Top Tent Camping near Winter Park, CO

Looking for tent camping near Winter Park? Find the best information on tent camping near Winter Park, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Winter Park campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Winter Park, CO (103)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    1.

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    48 Reviews
    81 Photos
    1290 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    3.

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    14 Reviews
    59 Photos
    970 Saves
    Empire, Colorado

    Dispersed Camping information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd577265.pdf

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on national forest public lands. Camping in the national forest at one location is limited to 14 consecutive days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for an additional 14 days. Camping is restricted to a maximum of 28 days in any 60-day period.

    More than 40% of lands within the Arapaho National Forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. A map showing land ownership is recommended. It is YOUR responsibility to know if you are on private, city, county, state, national park or national forest land.

    Pack out all trash. There are no services.

    Practice Leave No Trace ethics

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    4.

    Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    54 Photos
    871 Saves
    Allenspark, Colorado

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    5.

    Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    20 Reviews
    55 Photos
    1144 Saves
    Eldorado Springs, Colorado

    Camping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles.

    Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away.

    Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    6.

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    80 Photos
    2020 Saves
    Blue River, Colorado

    This designated dispersed camping area along County Road 10 has 23 sites.

    **Please note: Camping is ONLY allowed in areas designated by a sign. ** Camping in undesignated spots could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service. Not adhering to camping duration maximums or using U.S. Forest land for residential purposes could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service.

    Please refer to special orders and contact the USFS Offices with questions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd842796.pdf

    Regulations pertaining to designated dispersed camping are as follows:

    Camp only in designated sites.

    No camping at trailheads.

    Food and garbage must be properly secured in bear-resistant containers or inside vehicles in sealed containers.

    Pack out all waste: human, garbage, paper, organics, etc.

    There are many dispersed camping opportunities in the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.At the start of the tour you immediately have spectacular views of the Blue River Valley and the majestic Tenmile Range. The road, managed by Summit County, follows the old South Park and Pacific Railroad bed, climbing on a gradual 3% grade. The road climbs past Bakers Tank to the summit of Boreas Pass at the Continental Divide. The road then continues down the other side of Boreas Pass for another 10.4 miles to the town of Como in Park County. From 1872 to 1938 the road was used as a narrow-gauge railroad and gained fame as the nation’s highest narrow-gauge railroad, running from Como to Breckenridge. This is a great road to view Fall colors. This road is open to highway legal vehicles only during May-October, and closed to motorized vehicle access seasonally at Summit County discretion, generally October to May.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    7.

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    22 Photos
    1118 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.

    Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.

    In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.

    Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    8.

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    36 Photos
    1131 Saves
    Montezuma, Colorado

    PLEASE NOTE: The water here contains heavy metals giving the water a distint blue/white color. People and pets should not drink from this water.

    Please bring in drinking water

    There are currently thirty designated sites with anticipation of adding more in the coming years. Please note that this area is surrounded by private land parcels and they aren't all marked. Campers must camp at a designated site or will otherwise likely be camping on private property.

    Peru Creek is popular and will fill up on the weekends. Visitors should arrive early to make sure to get a site. The road can be narrow at times but is accessible to normal clearance vehicles. Low-clearance vehicles may have a hard time. Peru Creek Road is a popular place for OHV rentals to visit so drive slow and carefully. AT&T cell service is intermittent at the lower sites (1-8).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    9.

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    13 Reviews
    45 Photos
    613 Saves
    Grand Lake, Colorado

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

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brainard Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brainard Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brainard Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brainard Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brainard Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Brainard Lake Recreation Area

    10.

    Brainard Lake Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    53 Photos
    495 Saves
    Ward, Colorado

    The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. For road status, check the Road Status Table. PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness permit requirements and regulations including group size, camping and campfire restrictions. Late June through mid-October (summer operating season): Summer Season Map Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June A fee applies. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations) Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). Check summer trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Mid-October through late June (winter season): Winter Season Map The gate is closed and the area free of charge for winter recreationists Park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads Check winter trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Recreational shooting closures exist year round in this area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations set by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Moose are present in the area. Be considerate of all wildlife. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 103 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Winter Park

2336 Reviews of 103 Winter Park Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    September 10, 2024

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Quiet

    It can get a little windy, don't expect to do anything with the lake other than look at it. Locals are protective of it. Drove my Class C with no problem. A truck and trailer will also get down here with ease. I don't believe a Class A would be able to find anything. But the view is beautiful. There are a few spots coming in. Keep driving until you hit the lake and there is a large open area with several spots to park.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
    September 8, 2024

    Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    Very nice campground IN the park

    3 nights starting Thursday after Labor Day. Was able to get the reservation 2 weeks ahead as it was released for use. Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for bear lake road. After 1 pm the first day and then anytime on following days. They have planted many new pine trees a few years ago to replace the ones destroyed years ago. Even then the shade in much of C loop is nonexistent. Thus a tarp is a good thing. Sites are reasonably well separated. In a few years as the new trees mature the privacy between sites will be good or very good. Restrooms were clean. Their time actuated lights makes the campground dark if no one is using the head. That is very good because star watching was excellent (near a new moon). Evening ranger program was held in the amphitheater each night. 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. At sprague lake around 9 am the local moose goes wading to eat. And of course you are in the park, so you can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more. Great place. T-Mobile varied from 2 bars LTE or 2 bars 5G. Sufficient connectivity

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    September 8, 2024

    Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    Quiet with lovely views

    Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.

    Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.

    Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.

    I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"

    Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place

  • Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    September 8, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Great place dark skies lots of space

    Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Point Campground
    September 7, 2024

    Sunset Point Campground

    Solid Stay!

    We camped right on the reservoir and watched the sun set from our site. Nice allocated areas to set up tents on flat ground and a good sizes fire pit. Just know there’s no firewood left to scavenge on the grounds.

    Just a couple small things: There was lots of big rigs (although not right next to you) and you could hear highway 34 for a good portion of the stay.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    September 6, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Nice large paved pulloff with uneven grassy area and fire ring

    The pulloff is one of many along the road. It's big, gets you quite far back from the road. Very little traffic on the road at night, I didn't notice any. Peaceful area. Not sure you could get a tent set up off of the pavement, but you could set one up on the gravel. I slept in my car.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Green Ridge Campground
    September 6, 2024

    Green Ridge Campground

    Very Peaceful Campground

    Nice campground right along the lake. Friendly host that had a few supplies and provided firewood. We saw a bull moose too!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    September 5, 2024

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    2 nights of the best stay

    Woke up on the first morning pretty much alone on a Tuesday after Labor Day, fishing happens but the lake remains nice and quiet. Night two had snow and woke up to some white caps. Will be back for sure!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
    September 5, 2024

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful View!

    This was our first time dispersed camping and it was definitely an adventure. There wasn’t a single person alive around us and we were hidden in trees so it was a little scary at first but once all the stars came out, it was so beautiful. The lows reached 40° so it definitely got chilly at night, but you can’t beat that sunrise over the mountains.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Larimer County Hermit Open Space County Park Bobcat Campground
    September 4, 2024

    Larimer County Hermit Open Space County Park Bobcat Campground

    My favorite!

    Just stayed here as our Basecamp for our RMNP adventures. This has moved to the top of my list of favorite campsites! Some sites are smaller, but several are good size and spaces far enough apart for the perfect amount of privacy. The vault toilets were the cleanest we have ever seen! Basically no cell service unless the wind blew just right. Also, they do charge an additional $15 to use the dump station. That felt like a rip off considering what we already paid to stay here with no services, but wasn’t much we could do about it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from LaVern M. Johnson Park
    September 4, 2024

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Great Spot in the creek with kids

    This campground has everything. Full hook up, shower, restrooms, a great playground and a fantastic river.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground
    September 4, 2024

    Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    Amazing site

    Incredible views, access to the lake, great and well maintained spots.

    The reason I didn’t give it a 5 was that the management company employees were absolutely terrible and rude. Stay here just don’t interact with them unless you want a rude conversation.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    September 4, 2024

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Some good views by 4x4

    You really want a 4x4 in this area to get to good spots. It’s crowded and can be sketchy in my experience as a fire fighter up there. Bike riders take offense to people shooting and vice versa. Can be loud at night and day with motorized vehicles.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pawnee Campground
    September 3, 2024

    Pawnee Campground

    Spectacular!

    We loved camping here! We were very surprised that our site #14 did have trees and privacy after hearing from others that the Elk loop was bare from beetle kill. Lots of sites are bare, but this one is on the edge close to the Moose loop so plenty of trees. We did have to wait at the entrance gate until almost exactly our check in time at 2:00, but that was ok. Also, rec.gov had the check in and out times incorrect which was confusing, but the flexible and friendly campground hosts allowed us to finish our morning hike, giving us until noon to check out and into our second site(regular check out is 11:00). Something else surprising, the hosts said they often have same day availability due to cancellations and people who leave earlier than expected. Not sure I would take a chance and come up just for that, but it could extend your stay. 

    We ended up changing from Moose site 17 to site 34 for the second night. Both were amazing and private, but 34 had more space and suited us better. Wonderful experience with friendly and helpful hosts, very clean restrooms, quiet, peaceful, and fantastic hiking- oh and the views from the lake! Book early but don't give up- we got in on cancellations!

    So wonderful to walk to the trails and there are many to choose from from. The restrooms are super clean, although not as many and as closely spaced as usual, but it wasn't a problem. We were so happy to make reservations on cancellations as it is super hard to get a spot here. We will try again in the future! Such a gorgeous place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    September 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Spot guarantee

    Went a little further up to a different pull out (same road, maybe 1/2 mile or less up), which ended up being a little more secluded. No outstanding views but a good spot. No cars at night so it was very quiet. If you keep driving on the same road you’ll find a bunch of pull off spots. No internet but starlink was great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    September 3, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Lost phone !

    Please text 603 404 8514 if you find a phone at site 15 ! 

    Great spacious spot with picnic  table and walkable to the reservoir

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Park Campground
    September 2, 2024

    North Park Campground

    Not well kept, but has potential

    Was an old KOA. In fact, there are two typical KOA A frame buildings that need to be torn down due to their lack of upkeep. The grounds were overgrown with weeds knee high.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
    September 2, 2024

    McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot between Alma and Blue River

    As the other reviews describe, it’s a groomed dirt road entrance near the parking lot for the Mount Quandary trail. Most sites would be tricky with a trailer because of the lack of turn around space (sites 6 & 7 would work for this).

    We took the road to its end, which is where you’ll find spots 9 & 10. These spots share a small parking area and turn around. The road to sites 8-10 gets tricky in a few spaces but we were able to make it up and down with an AWD SUV. Great views!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    September 1, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    People and bugs are the same problem

    There was about 36 spots on a Friday morning (@1000am), was lucky to grab a spot that had a pull through and the spot was beautiful. We were lucky enough to find some leftover firewood when we got here and we were close enough to the river. The two major problems are the flys that will not leave the dogs alone and the constant cars that come through since the camping spots are so close to the road. Lots of campsites had spots saved 👎🏻 (if your friends wanna come up, tell them to get there on time 😒) other than that, great site, close access to shelf lake trail, which was beautiful and absolutely worth it.



Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winter Park, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 48 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 103 tent camping locations near Winter Park, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.