Best Tent Camping near Walden, CO

Looking for tent camping near Walden? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Walden campgrounds for you and your tent. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Walden, Colorado's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Walden, Colorado (55)

    terri's photo of tent camping at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping near Walden, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping near Walden, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping near Walden, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping near Walden, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping near Walden, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping near Walden, CO

    1. Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    54 Saves
    Walden, Colorado

    Walden Reservoir is a picturesque lake full of wildlife outside of Walden, Colorado. The Walden Reservoir is an easily accessible destination in a seldom seen portion of northern Colorado for birders, hunters, and those looking for a free, isolated place to rest.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM North Sand Hills Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM North Sand Hills Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM North Sand Hills Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM North Sand Hills Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM North Sand Hills Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM North Sand Hills Campground near Cowdrey, CO

    2. BLM North Sand Hills Campground

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    28 Saves
    Cowdrey, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo at Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park near Walden, CO

    3. Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park

    1 Review
    Walden, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Maggie H.'s photo of tent camping at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite near Grand Lake, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite near Grand Lake, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite near Grand Lake, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite near Grand Lake, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite near Grand Lake, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite near Grand Lake, CO

    4. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    14 Reviews
    47 Photos
    675 Saves
    Grand Lake, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. see Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Kayla G.'s photo of tent camping at Sage Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Sage Campground near Cowdrey, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Sage Campground near Cowdrey, CO

    5. Sage Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    14 Saves
    Cowdrey, Colorado

    The North Sand Hills Campground was installed in 2011 to accommodate large RVs. The campground has two vault toilets and 13 individual pull-through sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. In addition to the developed campground, numerous dispersed camping sites exist within the North Sand Hills OHV area. Always use existing sites. For more information, please contact the Kremmling Field Office.

    • Tents
    Thomas B.'s photo of tent camping at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO

    6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

    5 Reviews
    19 Photos
    125 Saves
    Steamboat Springs, Colorado
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Eric K.'s photo of tent camping at Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark, CO

    7. Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    14 Reviews
    37 Photos
    522 Saves
    Allenspark, Colorado

    Longs Peak Campground is closed for the 2024 season. This campground opens in early July and closes each year in early September. Located about 20 minutes south of Estes Park on Hwy 7. This small, tents-only campground is located in a forested area that is 9,500 feet above sea level (3000 m). This campground has vault toilets and there is no water available. Campers must bring their own drinking water when camping at Longs Peak Campground.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Montgomery Pass Yurts near Rand, CO

    8. Montgomery Pass Yurts

    1 Review
    2 Saves
    Rand, Colorado
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $120 - $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Beaver Creek Trailhead near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Beaver Creek Trailhead near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO

    9. Beaver Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    11 Saves
    Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Colorado

    Trailhead parking is ample and ideal for parking horse trailers and unloading horses. The trail provides a good access to the Mt Zirkel Wilderness, great for groups with horses who want to get away from other more heavily used trails. Campsites are numerous, especially near Stump Park. This trail lies within the Mt Zirkel Wilderness. Please refer to the Wilderness Regulations. The wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles. No developed facilities. Setting is managed forest area. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. This trailhead is managed by the Parks Ranger District.

    • Tents
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Grandview Campground near Gould, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Grandview Campground near Gould, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Grandview Campground near Gould, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Grandview Campground near Gould, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Grandview Campground near Gould, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Grandview Campground near Gould, CO

    10. Grandview Campground

    2 Reviews
    13 Photos
    344 Saves
    Gould, Colorado

    Grandview Campground is a small, tents-only facility with nine campsites. It is located near the west end of Long Draw Reservoir with views of the reservoir and Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a common parking area for all the sites with paths to the individual walk-in campsites. Vegetation varies from open grass to conifers. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table and fire grate. The most popular activity in the area is fishing but it also provides access to hiking opportunities in the nearby Neota Wilderness and National Park.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
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Showing results 1-10 of 55 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Walden, Colorado

1133 Reviews of 55 Walden Campgrounds


  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Glen Echo Resort
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Glen Echo Resort

    Outstanding One-Stop Poudre Canyon Camping Experience!

    Glen Echo is an exceptional one-stop Poudre Canyon camping experience.   While they do offer large and small cabins, long and short term RV spots, we tent camped for two nights on two different riverside sites - numbers 1 and 6 - and both were awesome!  Both spots offered amazing rushing water views, a nice mixture of sun and shade, picnic tables, and fire rings.  One of the spots - site 1 - had electric hook-up.  Aside from the great tent sites, they have on-site a general store/market, fuel, a liquor store and restaurant/cafe, which made life super convenient because it's located about mid-way through Poudre Canyon and there's not a lot out there.  Also, clean showers, which was a nice surprise.  Cannot recommend this chill camping destination enough!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    Aug. 2, 2018

    Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Great Campground

    This Rocky Mountain National Park campground is fantastic. I tent camped with my husband for 3 nights in Loop B. We saw tents and all sizes of campers many with families. Our tent site included a nice tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a shared bear box. The fire ban had been lifted and we could buy fire wood each evening-and ice cream! Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. This campground is very close to a number of trails. We hiked the Sprague Lake Trail. It’s 2 miles round trip and pretty easy. Breathtaking views. If you don’t hike, you can drive all the way to the Trail Ridge gift shop and cafe at the top. This park fills up quickly-amost 3 million visitors a year-so plan to get started early. We love RMNP. We will be back this fall!

  • Elyssa R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    fantastic views

    I stayed here in 2016 on a bicycle tour across America. It featured some fantastic views of the nearby lake and mountains and had very clean facilities. Only problem, from a camping in a tent perspective, is due to its location if a storm rolls in the wind can really hit from every angle. Otherwise the price is very reasonable.

  • Dan  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Pass Dispersed
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    Gates not open as of memorial weekend

    Drove a long ways to find out the gate isn’t open like prior post of members and will not open until June 15 on the steamboat side as posted at gate. We drove to the east side from Walden to find out you can’t even make it to the gate as the road has way too much snow cover yet even with a 4 wheel drive . That side isn’t expected to open until mid July . But plenty of camping on the east side leading up to the pass .

  • Frank H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steamboat Springs KOA
    Aug. 2, 2021

    Steamboat Springs KOA

    Basic Campground

    A basic family style campground directly on the Yampa River within city limits of Steamboat Springs. Tent sites, RV sites, tent cabins and full fledged cabins. We had a tent site right on the river. Miniature golf. Various bikes to rent. This was the priciest camp site on our cross country trip. But it is located within an upscale ski resort town so probably expected. A little noisy from road traffic.

  • Sharayah H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Great Stay

    We had a great stay at a tent site here. Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well. Everyone was friendly, the staff and the other people staying there. Lots of RVs, but only three of the regular tent sites were taken and we had the most amazing view!

  • Patty F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park KOA
    May. 30, 2017

    Estes Park KOA

    Clean and staff was great

    The campground was clean and well maintained. We lucked out and got the best tent site - it was huge. The other sites were a little small but nice. Only drawback was that the tent sites were close to the road so you get some road noise. The staff was awesome and when we had to check out a day early, the cheerfully refunded our money. We definitely will stay there again.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Steamboat Springs KOA
    Oct. 17, 2019

    Steamboat Springs KOA

    Can’t recommend for tenting

    Leaving a review at 4 stars to keep the average.

    We stopped in late looking for a tent spot. The only tent sites this location provides for late check in are their luxury riverside tent sites, despite their being a huge open loop of others(that other tenters had booked earlier in the day). I’m not going to get started on how horribly placed and awkward these late spots are. But I will say you’ll get charged $50/night for them.

    We just booked a hotel instead.

  • Heather C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park
    Jul. 25, 2019

    Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park

    Nice, peaceful place

    I tent camped at Ranger Lakes. I was the only one tent camping among all the RV’s. I didn’t mind that the spaces were visible from each other since I was camping alone. The pads were very spacious and flat. The lakes are very pretty and are a short walk from the campground. The trails around the lakes were nice to walk around. I wish there were facilities since there really aren’t any within most of the campgrounds of State Forest State Park. But Ranger Lakes is just a short drive from Cameron Pass as well as several beautiful trails. I’d definitely stay here again.

  • lauren L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Pass Dispersed
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    rough road up

    rough road up, in a sprinter 4x4, not a lot of great options. seems better for tent camping. did see one or two RVs up, shocked they made it.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stagecoach State Park Campground
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Stagecoach State Park Campground

    Junction city campground

    Well appointed campground on the water. Seems to cater more towards families with RVs, no privacy or shade for tent camping. Clean facilities overall with great proximity to the water and marina.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake
    Jul. 8, 2019

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Nice family campground with strict rules

    This was a very nice, clean campground with lots of amenities. We stayed in a tent site and all tent sites have a fire ring, table and bear box. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained. Our site was on the very edge of the campground so we had some great views and saw plenty of deer and an elk. 

    The one criticism is their very strict 2 tent max policy. We had a group of 5 people (under the 6 person max) and set up our three 2-person tents but were told to take one down. We didn't understand why we couldn't have three tents since we were under the 6-person maximum. There were sites with a single tent that was much larger than our three small tents combined!

  • Ann E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park KOA
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Estes Park KOA

    Very well taken care of, yet not super outdoorsy feeling due to location

    The main building has a little of everything you need - from camping supplies to s'more making supplies. The tent camping sites are kind of close to one another, but you get your picnic table and fire ring.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dowdy Lake Campground
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Dowdy Lake Campground

    Reflections

    Status: Open year round 

    Reserve mid spring through September 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    weekend reservations recommended 

    70 sites including 10 walk-in tent 30 sites year round $24.00 tent sites $32.00 electric $64.00 double sites 

    Vault toilets, water during season ,tent sites have bear boxes, picnic table, fire ring/grill, trash no sewer or water hookups The campground has beautiful Ponderosa Pines but the Pine beetle is beginning to take its toil. 

    The back loop closes early fall. all sites have electric except the tent sites. There are 5 double sites. The campground can accept various size rigs. The day use area with a boat ramp and pit toilet with a nice size parking lot. There were a lot of people fishing from the shore. The lake is beautiful with small islands and rock formations. The road to and in the campground is gravel and rather dusty. Potholes 

    Directions: Drive 21 miles north of Fort Collins on US Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto the Red Feather Lakes Road (County 74E) and travel approximately 22 miles. Turn right (north) and travel another mile to signed campground entrance on the right.

    LNT

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • Chad K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park KOA
    Aug. 14, 2016

    Estes Park KOA

    Estes Park Koa

    This campground is a good base camp for RMNP. The campsites are very,very tight. If you are tent camping be prepared to listen to the traffic on Hwy 34 as the tent sights are close to the road. The facility is very nice and the camp hosts are friendly.

  • Kade C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Steamboat Springs KOA
    Aug. 27, 2019

    Steamboat Springs KOA

    Absolutely awesome views and times!

    Awesome camp site, great staff, beautiful right on the river, fresh water. Showers are located in center of KOA so be ready to walk or drive over. Very dog friendly and well maintained tent sites!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park KOA
    Jun. 5, 2019

    Estes Park KOA

    Great Proximity Comes At A Prince

    When visiting Estes Park if you are wanting to be close to all the action the KOA of Estes Park is the place to be.    Offering a midsized tent section, a large close together RV section and several cabins to provide the perfect retreat for those visiting the location is within walking distance of the lake and within a short drive of some of the best attractions of the area including the Stanley Hotel, hiking at Lily Lake or Long’s Peak and the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.   

    I found this campground to be well organized, although it was less remote and did not feel like as much of a mountain retreat as many of the outlying camps of the area.     The tent area seemed a bit less bustling than the RV section as there was a bit of green space versus the sandy and clay landscape of the RV and cabin area.   

    Something that really drew me into this campground was the deck spaces which offered elevated viewing of the surrounding.   It was a really interesting component which allows you to see a much larger range than the camp itself and created a unique setting for enjoying the mountain breeze on a hot day or gave a nice view of the stars at night.

    This location epitomizes the idea of KOA campgrounds offering elevated services such as WIFI, Cable TV connections and a dog park.     In addition there is a store which offers a variety of items including propane and firewood.

    Since I am a tent camper I really wanted to explore more of the tent area than other areas of the park.  I noticed they had both water and electric sites and electric only sites.    Each of these accommodate up to 6 people, although I would say that would make me feel a bit to crowded.     The tent camps also allow small vans or pop ups in this area.   

    But here is the BIG KICKER…. The Price!!

    Staying in Estes Park and being so close to everything comes at a HUGE price point.   To have all the amazing amenities you will pay $53 or $58 for a tent site.    To me this is WAY above budget and while it is a prime location the price point is not within reason for me personally.    You can stay inside Rocky Mountain National Park at a price point that is half that of this park.   You are paying here to be in the community for sure and have the access to the local shops and restaurants.   

    One special feature that comes along with staying in the area but is not included in the price is one of the best features, the wildlife!    It is known that the most likely reason for a traffic jam in Estes Park comes from the elk and Moose in the area randomly hanging out in public spaces.    It is not uncommon for them to roam into camp and make their presence known grazing around on any green space they can find.   A stay here is a chance with an encounter of something which cannot be purchased in a price point.

  • Jenna W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park KOA
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Estes Park KOA

    Meh

    Campsites are very close together - you should have seen this place over Fourth of July Weekend! It was packed. It's a bit close to the road for my liking as well. You can tent camp or go in an RV. Location is good - near Estes Park and not far from RMNP.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Summit Lake
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Summit Lake

    Hidden Gem

    Beautiful quiet campground  but a little hard to get to. Road from the east is much better than from Steamboat Springs. Quiet , well maintained,  more suited to car/tent camping. Great views of lake from many sites. Grills, tables, trash and toilets, No water. Went on weeknight  in July and it was about 3/4 full

  • Caitlyn B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Creek Campground & RV Park
    May. 28, 2022

    Elk Creek Campground & RV Park

    Great spot

    Right on the lake and super close to the west part of the RMNP. The staff was super helpful and they have free showers (with not time limit) and Wi-Fi in the front office area. If you select tent camping though, just know you have to tow your tent in and don’t park next to the spot so not good for vans (have to get an RV spot)

  • Ranko K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Exceptional Camping in an exceptional place!

    Sites are a bit close together but provide a decent space. Full hookups and tent camping available. Sites are level on gravel and there is a fire ring and picnic table on concrete slab. Must be bear aware and there will be dear and possibly elk walking across the campground. Breathtaking views and sunrises. Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park all there!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Campground
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Six Mile Campground

    Tastefully Developed, Empty, and Awesome

    We were told by Google that this campground was permanently closed, but we went with The Dyrt's info, and it really panned out. We were the only ones there, it was a short walk down to the Platt (flys and lures only), and the tent site, fire-ring, and picnic table were in top notch condition. Would definitely stay here again.


Guide to Walden

Walden, Colorado, offers a unique experience for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With stunning landscapes and a variety of camping options, it's a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Specific local attractions

  • Visit the stunning landscapes surrounding Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park, where you can camp for free and enjoy nearby amenities like a local restaurant.
  • Discover the unique terrain at Sage Campground, which offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to its open skies.
  • Take a hike from Grassy Run Trailhead and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, perfect for those who love to explore on foot.

Tent camping features to enjoy

  • Experience the tranquility of Montgomery Pass Yurts, where you can enjoy a unique camping experience, although the yurts are currently closed for renovations.
  • Camp at Newcomb Creek Trailhead, which offers a peaceful setting for tent camping without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • Settle in at Pitchpine Trailhead, where you can enjoy a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, perfect for those looking to disconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Walden, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Walden, CO is Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Walden, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 55 tent camping locations near Walden, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.