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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 (2,194)

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    105 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. Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    96 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."

    3. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    94 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."

    4. Chatfield State Park Campground

    79 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

    72 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

    70 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

    67 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

    65 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

    61 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

    60 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 2194 Colorado Campgrounds

  • Erica J.
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Prospector Campground

    Used to love this campground but…

    This campground has always been a favorite campground of mine (been coming here 30+ years), but frankly, I’m questioning if I want to visit again.  The new management company seems to place profits over maintaining anything.

    It’s the beginning of the camping season and already, the place is a mess.  Trash in most of the fire pits, poop smeared all over the outhouse floor and seats, and the site we had reserved looked like someone had shaved a full head of looooong hair around the table and disposed of most of it, you guessed it, in the fire pit.  We brought up the issues with one of the hosts and they graciously let us switch spots, but instead of cleaning the outhouse, they slapped an out of order sign on the door.  

    There’s also no water (a common issue here, granted), but they are still charging the full $35 a night!!  I’ve never paid so much for a campground with no amenities.

    So beware, the toilets are disgusting, there’s no water, the camp hosts don’t seem to care much about cleaning up anything, and they are charging an arm and a leg.

  • Jen H.
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur

    Awesome campground!

    This campground is awesome!! Funnest one we’ve ever stayed at. Tons of things to do for the whole family! We spent three nights there and had the best time. Looking forward to staying again. Spacious lots.

  • Renae G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Sand Canyon

    Camped Near Start of Road

    I am in a Subaru Outback and was a little intimidated by the road, mostly the amount of sharp jagged rocks. I would likely have been able to go further but there are a few sites right at the turnoff for the FR so I decided to stay here. Still amazing views overlooking Ute mountain. Tuesday night was so quiet I only saw one other car pass by me.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Dakota Ridge RV Park

    Close to road lots of amenities

    Clean. Just off the highway. Convenient for that reason.

  • Renae G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Ice Lake Trailhead Dispersed

    Incredible Views Close to Trailhead

    Along this whole road are dispersed campsites - way more than just the specific locations noted - all the way up to the trailhead and paid South Mineral Springs Campground. Campsites are mostly on the south side with small firepits, flat dirt areas for tents, some tent sites further down closer to the water if you want to walk a bit. I stayed on Friday and Saturday night and there was plenty of space for everyone along the road, I could only see one set of neighbors. Super quiet, amazing scenery, right near the trailhead for an early morning hike. Pit toilets are at the trailhead. No Verizon service along the whole road or the Ice Lakes hike. I saw a moose at night! Keep your eyes open!

  • Renae G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    Beautiful and Buggy

    Amazing views of Mesa Verde especially Park Point. There are a lot of designated, numbered campsites along this road. I went as far as site 8 easily in a Subaru Outback. I could have gone further down the road if I wanted to - no high-clearence needed. Some sites are pull-through and some are back in but all have ample space for multiple tents, multiple cars, or an RV. Firepits at all sites but there is a fire ban in place. Was here early June and the midges are horrendous. If you get a site on the South side the wind helps a bit but I ended up hiding in my vehicle for most of the evening. On Sunday night it was very busy and people coming in around 7-8 struggled to find a spot. Monday night was nearly empty.

  • Renae G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Boggy draw

    Quiet and Cozy

    Easy gravel road with large pull-offs for camping. Lots of trees provide shade after the hot and sunny day. On a Monday night it was very quiet - I saw maybe 3-4 cars all night. Two extremely clean pit toilets at the start of the dirt track. No Verizon coverage at the campsite, but I did have it at the toilets.

  • J
    Jun. 10, 2026

    BLM Rocky Reservoir Campground

    Small campground that is quiet during non-hunting season

    Correct location is: N 40.959524 W 108.904624

    I camped here (site 5) for 2 nights - a Thursday and Friday - in early June. I had the campground to myself. I needed a level spot which limited my choice (site 3, 5 and 6 seemed to be the most level). 

    There are only 6 sites with sites 5 and 6 sharing a large grassy area. The campground is within a young aspen forest with some tall standing dead trees (I had my fingers crossed that more would not be falling down and blocking the road). 

    The single outhouse was clean and well stocked. The area is very quiet at night - some OHV traffic in the area during the day on Friday but not a lot.

    I'm guessing this campground is much busier during hunting season (s). 

    I approached from county 10N and then onto county 72 and then a turn on to a two-track at a marked sign for the campground, however this access goes through State Trust Land (Cold Springs Mountain) and you must have a Colorado fishing, or hunting license. County 10N and 72 are both good gravel roads while the two track has a few large boulders and a significant tilt in places. 

    I'm not sure if there is access from the north that avoids the State land. 

    There's a second BLM campground nearby called "Bishops Hunting Campground" it is a large grassy area with one picnic table and 2 fire pits at the edge of an aspen forest. No outhouse. 

    No fee.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2026

    Monarch Spur RV Park & Campground

    2 night rest from dry camping

    Nice campground with hot showers, good drinking water, full hookups, affordable price Nice camp store RV and tent sites

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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