Best Tent Camping near Westcliffe, CO
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Westcliffe? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Westcliffe, Colorado (28)
1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
32 Reviews•130 Photos•918 SavesCañon City, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
2. Red Canyon Park
21 Reviews•88 Photos•720 SavesVictor, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
3. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
8 Reviews•50 Photos•343 SavesGreat Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, ColoradoExplore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Market
- Firewood Available
4. Davenport Campground
7 Reviews•39 Photos•103 SavesBeulah, ColoradoOverview
Davenport Campground was one of the first Forest Service campgrounds, and is near the now-abandoned Squirrel Creek Campground, the very first Forest Service campground in the country. In 2010, Davenport was rebuilt to evoke the original 1920s design. Adirondack shelters and a common cooking shelter with stone fireplaces were built and old-style log picnic tables add to the historic character of this campground. The campground offers access to an array of hiking, mountain biking, motorcycle and off-road vehicle trails.
Recreation
The 4.5-mile Squirrel Creek Trail is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding and motorcycle riding. This trail meets the original Squirrel Creek Campground site where a major flood, in 1947, washed out the never-reopened road and campground. Silver Circle, Second Mace, and South Creek Trails can be accessed nearby, too. Anglers enjoy casting for brook trout in Squirrel Creek.
Natural Features
The campground sits in a grassy meadow surrounded by aspen and spruce trees at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Squirrel Creek runs alongside this scenic facility in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado.
Nearby Attractions
Bishop's Castle, a replica of a medieval castle, is about 2 miles from the campground, just off Highway 165. The always-in-progress structure is an interesting display of labor-intensive masonry and intricate wrought ironwork. Beautiful Lake Isabel is less than 10 miles away. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the stocked lake. Several mountain trails weave through the area. Pueblo Mountain Park in Beulah Valley is about 7 miles east. This scenic park offers hiking trails, educational programs and a stone labyrinth.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$25 / night
5. Dispersed Sand Area 1
3 Reviews•5 Photos•86 SavesCrestone, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Rabbit Hole Ranch
12 Reviews•71 Photos•148 SavesMosca, ColoradoCamp in the San Luis Valley below snow-capped mountains and surrounded by sage brush and cacti in this high alpine desert. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains at 7500’ in elevation, this dispersed campsite gives you magnificent views and a feeling of peaceful privacy.
Easy access to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Blanca, Zapata Falls, and Hooper Hot Springs.
This area is great for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and solitude.
This place gets busy on holidays but we’ll find a place for you!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
$30 - $44 / night
7. Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park
3 Reviews•1 Photo•80 SavesCañon City, ColoradoLocated adjacent to the Temple Canyon trail that takes you to delightful Grape Creek and beyond The Temple. Operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Four different campsites spread apart to allow you to enjoy the solitude of this area located 8 miles southwest of Cañon City. Open year-round. (Free)
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
8. Hermit Pass OHV
1 Review•4 Photos•32 SavesWestcliffe, ColoradoDon't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Tricki's (Travis and Vicki) Glamping under the stars
1 Review•1 Photo•1 SaveRockvale, ColoradoThe most stars you will ever see. The most beautiful sunsets over the mountain ranges.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
$50 - $200 / night
10. Medano Lake Backpackers Camp — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
1 Review•5 Photos•183 SavesGreat Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews near Westcliffe, CO
921 Reviews of 28 Westcliffe Campgrounds
- Casey W.
Traveler
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
Amazing stay with views of the Dunes!
We loved this camp site! It was our first time to tent camp in Colorado and it was great. Several sites to choose from. Some have views of the dunes, some are more secluded. Bathrooms were clean. Very spacious tent site with a fire pit. Our tent sleeps 6 and we had no trouble fitting in the spot.
- AAngela D.Traveler
Mosca Campground
Perverts
A lot of people here are nosy and can’t mind their own business. Quite a bit of RVs parking in the tent sites trying to push out tent camping. Very rude. Lake is dried up.
- ccassie
Guide
Sand Dunes Recreation
Beautiful views depending on your spot
I’m tent camping from my car, but after seeing the tent sites that are on top of each other and zero views i asked to move to the rv overflow lot. It’s more spread out, same amenities as the rustic tent and 180 mountain sunrise views. I’m also working full time while here and the internet has been pretty dependable so far. There is a laundry and shower both for additional fee, as well as a pool for additional charge. Indoor restrooms as well. There is an area to refill on drinking water and an are to wash dishes. A bit of road noise during the day as the overflow lot has an unobstructed view of the mountains, it’s also right off the main road / highway. It was peaceful and quiet at night though so that’s all that mattered to me.
- KKelly P.
Scout
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Family & pet friendly, good location, and lots of fun activities
Campground had lots of RV sites and fewer tent sites but nice tent sites. Beautiful views of the mountains and close to many of the rafting companies and other local attractions as well as to the Royal Gorge bridge ans hiking. Staff were very friendly. We were there for a few, big, afternoon thunderstorms, one of which caused a little flooding around the office. Tent sites are on slight hill so no flooding but lots of little rivers running through our campsite. We would stay here again- the kids loved thr go-karting, mini-golf and giant slide. There is also a pool onsight which we did not use.
Jay B.GuideGreat Sand Dunes Oasis
Perfect base camp for the Dunes
We grabbed a tent site for our small teardrop for a night and decided to stay 2. Staff was very freindly. Store had essentials including a gas pump. Only a handful of folks in the tent area and it was nice and quiet. fantastic views of the dunes and plenty of shaded sites. Bathroom in the tent sites were clean
- AAngela D.Traveler
Mosca Campground
Perverts
A lot of RVs like to peep on tent campers and make snide comments. They ruin tent camping for everyone with their dog nose up your butt.
.! E !.Guide
Aspen Acres Campground
Perfect Spot
Stayed One night for Tent Camping, came with everything needed. Clean bathroom and showers. Great scenery and amazing night sky view.
- Kara D.Traveler
Alamosa KOA
What you expect...
Clean camp, nice amenities. Dog park is a little small, but is nice to have a place for dogs. Pool was very nice. Was disappointed in our tent site as it was all gravel with brush behind us. Pics online showed nice grassy tent sites with big trees. We had dogs with us, and it sucked to only have gravel for them to sit/lie on at our site. Otherwise, friendly place!
- CCarlos H.Guide
Smith Creek Campground
Great area for camping and hiking
There are several spots for tent camping in the Smith Creek Campground. Great area to hike and climb. Great stream that runs most of the year.
- DDiane R.Traveler
Cripple Creek KOA
Serene
Very beautiful campground! Great staff, clean restrooms. Beautiful views. Tent sites are awesome!
Kevin C.GuideGreat Sand Dunes Oasis
Great easy camping
Super friendly staff. Tent camp parked with Sprinter RV . Great sunset view. Close to Great Sand Dunes. Super clean bathrooms and HOT showers! Bit of a walk but worth it
- Katie D.Scout
Cotopaxi-Arkansas River KOA - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Better options out there
In my opinion this place is kind of rundown and dumpy. Maybe it hasn’t been maintained bc of covid closures? Idk either way I wasn’t impressed. We had a tent site. The tent sites were small and along a cliff with the Arkansas below. Our “large” tent site barely fit our big cabin tent, with enough room to park our vehicle. Our tent was literally a foot away from the road you pull in on. We had 2 young kids with us and I would not call it very kid friendly. We were Constantly having to keep an eye on them. Either they fall off a cliff into the river or worry about them getting into the main 2 way camp road that huge rvs and trucks drive by on. It was very hard to “relax” while kids were trying to play. The sound of the river at night was nice that’s about it. The encounters I had with staff weren’t great. A bit rude and unhelpful. I feel the prices are high considering you can’t use any amenities advertised due to covid restrictions. There were a lot of “rules” they had I haven’t encountered in other campgrounds. There are much prettier/nicer campgrounds along the Arkansas River I would stay at.
- bbrandon W.Guide
Red Canyon Park
Great stay very close to Canon City
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!
Flannel Fabe ..
RangerAlamosa KOA
To the Dunes
Staff very helpful. Not much privacy, tent sites kinda wide open. Killer views of the San Luis mountains just past my fingertips.
Brick M.Scout
Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Beautiful location but...
We tent camped here in late September. Beautiful location with well-kept sites and bathrooms. However sites are close to the road and we could hear the traffic all night. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.
Melissa L.Traveler
Piñon Campground — Lathrop State Park
Nice campgroup
A little close together and close to the highway. Expect some traffic noise throughout the night. Large park with fishing, hiking and more. Picnic tables (some with shelters), fire rings and vault toilets available thoughout the tent camping site, rv hookups and playground also available.
- Sharon B.Guide
Alamosa KOA
What all KOAs aspire to
Super easy to access, very nice staff & good amenities. I pitched my tent four one night here. Tent sites are spacious & have a privacy fence between them. All wood burning fires are currently prohibited in Colorado, but there are fire pits for when they're not. I met a couple with an RV that make this camp a part of any trip this direction. They pointed out that even full this camp is still a gem.
Kelsey L.RangerPiñon Campground — Lathrop State Park
Easy stop for the night with nice amenities
Main building offers nice amenities including small museum exhibits about the local area and ample information on the area as well. Sites are nice though fairly close together. Cost $25/night for a tent site.
- Kara D.Traveler
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Beautiful location
Tent sites are on the hill and have lovely views. The tent pads are pretty small though. They are great for 1-2 people, but we are a family traveling with pets, so we have a larger tent. Nice community feel. Lots for kids to do. Close to rafting, Royal Gorge and other attractions.
- TroyScout
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
KOA
I've got a slide in camper was given a tent site in the far back corner of the campground. Staff was AMAZING...they'de give my wife rides to the pool and were extremely courteous and friendly. Going back next weekend.
- CCarol J.
Legend
Pinon Flats Campground — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great for tent camping not rvs
We had site 68 and 70. Site 70 had trees that made it hard for RV . I would recommend this campsite for people who tent camp. RV sites are challenging to get into and some sites have no room for tow vehicle. Campsites are close to each other. Nice to be close to Sand Dunes.
Whitney J.Scout
Sand Gulch Campground
Sleep at the Base of the Crag
Located right off Shelf Road climbing area, this is the best spot to stay for a weekend on the rocks. Spots are open to multiple tent sites and are relatively cheap. Even better, there's a vault toilet...but you can expect a line.
- sshawnTraveler
Hayden Creek Road
Great dispersed camping, Absolutely a gem
Tent camped in the dispersed area because Hayden creek was full, near Rainbow trailhead, entire area to ourselves 98% of the time besides two groups of hikers over 2 nights almost 3 days. Bring camp toilet for dispersed camp areas or walk to the vault toilet at Hayden creek (long walk). Camped right along the brook an filtered water.
- KKenneth S.Guide
Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Great view of the Arkansas River. Probably best suited for RVs.
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Motorcycle tent camping along the river. This campground did not have much shade. Only one group table had a cover over it. Some shade trees along the river bank. Great views of the Arkansas River. Highway 50 close to this campground. It was noisy. All night long, cars would pull into the campground stoping at the restrooms and shining lights into my tent. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.
- kkevin Y.Scout
Davenport Campground
Clean and quiet
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. Site 9 has a shelter and is close to parking lot and toilet. Lot of fire wood available. Close to bishop castle
- Melanie S.Traveler
Great Sand Dunes Oasis
The Oasis is a hidden gem
It's slight hidden behind a bigger RV andodge campground. It was beautiful views from ANY tent site you got. It had bathroom n accessible showers if needed. Firewood. Friendly hosts and snacks. And RIGHT outside the entrance to see the dunes. It was awesome! Close to lakes n rivers to fish and just beautiful.
- DDiane S.Guide
Alvarado Campground
One of those gems
The campground won't accommodate fifth wheels only horse and rv up to 30 or so. Many of the sites in the 30,s up are useless other than a van. Tent sites are not good. Very uneven pads. The 40,s are much better and all mostly tents. The sites below 30 to 1 are pretty nice. Must say the hosts for the new concession explorUS were doing a bang up job.
Guide to Westcliffe
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Colorado, Westcliffe offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- The well-reviewed Davenport Campground features clean facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- At Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park, campers can enjoy serene views and the opportunity to fish in a small stream, enhancing the outdoor experience.
- Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers convenient access to the Arkansas River, perfect for those looking to combine camping with water activities.
Tent campers should check out the local activities
- The picturesque trails near Davenport Campground provide excellent hiking opportunities, allowing campers to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot deer and other animals while camping at Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park, where the peaceful surroundings enhance the experience.
- For those seeking a more rugged adventure, Medano Lake Backpackers Camp offers challenging hikes and breathtaking views, ideal for experienced backpackers.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $28
- Camping at Davenport Campground is a budget-friendly option, with no fees for basic tent sites, making it accessible for all.
- The Vallie Bridge Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area charges $28 for basic sites, providing a great value for those wanting to camp near the river.
- For a unique experience, Tricki's (Travis and Vicki) Glamping under the stars offers a glamping experience with amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay at a reasonable price.
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 Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Westcliffe, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Westcliffe, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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