Best Campgrounds near Carbondale, CO

Camping near Carbondale, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "Easy access to the ghost town of Independence, the Grottos, Weller Lake all on the pass and Aspen just 30 minutes on the other side" at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground.
• Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the local lakes and rivers. A camper at Portal Campground shared, "We were right on the lake by the inlet and fishing was fun."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Difficult Campground noted, "Moose regularly passed through, but all five minutes from Aspen."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. A review for Rifle Gap State Park Campground highlights, "The views are unreal and bonfires at night at next level."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. One camper at James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping mentioned, "Clean campsite that is conveniently located near I70."
• Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful hosts. A visitor at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S said, "Great hosts. Lovely area."

What you should know:

• Reservation Process: Some campgrounds have tricky reservation systems. A camper at Rifle Gap State Park Campground found the "reservation process is relatively difficult online."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby highways or trains. A review for Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA noted, "It was a little noisy... there is also a train track nearby."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Difficult Campground pointed out, "No amenities, no laundry, no showers, no electricity."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. One reviewer at James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping mentioned, "There is a playground and covered picnic tables."
• Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S enjoyed having "coffee on the creek in the AM and wine in the PM."
• Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray, especially in summer. A visitor at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping warned, "Beware of the mosquitos! Do not come here without a net or a lb of bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Amis Acres Campground noted, "Some sites would be tricky to back into with a mid to large RV."
• Be Ready for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A reviewer at Portal Campground mentioned, "The drive in was ROUGH, but doable in a Honda CRV."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA appreciated the "full hookups allowed us to flush our water systems."

Camping near Carbondale, CO, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!