Best Campgrounds near Vail, CO

Vail, Colorado camping puts you right in the Rocky Mountains with several good options nearby. Heaton Bay Campground sits close to Dillon Reservoir where you can enjoy the lake views and go boating or fishing. Peak One Campground works well for families since it has good facilities for kids and easy access to trails for hiking. The Colorado River runs through this area, making it a good spot to fish or take a rafting trip when the water's right. Most campgrounds have drinking water and bathrooms, which makes things easier when you're staying for a few days. You might see moose or deer while camping here, so hang your food properly at night. If you want a change of scenery, you can drive to the Great Sand Dunes for a day trip from the Vail area. Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so pack for both warm days and cool nights, even in summer. Winter camping is possible but gets pretty cold. Some of the more remote campsites need higher clearance vehicles to reach, especially if it's been raining. Always check the road status before heading to backcountry sites. Vail's surrounding camping areas give you good access to both relaxing and active outdoor time.

Best Camping Sites Near Vail, Colorado (404)

    1. Gore Creek Campground

    21 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

    48 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. Peak One Campground

    33 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."

    4. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground

    30 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    18 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!"

    7. 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."

    8. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    39 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."

    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. Homestake Road Dispersed - CO

    21 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "Homestake Road is your gateway to a variety of off-road and primitive camping sites in the beautiful White River National Forest. We spent two nights here, each night at a different campsite."

    "Campsites with fire rings close to the river. Fishing and off-roading are added attractions to this area. Will definitely make a second trip here outside of holidays."

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Showing results 1-10 of 404 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Vail, CO

2026 Reviews of 404 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 camping is available near Vail, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Vail, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 404 campgrounds and RV parks near Vail, CO and 156 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Vail, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vail, CO is Gore Creek Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Vail, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 156 free dispersed camping spots near Vail, CO.

What parks are near Vail, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Vail, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.