Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Walden, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Walden is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Walden and user-submitted reviews.
"Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."
$28 - $120 / night
"There is no gas or groceries til Walden. Beautiful and sweeping vistas. Visit ranger lakes. Totally worth it. Lake Agnes was still closed when we were there. NO service."
"Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."
"Colorado has lots of SWA camping, Good Verizon service!
We camped in a 22ft travel trailer"
"It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides."
"Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes."
"After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location."
$35 - $70 / night
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
$45 - $50 / night
"We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and needed a place to dump, do laundry and take on fresh water after a week of boondocking in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs"
TravelerAfter driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location.
GuideLocation is very nice right on the lake with beautiful views level rv spots for the most part. Down side was the shower closet to us was closed and the other shower was a bit of a walk and the women’s shower was only luke warm. Cell service was good Verizon and ATT. Leave it better than you found it.
TravelerI stayed here for a couple of nights on a road trip through Colorado and I found it to be a nice place to relax. The views themselves weren’t spectacular (by Colorado standards) but it was quiet (on weekday, can’t speak for the weekend). The forest itself was pretty though.
The one thing I did notice was that there were more black flies than I expected. It wasn’t overwhelming but they definitely buzzed the campsite a fair amount. I didn’t mind too much but my dog took great personal offense to the interlopers.
GuideThis campground is just beautiful. Lots of space between sites and clean spacious bathroom. The views are spectacular. Site 94 is a bit steep, but offers a fairly level spot once you travel down into it. The best part is that you are truly alone with awesome Mountain Views.
ScoutWe took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.
ScoutWhat a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!
TravelerFull disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.
There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.
TravelerWe’re here starting Thursday before Labor Day 2025. Many of the sites and one bathroom seem to be recently updated. The pull through sites have very long driveways with nice level spots. The tent areas look great. Tables, fire pits, bear lockers all seem new. It’s hard to find information on this campground, but if you see 20’ trailer limit, don’t buy it. The host is in a 36’ trailer. A couple of the turns getting in and out could be challenging with a longer setup. Our setup is about 55’ long (truck and trailer) and it’s not problem. Close to trailheads and Steamboat Springs is about 15-20 minutes down the hill. Finding a site Thursday was simple, but could be due to lack of good information about this campground.
TravelerThere are various types of spot to camp along this road. I saw a handful of campers on the main fire road, but then as I drove further down, I saw offshoot that only four-wheel-drive vehicles could get to which is where I went. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, I highly recommend searching for one of those off shoots for the privacy and nice camping spot.
Camping near Walden, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Walden, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Walden campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across Walden area campgrounds. North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park offers basic facilities but compensates with spectacular views and access to Ranger Lakes. For more developed options, Winding River Resort provides family-friendly activities and direct access to the Colorado River headwaters. Most public campgrounds in the area feature fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets being common. Some dispersed camping options like Buffalo Pass and Laramie River Road offer few to no amenities but provide excellent scenery and privacy. For full hookups and modern facilities, private RV parks like Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop are available, though limited in number in this remote region.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Walden, CO?
The prime camping season near Walden runs from mid-June through early September due to the area's high elevation. Buffalo Pass Dispersed typically doesn't open until June 15th because of snow conditions, which is representative of many high-elevation sites in the region. Primitive Sites — State Forest State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing (especially moose) throughout summer. For fishing enthusiasts, early to mid-summer is ideal, as August can see reduced catches in some waterways. Fall brings spectacular colors but also colder nights. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and rapid weather changes year-round. Winter camping is possible but requires specialized equipment and experience due to extreme conditions.
Where are the best campgrounds near Walden, Colorado?
State Forest State Park offers exceptional camping options near Walden, with North Park Campground — State Forest State Park featuring newly refurbished full hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and shower facilities. For a more rugged experience, Big Creek Lakes Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities, beautiful hiking trails to waterfalls, and nearby OHV trails. Other notable options include Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area for fishing enthusiasts, and BLM North Sand Hills Campground for those seeking a more primitive experience. Be prepared for the remote nature of this area – Walden is the main supply point, so stock up before heading to your campsite.
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