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Best Campgrounds near Vail, CO

2,219 Reviews

Campers looking for Rocky Mountain scenery will find several good options around Vail, Colorado. Heaton Bay Campground sits close to Lake Dillon where many campers spend their days paddleboarding and fishing. Families often choose Peak One Campground in Frisco because kids can easily reach the biking trails and Frisco Adventure Park. Camping choices near Vail range from standard campgrounds with facilities to basic backcountry sites. Most people camp here during summer when temperatures stay comfortable and rain is minimal. Reservations are crucial since the best spots get booked months ahead, especially on weekends. Winter camping happens too, but you'll need serious cold-weather gear and should check which roads remain open. The Colorado River and Great Sand Dunes make worthwhile side trips while camping in the area. Some of the more distant camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after storms. Basic facilities like toilets and water spigots exist at most established campgrounds, though it's smart to confirm what's available before you arrive. Tent campers and RV owners alike find the Vail area works well for mountain camping trips.

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Best Camping Sites Near Vail, Colorado (424)

    1. Gore Creek Campground

    22 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 / night

    "If you are looking for a great boondocking location that is close to great trails and breathtaking views, this just might be the place for you."

    "This campground is located on Gore Creek. The surrounding area is beautiful. It's appropriately 10 minutes from Vail and quite. The bathrooms are vaulted toilets and the roads are all dirt."

    2. Prospector Campground

    50 Reviews
    Dillon, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $27 / night

    "This campground is one of five Forest Service campgrounds around Dillon Reservoir, also referred to as Lake Dillon. There is a group campground called Windy Point near Prospector."

    "Located on Dillon Reservoir, Prospector Campground offers a nice balance of feeling remote while being conveniently near some really neat towns."

    3. Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    25 Reviews
    Silverthorne, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "They take you off of Highway 9 and about 5 minutes you take a left and pass trail head (cant rmemeber the name) and parking lot and you continue on a pretty bumpy ride for about 10 minutes (you start hitting"

    "There is a good amount of traffic heading towards the trail head but it was still quiet. Even had a moose run through our camp!"

    4. Peak One Campground

    34 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $28 / night

    "As someone who prefers wild camping, it was definitely not that, but was one of the more positive campground experiences I've had."

    "Just a few miles off I-70, in Frisco, CO, is the location of Peak One Campground. This is a very clean campground, and the only one around Lake Dillon with flush toilets and sinks."

    5. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Frisco, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $29 - $56 / night

    "Heaton Bay Campground, located near Dillon Reservoir in Colorado, offers a stunning lakeside camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains."

    "Bring your fishing pole, SUP, kayak, or hammock to hang out by the lake. This is my favorite campground in Colorado for the accessibility to the lake and town nearby."

    6. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    5 miles
    Website

    "Closed off road access unfortunately till June 20. Beautiful and the road can get a little wonky but you’re gonna have to hike it up for a bit!"

    "You can drive or walk down a mile which leads to a trail to Lost Lake, which you can swim in. It was definitely buggy, got my fair share of mosquito bites, so I recommend bug spray."

    7. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Roadside pull off areas. Mostly one lane dirt, can be tight and bumpy. Best for truck camper, small RV or tent. Don't get discouraged if the 1st spots are full just keep driving."

    "While many of the campsites are quite small and located right along the roadside with limited parking, we were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot."

    8. Blue River Campground (Co) — White River National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Silverthorne, CO
    14 miles
    +1 (970) 468-7681

    $25 / night

    "This small campground is located right on the Blue River between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir on Highway 9.  It is about 6 miles from Silverthorne and beautiful Dillon Reservoir."

    "This site featured 2 pines right next to the water that would have been perfect for a hammock. There was a bear safe box to keep your food items and grill."

    9. Halfmoon Campground

    8 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Halfmoon Campground is located at the end of Notch Mountain Rd (forest Rd 707) near Minturn, CO in White River National Forest."

    "Got there around 5pm on a Friday (9/9) and there was no one else there. A few more campers showed up on Saturday morning, but it wasn’t ever fully booked at any point this weekend."

    10. Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (Vail-Eagle area)

    5 Reviews
    Avon, CO
    5 miles

    "**Campground Review: **

    As an adventurer in Colorado, I often find myself driving down I-70 and over the Vail Pass."

    "Be sure to go equipped for hard trails, if you are doing any four wheeling. Also expect a little rain, after all it is Colorado."

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2219 Reviews of 424 Vail Campgrounds

Guide to Vail

Camping near Vail, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or just relax by a lake, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Peak One Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Bike trails to all the towns nearby, and Frisco Adventure Park is located at the entrance to the campground." Another camper at Prospector Campground enjoyed the "nearby hiking, biking, and other activities."

  • Water Activities: If you love being near water, Heaton Bay Campground is right on Lake Dillon. A reviewer said, "Close to stores and restaurants in case you need anything. Right on lake Dillon so paddle boarding and trails close by too."

  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers report seeing wildlife. One camper at Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping noted, "A great spot and saw a lot of wildlife!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. A visitor at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground said, "The twins have crisp, clear water great for fishing, kayaking, Paddleboarding, and, if you’re brave enough, swimming!"
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spaced-out sites. A reviewer at Prospector Campground mentioned, "The campground was mostly private with a lot of little trees in-between sites."
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Clean facilities are a big plus. One camper at Gore Creek Campground said, "Hands down the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen. No odor at all!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Vasquez Ridge, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Guanella Pass is open from June 6 to September 7.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Lakeview Campground mentioned, "This campground is very busy during the weekends in Colorado but you can most likely find a spot any day during the week."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Peak One Campground enjoyed, "Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring plenty of warm clothes, especially if camping near lakes. A reviewer at Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground advised, "It was super cold at night. Bring plenty of warm clothes and firewood."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have games or activities for downtime. A camper at White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground mentioned, "There are trees all around the site but there is an opening/walkway to the neighboring campsite."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gore Creek Campground said, "I would not attempt this campground in a rig over 35 feet as it becomes very tight in and out."
  • Look for Amenities: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A reviewer at Heaton Bay Campground appreciated the "bear box, picnic table, and fire ring."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds, like Vasquez Ridge, have no water or trash services. A visitor noted, "You can only camp at the sites with the camping sign."

Camping near Vail, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's essential to be prepared and know what to expect. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best season for camping in Vail, Colorado?

Summer (June through early September) is the prime camping season in Vail when most campgrounds are fully accessible and weather conditions are optimal. Some high-elevation areas like Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail are only accessible during this peak summer window. Late spring (May) can offer quieter camping experiences at lower elevations, while early fall (late September) delivers spectacular foliage. Winter camping is possible but extremely limited as most forest roads and campgrounds close seasonally. Twin Peaks Dispersed Campground is popular during summer months with access to hiking and beach activities. Always check current conditions before departure as mountain weather can change rapidly and snow may affect accessibility even in late spring or early fall.

What amenities are available at Vail campgrounds?

Amenities at Vail-area campgrounds vary widely by location. Tiger Run RV Resort offers full-service RV sites and mountain chalets with premium amenities for those seeking comfort near multiple ski resorts. For more rustic experiences, Cold Springs Campground provides a true mountain wilderness feel with basic facilities. Most developed public campgrounds feature vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and some have potable water available seasonally. Many campgrounds in the area accommodate RVs, though size restrictions apply (Gore Creek Campground recommends rigs under 35 feet). Dispersed camping options typically offer no amenities beyond beautiful surroundings and privacy. Cell service is limited at most forest campgrounds, and electricity hookups are rare except at private RV parks. Always pack out all trash as this is strictly enforced throughout the region.

Where are the best campgrounds near Vail, Colorado?

Gore Creek Campground is a premier option located just 10 minutes from Vail, offering beautiful surroundings along Gore Creek with easy access from I-70 (Exit 180). For those seeking high alpine experiences, Gold Park Campground provides exceptional access to stunning high alpine lakes and trails including Fancy Lake and the Missouri Lakes. Other excellent options include Cold Springs Campground for a secluded mountain experience and Muddy Creek Dispersed Camp for those seeking a more primitive camping experience with partial tree coverage. The Vail area offers diverse camping experiences from developed sites with amenities to remote dispersed options throughout the surrounding White River National Forest.

Can I find free or overnight parking for camping in Vail?

Free overnight camping options near Vail are primarily found in dispersed camping areas within the surrounding national forest. Muddy Creek Dispersed Camp offers free camping in an open area partially tucked into trees, accessible via non-4WD vehicles when roads are dry. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed provides another free option that's accessible during summer months. Overnight parking specifically for camping is not permitted within Vail town limits or in public parking areas. For those seeking free camping, the surrounding White River National Forest offers designated dispersed camping areas where you can stay up to 14 days. Always follow forest service regulations, including camping only in established sites, staying at least 100 feet from water sources, and properly disposing of waste.

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