    1. Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Silt, CO
    8 miles

    "Super fun view of the lake! I was surprised there was space during the 4th of July"

    "There are two off-road trails coming off the parking area and you can see the water and people paddle boarding at the beach from the Sites"

    3. Klines Folly Campground

    1 Review
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    29 miles
    +1 (970) 328-6388

    5. Thompson Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-9000

    "We have stayed in the designated spots down by the stream, and also up the steep, dirt road to the dispersed sites past the designated spots."

    6. SE Flat Tops Area

    1 Review
    Glenwood Springs, CO
    33 miles

    "We entered through the White Mountain National Forest off-road areas. You can camp anywhere you’d like, though there are no electrical or plumbing hook-ups."

    7. Upper Colorado Rec Area

    3 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    39 miles
    Website

    "You can also pay to camp ($6 per site/vehicle) at the Radium Recreation Site which offers a more developed campground with the usual tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits and decently clean toilets."

    "The views on the drive are SPECTACULAR! We found a great meadowy spot with a fire pit. It was peaceful and the view was awesome."

    8. Lower Prince Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 876-9000

    "This is a BLM site with five primitive camping sites available. However there is a bathroom. I didn't locate any potable water spigots."

    9. Steamboat Rock Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mesa Lakes, CO
    46 miles
    Website

    "This campground is off road. Has no bathrooms nor water source. But offers hiking, rockclimbing and just peace and quiet."

    "Beautiful drive to get there. If you take the Yampa Bench Road to get there, you will need 4WD. Expect a solid three hour drive with beautiful views."

    10. White River National Forest dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Meeker, CO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 878-4039

    "But we did see only 2 fire rings. Need a permit. But gorgeous views and lots of wildlife. It’s possible with a 2WD BUT don’t recommend what we did haha"

    "This dispersed campsite has an incredible view, but it’s located on a “primitive road,” so google maps won’t show you the route all the way. I was using the OnX off-road app when I found it."

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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Rifle, CO

4 Photos of 17 Rifle Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Rifle, CO

601 Reviews of 17 Rifle Campgrounds



Guide to Rifle

Rifle, Colorado, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Rifle

  • Be prepared for limited amenities at Meadow Ridge Campground, which offers a clean environment and access to short trails leading to Rampart Reservoir.
  • If you prefer a more rustic experience, consider Klines Folly Campground, which provides a simple parking lot setup for easy camping.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out the SE Flat Tops Area, where you can camp anywhere you like and enjoy breathtaking starry nights.

Campground amenities to consider

  • Oak Point Campground — Vega State Park features drinking water and toilets, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • At Thompson Creek Campground, you can enjoy the beauty of the Colorado River Valley, although it lacks some basic amenities.
  • Collbran offers drinking water and toilets, providing a comfortable camping experience while being surrounded by nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rifle, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rifle, CO is Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Rifle, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.