The best beach camping in Colorado

·

If you're looking for a Rocky Mountain beach vacation, Colorado hosts thousands of lakes and reservoirs with easy or remote access. Take advantage of the endless miles of sandy and rocky shorelines that make Colorado attractive for beach camping. If the lakes aren't enough, rivers course through the state with even more beaches to explore. For soft sand, Great Sand Dunes National Park has plenty, and Medano Creek is great for lounging and cooling down. Blue Mesa Reservoir is a massive body of water near Gunnison, where fishing and boating are excellent. Planning to go camping closer to Denver or Colorado Springs? Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Antero Reservoir, and Eleven Mile Reservoir make up a large compound of lakes with excellent access and recreation along the beaches. For the truly adventurous, try backpacking into a wilderness lake or grab a raft and run the whitewater on rivers like the mighty Colorado to find isolated beaches. 

96% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

1. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
4 sites · Lodging · Red Cliff, CO
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$6
 / night
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

2. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(700)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Clifton, CO
We moved here in 1997 The home has had major remodels done on it. The lake is an old gravel pit to make road base for local road construction. The buoys in the lake are scuba projects from the local college CMU, and hold lots of fish. Other nesting platforms are for our local Geese and they hatch out in April-June. We airbnb 2 rooms in our home as a shared facility and have airbnbs in Northern Ca and Baja. Our home is off limits for campers as we need to respect the space for our other airbnb guests. But in an emergence please call, cell service works fine. port-a potty is gone for the winter November-April. port-a potty is clean and works great, May- Oct. If you are here in the winter you may use the trees or Mavericks gas station in 1.5 miles away. The first two pets are included at no additional cost. For any additional pets beyond the first two, there is a fee of $10 per pet, per night. Please make sure to add the Pet fee extra accordingly.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

3. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO
The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing  the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Fruita By The Lake

6. Fruita By The Lake

97%
(83)
5 sites · RVs · Fruita, CO
The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are just 2 minutes from downtown Fruita, offering easy access to good restaurants, great coffee shops a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the pond between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard WE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Goodview Campground at RMOC

12. Goodview Campground at RMOC

88%
(40)
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/
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Granby Mountain Horse Ranch

13. Granby Mountain Horse Ranch

100%
(3)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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! Follow us on Facebook for tons of videos and pictures! https://www.facebook.com/share/1Js2d8MaZz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Pets
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$45
 / night

If you're looking for a Rocky Mountain beach vacation, Colorado hosts thousands of lakes and reservoirs with easy or remote access. Take advantage of the endless miles of sandy and rocky shorelines that make Colorado attractive for beach camping. If the lakes aren't enough, rivers course through the state with even more beaches to explore. For soft sand, Great Sand Dunes National Park has plenty, and Medano Creek is great for lounging and cooling down. Blue Mesa Reservoir is a massive body of water near Gunnison, where fishing and boating are excellent. Planning to go camping closer to Denver or Colorado Springs? Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Antero Reservoir, and Eleven Mile Reservoir make up a large compound of lakes with excellent access and recreation along the beaches. For the truly adventurous, try backpacking into a wilderness lake or grab a raft and run the whitewater on rivers like the mighty Colorado to find isolated beaches. 

96% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

1. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
4 sites · Lodging · Red Cliff, CO
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$6
 / night
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

2. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(700)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Clifton, CO
We moved here in 1997 The home has had major remodels done on it. The lake is an old gravel pit to make road base for local road construction. The buoys in the lake are scuba projects from the local college CMU, and hold lots of fish. Other nesting platforms are for our local Geese and they hatch out in April-June. We airbnb 2 rooms in our home as a shared facility and have airbnbs in Northern Ca and Baja. Our home is off limits for campers as we need to respect the space for our other airbnb guests. But in an emergence please call, cell service works fine. port-a potty is gone for the winter November-April. port-a potty is clean and works great, May- Oct. If you are here in the winter you may use the trees or Mavericks gas station in 1.5 miles away. The first two pets are included at no additional cost. For any additional pets beyond the first two, there is a fee of $10 per pet, per night. Please make sure to add the Pet fee extra accordingly.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

3. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(383)
8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO
The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing  the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Fruita By The Lake

6. Fruita By The Lake

97%
(83)
5 sites · RVs · Fruita, CO
The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are just 2 minutes from downtown Fruita, offering easy access to good restaurants, great coffee shops a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the pond between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard WE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Goodview Campground at RMOC

12. Goodview Campground at RMOC

88%
(40)
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/
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Granby Mountain Horse Ranch

13. Granby Mountain Horse Ranch

100%
(3)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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! Follow us on Facebook for tons of videos and pictures! https://www.facebook.com/share/1Js2d8MaZz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Pets
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$45
 / night

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