Best Campgrounds near Austin, CO

Camping near Austin, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: The area is filled with trails that lead to breathtaking views. At the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Great location for exploring the park. Just a mile from the visitors center, and just off the rim drive."
• Stargazing: This region is known for its dark skies. A camper at the same campground noted, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars," making it a perfect spot for night owls and photographers.
• Fishing and Water Activities: The Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park is near a reservoir, which is great for fishing. One visitor shared, "Great loops for biking with kids, very clean campsites and nice bathrooms, great trails for biking or walking between the camp loops."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A review from James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping said, "Pit toilets are available and clean."
• Proximity to Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to national parks and recreational areas. A camper at North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park mentioned, "The trail to the rim is right behind the campground."
• Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One visitor at the Palisade Basecamp RV Resort noted, "We waded to the middle of the river and watched the sun set against a hill. Beautiful!"

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, do not have drinking water or toilets. A reviewer stated, "No drinking water, no toilets, no trash."
• Road Conditions: Access roads can be rough. A camper at Nine Mile Hill mentioned, "Some spots are best reached with a AWD or 4WD vehicle, and the road is right there."
• Crowded Sites: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Crawford State Park — Iron Creek Campground noted, "The sites that face the reservoir have a great view, but you get evening sun which is hot."

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Shade: The sun can be intense, especially at places like Crawford State Park — Iron Creek Campground. One family suggested using a sun shade with a tarp to create shade.
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A camper at James M. Robb Colorado River - Island Acres Section Camping mentioned, "There is a playground and covered picnic tables."
• Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized with snacks. A visitor at Grand Junction KOA said, "Friendly staff and nice little front store for kids purchases."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area warned, "Signs at top note vehicles over 22ft prohibited."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A camper at Grand Junction KOA mentioned, "Road noise.. included but doable."
• Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of facilities like showers and dump stations. A visitor at Palisade Basecamp RV Resort appreciated the "stellar amenities, electricity at every pad, great showers."

Camping around Austin, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences, from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!