The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Westcliffe, CO

1,022 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape around Westcliffe, Colorado, with several free primitive sites scattered throughout public lands. The Dunefield at Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a unique backcountry tent camping experience approximately 45 miles southeast of town, while Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites provide multiple tent-friendly locations along a scenic corridor. Red Canyon Park, managed by the city of Cañon City, offers tent sites with more developed amenities within striking distance of Westcliffe.

Many primitive tent sites require self-sufficiency as facilities are minimal or nonexistent. Sites at Phantom Canyon feature informal fire rings but lack drinking water, with a vault toilet located several miles along the road. "The road is a well maintained gravel road. There are quite a few available spots for folks with 4x4 drive or tent camping," noted one review, though accessing some sites may require high-clearance vehicles. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at most locations, with campers responsible for proper waste disposal. Fire restrictions frequently occur during summer months, particularly in drier areas like The Dunefield where fires are prohibited and permits are required.

Areas farther from main roads provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking solitude. The Dunefield offers a distinctive experience where tent sites must be established beyond the first dune ridge. A review mentioned, "Climbing in the sand is challenging with the extra weight of the pack and if the wind picks up you get whipped with sand BUT it is 100% worth it." In contrast, Davenport Campground provides walk-in tent sites with more amenities including picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and access to vault toilets. Red Canyon Park features tent pads on a mix of dirt and gravel surfaces with some sheltered sites available. Most tent areas see minimal light pollution, making stargazing exceptional throughout the region, especially at higher elevation backcountry tent sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Westcliffe, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Westcliffe, Colorado (27)

    1. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains. The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous."

    "Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?"

    2. Hermit Pass OHV

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    3. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    38 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    32 miles

    "Driving down to this campsite I was happy to have a small car because the road is very narrow to say the least. I cannot imagine the feeling of driving a large rig here."

    "We arrived the Phantom Creek Road around 4:30pm. 10miles and 30 minutes later we found our spot."

    4. Davenport Campground

    7 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "Good tent sites. Have to carry gear to camp site but only shoeRt hike to campsite. Maybe 50 yards. Has a couple of sires with shelter. Picnic tables are big and heavy."

    "Has a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and sites 2, 5, and 9 have the log covering. The sites are pretty close together, but we had no problem with our neighbors."

    5. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable."

    "If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent."

    6. Tricki's (Travis and Vicki) Glamping under the stars

    1 Review
    Rockvale, CO
    18 miles
    +1 (303) 809-7819

    $50 - $200 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love!"

    7. Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "For backpackers only - this may seem like a short distance from the trailhead, but it is a steep incline the entire way up. With packs, it took us close to 5 hours with short breaks."

    8. Red Canyon Park

    22 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    "This was my first time solo tent camping. It went well. The space had a fire ring and picnic table. I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful!"

    "Views were terrific, whether you want something a bit more open or further into the canyon where it’s surrounded by gorgeous red rocks. I chose an open site and if you do, beware of the wind."

    9. AHRA Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site

    1 Review
    Cotopaxi, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    $4 - $10 / night

    "Vault restrooms. No trash on site, pack in pack out. Ramp to launch rafts, kayaks..."

    10. Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge

    3 Reviews
    Moffat, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

    "The Colorado Sports Ranch and Refuge offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for sports enthusiasts."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Westcliffe Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Westcliffe, CO

57 Photos of 27 Westcliffe Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Westcliffe, CO

1022 Reviews of 27 Westcliffe Campgrounds

  • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2022

    East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

    Pricey but beautiful

    This campground used to be free when I first found it years ago while visiting the Royal Gorge. Since the city has invested money into fixing up the campsites with fire rings, tent pads, and what seems to be pretty good county road maintenance, it’s definitely understandable why they charge a fee.

    No water is available. There are vault toilets.

    There are NO bear boxes.

    Rules worth nothing (according to the sign upon entering camp):

    1. no alcohol (that didn’t seem to stop anyone from enjoying themselves at their site)
    2. You can only stay for 72 hours per visit unless otherwise noted.

    There’s lots of hiking and mountain bike trails near the campground, which brought lots of mellow mtb riders in during my stay.

    Because of the rules/amenities, i felt the price was a little steep as others have mentioned. However it is clean, close enough to Cañon city that you can go to town if needed, but far enough away to “unplug” from the world in a beautiful location. Overall I’d recommend visiting this campsite! I’ll happily return.

  • B
    Feb. 9, 2022

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Piñon Flats Camping

    Piñon Flats was an awesome place to camp! It has restrooms as well as easy access to hiking trails, each spot has a fire pit and a big enough dirt pad to stake down a tent or awning. Quiet hours are also nice so you won’t be hearing generators at night.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2021

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    WOW just WOW

    Stayed here 1 night with the backcountry permit through recreation.gov to see the stars and stay the night in the dunes. The hike in over the dune to a camp site with all your gear is frankly not easy, but it's short distance so it's manageable. Climbing in the sand is challenging with the extra weight of the pack and if the wind picks up you get whipped with sand BUT it is 100% worth it. We hiked in around 5/5:30pm at the end of the heat and were set up eating dinner around 8pm. Took a lot of breaks hiking in and went through a lot of water. In total we brought about a gallon of water each, and by the time we hiked out the next morning we were down to the last couple of ounces. Just the tent, no rain fly and using our sleeping bags as quilts was perfect in June. Even if you don't camp out the dunes are open for star gazing, and I highly recommend that. I tried hiking in both sneakers and just socks. Just socks was much better keeping your feet light and reducing cramping. Note: bugs come out at dusk so be ready with lots of spray and cover your limbs and bring good sunblock, you will get toasted.

  • T
    May. 17, 2022

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Mountain beach adventure

    Campsites are compact and overlook the Dunes - we parallell parked at our site. Short hike to Medano creek and the dunes. Sites have bear boxes for food storage, picnic table, and tent pads. Not ideal for large travel trailers but great in tents, vans, or smaller trailers. Site 7 is behind a pit toilet and the breeze blows the stink at you perfectly. Most other sites seem ok.

  • Jenni O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    So clean!

    We just left campsite 531 at Kettle Creek Loop! Our 3 kids loved playing around the little inlet of water and the playground was not too far! Very clean vault toilets close to that campsite and a bigger bathroom by the playground with showers! It’s a rocky tent pad so bring a footprint and sleeping pads. Shade provided over picnic table blocking the evening sun- it’s pretty sunny in the am but nice! It was HOT while we were there but it cooled off at night. Bring a shade tent! We will Be back!

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.

    The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.

    Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.

    The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.

    Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!

  • Daniel S.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Awesome Scenery

    This campsite is located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. A well maintained campground with asphalt roads throughout, including the campsite parking area. Each campsite includes a level dirt area delineated with a low rock wall, a large metal bear proof food storage locker, a metal fire ring with grate and an aluminum picnic table. There is no water, sewage or electric at any of the sites, although at only $20 a night that is quite acceptable. Plan to pick and reserve your site about 6 months in advance as this national park is very popular.

  • Rachel P.
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    Quiet, lakeside RV camping

    We booked this site last minute and it was perfect! The grounds were quiet and people respected the Quiet Hours curfew. Each site has a covered picnic table to block the wind. The site we booked had electricity hookups. We stayed in a car tent, so we needed non-concrete ground to anchor our tent stakes - the sites are all concrete and gravel with a lot of grass surrounding the main driveway. We were able to park our SUV so that we had access to the grassy area without being intrusive to other folks. The showers are in their own bathroom - toilet, sink, trashcan, bench, towel hooks, and shower. I strongly advise to NOT place clothing or towels on the bench near the shower. The shower has a strong spray and it will get your items slightly wet if too close. The showers are included in your camping fee (aka free to use). There isn't anything to block the wind (except at the picnic table) so be advised weaker tents won't be comfortable.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Get lost in the desert dunes

    Absolutely beautiful Sand dunes in the mountains, it actually smells like an ocean beach and makes you feel like your on another world. The Dunes are 30 square miles and you can camp anywhere in them with a free permit available at the visitor center, just have to hike in past the first ridge aka the day use area. It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace. The winds blow often and hard, moving enough Sand to cover you tracks in minutes. The views of the sky and stars are absolutely mesmerizing, one of the most beautiful Sand fields in the world. The creek that runs through the day use area can fluctuate in size daily, it wasn't high when we were there, but it was still flowing half way through the day use area. A must see destination if your in the San Luis Valley.

Guide to Westcliffe

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Westcliffe, Colorado, situated at 7,867 feet elevation in the Wet Mountain Valley. The region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer days reaching the 80s and dropping to the 40s at night. Many campsites offer unobstructed views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, with camping season typically running from May through October due to snowfall at higher elevations.

What to do

Stargazing sessions: Westcliffe holds International Dark Sky Community designation, making it perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. At The Dunefield, campers report exceptional night skies: "This is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way" with "no light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight."

Off-road adventures: High-clearance vehicles access remote sites along mountain roads. "Your vehicle will prob need new brakes after this trip. Super beautiful but the road never eases up," notes one camper about Hermit Pass OHV. These roads access secluded campsites with few neighbors.

Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. At Dispersed Sand Area 1, one camper mentioned: "A large gathering of mountain goats hanging out along the road was a fun surprise! Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains."

What campers like

Creek-side camping: Sites near water provide natural cooling and ambiance. At Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, campers find secluded spots along Eight Mile Creek: "We found an amazing camp site that was down a slope. We parked up top and lugged everything down the slope. It was tough but so worth it. There was 5 different camp site areas at the bottom right next to the water."

Private, sheltered sites: Many dispersed sites offer natural separation from neighbors. "We didn't hear noise from other campers just the occasional bikers and cars driving up on the road," reports a visitor at Davenport Campground, where some sites feature log shelters with picnic tables.

Geological features: Unique formations add visual interest to camping areas. At Red Canyon Park, "There are many fun places to explore, like climbing on rocks to see the mountains around you!" Another camper notes its "beautiful rugged red rock camping" with "great spots close to red bluffs and seasonal river."

What you should know

Insect preparation: Biting insects can be problematic during summer months. At Dispersed Sand Area 1, campers warn: "The mosquitoes were absolutely awful so be prepared (mid July)" and "The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous. If you can't handle it or find a way to keep them away it could ruin someone's ability to enjoy the beauty."

Weather fluctuations: Expect significant temperature changes and possibility of storms. In the Dunefield, "The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet."

Water sources: Most dispersed sites lack drinking water. At Red Canyon Park, campers must bring all their water: "There's no designated fire pits only rock pile ones" and facilities are minimal with just "vaulted toilets, fire rings, covered tables and Flatish camp spots."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westcliffe, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westcliffe, CO is Dispersed Sand Area 1 with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Westcliffe, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring