Best Campgrounds near Steamboat Springs, CO

The Yampa Valley region surrounding Steamboat Springs, Colorado features diverse camping options spanning from in-town convenience to remote mountain settings. Steamboat Springs KOA sits along the Yampa River within city limits, offering full hookups, cabins, and tent sites with amenities like showers and a free shuttle to downtown. Beyond town, Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass provide popular dispersed camping on Forest Service roads with established fire rings but minimal facilities. Developed campgrounds like Dumont Lake and Dry Lake offer middle-ground options with vault toilets and picnic tables, while Stagecoach State Park provides year-round camping with lake access approximately 20 minutes south of town.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "This stretch of road has a number of pulloffs but beware they are not flat. I was able to level our travel trailer but only after busting a jack." Summer brings heavy mosquito activity, particularly in July, with several visitors recommending mosquito tents and ample bug spray. Most established campgrounds operate from June through October, though some higher elevation sites may open later due to snowpack. Cell service remains surprisingly good at many locations, with Verizon users reporting 2-3 bars even at dispersed sites along FR-302.

Mountain views and water access rank as top priorities among campers visiting the area. Dumont Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its scenic setting, with one visitor describing it as having "a lake, close hiking paths, and a beautiful meadow with lots of wildflowers." Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, while summer weekends see high occupancy rates at most sites. The Steamboat Springs KOA provides convenient river access but comes with road noise and higher prices typical of resort towns. Campers frequently mention using campgrounds as bases for mountain biking, hiking, and fishing excursions, with many appreciating the ability to access town amenities while enjoying mountain scenery.

Best Camping Sites Near Steamboat Springs, Colorado (200)

    1. Steamboat Springs KOA

    24 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0273

    "It’s a large park convenient to steamboat springs. WiFi is good restrooms are clean. Sites in the new section are paved and level."

    "The river runs right next to the campground.
    There is a bus that comes right into the campground and will take you into downtown Steamboat Springs, and it is a free service. It runs until 1130pm."

    2. Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    5 miles

    "I wanted to do a quick getaway out to Steamboat Springs and this fit the bill. The road is rough, but there are a bunch of dispersed campsites along the roads."

    "This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles."

    3. Meadows Campground

    12 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    $26 / night

    "I was wandering from Yellowstone/Tetons en route to Colorado Springs when I reach a necessary point for rest."

    "Convenient forest service campground off highway 40 at rabbit ears pass.  First come first serve but there were still a handful of sites open on a Friday afternoon in August. "

    4. Dumont Campground

    10 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 870-2299

    $26 / night

    "We did a Colorado road trip in late July, 2018 - we knew we were going to camp around Steamboat Springs in the middle of the week, but didn't have a plan so we just drove along US40 and stopped along a"

    "From talking to the locals in Steamboat Springs the next day it sounds like this season is unusually rainy, so the mosquito issue could just be weather/ time of the year dependent."

    5. Dry Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    $26 / night

    "This is a nicely placed campground up buff pass round outside of steamboat springs. It's the first camping you will come to on buff pass."

    "The site was much bigger then the one next to us, from what I saw each site is very different in size and set up. If you go during mid summer it will be green and lush."

    6. Stagecoach State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Oak Creek, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 736-2436

    $18 - $100 / night

    "Close to Steamboat Springs, CO. Nice hiking trails."

    "There were many trails to hike around or bike around the lake and campsites. There were plenty of water activities from swimming to boating and fishing. "

    7. FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    8 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Very nice spot close to Steamboat Springs. (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest) We arrived a little before noon on a Saturday in July."

    "We walked our dog on FR-302 a fair bit and only once encountered a vehicle on the road."

    8. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

    5 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0342

    "Many options to stay including walk in camping and covered wagon cabins. There is a long steepish trail that leads to many camp sites along the river."

    9. Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40

    5 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    "Quick stop overlooking Lake Catamount. This is actually a pull off from the highway but noticed people had camped here so we did too."

    "I stayed at another pull off a little higher up on the hlll and with that pull off you can get a little more down the mountain and hence away from the noise."

    10. Eagle Soaring RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0164

    "Nice stopover for a few nights while passing through Steamboat springs. I found the host to be helpful, and it's close enough to town to have easy access to things to do in the area."

    "Steamboat Springs is just a few miles down the road. There are many indoor and outdoor activities to do in the area.

    The campground is conveniently located a few miles off the highway."

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Showing results 1-10 of 200 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Steamboat Springs, CO

507 Reviews of 200 Steamboat Springs Campgrounds



Guide to Steamboat Springs

Camping near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes accessible from places like Bear Lake Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "Short drive to trails which can be accessed from campground via feeder trail."
  • Fishing: The lakes in the area are great for fishing. A visitor at Dumont Campground noted, "Dumont lake is nearby which is great to fly fish, canoe, sup, etc."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One camper at Sunrise Vista Campground shared, "Deer came through the meadow in the evenings."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. A reviewer at Stagecoach State Park Campground said, "Nice view of the reservoir. Close to Steamboat Springs, CO."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "Showers were spotlessly cleaned."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One reviewer at Buffalo Pass Dispersed stated, "It was a such a beautiful area mid September."

What you should know:

  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Dutch Hill Campground advised, "Bring a change of clothes as the mornings and evenings are chilly."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed warned, "You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension."
  • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Yampa River Headquarters Campground noted, "There are lots of mosquitoes as it's in Yampa river bottom land."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities. One reviewer at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "The river runs right next to the campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring gear for fishing or hiking. A visitor at Dumont Campground said, "Great hikes leading out just from campsite."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra layers and bug spray. A camper at Bear Lake Campground reminded, "Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are brutal!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Steamboat Springs KOA noted, "Site 74 was perfectly flat and needed no leveling."
  • Look for Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups. A visitor at Dutch Hill Campground appreciated the "thirty amp hookups."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Stagecoach State Park Campground mentioned, "The roads are the red sandy dirt so that is tracked all over especially when it rains."

Camping near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Steamboat Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Steamboat Springs, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 200 campgrounds and RV parks near Steamboat Springs, CO and 59 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Steamboat Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Steamboat Springs, CO is Steamboat Springs KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Steamboat Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 59 free dispersed camping spots near Steamboat Springs, CO.