Best Tent Camping in Colorado

Colorado tent camping ranges from developed campgrounds with designated tent pads and bear boxes to primitive walk-in sites accessible only on foot. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland includes around 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered options along Forest Road 233.1, while Portal Campground near Aspen offers only five sites tucked high up on Independence Pass with stunning mountain views. Most developed campgrounds provide tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage boxes at each site, as food storage regulations require proper containment to prevent wildlife encounters.

Tent-only camping areas like those at Rocky Mountain National Park require bear canisters for backcountry sites, while frontcountry campgrounds typically include shared or individual bear boxes. Walk-in tent sites provide more privacy and often better positioning compared to drive-up locations, though campers must carry gear from parking areas that can be several hundred yards away. Alta Lakes Campground requires 4x4 vehicle access but rewards tent campers with lakefront views and wildflower displays, while Phantom Canyon Road BLM sites demand small vehicles due to extremely narrow access roads.

Colorado tent camping elevations range from 5,000 feet in desert areas to above 10,000 feet in alpine locations, where overnight temperatures can drop below freezing even during summer months. Sleeping pads with higher R-values become essential at elevation for insulation from cold ground, and proper clothing layers are crucial as temperature swings of 40 degrees between day and night are common. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months across national forests, and tent campers must pack in water at primitive sites since many locations lack potable water sources. Reservations through Recreation.gov fill quickly for popular tent campgrounds, especially those near national parks and wilderness trailheads.

Best Tent Sites in Colorado (335)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    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."

    "Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."

    2. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    39 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Found this spot at about 7PM on a Friday night near the Breckenridge end of the Boreas Pass Trail (39.451441,-106.014294)."

    "This this is a long Winding Road up the mountain that has many nice places to pull over and Camp right off the road. Some are a bit further back than others. Most are accessible to any vehicle."

    3. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    39 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 327-4261

    "Perfect lake views, snow capped mountain tops, and wildflowers for days."

    "Beautiful views of surrounding mountains and Alta lakes as well as access to the ghost town of Alta."

    4. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    34 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO

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

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

    5. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins

    33 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    Website
    +1 (719) 684-9907

    $40 - $87 / night

    "Our site had grass, shade, a picnic table, and a fire ring - everything you need for a basic campsite."

    ": 5 Amenities: 4 Customer Service: 5 Cleanliness: 4

    In the mountains of Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs, just off the 24 highway, Loneduck Campground is tucked away down a driveway you will surely miss"

    6. Portal Campground

    27 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 925-3445

    "We stayed here for most of our camping trip to Colorado and loved it! It's easily the most beautiful campground we've stayed at. There's only ~5 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring."

    "This was a stunning campground tucked away high up in the mountains on Independence pass."

    7. Grand Junction KOA

    26 Reviews
    Grand Junction, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 242-2527

    "We stayed at the Grand Junction KOA when driving cross country from CA to NY a few years back."

    "We stayed here in the tent camping spots for two nights. The restrooms were clean and the site had a light over the picnic table which was really nice for setting up in the dark."

    8. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    9. Red Canyon Park

    21 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

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

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

    10. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    21 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "We had plenty of room on our site to set up camp around the picnic table and fire ring

    We snagged the last site with a picnic table and fire ring around 10AM on a Friday morning."

    "Pulled into this area late one evening on a fall camping trip across Colorado. Totally expected it to be full but there were a couple areas left to setup thankfully."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 335 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Colorado

9382 Reviews of 335 Colorado Campgrounds



Guide to Colorado

Tent camping in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With numerous campgrounds catering to tent campers, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and explore the great outdoors.

Tent campers should check out Mueller State Park Campground

  • The Mueller State Park Campground features well-maintained sites with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for tent camping.
  • Enjoy the breathtaking views and abundant wildlife while hiking the trails surrounding the campground, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
  • The campground is open year-round, allowing for seasonal adventures, whether it's summer hikes or winter snowshoeing.

Tips for tent camping near Telluride

  • At the Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed), be prepared for a rough drive but reward yourself with stunning lake views and a serene atmosphere.
  • The Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers a peaceful setting with excellent mountain views, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Keep in mind that many dispersed sites, like those at Chinns Lake, require high clearance vehicles due to rough access roads, so plan accordingly.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $28

  • The Knowles Overlook Campground offers free camping with stunning canyon views, perfect for budget-conscious campers.
  • For a more developed experience, the Grand Junction KOA charges around $40 per night, providing amenities like electric hookups and a pool.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider the Turtle Rock Campground, which is free and well-kept, making it a fantastic option for tent campers.