Best Camping In Colorado: 15 Top Sites For Your Next Trip

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Where To Camp In Colorado?

In this guide, we’ve picked out fifteen of the best places to camp in Colorado. Each one is slightly different, so why not plan a road trip across the state, taking in a selection of these stops along the way?

1. Piñon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes National Park
2. Pearl Lake Campgrounds, Colorado (near Steamboat Springs)
3. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain Campground, Granby
4. May Queen Campground, Turquoise Lake
5. Bear Lake Campground, West Of Yampa
6. Teal Campground, Pagosa Springs
7. Maroon Bells
8. Angel Of Shavano Campground, Salida
9. Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountains National Park
10. Upper Slate Lake, White River National Forest
11. Twin Peaks Campground
12. Morefield Campground
13. Chatfield State Park Campground
14. South Rim Campground
15. Silver Bell Campground

Campground	Type	# of Spots	Nearby Towns	Nearby Attractions
Piñon Flats Campground	Tent, RV, Dispersed	88	Alamosa (35 miles)	San Luis Valley Museum, Merano Pass 4WD, Zapata Falls
Pearl Lake Campgrounds	RV, Tent, Yurt	38 + 2 yurts	Steamboat Springs (26.5 miles)	Steamboat Lake State Park, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Saddleback Ranch
Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain Campground	RV, Tent, Cabin	400	Granby (2 miles)	Granby Ranch, Moffat Road Railroad Museum, Rocky Mountain National Park
May Queen Campground	Tent & RV	27	Leadville (10.3 miles)	Rockies Scenic Byway, Leadville, Colorado Midland Railroad
Bear Lake Campground	RV & Tent	43	Yampa (11 miles)	Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Stagecoach State Park, Flat Tops Trail Byway
Teal Campground	Tent and RV	16	Pagosa Springs (26.5 miles)	Williams Creek Reservoir, Piedra Falls Ice Caves, Rainbow Hot Springs
Maroon Bells Campgrounds	Tent & Small RVs	23	Aspen (10.8 miles)	Aspen, The Aspen Emporium, The Aspen Brewing Company, The John Denver Sanctuary
Angel Of Shavano Campground	Tent (dispersed) & RV	20	Salida (15 miles)	Arkansas River, Monarch Scenic Tramway, Salida Hot Springs
Colorado Moraine Park Campground	Tent	101	Estes Park (6.9 miles)	Moraine Park Discovery Center, Glacier Creek Stables, Lake Estes
Upper Slate Lake	Tent (dispersed)	N/A	Silverthorne (18 miles)	Vail
Twin Peaks Campground	Tent & RV	35	Twin Lakes (3.5 miles)	Twin Lakes, Independence Pass, Interlaken Historic District
Morefield Campground	Tent & RV	267	Cortez (15 miles)	Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum
Chatfield State Park Campground	Tent & RV	197	Columbine (4.4 miles)	Chatfield Reservoir, Deer Creek Canyon Park, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield
South Rim Campground	Tent & RV	23	Cimarron (20 miles)	Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, Cimarron River, D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle, Crystal Reservoir
Silver Bell Campground	Tent & RV	14	Aspen (6 miles)	Aspen, Maroon Creek, Maroon Bells, Snowmass Ski Resort

1. Piñon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Piñon Flats is the ideal Colorado campground for visitors to the spectacular Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The campground gives you direct access to trails leading to the famous sand dunes. These dunes are the tallest in North America, forming the centerpiece of the park’s diverse landscape of wetlands, grasslands, alpine lakes, tundra, and forests of conifer and aspen. After dark, you can take in the glorious spectacle of starry skies or enjoy a surreal nocturnal stroll across the moonlit dunes.

RELATED: Best Hiking in Great Sand Dunes NP

The campground’s 88 sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 ft. There are 3 group sites for tents and 3 dispersed sites. For the best mountain views, choose a site at the north end of the loops. Amenities include restrooms, toilets, sinks, potable water, fire grates, picnic tables, and bear boxes. There are no shower facilities and no hookups. If visiting from mid-May through mid-September, make a reservation by calling 877-444-6777 or at recreation.gov.

• Type of campsite: Tent, RV and Dispersed
• Location: Mosca, Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Number of spots: 88
• Facilities: Restrooms with sinks, flush toilets, dishwashing sinks, potable water spigots, fire grates, picnic tables, and bear boxes. No showers. No hookups.
• Nearby towns: Alamosa (35 miles)
• Nearby attractions: San Luis Valley Museum (Alamosa), Merano Pass 4WD (Great Sand Dunes NP), Zapata Falls
• Nearby hiking trails: High Dune Trail, Star Dune Trail, Medano Lake Trail

2. Pearl Lake Campgrounds, Colorado (near Steamboat Springs)

Pearl Lake State Park Campground is our favorite Colorado campground for a peaceful lakeside getaway with stunning alpine scenery.

This quiet campground is nestled in a narrow valley at the foot of Farewell Mountain, near the town of Hahn’s Peak. It offers glorious scenery, first-class fishing, and opportunities for all kinds of watersports. If hiking’s your bag, the Pearl Lake Trail, Fish Creek Falls Trail, and Hahn’s Peak Trail will keep you busy and entertained!

Pearl Lake offers 38 sites and 2 yurts. The sites can accommodate tents or RVs up to 55 feet. Most of the sites are pull-through. Amenities include drinking water, toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but there are no hookups. One yurt and site 35 are wheelchair accessible. The park is open year-round, but only the yurts are available in winter. All sites must be pre-booked and campers also need a vehicle pass or an Annual Parks Pass.

• Type of campsite: RV, Tent, and Yurt
• Location: Hahn’s Peak
• Number of spots: 38 plus 2 yurts
• Facilities: Potable water, toilets, fire rings, picnic tables. No hookups.
• Nearby towns: Steamboat Springs (26.5 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Steamboat Lake State Park, Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, Saddleback Ranch Horseback Rides and Snowmobile Tours
• Nearby hiking trails: Pearl Lake Trail, Fish Creek Falls, Hahn’s Peak

3. Sun Outdoors rocky Mountain Campground, Granby

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain Campground is the ideal basecamp for campers looking for a family-friendly Rocky Mountains getaway with plenty of things to do onsite and equipped with all the comforts of home.

Nearby, there are plenty of opportunites for outdoor adventure, including fishing and kayaking on the Colorado River or Lake Granby and hiking, climbing, skiing, or sledding in Rocky Mountain National Park. Various outfitters in Granby also offer horseback riding, rafting, hunting, and biking tours.

This is a large, sprawling resort with 400 tent camping, RV, and vacation rental options. On-site, there’s a zero-entry pool, bowling alley, golf course, live music, restaurants, hot tubs, and a spa, and amenities include showers, laundry, hookups, and toilets. For more information on rates and availability, check out the Sun Outdoors website or 888-886-2477.

• Type of campsite: RV, Tent & Cabin
• Location: 1051 Summit Trail, Granby, CO
• Number of spots: 400
• Facilities: Restaurants, toilets, showers, hookups, pool, hot tubs, spa, live music, dog parks, golf course
• Nearby towns: Granby (2 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Granby Ranch, Moffat Road Railroad Museum, Rocky Mountain National Park
• Nearby hiking trails: Strawberry Lake, Monarch Lake Loop, Doe Creek Trail, Hallett’s Peak Trail

4. May Queen Campground, Turquoise Lake

May Queen Campground is the perfect camping spot if you’re looking for a peaceful wilderness camping experience on the picturesque Turquoise Lake.

From camp, you can hike out into the wilderness areas of Mount Massive and Holy Cross or take the Colorado Trail, which passes right by the campground. Many visitors bring kayaks or canoes, which can be carried down to the lake.

The campground is the only one at this end of the lake and most sites are located well away from the road, so peace and quiet is the norm. If you want maximum privacy, choose one of the dozen walk-in sites. Seventeen regular sites can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet and tents. Amenities include campfire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection, but there are no hookups. You can reserve a site by calling 877-444-67777.

• Type of campsite: Tent & RV
• Location: Turquoise Lake Rd, Leadville, Lake County
• Number of spots: 27
• Facilities: Campfire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, potable water, and trash collection.
• Nearby towns: Leadville (10.3 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Rockies Scenic Byway, Leadville (historic gold and silver mining town), Colorado Midland Railroad
• Nearby hiking trails: Hope Pass, Native Lake, Timberline Lake

5. Bear Lake Campground, West Of Yampa

Bear Lake Campground is located in one of Colorado’s most beautiful and underrated camping locations, the Bear River Valley.

The lake is enclosed by the towering, volcanic cliffs of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, the second-largest wilderness in Colorado, while the valley is lush with spruce, fir, and aspen. The trout fishing here is excellent. On Yamcolo Reservoir, you’ll find a boat ramp for larger vessels, while Bear Lake welcomes hand-powered and electric craft users.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, the Mandall Lakes Trail starts opposite the campground and takes you up to the stunning Flat Tops Plateau. More trails begin at the Stillwater Reservoir. The countryside here is peaceful, and the views are spectacular.

This is the most suitable campground in the valley for RVs and families. There are 43 sites for RVs up to 30 feet, and for tents there’s one triple site and two walk-in sites. On-site you’ll find picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water, but there are no hookups. You can’t book in advance here. Call 970-638-4516 for more information. 

• Type of campsite: RV & Tent
• Location: Service Road 900, Bear Lake
• Number of spots: 43
• Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, parking
• Nearby towns: Yampa (11 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Flat Tops Wilderness Area, Stagecoach State Park, Flat Tops Trail Byway
• Nearby hiking trails: Devil’s Causeway, Mosquito Lake, Little Causeway Loop, Carhart Trail

6. Teal Campground, Pagosa Springs

Teal Campground is among our favorite Colorado campsites thanks to its incredible mountain vistas, fantastic fishing, and glorious lakeside views. If you’re looking for one of the best lakes to camp at in Colorado, it’s worth checking out!

The campground is located on the Williams Creek Reservoir’s western shore, offering dramatic views of the spectacular San Juan Mountains. To the north are Chief, Toner, and Cimarron peaks, while the Rocky Mountains dominate the east.

This location is fantastic for fishers and those who enjoy boating. The 343-acre reservoir offers exceptional fishing for kokanee salmon and trout during the early summer months, and is great for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. For those who enjoy hiking, a short drive takes you to the nearby Cimarrona and Williams Creek trailheads.

The campground’s left loop offers 11 lakeside sites, some of which look directly over the water. These are quite close together and don’t have much shade, but you can pitch your tent among the small clusters of pines nearby. The right loop has just 5 sites, all of which offer shade, great views, and more privacy. Amenities include fire grates, potable water, trash pickup, vault toilets, and picnic tables, but no hookups. The site caters for tents and RVs up to 35 feet. For more information, call 970-264-2268. 

• Type of campsite: Tent and RV
• Location: Forest Rd. 640, Williams Creek Reservoir
• Number of spots: 16
• Facilities: Fire grates, potable water, trash pickup, vault toilets, picnic tables
• Nearby towns: Pagosa Spings (26.5 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Williams Creek Reservoir, Piedra Falls Ice Caves, Rainbow Hot Springs
• Nearby hiking trails: Ice Caves Trail, Quartz Lake Trail, Fourmile Falls (Fourmile Stockdrive Trail)

7. Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells’ campgrounds (Silver Queen, Silver Bar, or Silver Bell) are the perfect camping spots for hikers and sightseers looking to visit two of Colorado’s most iconic and coveted spectacles: Maroon Lake and the towering Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak).

The 14,000-foot peaks and lake are among the most photographed mountains in North America and plenty of hiking trails in the area allow you to view them from all angles. Nearby, you’ll also find the trailheads for Crater Lake, Four Pass Loop, Pyramid Peak, and the Bells themselves. At the end of your days on the trails, the fun and comforts of Aspen await just 11 miles away.

All three campsites are among the most beautiful campgrounds in Colorado, sitting right below the mountain and offering direct access to the stunning Maroon Lake. Check out Silver Queen, Silver Bar, or Silver Bell campsite and choose your preferred location. Although the facilities on offer are elementary (restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings only), it’s only a short hop into Aspen to stock up on supplies.

• Type of campsite: Tent & Small RVs
• Location: Maroon Lake, White River National Forest
• Number of spots: 23 (across 3 campgrounds)
• Facilities: Restrooms (at day-use areas at Maroon Lake)
• Nearby towns: Aspen (10.8 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Aspen, The Aspen Emporium, The Aspen Brewing Company, The John Denver Sanctuary
• Nearby hiking trails: Crater Lake, Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail

8. Angel Of Shavano Campground, Salida

Angel of Shavano Campground is the ideal setting for those who want to get back to nature and escape the crowds when camping in Colorado, as well as enjoy a little adventure in the gorgeous and adventure-packed San Isabel National Forest.

The campground is located in the heart of the densely wooded national forest, offering a truly memorable retreat where you can enjoy almost perfect solitude and tranquillity. You can enjoy mountain biking or hiking along the 486-mile Colorado Trail, which runs right alongside the campground, and there’s some excellent fishing to be had in the North Fork Reservoir. 

There are 20 individual campsites, and, largely thanks to its remote location around the three-hour drive from Denver, the first-come-first-served campgrounds are very rarely crowded. Drinking water and vault toilets are available during the summer months, and dogs (leashed) are permitted. RVs up to 30′ are welcome, but there are no hookups.

• Type of campsite: Tent (dispersed) & RV
• Location: San Isabel National Forest, Chaffee County
• Number of spots: 20
• Facilities: Drinking water, vault toilet
• Nearby towns: Salida (15 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Arkansas River, Monarch Scenic Tramway, Salida Hot Springs
• Nearby hiking trails: Colorado Trail, Mount Shavano, Waterdog Lakes Trail

9. Colorado Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountains National Park

Moraine Park Campground is one of the best places to camp in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, giving you plenty of peace and quiet, sumptuous views, and immediate access to pristine alpine wilderness.

The views of the nearby peaks that you’ll enjoy from every site are breathtaking, and the area is a Mecca for wildlife spotting too. Here, you can see elk, mountain lions, moose, black bears, and long-horned sheep. Several top-notch hiking trails allow you to explore the area further – our favorites are the Fern Lake Trail, Beaver Point Trail, and Cub Lake Loop.

Only tent camping is permitted here, and there are no hookups. Potable water and vault toilet facilities are available year-round, and flush toilets are available for the summer months. For the summer season, reservations are recommended and may be made up to six months in advance. The campground is open year-round, and a trip here during the winter months is truly magical.

• Type of campsite: Tent
• Location: Moraine Park Road, Estes Park
• Number of spots: 101
• Facilities: Vault toilets, flush toilets (summer only), driking water, dump station, food storage lockers
• Nearby towns: Estes Park (6.9 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Moraine Park Discovery Center, Glacier Creek Stables, Lake Estes
• Nearby hiking trails: Fern Lake Trail, Beaver Point Trail, Cub Lake Loop

10. Upper Slate Lake, White River National Forest

Upper Slate Lake in the White River National Forest offers the best tent camping in Colorado if you’re into true, out-of-reach wilderness camping.

Located at an elevation of 10,800 feet, Upper Slate Lake is a quiet, crystal-clear lake in the most beautiful setting imaginable. Nestled among the peaks of the Gores, the jagged, imposing skyline framing the lake is truly awe-inspiring. To explore the area further, take a hike to the beautiful waterfalls at the west end of the lake or hop on the Gore Lake or Rock Creek Trail for a real challenge.

You reach this location via a strenuous, 21.5-mile hike up the Harrigan Creek, Gore Range, and Slate Creek trails. To break the journey in two, you can camp at Lower Slate Lake. Once at Upper Slate Lake, you’re in for a true wilderness, amenity-free experience, so bring everything you need with you! Registration is required for overnight camping – there are free, self-issue registration forms at the trailhead.

• Type of campsite: Tent (dispersed)
• Location: Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, Summit County
• Number of spots: N/A
• Facilities: None
• Nearby towns: Silverthorne (18 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Vail
• Nearby hiking trails: Gore Range Trail, Rock Creek Trail

11. Twin Peaks Campground, Twin Lakes

Twin Peaks Campground is a great Colorado camping destination for campers looking to explore and enjoy the many wonders of the Mount Elbert area, including Aspen, Leadville, Maroon Lake, Snowmass, and the Sawatch Range.

Staying at Twin Peaks campgrounds gives visitors a wide range of things to do. For a little more glamour, shopping, and dining, you can head to Aspen for the day, taking in Independence Pass on the way. For outdoor adventure, hit one of the abundant hiking trails in the area (Mount Elbert is our top pick!) or spend a day on one of the lakes on a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or a guided boat tour.

Amenities here include vault toilets, picnic tables, and recycling facilities. All sites are first-come, first-served. Dogs must be leashed at all times.

• Type of campsite: Tent & RV
• Location: Twin Lakes, San Isabel National Forest
• Number of spots: 35
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, parking, trash/recycling
• Nearby towns: Twin Lakes (3.5 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Twin Lakes (boat tours, canoeing), Independence Pass, Interlaken Historic District
• Nearby hiking trails: Willis Gulch, Mount Elbert, La Plata Peak

12. Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde National Park

Morefield campground is the best Colorado campground for visitors to Mesa Verde National Park.

From the campsite, you’ll be within walking distance of the park’s Ancestral Pueblo ruins on the surrounding cliffs and mesas. The national park is both a World Heritage Site and an International Dark Sky Park, so you’ll have plenty of wonders to gaze at day and night! The park is also home to 1000+ animal, reptile, and insect species, many of which are endemic to the region.

Morefield has 267 tent and RV campsites and offers a comfortable camping experience. Amenities include a general store, hookups, dump station, toilets, showers, laundry facilities, fire pits, BBQ grills, and picnic tables. You can make reservations on Aramark Visit Mesa Verde or by calling 1-800-449-2288.

• Type of campsite: Tent & RV
• Location: Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160, Mesa Verde National Park
• Number of spots: 267
• Facilities: General store, hookups, dump station, toilets, shower, laundry, fire pits, BBQ grill, picnic tables
• Nearby towns: Cortez (15 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum
• Nearby hiking trails: Petroglyph Point Trail, Mesa Verde Point Lookout Trail, Cliff Palace Loop

13. Chatfield State Park Campground

Chatfield State Park Campground is the perfect Colorado campground for campers looking for a quick getaway from the hussle and bustle of Denver.

There’s plenty to do within Chatfield State Park, from hiking and biking to fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the reservoir. You’ll also have easy access to the lovely Deer Creek Canyon Park and Denver Botanic Gardens, and be a short drive from Roxborough State Park.

Amenities include full hookups (mid-April to mid-October), electric hookups (year-round), coin-operated laundry and shower facilities, flush toilets, drinking water, grills, picnic tables, firewood, and a sanitary waste station. Reservations may be made on arrival or up to six months in advance by calling 1-800-244-5613. ​ 

• Type of campsite: Tent & RV
• Location: Chatfield Reservoir, Douglas and Jefferson counties
• Number of spots: 197
• Facilities: Hookups, pull-through or back-in campsites, flush toilets, hot showers, laundry, water, grills, picnic tables, firewood, sanitary waste station
• Nearby towns: Columbine (4.4 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Chatfield Reservoir, Deer Creek Canyon Park, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield
• Nearby hiking trails: Waterton Canyon Trail, Indian Creek and Stevens Gulch Loop, Chatfield Dam to Chatfield Internal Trail Loop

14. South Rim Campground, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

South Rim Campground is our favorite west Colorado camping spot due to its uber-remote feel and the easy access it provides to Black Canyon of the Gunnison’s top hiking trails.

South Rim Campground is located just a mile from the South Rim Visitor Center and within spitting distance of some of the national park’s top hiking trails. These include the Gunnison, Tomichi, Warner, and Devil’s Backbone routes, to name a few. When you’ve filled your hiking boots, a short drive to Cimarron will allow you to explore the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, the R&G Narrow Gauge Rail Trestle, or hit the Cimarron River in a raft, canoe, or kayak.

Amenities include vault toilets, fire rings, food lockers, and trash/recycling. Potable water is available from mid-May through mid-October and electric hookups are only available in the summer.

Sites on loops A, B, and C can be reserved through recreation.gov in summer. All sites are first-come, first-served in spring, fall, and winter. Only loop B is open in winter.

• Type of campsite: Tent & RV
• Location: South Rim Drive, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Number of spots: 23
• Facilities: Fire rings, potable water, trash, vault toilets, food lockers, electric hookups
• Nearby towns: Cimarron (20 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit, Cimarron River, D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle, Crystal Reservoir
• Nearby hiking trails: Gunnison Route, Tomichi Route, Warner Route, Devil’s Backbone Route

15. Silver Bell Campground, White River National Forest

Silver Bell Campground is the ideal Colorado camping destination for outdoor lovers keen to see Maroon Lake and Maroon Bells.

Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake are two of Colorado’s most stunning spectacles and the campsite is situated right on their doorstep in an aspen grove along Maroon Creek. Within a short distance, you’ll also find the town of Aspen, Snowmass Ski Resort, and myriad world-class hiking trails.

Only 5 of the campground’s 14 campsites can be reserved in advance – the others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground’s amenities include picnic tables, vault toilets, and campfire rings, but there’s no potable water and no electric hookups. Each site is subject to a five-day-stay limit.

• Type of campsite: Tent & RV
• Location: Near Aspen
• Number of spots: 14
• Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic table, campfire rings. No water, no electric hookups.
• Nearby towns: Aspen (6 miles)
• Nearby attractions: Aspen, Maroon Creek, Maroon Bells, Snowmass Ski Resort
• Nearby hiking trails: Maroon Lake Trail, Crater Lake Trail, West Maroon Trail

FAQs About Camping in Colorado

Before you go camping in Colorado, you may have some questions, such as what camping rules to follow, where you can camp for free, whether you need a reservation, and how popular camping is in various areas.

What are the camping rules in Colorado?

Camping rules in Colorado are similar to elsewhere in the country. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the rules listed below must be observed.

• Dispersed campers can only stay in a single spot for 14 days in a 30-day period
• One camping unit with up to 6 people is allowed per campsite
• A vehicle pass is required for all vehicles entering a State Park
• A towed vehicle pass is required for a vehicle towed in by a motor home
• Pets are welcome in most state parks but must be kept on a six-foot leash and be under control at all times
• A parent or guardian must accompany youths under 18 years of age
• Fires are allowed at campgrounds in designated fire rings during Stage 1 fire bans, but not at dispersed campsites. No fires are allowed during Stage 2 bans
• Most developed campgrounds and public lands (state and national parks) require reservations
• Many backcountry areas require a permit for dispersed camping or backpacking
• Campers should follow all Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I camp for free in Colorado?

Free camping in Colorado is available on BLM (Burea of Land Management) or National Forest land. Free camping is also available in some wilderness areas, such as Mount Zirkel, Greenhorn Mountain, and Weminuche.

Do you need a reservation to camp in Colorado?

Reservations aren’t necessary at all Colorado state park and national park campgrounds, but are highly recommended, particularly in summer months.

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance for reservable sites. Non-reservable sites are available ​on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is camping popular in Colorado?

According to Recreation.gov, Colorado is the second most popular camping destination in the USA, after California. The Center for Western Priorities also recently revealed that the average estimated peak season occupancy in Colorado’s reservable camping destinations rose from 41% to 71% from 2014–2020. At more popular campsites, this figure was above 90%.

The most popular destinations are Pike National Forest, San Isabel National Forest, and Comanche National Grassland.

The Best Camping In Colorado: In Summary

There are a multitude of great Colorado camping spots offering something for every outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re into glamping, family camping with all the facilities you want right there on your doorstep, or hitting the hiking trails in search of blissful solitude.

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Colorado never feels crowded. So, pack your tent, grab your backpack, and reserve yourself your very own little piece of paradise this summer. 

If you’ve enjoyed our guide to the best camping sites in Colorado, then share or comment below – and if you know a Colorado campsite we’ve missed then let us know too!

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