Best Campgrounds near Winter Park, CO

Winter Park, Colorado camping spots range from almost-town sites to more remote options in the mountains. Vasquez Ridge sits just two miles from Winter Park but feels more like backcountry camping. Campers who want to check out Rocky Mountain National Park can stay at Moraine Park Campground, which puts you close to the Colorado River. If you're looking to spend time on the water, Arapaho Bay Campground near Grand Lake works well for swimming and boating. Late spring and early fall bring the best camping weather with clear trails, though late October can swing between warm days and freezing nights without much warning. The pine beetle has killed many trees in local campgrounds, so shade can be hard to find in summer. Rocky Mountain National Park has good hiking trails where you might spot elk, moose, and smaller wildlife. Fishing is big here too, with several lakes and the Colorado River holding trout. Always check current fire rules before your trip, as bans are common in dry months. Most good campgrounds fill up fast in summer, so book ahead when possible. Each campground has different rules about how long you can stay, so read up before you go. Winter Park has camping that works for solo travelers, groups, and families with different comfort levels.

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Best Camping Sites Near Winter Park, Colorado (457)

    1. Vasquez Ridge

    31 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "Aug 2019 - Found a perfect little spot that was a close 5 minute maybe 1/2 mile in drive from Winter Park. Managed to make it in with a 2WD sedan."

    "Close to Winter Park and access to Grand County."

    2. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    3. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

    4. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    17 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "I first camped in Colorado last year with a friend and we chose this dispersed due to it being close to travel too- yet still dispersed. I’ve come back 4 other times to camp here!"

    "It is a light off road trail and would recommend having high vehicle clearance and 4x4. We were unable to park right next to the reservoir because it was closed off."

    5. Denver West-Central City KOA

    30 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3043

    "good location for cute old mountain towns! also close to Denver and other must sees in Colorado!"

    "8100’ high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don’t worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"

    6. Arapaho Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"

    "This is true wilderness camping at its best overlooking beautiful Colorado waters with the Mountains peaking down upon you is where you will find yourself camping with great amenities and water available"

    7. St. Louis Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Fraser, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 887-4100

    "There are many trails and roads for mountain biking and hiking. The trails leave right from the campground. St. Louis Creek runs adjacent to the campground with easy access and good trout fishing."

    "Beautiful location, more remote than many of the other campgrounds near Winter Park / Fraser area. Byers Peak hike is nearby which gives great views of the valley and surrounding areas."

    8. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    9. Cr 47

    13 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    1 mile

    "You won’t be able to get to these sites without a car with four wheel drive. We drove up to some of the higher spots with an awesome view of mountains, a lake and Longmont in the distance."

    "This will be one of few free camping spots around Rocky Mt. National Park. The road in begins easy but gets more difficult as you get onto National Forest Land."

    10. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

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Recent Reviews near Winter Park, CO

2981 Reviews of 457 Winter Park Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Pinion Pine Dispersed Campground

    Dispersed camping witha view of the Colorado river

    Camped here in order to do the hike to the Radium Hot Springs down the road.

    The access track (off Trough Rd) had one huge rut that a smaller car might find a bit hairy but we saw a small SUV had gotten in there.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Trough Road Dispersed

    Camping no longer allowed

    There is now a lot of signage prohibiting camping. Go to Pinion Pine Dispersed Camping up the road to the north east.

    Definitely come here for the hike to th hot prongs though. The road accommodated our big Revel van easily.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • Will F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Shrine Pass Road Dispersed Camping

    Overnight stay

    I stayed at the first pull out up the road. It’s quite bumpy road but was quite at night and conveniently off of i70. It’s a busy road during the day though. I didn’t go past the first pull out so idk how many spots there are.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • Michael H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Gold Park Campground

    Great Spot for Car Camping with Family

    This is a great campsite 30-40 minutes outside Minturn. 

    There is no cell service (which is great), and the sites were easy and spaced pretty well apart. Access to the creek made great fun for the kids.

    First Come, First Served, so we rolled in on Thursday in Midsummer and there were only a few spots left. 

    Camp hosts were awesome

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Hale East Fork Group

    Timberleaf Teardrop Camper Jamboree

    Stayed for an annual gathering of Timberleaf trainer owners. Great site. Lots of things to see and trails to hike. Lots of nice sites. Three pit toilets well maintained. Kudos!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Camp Hale East Fork Group

    Nice Group Campsite

    This group site has space for about 15-20 small campers/tents. There are two pit toilets that are clean. There is no water or electric. There is a small beaver pond nearby that has some trout. The campground is located between Leadville and Minturn.


Guide to Winter Park

Camping near Winter Park, CO, offers a fantastic mix of stunning views and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground shared, "Of course you are in the park, so you can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Tons of fishing in and out of the park."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Moraine Park Campground said, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "The bathrooms never have soap and they are from the 70’s, but the staff was great."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A reviewer at Prospector Campground stated, "It was our home base while we took advantage of nearby hiking, biking, and other activities."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.
  • Limited Amenities: Many sites lack full hookups. A camper at Prospector Campground noted, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busier conditions in summer. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded. Lots of beetle damage."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. One camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake shared, "Every day I had mule deer visitors."
  • Pack for All Weather: The weather can change quickly. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Chilly, clear starry night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Peak One Campground mentioned, "We had no trouble fitting our 29' Class C, tow dolly, and towed vehicle in the site."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited stores. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park noted, "The laundry was expensive and the washers and dryers were pretty old."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."

Camping near Winter Park, CO, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Winter Park camping sites?

Amenities at Winter Park area campgrounds vary widely by location. Idlewild Campground offers convenience with its proximity to downtown but has limited facilities with only portable restrooms and no water on-site. East Elk Creek Dispersed Campsite provides drive-up access to fire rings with some tent pads a short walk away, though as dispersed camping, it lacks formal amenities. Many dispersed sites around Winter Park offer established fire rings but no utilities or facilities. For those seeking more amenities, developed campgrounds in the area typically provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some may offer potable water during peak season. For full hookups and comprehensive facilities, you'll want to look at dedicated RV parks in the region.

Is RV camping available near Winter Park, CO?

Yes, RV camping is available near Winter Park with options for various preferences and vehicle sizes. Winter Park Lot G offers winter overnight parking specifically for self-contained vans and RVs, allowing stays up to 3 consecutive nights—an uncommon amenity among Colorado ski resorts. For those seeking more traditional RV camping, Vasquez Ridge provides accessible sites with some campers reporting successful access even with 2WD vehicles. Road conditions are important to consider—areas like Rollins Pass have rough, rocky roads unsuitable for RVs. For full hookup options, dedicated RV parks in the area provide more amenities. When planning dispersed camping with an RV, always check road conditions and accessibility beforehand, as many forest roads have limitations for larger vehicles.

What's the best time of year for camping in Winter Park?

The prime camping season in Winter Park runs from late June through early September when temperatures are most moderate and high-elevation roads and trails are generally snow-free. July and August offer the warmest weather but also coincide with afternoon thunderstorms and the busiest tourist season. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site campers should be prepared for wet ground conditions even in summer. Early fall (September) brings spectacular aspen colors and fewer crowds, though nights get significantly colder. Moraine Park Campground in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park showcases excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in late summer and early fall. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers with proper gear, with some areas like Winter Park Lot G offering overnight parking for self-contained vehicles during ski season.

Where are the best campgrounds near Winter Park, Colorado?

Winter Park offers excellent camping options for every preference. St. Louis Creek Campground stands out for its proximity to hiking and mountain biking trails plus trout fishing access, while still being close to Winter Park for supplies. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Robbers Roost Campground near Fraser provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to the Rockies. Other notable options include Vasquez Ridge for those who want a quick 5-minute drive from town, Meadow Creek Reservoir for lakeside camping about 30-45 minutes away, and East Elk Creek for dispersed sites that feel remote yet remain accessible. Each location offers unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize amenities, proximity to town, or natural scenery.