The best family-friendly campgrounds near Bonanza, Colorado

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Bonanza, Colorado, Glen Isle Resort (461 reviews), Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), and Serenity in the Foothills (295 reviews) are some of the top campsites in the area. With over 170 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your family-friendly getaway. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin, a spacious RV site, or a secluded tent spot, Hipcamp has it all. And with popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, with activities like whitewater paddling, biking, and boating nearby, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of nature at its finest!

96% (847)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Bonanza, Colorado, Glen Isle Resort (461 reviews), Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), and Serenity in the Foothills (295 reviews) are some of the top campsites in the area. With over 170 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your family-friendly getaway. Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin, a spacious RV site, or a secluded tent spot, Hipcamp has it all. And with popular amenities like campfires, potable water, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, with activities like whitewater paddling, biking, and boating nearby, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of nature at its finest!

96% (847)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sweetwater River Resort

91%

(380)

30mi from Bonanza · 72 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!

2. Starlite Vintage Resort

93%

(69)

46mi from Bonanza · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cañon City, CO

Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado. Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.

3. Frenchman's Creek Ranch

100%

(324)

44mi from Bonanza · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Buena Vista, CO

We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.

4. Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

100%

(133)

17mi from Bonanza · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · Salida, CO

Nestled in a small valley in the San Isabel National Forest along the south fork of the Arkansas River, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is at 8,620 feet above sea level – literally in the Heart of the Rockies. We offer free Wi-Fi access, clean laundry and shower facilities, and a camp store with last-minute supplies and snacks. Our RV guests can enjoy 60-foot+, pull-thru sites with full hook-ups, including 20, 30 and 50 amps of power. We also have tent campsites with the south fork of the Arkansas river close by.

5. Goodview Campground at RMOC

88%

(40)

32mi from Bonanza · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Buena Vista, CO

The Goodview Campground is the perfect destination for your adventurous travels. It is conveniently located along Highway 285 and the banks of the Arkansas River just south of Buena Vista, CO, with sweeping views of Mt. Princeton and the Sawatch Mountains. The campground property is shared with the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, the Junkyard Bike Park, and Browns Canyon Brewing Company. We offer walk-in tent sites and car/van/camper pull-in sites with fire rings, beautiful views, port-a-johns, potable water, trash, and recycling onsite. Brown's Canyon Brewing Company is conveniently located within the RMOC outpost if you're looking for delicious food or a satisfying drink. Open 7 days a week, M-Th 11-7, F& Sa 11-8, Sun Brunch 11-2 & regular menu 3-7. Need an idea for an activity? RMOC is a full-service guide company that provides guided trips and instruction for rafting, kayaking, climbing, biking, and SUP excursions. Enjoy everything we have to offer at the Goodveiw Campground! If a site is not available on your date, please call the office for more booking options. 719-395-3335. While you're here, check out our onsite brew pub and food truck: Brown's Canyon Brewing Company https://brownscanyonbrewing.com/

6. Camp Penguin at WPR

100%

(252)

37mi from Bonanza · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Cañon City, CO

Learn more about this land: Note:  NO FIREWORKS or GUNS are allowed to be used on the property. #WanderingPenguinRanch #CampPenguin #LifeOnTheMountain Don't forget we're at over 9,000 feet elevation and temperatures and weather conditions can vary greatly. Be prepared for all seasons!!! Camp fire usage depends on current weather conditions at the time of visits in addition to any state/county restrictions that may be in place (host approval required)!!! IF there are no restrictions and fires are allowed, we have firewood bundles and/or starter packs for purchase at $10/bundle/pack. We also have two propane fire pits available for rent (see "extras"), or you are welcome to bring your own. If you have purchased wood and there are restrictions/bans, we will gladly apply your wood purchase the rental of a propane pit. Propane fire pit usage may also be restricted by current conditions or state/county restrictions! Fresh eggs are available for purchase (when the girls are cooperating) by the dozen, or half dozen (see "extras"). You are welcome to go "visit" the chickens. Their coop is next to the large blue shop/barn. *UPON ARRIVAL at the property, please WAIT INSIDE our main gate (unless otherwise directed via prior communication with host). The host(s) will meet you there shortly after passing through the gate and direct you to your site. ----------------------- Camp Penguin at Wandering Penguin Ranch (facebook.com/CampPenguin) in southern Colorado is about a 3 hour drive from the Denver metro area, two hours from Colorado Springs and just under an hour north west of Canon City. We provide a variety of site options to choose from including tent sites, car/van/truck sites, and rustic trailer site options - all with NO amenities (NO electric/septic/water, etc). Additional vehicle parking on the property can be accommodated for groups with more than one vehicle. Please provide type of camper/tent and number of vehicles at booking so hosts can help direct you to the best site option available. Guests can relax around our small pond or roam freely around our 35-acre property. There is both hiking and fishing at Badger Creek only a short drive away. Waugh Mountain State Trust Land is another hiking option and is also just a short drive up the road (*NOTE: the State of Colorado now requires a valid hunting/fishing license to access state trust lands)! Additionally, we are about 45-90 minutes away from a variety of alternative adventures! Some of these include Salida, Cripple Creek, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Paradise Cove Swimming Hole, Florissant Fossil Beds, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Manitou Incline, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, several rafting/zipline and Jeep tour companies, Westcliffe, Bishop Castle and Canon City including Skyline Drive, Tunnel Drive, Royal Gorge Train, Museum of Colorado Prisons and The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Any of these can be done as a day trip or visited while on your way here, or home. (*NOTE: some of these attractions are free, some require a fee and some are seasonal. To avoid disappointment, PLEASE do your own research prior to arrival)! Guests need to be self-sustaining to camp here as there are no facilities nearby (gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.)! But, if you are looking for a peaceful, quiet getaway to commune with nature, a chance to see wildlife and simply relax.... We're your place - book your visit now!!!

Stories from the community

C

Chris

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Wonderful hosts and a great vibe. I would come back

S

Sheree

2 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at Starlite Vintage Resort

Nice campers, owner, and on site staff. Recommend going in the summer.

K

Kristin

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

There are not words to describe the views from our cabin! Hosts were so kind and friendly. I was worried that the cabin would not be warm enough but the heater provided put off way more than enough heat. You’re missing out if you don’t stay here !

Roxanne

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

What a beautiful spot along the Arkansas River! I stayed over a winter holiday week, so it was pretty quiet but the views were amazing. The hosts were very hospitable and the bathrooms were clean. Getting to walk along the railroad onto BLM land was an added bonus. I would definitely stay again.

J

Jarrett

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

I had a fantastic time in Pioneer 2. The beds were clean. Though it was cold outside, the cabin was nice and toasty. The views were amazing. Lastly, the hosts were nice, quick to respond and very accommodating. Im going back for sure. Thanks!!!

S

Shannon

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

Very nice host, really cool campground and comfortable accommodations!!

S

Stephen

November 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

This was a great campground!!! Right on the river with very active fish and very peaceful!

Alison Penelope

November 2025

With pets

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

Sweetwater was the perfect spot to rest and recharge. The sounds of the river were fantastic and the general scenery was breathtaking.

J

Joseph

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Loved it! As advertised, great little cabin in awesome location. Me and my 6 year old son went for the weekend. Hiked the local mountains in the day, camp fires at night. Went November 7, but still wasn’t too cold in the cabin at all. Highly recommend .

L

Lulu

November 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

Lovely place! The bathrooms were clean and you can’t beat a hot shower. They had several bbq grills for guest to use. It was nice to be so close to Royal Gorge. Don’t pass up your change to stay here, you won’t regret.

Shaun

October 2025

1 night at Starlite Vintage Resort

Mike was a big help in picking a camper. Thank you!

M

Michael

October 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

5 nights at Starlite Vintage Resort

I loved camping there, clean bathrooms and nice vintage charm

S

Scott

October 2025

25 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

This is a budget friendly place to camp. The hosts were helpful, and the bathrooms were actually quite clean. Old, but clean. Hwy noise is a bit of an issue, but does quiet down a bit after 8 pm or so. The river was very lovely, and my kids loved the suspension bridge. The camp sites are very close to each other though, so if you don’t like to be that close to people, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, this was a great place I would go to again, but would stay in Corral 1 instead of 2. Corral 2 was difficult to get power and water since they were on the opposite side of our camper and had no tree shade like 1 did.

S

Sarah

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starlite Vintage Resort

This was a great stop on my best friend reunion tour! We opted for a cabin and it was a cute, warm, clean and cozy little place. You don't have your own bathroom and have to walk to the common building for stalls and showers, but that was ok- it was clean and not too far away from the cabin. Be sure to peek in to the vintage "RV museum"- 3 restored RVs that are retro outfitted and fun to explore. The woman manning the check in/shop was super friendly and gave good recommendations for places in Cañon City, which is about 15 mins away. We were also pleased to be a short walk from the Gold Mine gem shop, full of beautiful things! In October the area is out of season, so it was pretty quiet, and we were happy with that! I would recommend Starlite for a welcoming glamping experience.

k

kamal

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

We are new to camping and this place was perfect for us. The host were very nice and accommodating as well ..our stove went out but the host provided us loaner stove as well for free. My 3 year old wanted to fishing ..the host provided that to us too …one small issue is that its right next to a highway so some road noise during day …but other than that the place is awesome.

A

Alexandria

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Sweetwater was such an incredible time! The cabin was perfect and setting was even better. My husband and pup spent two days here and wish we could have stayed longer!! Only critique was that it certainly wasn’t private. The neighboring cabins are super close, and several kids fishing just kept walking through our area and even using our front to fish. Not a big issue, but something to keep in mind if you’re looking for something private!

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Lori

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

A perfect little get away if you’re not into tents or don’t own Motorhome! Cozy little cabin, bathroom and shower are a very short walk and are really clean! Right on the water! Beautiful!

Jane

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Sweetwater River Resort

Beautiful cabin stay. Porch by the river was peaceful, cabin had everything we needed, secluded and quiet. Will be back

Cortney

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

Very beautiful views and the sound from the river was so soothing

P

Parker

October 2025

15 ft campervan

2 nights at Sweetwater River Resort

Great campsite for a couple of days. Awesome views and the river was nice. We stayed in corral #1 and the added lights were awesome for coming in late.