Camping in Colorado

Enjoy year-round recreation and a wild diversity of landscapes in this colorful state.

94% (21933 reviews)
  1. Colorado
94% (21933 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

Camper favorites in Colorado

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Colorado

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Star Hosts in Colorado

12 top campgrounds in Colorado

98%
(1209)

Rustic Creek Ranch

38 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer. **Please note that the GPS will take you 300 feet away from my property, please follow my clear instructions that are sent in your welcome email. There is signage that you can also follow. ** The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather. Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer. Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs. I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover. Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler. About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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$35
 / night
91%
(248)

Sweetwater River Resort

72 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO
Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. We do offer fly fishing lessons and fly rod rentals on arrival. Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
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$40
 / night

Granby Mountain Horse Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Granby, CO
Horse ranch and nature conservation area. We have a pond you can float in and horses and mules who live here, as well as elk and pronghorn, and a bear. Dogs are welcome! We love dogs! Off leash is fine as long as they don’t chase the horses (and keep in mind that the mules do chase dogs). There is a gas firepit and a gas grill, sitting areas, a port a potty. There is a flat graded area for tents with a picnic table. We ask that there are no fires except for gas (we are still traumatized by the East Troublesome Fire that was 200,000 plus acres. We did not burn here and we’d like to keep it that way. We also ask that there is no loud music because this is the wild animals’ home first, and the antelope and elk have new babies. We are very close to Granby for the grocery store, restaurants, and the Granby Flying Heels Rodeo. We are nearby to the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake, Hot Sulfur Springs Resort, Lake Granby and Fraser/Winter Park and all that Grand County Colorado has to offer. Also close by is Granby Ranch for downhill mountain biking and golf. We are about two hours from Denver. If you want to camp but don’t want to be stuck in a crowded campground with noisy neighbors, we’d love to have you!
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$45
 / night
96%
(195)

Boulder Chicken Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Boulder, CO
Welcome to our humble 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder. Just minutes from town - near road biking trails, shopping and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains - or base camp for the Front Range. We aren't fancy, but we are convenient, cozy and safe. Gate code will be provided 48 hours before arrival. NOTE: MOSQUITOES ARE BAD COME SUNSET. We have spots in the meadow for RVs, Vans, Trailers, Rooftops and Tents. The grounds are a bit sloped but I provide leveling boards (please leave them behind). You may have neighbors, as it is literally an open meadow. We have a 4 meter canvas tent complete with a queen sized bed, fans, chairs, and a wood burning stove. We can handle RVs around 45 feet - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep ramp to get in and out. If you are a nervous driver, perhaps choose another place to rest your head. We have a community fire pit with a pile of free burn wood, though the big logs are few and far between; bringing your own firewood is recommended, as well as an ax or saw. If it's windy, please skip the fire... the BFD is very strict about this!! We have well water feeding a solar shower (only hot when the sun shines) and sink - non potable. We have a cold water plunge pool continually refreshed from the creek. I just built a new filter!! It’s a saving grace in the summertime. We have a community gas grill - please donate to the propane fund. We have fresh eggs up at the coop. Please help yourself. Watch out for the rooster. The chickens free range during the day, so KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DOGS; leash if necessary. Our toilet is a porta john, pumped clean every Thursday. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location close to town *Lots of sun *Outdoor solar shower *Cold creek water plunge pool *Fresh eggs *Good view of small airplanes *Community fire ring *Community gas grill THE BAD: *Mosquitoes!!! (bad right now in the evening, but fading as summer progresses) *Daytime road noise *Small airport nearby *No Generators *Almost zero shade *Shower only hot when the sun shines *Pool is fed from a creek *Good Morning Rooster *5 day max stay Please reach out with any questions you may have. Safe travels! Sincerely, Patrick and Brooke
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$35
 / night
91%
(186)

Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Black Hawk, CO
Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse (formerly known as Uncle Charlie's Ranch) is an escape from the big city being only a 50 minute drive from Denver. Our property hosts the experience of Colorado’s nature and so much more! Our larger pond is paddleboard and swimming friendly, the property has easy access to National Forest trails, and we are a short drive from additional hiking/biking trails. While we do not offer fishing in our ponds, there are several locations nearby to fish. **We also offer on-site natural spring water hot soaks (or cold plunges), warmed via our traditional wood burning stove, and fresh mountain spring drinking water available for sale. Check out our website for additional details on our Waterhouse. We look forward to hosting yourself, your family and friends, and your fur babies for a fun camping trip! Check us out on Instagram! We would love to be tagged in your fun camping trip posts! @Wideawakeranchwaterhouse **Hot soaks coming soon! We are currently remodeling our soaks, so please stay tuned! They should be available in August of 2025
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$63
 / night
93%
(748)

Little Scraggy Camp

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Pine, CO
Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, yet has easy access from a paved road. We offer several accommodations and glamping sites, as well as sites for moderate sized RVs, travel trailers, truck campers, vans, tents, and hammocks. Additionally, we have sites for small groups (up to 16 people) and large groups (35-200 people). NEW FOR 2025 - two separate, professionally designed 18-hole disc golf courses with PDGA regulation baskets, and a Pro Shop with a free 9-hole putting course, which is great for those who have never played disc golf and want to try it out, (we have free loaner discs). Check out: https://littlescraggydiscgolf.com/. Our Hipcamp guests get a 10% discount on player fees, their children play free. Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites. We also have several cornhole toss games set up. Friendly, well-mannered dogs are welcome to enjoy YOUR campsite off leash, but please clean up after your dog. We are an ideal basecamp for hiking or biking trail enthusiasts,with direct access to the Little Scraggy Trail and Segment #3 of the Colorado Trail. Little Scraggy Trailhead is 3.5 miles away, with easy access for biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the many other trails of the Buffalo Creek area. You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy or fishing the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam and the waters near Deckers. For a day trip, Wellington Lake is only 30 minutes away for no-wake water sports. Many people enjoy kayaking on the North Fork of the South Platte downstream from nearby Buffalo Creek. This is a working ranch where we raise and train Shire draft horses and also ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request.
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$25
 / night
90%
(278)

Prospector’s Rush

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD or AWD is necessary and mandatory to access our property!!! Accessing the campsite is an off-road adventure. Please only book if you are comfortable with off-road driving. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature. As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky. At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature. 4WD / AWD is mandatory!!
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$34.30
 / night
99%
(1230)

Serenity in the Foothills

12 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
We now offer disc golf to our guests for a $5 fee per person, course open in the morning to our guests and afternoons to public, ask about this when you check in. It is seperate from Hipcamp ***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED*** Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads. If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event! YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed. Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent. Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property, we are very conservation minded with the history as well as the natural beauty of the area. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado! We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer. -NO fifth wheels (ALL sites). -Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites) -Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing. -Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max) -Sites 3 and 7 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only -Sites 4-12(excluding sites 7 and 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max) -Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only. If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp) **When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**
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$32
 / night
99%
(316)

Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! Relax streamside in our private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite treat as you unwind. Bliss Canyon features 4 accommodations: 2 Gypsy Wagon Campers and 2 spacious Tent Cabins and a boondocking RV site. Teardrop camper sleeps 2 as an addition to any accommodation. The open-air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. Limited WIFI available. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. New this year Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Tent Cabin. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, and quaint shops. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations in advance especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise.
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$55
 / night
97%
(71)

Great Sand Dunes Camp Dune

15 sites · RVs, Tents320 acres · Hooper, CO
Come visit our 320 acre property for the most private camping near the Dunes! 📍20 min from Great Sand Dunes, Zapata Falls, hot springs, distillery and more! 🏕 Only 10 Self-Stay Campsites — bring your own gear, super private and spaced out ⛺️ 5 Private Luxury Tents — fully equipped with queen beds, chargers, and more 🌌 Top-rated stargazing 🛁 Hot Shower and Full Kitchen OUR AMENITIES: • Indoor bathrooms • Hot outdoor shower • Outdoor kitchen and dish sink • New Blackstone grill and BBQ • Everything you need for cooking • Stargazing hammocks • Private fires • Group campfires LUXURY TENTS: luxury tents have access to all amenities + • Personal charging station in each tent • Soft queen bed • Towels • Indoor and outdoor seating Our property is perfect for romantic retreats, or for anyone who wants more space than a typical campground! We do group campfires most nights, but you are also welcome to make your own private fire at your tent!
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$59.25
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

Other options in Colorado

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Colorado guide

Overview

With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.

Where to go

Western Colorado

Western Colorado shares quite a bit in common with neighboring Utah to the west, with massive sandstone rock formations—including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—plus fantastic opportunities for winter and summer recreation alike. Towns worth checking out include Steamboat Springs and Aspen—both popular ski resorts—as well as cute towns such as Montrose and Durango that make excellent bases for exploring the wilds of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re interested in history or archaeology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Denver and North-Central Colorado

Stretching from Fort Collins near the Wyoming border all the way down just past Denver, this region is largely urban but still offers plenty for campers. You can take in fantastic views of the region from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or by driving the Trail Ridge Road scenic byway through Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, pack up your tent and head out on a backcountry camping trip in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests.

South and South-Central Colorado

This part of the state offers a mix of wide-open plains and towering massifs, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, a scenic mountaintop that served as the inspiration for the patriotic tune America the Beautiful. Popular area activities include fishing and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande and sledding down the sands at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. If you want to soothe tired muscles after a weekend of adventure, head to the hot springs towns of Buena Vista and Salida—both just outside the Pike and San Isabel national forests.

Eastern Colorado

Quiet Eastern Colorado features a mix of grasslands and canyons, with massive expanses of grazing lands and farms that give way to charming small towns. You can learn about life in the 19th century at the Old Fort National Historic Site and the Boggsville Historic Site, or head down to the John Martin Reservoir, a great place for birdwatching and boating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Colorado has free camping options, primarily in its national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. These dispersed camping sites are usually primitive and without facilities, so you'll need to be prepared for a more rugged experience. Some popular areas for free camping in Colorado include Pike National Forest, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and White River National Forest. Always check local regulations and restrictions before camping, as some areas may require permits or have specific rules to follow.

Yes, there are numerous boondocking opportunities in Colorado, which involve camping on public lands like national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas without any hookups or amenities. Some popular boondocking locations in Colorado include areas near Pike National Forest, San Isabel National Forest, and Arapaho National Forest. Additionally, you can find several private boondocking sites on Hipcamp. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and adhere to local regulations when boondocking to help preserve these beautiful natural areas.

Whether you need a permit to camp in Colorado depends on where you plan to camp. For most developed campgrounds and public lands, such as state and national parks, you will need to reserve a campsite and pay the associated fees. Some areas may also require a backcountry permit for dispersed camping or backpacking. For example, if you plan to camp in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will need a permit for backcountry camping, which can be obtained through the park's Backcountry Camping page. However, if you're camping on private land, such as those found on Hipcamp, you will need to follow the specific reservation and fee requirements set by the landowner. Always check the specific regulations and requirements for the area where you plan to camp to ensure you have the necessary permits and follow all rules.

Colorado has cabins spread throughout various parts of the state, offering a wide range of options for your stay. Some popular areas with cabin accommodations include:

These areas offer a diverse range of cabin experiences, from rustic and remote to more luxurious and modern. You can find cabins in state parks, national forests, and privately owned properties, ensuring that you'll find the perfect Colorado cabin for your needs.

It is not legal to camp everywhere in Colorado. Dispersed camping is allowed on certain public lands, including designated campgrounds, national forests, state parks, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, but you must follow specific rules and regulations. Additionally, some private lands offer camping opportunities. It's important to research the area you plan to camp in and ensure that you are following all local laws and guidelines. For a list of campsites in Colorado, visit Hipcamp's Colorado camping page.

Camping costs in Colorado can vary widely depending on the location, amenities, and type of campsite. Prices can range from free for dispersed camping in some national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas to over $100 per night for RV parks and private campgrounds with full amenities. On average, you can expect to pay around $20 to $40 per night for a basic tent or RV campsite in a public campground. To explore a variety of camping options in Colorado, visit Hipcamp's Colorado camping page.

The best time of year to camp in Colorado is from late spring to early fall, specifically between June and September. During these months, the weather is generally warm and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F in most areas. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Additionally, wildflowers are in bloom during the summer months, adding to the beauty of the landscape. However, keep in mind that high-altitude locations may still experience snow and colder temperatures, so it's essential to check the specific area you plan to visit. Here are some popular camping locations in Colorado:

You cannot camp anywhere in the mountains in Colorado, but there are many designated areas for camping, including national forests, state parks, and private campgrounds. Dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas of national forests and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, but you must follow specific regulations and guidelines. It's important to research and plan ahead to find suitable camping locations and ensure you are camping legally and responsibly.

Many states in New England, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, are known for their exceptionally beautiful fall colors. Colorado is also considered one of the best states for stunning fall foliage.