Best Tent Camping near Shawnee, CO

Tent camping options near Shawnee, Colorado range from designated dispersed areas to established campgrounds within Pike National Forest. Boreas Pass Road offers tent-friendly designated dispersed camping with mountain views at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet. Staunton State Park Campground provides walk-in tent sites with more amenities, while Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping offers primitive tent setups in a forested setting. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping provides free tent sites with fire rings in a more secluded environment.

Most primitive tent sites require campers to pack in all water and supplies. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Staunton State Park and Lodgepole Campground, but dispersed areas typically lack facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many areas implementing bans during dry periods. A visitor commented, "The sites are nice right next to a creek, with very few mosquitos. Make sure to stay close to the designated areas, as Rangers monitor the site." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent camping areas, particularly after rain or snow. Many sites sit at high elevations where temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer.

Areas farther from main roads provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. Pike National Forest's Handcart Campground offers walk-in tent sites with drinking water available and protection from crowds. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The campsite sits at over 12,000 ft so right away the temps will be much colder than other places." Many tent sites feature established fire rings and some offer bear boxes for food storage. Morning wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with several campers reporting moose and deer sightings. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking to nearby alpine lakes and mountain summits, with trails accessible directly from many campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Shawnee, Colorado (97)

    1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    44 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Found this spot at about 7PM on a Friday night near the Breckenridge end of the Boreas Pass Trail (39.451441,-106.014294)."

    "This this is a long Winding Road up the mountain that has many nice places to pull over and Camp right off the road. Some are a bit further back than others. Most are accessible to any vehicle."

    2. Staunton State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Conifer, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 816-0912

    $28 / night

    "If you’re looking for a quick easy weekend camping trip with well maintained trails, you should check this park out. Campsites are a quick walk from the parking lot and vault toilets."

    "I brought stoves no bigger than a jetboil/MSR dragonfly. Headlamps are a must. Also, we went in June and July. Check the weather."

    3. Glen Isle Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bailey, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 816-0790

    "The river is a little noisy from the road and close to the horses. Its beautiful though . Meadow spots are quieter. National Forest hiking trails within walking distance. Amazing hosts."

    "There are also nearby attractions and rec activities. Up the road there is a trail head for a hike, and there’s a lot of ample fishing opp nearby."

    4. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "We stopped at one that had a fire ring made from rocks but it wasn't 100' from water. we parked at night so we didn't see the  sign that said it wasn't a legal camping spot, then the next day we got a"

    "We have an off-road teardrop trailer with rooftop tent and travelled with another family with rooftop tent and we were able to spread out with plenty of level ground for our vehicles/sleeping quarters."

    5. Pike National Forest Whiteside Campground

    1 Review
    Grant, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    "It is super helpful to grab a map of BLM land and public use areas from the ranger stations in Grant or Bailey CO. You can also use The Dyrt!"

    6. Kenosha East Campground

    2 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $20 / night

    "We were thankful that they put our safety first.

    Kenosha East is designed primarily for tent camping. A small trailer or camper van can be accommodated."

    7. A-Lodge-Denver

    4 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 444-0882

    $49 - $149 / night

    "Tent sites are neat. Didnt think from the pictures I'd have to navigate up like I did. It was good though, quite."

    "The A-Lodge just outside of Boulder is the ultimate adventure home base."

    8. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."

    "We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. "

    9. Lodgepole Campground

    3 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 836-2031

    "The drive in was also amazing. When you get to the gate make sure you have 7$ cash.

    One of many stops we made in Colorado."

    "There is access to the Colorado Trail right in the campsite."

    10. Pike National Forest Handcart Campground

    1 Review
    Jefferson, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $22 / night

    "We decided to stop here on the last leg of our two week Colorado trip."

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Showing results 1-10 of 97 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Shawnee, CO

2687 Reviews of 97 Shawnee Campgrounds



Guide to Shawnee

Shawnee, Colorado, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the area. From scenic views to convenient amenities, there’s something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out local activities

Unique features of the camping experience

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shawnee, CO is Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 97 tent camping locations near Shawnee, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.