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Best Campgrounds near Walden, CO

1,337 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds extend throughout the region surrounding Walden, Colorado, a small town in Jackson County. Free options like Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping provide primitive sites for tent and RV camping with views of the water, while North Michigan Campground at State Forest State Park offers more developed facilities with electric hookups and amenities. The landscape includes a mix of high plains terrain, reservoir shorelines, and mountain access points extending into the Medicine Bow Mountains and Routt National Forest, giving campers various choices between remote wilderness experiences and sites with basic amenities.

Most camping areas near Walden experience significant seasonal variations in access and conditions. Summer months provide the most reliable camping weather, though temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between hot days and cool nights given the high elevation. Winter brings heavy snow accumulation, making many sites inaccessible except by snowmobile or cross-country skis. Spring conditions often feature muddy roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. Mosquitoes and biting insects are consistently mentioned in visitor feedback as a notable concern during warmer months. One camper noted, "So many mosquitoes and biting ants but the sunsets are gorgeous and make it worth it."

The region's camping areas provide varying levels of solitude and natural experiences. Campsites around Walden Reservoir offer expansive views across the water with minimal tree cover, creating excellent opportunities for stargazing and sunset viewing. Many visitors report the area as uncrowded, even during summer weekends. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Amazing views but lacks tree coverage. Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be." Sites within State Forest State Park provide more sheltered camping with improved amenities. Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned as a highlight of the experience, with moose sightings common in the park area. Cell service varies dramatically across the region, with most remote areas having limited or no coverage, requiring advance planning as services in this remote part of Colorado are widely scattered.

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Best Camping Sites Near Walden, Colorado (283)

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Recent Camping Photos near Walden, CO

530 Photos of 283 Walden Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Walden, CO

1337 Reviews of 283 Walden Campgrounds

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Pioneer Park

    Cute, but...

    Great little campground, right on the Colorado River.

    Would be better if a freight train didn't pass through every 2-3 hours, blowing the train horn.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    Great spot

    We found a spot about a mile up 302. You hit kind of an intersection. We took the road to the right and went all the way to the end. It ends in a big loop (really big enough space for a few rvs). We pull a 33' fifth wheel and just went slow. The spot at the end was beautiful!

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Twin Buttes Reservoir

    Great spot!

    We picked a spot here that is right off the road by the "beach". Our 33' 5th wheel fits just fine. Beautiful area near town, but lots of fishermen traffic. Great spot for fishing or bird watching. We saw a family of eagles, a golden eagle, and many shore birds and water fowl. Be careful, though. The soil is very clay - so slippery when wet.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    ESTES PARK / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK KOA HOLIDAY

    Great Views

    This is a really nice KOA. It doesn't seem like there are any bad sites, but there are a few premium sites that would totally be worth the extra money if you are here a few days and spending evenings at camp. Amazing views from a private deck. We were next to these, and still had great views and a nice fire pit and table area.

  • Philip P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake John Dispersed Camping

    Relatively Private Site right next to Lake John Shoreline

    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.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    Nice location

    Location 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

    Enjoyable Camp Site

    I 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.

Guide to Walden

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the beautiful views and wildlife sightings. One reviewer mentioned, "We had great fly fishing in the creek and the beaver ponds" at State Forest State Park.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are perfect for fishing. A camper at Chambers Lake Campground said, "We fished. We hiked. We were inspired by everyone there to buy our own blow-up kayaks."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. One happy camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking landscapes. A visitor at Sunrise Vista Campground noted, "The wildflowers were beautiful and the views of the lake and the mountains were gorgeous."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Dutch Hill Campground mentioned, "It was level and quiet with a tent pad a short distance away."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy seeing wildlife up close. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed said, "It was a beautiful area mid-September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Dumont Campground pointed out, "Campground is a short distance down a gravel road and was not crowded at all."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads, especially if you're heading to more remote sites. One reviewer at Buffalo Pass Dispersed warned, "The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH."
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly, so pack accordingly. A camper at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "Women’s restrooms were great and hookups were awesome."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. A family at Meadows Campground enjoyed, "Pit toilets were clean and stocked."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One parent at Dutch Hill Campground suggested, "There are nice hiking trails in the park and the lake looks like an awesome place for paddle boarding."
  • Safety First: Teach kids about wildlife safety. A camper at Timber Creek Campground noted, "The elk never bothered us but it was a bit nerve-racking in the moment."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "Site 74 was perfectly flat and needed no leveling."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a game-changer. A camper at Dutch Hill Campground appreciated, "Electric hookups were awesome."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor reception. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed noted, "No one in our group had cell phone service for most of the drive up the Poudre Canyon."

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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