Looking to go glamping near White River National Forest and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Find all the best glamping sites for your White River National Forest, Colorado camping adventure with The Dyrt. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your White River National Forest adventure.
Peak One Campground is located on the Dillon Reservoir near the town of Frisco, offering an abundance of recreational activities. The reservoir is encircled by Swan Mountain and the dramatic Gore and Tenmile Ranges. This campground is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Due to the pine beetle infestation and removal of hazard trees, there is little or no shade in the campground.
Dillon Reservoir, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground. At 3,233 acres, and with 26.8 miles of shoreline, it is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. Anglers will find that the reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional cutthroat trout finding its way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in the area abound, including more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Described as being more vertical than horizontal, nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, designated in 1976, is a playground of craggy cliffs, sheer rock faces, alpine lakes, and deep, forested valleys. Visitors will find foot travel across this pristine area challenging and often strenuous, but will be rewarded with spectacular scenery. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles of Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$28 / night
Baby Doe Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake in the shade of a lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. This family-friendly campground is a popular summer destination for boating, hiking and fishing.The campground was named for Elizabeth McCourt, whose nickname was Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner.
The 1.2-mile Turquoise Lake Nature Trail meanders along the shoreline is a gentle loop trail through the forest and down to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. This trail connects to the 6.4-mile Turquoise Lake Trail that parallels the shoreline from Sugar Loaf Dam to May Queen Campground. Trail guides are available at the trailhead located about a mile south, at the entrance to Molly Brown Campground. On the lake, boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing are favorite activities. Anglers fish for stocked cutthroat, rainbow, brown and lake trout. A boat ramp is located about a mile south of the campground.
Campsites are perched along the scenic lakeshore. The Mount Massive Wilderness Area, a 30,540 acre stretch of primitive land boasting Colorado's second highest peak at 14,421 feet, is nearby. Much of the wilderness is above timberline with many alpine plant communities and permanent snowfields.
Venture to Independence Pass for a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the Rockies and surrounding alpine tundra habitat. At 12,095 feet, it is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the country and marks where the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway crosses the Continental Divide.
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.
$29 - $33 / night
**Bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a food storage order__is in effect at__all developed campgrounds__on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, and the Piney Guard Station, Tigiwon Lodge, Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook, Homestake Road FSR 703, and Nolan Creek Road.__This order requires__all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles, approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems.__The Gold Park campground is located along Homestake Creek in the Homestake Valley in a forested setting. There are 12 camp sites available.Holy Cross Wilderness is nearby; all wilderness regulations must be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). There are several trailheads into the wilderness within driving distance of the campground and the Homestake Reservoir is about 3 miles further west on Homestake Road.There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this campground which is complete with directions, details, and other information about this campground.
Bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a food storage order is in effect at all developed campgrounds on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, and the Piney Gaurd Station, Tigiwon Lodge, Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook, Homestake Road FSR 703, and Nolan Creek Road. This order requires all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles, approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. The Halfmoon Campground is located at the top of Tigiwon Road #707 near the boundary for the Holy Cross Wilderness in a forested setting; all wilderness regulationsmust be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). This campground is located at the trailheads for several hiking trails and is heavily used by hikers who are climbing Mount of the Holy Cross. Due to the nature of the Forest Road to the campground and the short parking spurs within the campground, the Halfmoon Campground is not suitable for most RVs. There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this campground which is complete with directions, details, and other information about this campground.
Located approximately 22 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Dearhamer Campground sits adjacent to the Fryingpan River above Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7,800 feet.
Renowned for its fly fishing, Fryingpan River flows below Ruedi Dam. Here, large rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in an area nicknamed the "toilet bowl." The fish feed on Mysis shrimp, a small freshwater shrimp stocked in the lake. The stretch of river from the dam down to the confluence of Fryingpan and the Roaring Fork River has been designated as Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. Special regulations in this area include fishing only with artificial flies and lures, and releasing all trout except brown trout, with a limit of 2 fish over 14 inches. For hikers and bikers, the Ruedi Trail, located north of the reservoir, climbs to the top of Red Table Mountain. The trailhead is located 200 feet north of the Jeep trail near the boat ramp and parking lot. This 8-mile trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading hikers to a spectacular panoramic view of the area. Boating, swimming, and water skiing are all possible in the area.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this resort mountain town.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$29 / night
Camp Hale Memorial Campground sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet, offering guests a wonderful setting for recreation and relaxation. Camp Hale is historic because the 10th Mountain Division, an unit of 15,000 men, trained here in mountaineering and skiing techniques during WWII. Some saw combat in Italy during the war. Most of the buildings have been torn down, but foundations and other "footprints" remain. The 99th Infantry Battalion (Viking Battalion) also trained at Camp Hale. There are interpretive signs along US Rt. 24, explaining the history and accomplishments of Camp Hale.
With the headwaters of the Eagle River nearby, anglers will find pockets of solitude, casting lines for rainbow and brown trout. The waterway was named by the local Ute Indians who thought there were as many branches of the river as there were tail feathers on an eagle. Several ponds south of the campground offer good fishing opportunities. The Colorado Trail crosses within walking distance of Camp Hale, and gravel roads provide easy walking and bike paths within the area.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. This campground sits among a sparse growth of young Lodgepole pine in a wide, flat, open valley.
The resort town of Vail is a popular destination for visitors to the area, offering downhill skiing, world-class fly fishing, dining and resorts. There is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunites in this mountain town.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$25 / night
We are a short drive from Aspen & Vail, Colorado!
Glenwood Canyon Resort, located just east of Glenwood Springs, CO is the only lodging, [camping and RV] (http://glenwoodcanyonresort.com) resort in beautiful Glenwood Canyon, where Hanging Lake resides and the mighty Colorado River flows.
There are 10 campsites available. Trailhead access to Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is across the road. Two miles to the east is the ghost town of Independence, an early mining town. Lost Man Family Campground is situated directly across Independence Pass road from Lost Man Trailhead. The campsites are within a lodgepole pine forest at 10,500' above sea level.
$25 / night
Sitting deep in the forest to the west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the Turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. A spot prized for its fishing, camping, and hiking, Turquoise Lake provides some of the most beautiful views on the Leadville Ranger District. The east end of the lake hosts the majority of campgrounds, while the west end of the lake hosts the popular May Queen Campground near the Timberline Lake trailhead, which accesses the Holy Cross Wilderness. To the southwest of the lake rises the Mt. Massive Wilderness, along with such beautiful hikes as Native Lake and Windsor Lake. Snow in these areas can stay well into midsummer, and possibly longer. Turquoise Lake is heavily visited, especially during the summer months. Reservations for those campgrounds on Turquoise Lake that take reservations are often filled early, especially for holiday weekends. Camping is only allowed in developed campgrounds in the Turquoise Lake Area. There is no dispersed camping available.
Traveler
This campground is located in the town of Frisco, CO, but feels like being in the wilderness. Shopping and restaurants are 10 minutes from the Campground. Very clean campground. This is the only campground around Lake Dillon with flush toilets and sinks. There is walk up access to the lake for kayaks and paddle boards. A few camp sites have direct access to the lake. This campground is part of the White River National Forest and is managed by CLM with 2 camp host couples on site who are very helpful. Make reservations in advance, especially for weekends, because it fills up quickly.
Guide
Sites were a bit close together but it was still in a beautiful area right on the river. We were very jealous of site #7 it was by far the best of them. On the river, and backed up to trees and a rock face and the most secluded. The rest were sort of out in the open. Definitely far from help so bring some bear spray because we would see some recent bear activity and no cell service. Each site has a food locker which was very convenient along with a fire ring and a picnic table. The grounds had vault toilets but it was very very clean. Lots to do around white river national forest and I would stay here again!
TravelerJust a few miles off I-70, in Frisco, CO, is the location of Peak One Campground. This is a very clean campground, and the only one around Lake Dillon with flush toilets and sinks. Frisco shopping and restaurants are only 10 minutes away and Summit Medical Center is 5 minutes. Even with the town being so close, when in the Campground it feels like being miles from everything. This campground is part of the White River National Forest and is run by CLM with two camp host couples living in the campground. There is walk up access to Lake Dillon for kayaks and paddle boards, and a few campsites have direct access to the lake. This is a very busy campground so it is best to reserve a spot on-line. Walk up sites are rare, especially on weekends.
Ranger
Located 15 miles south of Eagle off of I-70 in the White River National Forest sits Sylvan Lake State Park. This has definitely been our favorite camping spot since moving here a little over 2 months ago. We camped right on the lake next to the boat ramp (no motorized boats allowed) and the bathhouse. At 8,500 ft the weather can change fast so be prepared especially with rain gear and warm close. The sites that are lake front are a little close together which would be my only complaint but for seclusion literally walk away in any direction. Paddle boarding and fishing were by far the most popular things to do on the lake but we stuck to hiking . There's a trail that follows the lake shore around that is also bike friendly, there's also the West Brush Creek Trail which is in the park and a number of gulch trails in between Sylvan lake and Eagle. On your way out of town be sure to stop in Eagle at the Red Canyon Cafe and Bonfire Brewing for a bite to eat and refreshments!
Legend
This became a favorite car camping spot of mine while living in Vail, Colorado. The lake is situated in White River National Forest and is accessible only for a few months during the summer via Red Sandstone Road. I have seen 2wd sedans drive up this road, however I would definitely recommend something with high clearance and 4wd if possible as the roads up there are not well maintained. There are plenty of first come, first serve USFS campsites near the lake, additionally there are quite a few service roads off of Red Sandstone Road that provide access to miles of additional dispersed campsites. It is hard to find a spot to camp without a breathtaking view of the Gore Range from Piney. In addition to camping, there are hiking trails near the lake and the privately owned Piney River Ranch offers horseback riding, boat rentals, fishing, a restaurant, and other lodging options. This area is also known for the moose that frequent the area, be sure to keep your distance if you are lucky enough to spot one! If you are interested in camping at Piney in the early summer or fall, you may first want to call the Minturn Ranger’s Station at 970-827-5715 to check on the closure status of Red Sandstone Road.
Ranger
Halfmoon Campground is located at the end of Notch Mountain Rd (forest Rd 707) near Minturn, CO in White River National Forest. It has the essentials - fire pits, picnic tables, vault toilets, and lots of shade. However, I found the dispersed campsites on the way up to the campground more desirable - they were free, had a view, and had no neighbors. Dispersed camping is allowed along 707 within 300 ft of the road centerline. There are maybe 10- 20 sites - you can see the fire rings from the road. I chose a site about 2/3 the way up the road in a clearing with a view of the mountains across the valley. I could see the back side of Vail Ski Resort from there. The best part about the site were the stars at night - I saw multiple shooting stars. One thing that wasn't so great was the proximity to the road. I wouldn't say the road was busy, but a car does drive by occasionally. Especially early in the morning, because there are trailheads at the end of the road by the campground. You can hike to the summit of Mt of the Holy Cross or to various lakes from there.
Guide
Wow! This is a beautiful spot. The lower campground is for tents and smaller RVs, but is definitely the spot to be if you can swing it! This campground has cabins, glamping tents, tent pads and spaces for RVs. We camped in spaces 17 and 18 in the lower campground right by the river. The “resorts has a rafting company, zip line, and restaurant/bar on premises.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, this is a great campground. I might save it for a mid-week stay or slightly off season so you aren’t stacked on top of your neighbors.
LegendAfter spending three nights in forest service campgrounds, we landed here, lucky to find a place with availability on a weekend in September (reservations made a month in advance). We opted for a riverfront RV site (#17) and we were right on the Colorado River, with the soothing white noise of the river putting us to sleep each night (interrupted only by the occasional LOUD train on the other side of the river).
This place has every kind of accommodation possible: (resort) cabins, cottages, glamping campsites, individual and group tent sites, and RV sites (some with full hook-ups, some with water and electric, some on the river, and some above it). The sites are laid out in typical RV park style, lined up like dominoes. This is not our typical preferred camping, but we were with friends, so we were able to create a little oasis between our sites.
The fire in August, Covid, and snow the first week of September essentially shut down all the extras this place has to offer– zip line, rock climbing wall, ropes course, and restaurant, so I cannot comment on these. But, Defiance Rafting is located on the property; while they were no longer able to offer rafting trips (due to potential rock slides resulting from fire damage), they did rent inflatable kayaks and we took advantage of this and had a rolling good time on the Colorado River!
The office staff is very nice and there is a small store in the office offering t-shirts, stickers, hats, etc. (but not food essentials). It is located about three miles from the town of Glenwood Springs and there is a trail leading from the resort that winds along the river to town. The trail east of the resort was still closed after the fire.
The bath/shower house was clean, but the shower set-up was funky in that there was no private area to undress/dress. The only other unpleasant thing was the odor emanating from what I would assume to be the waste/sewage facility and it was necessary to walk past it from the riverfront sites to the bathrooms. This and the price ($88 for a riverfront site) have me giving this place four stars instead of five, although I would consider staying here again if in the area.
Scout
My wife and I recently had the most magical four days at this Yurt, and we cannot stop raving about this hidden gem!🌲✨
From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning surroundings—the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. The yurt itself was not only cozy and well-equipped but also nestled in a picturesque spot that felt like a private slice of heaven.
The attention to detail was outstanding. The thoughtful amenities, from the well-stocked kitchen to the comfy sleeping quarters, made us feel right at home. We enjoyed quiet evenings by the warm wood stove, gazing at the star-lit sky through the yurt's skylight—a truly enchanting experience.
The hosts were incredibly accommodating and friendly, ensuring we had everything we needed for a seamless stay. Their passion for the outdoors and commitment to sustainability added an extra layer of appreciation for our Yurt experience.
The hiking trails nearby were a nature lover's dream, offering breathtaking views and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was the perfect retreat to reconnect with each other and with nature.
If you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Sawatch Basecamp Yurt is an absolute must-visit. Thank you to the hosts for creating such a unique haven in the wilderness. We're already planning our next escape to this piece of paradise!🏞️❤️
GuideThis is a lovey spot with 360 Views of the canyon and nice amenities. Clean, hot showers. Cabins, yurts and pull ins. Shop. Lovey staff. Not inexpensive however.
RangerWhether you're camping or staying in one of the cabins or Yurts this place is absolutely breathtaking located in the Rocky Mountains there were many miles of hiking trails and great places to go fishing for trout they don't allow motorized boats however this place was perfect for canoeing and kayaking this is a nice little getaway with breathtaking views absolutely recommended if you were in the area or looking for a nice place to get a good dose of nature
LegendThis park has so much character that it should have it’s own tv show. There are conservation areas, trails galore, historical buildings, and a beautiful lake that is surrounded with alpine forests.
The staff is really sweet and willing to help in any way they can. We lost our pump for our inflatable and they found us one to borrow.
The campground is large and can accommodate a lot of campers, the bathrooms are fully equipped and clean. It was quiet at night which was surprising since you are basically in a cul-de-sac of tents and rv's. There are cabins and yurts to rent as well. They are even building (or just finished) a new section of a campground that looks like it will accommodate more rv’s and boats. It is called fisherman’s paradise.
There is also a day use area with grills and picnic tables.
The road to get out here can be rough in bad weather but low clearance is fine to get out here. WInter excursions are probably a bit tougher and would require an all wheel drive.
LegendSlyvan Lake State Park is located outside of the Town of Eagle, CO. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from town to the park. Upon entering, there is a multitude of activities you can partake in. Besides camping, which i will get to in a second, Sylvan lake offers excellent fishing for trout, Stand up Paddle Boarding and Canoeing; Both which can be rented there. The surrounding area offers hiking and scenic drives.
As for the camping, there are a couple campgrounds in the Sylvan Lake area as well as cabins and yurts that can be rented. Camp grounds are standard forest service spots. The each feature a picnic table and metal fire rings. As always, spots range from small to large, some having ample tree coverage and some are very exposed. There are vault toilets in the are as well.
There is a fee to use these spots which can be paid via self service area. This is a great spot for a family or anyone looking to get away and stay active. The area can get very busy in the summer so try to avoid weekends. This summer (2018) there was a lot of construction in the park and in turn it closed down some area that were normally open for camping and activities.
LegendThe Piney Lake area of Vail is by far the most scenic spot anyone can drive to. The ranch at the lake is ever growing and offers a restaurant, canoe rentals, SUP, fly fishing lessons as well as cabin and yurts to rent for the night. If you are looking to spend your night closer to nature the campground is just located about a mile away from the lake.
This may get confusing as there are camp spots along the road that are forest service controlled and have fire rings and right next to that you will find many spots that are in the National Forest but are primitive. The "Camp Spots" that have fire rings are located on the final stretch to the lake. There are maybe 6 or 8 of them. Really the only difference in these spots compared to the primitive ones right next door are the fire rings and the fact that they are fenced in with a small wooden fence.
The upside to grabbing one of these spots is all of summer 2018 in the valley we were in a stage 1 fire ban, meaning you could only have a fire in a permanent fire ring, leaving these few spots the only legal camping in the area. The spots themselves are fairly large, we have put 4 cars and 5+ tents comfortably in one of them. There are no toilets or anywhere to get water unless you drive to the ranch (the ranch is privately owned and closes and opens at a certain time, the lake is public and can be accessed anytime) There is also no fee which is always a plus.
Ranger
Just west of Leadville Colorado sits Turquoise Lake at an elevation of around 10,000 ft. Baby Doe Campground is one of the few camps that are situated around the lake on its east side. You camp under the pine trees beside the lake with beautiful views of Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert to the south over turquoise water. Cost are $24 per night for car camping, bathrooms and water are provided. We camped on June 26th and 27th of 2018 and got to summit Mt. Sherman one of Colorado's 14ers on the 27th. I was really surprised at how bad the mosquito's were at the lake and at this elevation, definitely the worst mosquito experience I had while living in Colorado. If your in town while visiting be sure to check out Periodic Brewing and High Mountain Pies. Highlight: Being able to summit my 1st Colorado 14er was definitely the highlight of the trip, can't wait to go back for another one, I know where I'll be camping.
Traveler
Spent 2 quiet nights here in this roomy and quiet campground adjacent to the Colorado and Continental Divide Trail. Lots of great hiking and just 25 minutes north of Leadville. Crazy to think of the 15,000 or so soldiers training here during WWII.
ScoutFalling asleep to the sound of the Colorado River literally 3 feet away is just wonderful, well worth the $54/night for a tent site. Great heated bathrooms, only a few minutes from town, no issues with noisy neighbors for us. Super great
Legend
This is one of the best campsites we have visited in Colorado. It’s located a few miles north of Buena Vista Colorado next to the Arkansas River. The site has terrific walk-in tent sites along the river as well as group picnic facilities and drive camping for campers and vans. They have a huge boat launch to access the world class white water rapids on the Arkansas River. The site has about a 30 campsites and was only about half full during g the summer peak. The access road is dirt but flat graded. They have a camp host on site. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables. The facilities are new and well maintained. The river is powerful and campers with kids should take care. Great hiking and rock climbing in the area. This is a must see.
LegendLoved the location. Right on the Colorado River. Bike path is right out the front. We rode it from Aspen down valley and right back to our campsite. A feature we really liked.
The sites were tight. Class A's take up most of it. The good thing is the row we were on had lots of room to maneuver in front of the site. The Laundry room was broke the 3 days we were there. So prepare for that. I would be back just because of the location.
ScoutI’ve noticed a trend in reviews for this site across all platforms. Any sites close to the camp hosts have had a terrible experience. The further you are from them, the more enjoyable your stay will be. Keep that in mind when booking a stay here.
2 stars because my family had a wonderful time at the lake. There’s enough beach that you’re not crowded together with other groups. Our daughters loved paddle boarding here.
The hosts ruined it. Quite condescending and as another reviewer put it, just plain rude. We are Colorado natives and polite, law abiding campers. The hosts had our whole family on edge once quiet time started for 3 nights in a row. Won’t be back.
RangerGreat spot on the East side of the lake, Not far from the town of Leadville where there is a Safeway, places to eat and places to shop. It was a bit windy the day we stayed but great views, lots of hiking trails and things to explore. Campground is located a high elevation.
Accessible Sites, Boating, Campfire Rings, Canoeing, Drinking Water, Firewood Vendor, FishingGrills, Hiking, HostLake AccessSailing, Self Pay Station, Tables, Vault Toilets, Waterfront Sites
Less Than 1 Mile: Boat Ramp, Interpretive Trails, Water Skiing
Fun Fact:
The campground was named after Elizabeth McCourt's nickname, Baby Doe. She made a name for herself in the Colorado mining community in the 19th century when she took on the rugged work of a miner, and was given her nickname.
TravelerWe’re Van camping in the lower campground, 50’ from the banks of the Colorado River. Electric & Water. Cabins avl. On the River and upper grounds. Our site, 44 is also located off set and below the deck of the resort event center. (Weekend celebrations may offend some, not us) quite time is 10pm. We’ve enjoyed watching Rafters, Kayakers & Geese float & fly the turns of the River. Wonderful staff. Available if needed. Kevin, manager; generous & helpful. Twilla, the work & stay host att. Is super attentive. Clean, accessible Bathhouse facilities. Discounts on rafting while booked at GCR. 1.7m to downtown Glenwood, (foodies, cute shops) bike path, or… just hang by the river near the boat launch & tent sites. (Our fav. spots!) Great place to R&R, Hot springs, Hike…
Guide
We stopped at this site on a whim. When we arrived on Friday afternoon there were plenty of sites available at 3pm. By the evening it was 90% full. This site does not take reservations. The campground itself was beautiful! There are lots of tall pines trees, aspens, and wild flowers. There was pretty good space between sites. The campsite host informed us moose frequent the area. The big downside is the highway is very loud here which really took away from the peace. This is on the opposite side of the highway of Kenosha Campground which was equally as nice, but also suffered from proximity to the highway. The Colorado trail runs alongside both campgrounds.
TravelerOverall this was a really great campground to stay in. I only give 5/5 stars if I would return and this is a campground I’ll return to.
The campsites were very spacious and overall the entire campsite, (including bathrooms) was very clean and well maintained. We booked this at the last minute midweek and there were still open sites when we came in.
We stayed in site #17, a nice spot for our trailer with solar panels, but it might be rather exposed if you don’t have some kind of shade. Other spots perfect for our trailer with views are : sites 11 (near toilets), 14 and 15.
The cons: There was no cell phone service for us (t-mobile) or water / electricity. Our battery on our trailer did fine and was at 100% when we departed with our solar panels. No water or electricity as this is a campground . It was a distance from our home in Denver — about 3 hours total — but that isn’t enough to from returning.
We explored the area and loved the little town of are’s Cliff and the Mango’s Mountain Grill, as well as Minturn and ate yummy burritos at the Rocky Mountain Taco. Check out the Colorado Trailer nearby as well as the (obvious) Camp Hale Historic Monument.
RangerAt Glenwood Canyon Resort you get to camp right on the Colorado River in a beautiful canyon but its definitely the most expensive tent camping I've ever paid for. Amenities are taken care of from the store at the check in station to the bar and grill that's on site. It has an awesome deck with a view of the canyon but I didn't get to enjoy it. When we checked in we were told it was pet friendly but when we went the bar tender told us our dogs weren't allowed and didn't seem happy to be there, so I had to go back to the campsite and eat and drink by myself. It's okay though because when my wife came back she said the food wasn't that great and they had no craft beer on tap. Aside from all that, the number of outdoor activities and place to see around here are endless, whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, climbing, hang gliding, disc golf, etc.......are all within a short car or bike ride and that's were all 3 stars are earned. Definitely worth it if your just passing through but there are many options around here if your staying for some time.
LegendThis campground is conveniently located off of I-70 just a few miles from Glenwood Springs in No Name, CO. The staff are pleasant and the office was very clean with some cute souvenirs available for purchase.
This place is EXPENSIVE. It is not worth the nightly rate. You are paying for the proximity to town and if you reserved a waterfront site, the view. The campsites are tiny, so be prepared to back your travel trailer into a tight spot and make friends with your neighbors. You will be in their campsite while setting up your rig and vice versa.
The No Name Grill & Bar was still closed when we were here (May ‘21), which was not disclosed on their site. The WiFi is a single unsecured access point near the laundry/bath house that did not work. There is no WiFi available in the actual campground. We had 2 bars of cell coverage on AT&T. Laundry is pricey too; $4/load for washer and $3/load for dryer. There is no vending for detergent or dryer sheets, so pack accordingly.
As beautiful as it was to be right next to the Colorado river, this place is not at all worth the cost. Save your money and drive the 90 miles to Grand Junction or Fruita for more affordable campgrounds with better amenities.
TravelerWe had reservations at Kenosha Campground and were diverted to Kenosha East. The camp hosts were protecting us from a bear that had visited the campground a few too many times. We were thankful that they put our safety first.
Kenosha East is designed primarily for tent camping. A small trailer or camper van can be accommodated. Large fifth wheels or RVs can be accommodated at the disbursed sites located East and South of the campground, just follow the dirt roads back into the forest. Sites are designated for camping and/or parking.
We stayed at camp site #10. It had a lot of space between the other camp sites but the trees are not thick enough to create a lot of privacy. Our site was located in an aspen grove with lush grass and wildflowers. It was beautiful to look out on the grove and watch the bees collect pollen.
This campground is at the start of the Colorado Trail. A hiking trail that is frequented by backpackers. The trail is also surrounded by aspen grove with thick wildflowers and wild grasses. The reward on the short hike we did is the view of the South Park valley. It was amazing, even with the haze that blew in from the California wildfires.
The caveats: this is a highly trafficked day use area. There is a parking lot at the entrance for day use with two well used vault toilets. The campground is visited by non campers on foot, on bikes, and in cars and campers. There are a lot of people around all day on weekends.
This campground is located right off of Hwy 285. This is the main thoroughfare to the central mountains in Colorado. The traffic is heavy day and well into the night. Semis and motorcycles are the loudest culprits. If you are looking for quiet and solitude, you may want to look elsewhere. Kenosha Pass and Kenosha East are built for recreation and lots of people.
For the ladies: Bathrooms, especially vault bathrooms, can be a deterrent for some. The camp hosts take great care of the bathrooms. We stayed 3 nights and there was always toilet paper. The bathroom smelled as good as it could possibly smell with the amount of people that used it all weekend. It was never gross. Which is so nice. If you are a little squeamish when it comes to camping and vault bathrooms, I think this is a safe bet.
Overall, I would stay at this campground again and bring my bike. I’d also spend more time out on the trail. I’d stay somewhere else if I was looking for quiet and solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near White River National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near White River National Forest is Sylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 39 glamping camping locations near White River National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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