Safari tents near Blue River with a private bathroom

This riverside town offers excellent trout fishing.

98% (64 reviews)

United States
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Colorado
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Blue River

98% (64 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Blue River

Top safari tents sites near blue river with a private bathroom

99%

(80)

Angel's Landing

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Idaho Springs, CO

Family owned 5 acre off grid property in the Arapahoe National ForestLearn more about this land:Velkommen to the Viking tent in Idaho Springs! In the mountains just off of I-70, is this cozy little bell tent hiding in the trees. You'll have furs and a toasty stove to sip your morning coffee by in the seclusion of your tent. There's also a large fire pit with seating to eat your dinner by perhaps, and maybe chat with other travelers who are staying on the property. The fire pit is between your tent and another, and for shared use with other guests. At nearly 9,000 ft elevation, we get some gusty winds and unpredictable weather, but the wood burning stove provides a very warm and toasty atmosphere inside, and a rain fly over the tent provides a bit more insulation for keeping heat in at night, and holds it down in the winds quite well. Nestled between two hills on either side, and just feet away from a creek that flows through the spring and early summer, it can feel very secluded, but you are actually just off the road and only about 10 minutes from the town of Idaho Springs. The surrounding aspens and pines are quite magical, just be sure to read our note in the tent about our property boundary. Nearby St Mary's Glacier is a very popular spot, and there are loads of hiking and biking trails nearby. As mentioned before, the tent is just off of the road so you will hear the occasional car driving by, otherwise it's very quiet. There is a composting toilet and a private "toilet tent" on site. No power, just good old fashioned wood burning stove and a plethora of battery powered candles and lanterns. You'll need 4/AWD from about October through April, as we're off of a dirt road. You're in the mountains folks, so bears and moose have been seen on occasion. Please pack out all food and garbage. Drinking water and firewood provided.

Safari tents near Blue River with a private bathroom guide

Overview

Just south of Breckenridge in the Ten Mile Range, Blue River is often considered an extension of the famous ski town, which draws adventurers year-round for outdoor recreation in the Rockies. Named for the river on whose banks the town is situated, there’s excellent trout fishing to be had. Several nearby alpine lakes also offer good fishing and scenic views, while hikers can tackle the 14er Quandary Peak or other area trails. Camping options can be found just outside Blue River.

Where to go

Summit County

Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation here, where you can camp in an RV park near Breckenridge or pitch a tent near Lower Crystal Lake. In winter, campers can choose from heated cabins and yurts. Further north, find the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne around Dillon Reservoir, along with lakeside campgrounds for tents and RVs. Follow the river downstream to choose from several campgrounds around the Green Mountain Reservoir or backcountry options in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness.

Vail and Eagle County

Head west over Vail Pass and camp with your tent or RV outside the resort town of Vail. Further south, find the quaint towns of Minturn and Red Cliff, plus several developed campground options within White River National Forest. Explore history in Leadville, then camp lakeside at Turquoise Lake or opt for camping and glamping options in Sylvan Lake State Park.

South Park

Head south to explore the South Park Basin. Near Alma, pitch your tent at Kite Lake. Near Como, find dispersed camping options near Boreas Pass and campgrounds in the Pike and San Isabel national forests. To the east, Jefferson offers easy access to the Colorado Trail, the Lost Creek Wilderness, and both developed and dispersed campsites. Further south, find the high basin hub of Fairplay, with both RV parks and US Forest Service campgrounds.

Georgetown and Guanella Pass

Head northeast to the historic mining town of Georgetown and drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, where Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed sites offer overnight options for campers. Drive up to the summit of Mount Evans, then park at the base to camp with your tent or RV at the popular Echo Lake Campground in Arapaho National Forest. Or head north to St. Mary’s Glacier for trails, boulders, and wildflowers.

When to go

Given Blue River’s elevation above 10,000 feet, summer is the best time to go camping and hiking. Many high-elevation Forest Service campgrounds are only open seasonally, while rafting is popular on the Blue River in late spring and early summer. Parts of the Blue River remain fishable in winter, a nice time to visit Breckenridge and other area ski resorts.

Know before you go

Fishing licenses are required for anyone over age 16. Different fishing regulations apply to different parts of the Blue River.
Permits are required for state and national wilderness areas. Motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited in designated wilderness areas.
National forest campsites are often first-come, first-served, while campsites in Colorado state parks typically require advanced reservations.
Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent.