The best camping in Colorado with campfires

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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.

94% (13.4K) • 20,084 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Boulder Chicken Ranch

1. Boulder Chicken Ranch

96%
(371)
Valmont, CO · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our charming 2-acre meadow nestled in East Boulder. Just minutes from town - near bike trails, shops and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains - or base camp for the adventures in Front Range. We aren't fancy, but we are convenient, cozy and safe. Gate code will be provided 48 hours before arrival. We have spots in the wide open meadow for Tents, Motorhomes, Vans, Trailers, and Rooftop setups. The grounds are a bit sloped but we've got leveling boards (please leave them behind). We've got Boulder's best eggs (help yourself up at the coop), a few walking paths through tall wild grasses, a campfire ring, solar shower, small sink, gas grill, and a lovely porta-jon that’s cleaned weekly. We can handle RVs up to 45 feet - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep gravel ramp to get in and out. We have a community fire pit with free burn wood, though the big logs are few and far between; 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 unless you have a filter). Well behaved dogs under voice control are welcome off-leash. If you find your dog to be problematic, please keep them on-leash. We have a sweet, old dog who is always off-leash. The chickens free range during the day, so please mind your dog. There is a 3-figure dead or injured chicken fee. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location close to town *Lots of sun *Outdoor solar shower *Fresh eggs *Good view of small airplanes *Community fire pit *Gas grill THE BAD: *Daytime road noise *Small airport nearby *No Generators - no exceptions *Almost zero shade *Shower only hot when the sun shines *Good Morning Rooster * No access to the pond on adjacent property Please reach out with any questions you may have. Safe travels! Sincerely, Brooke and Patrick
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Placer Camp

2. Placer Camp

98%
(100)
Alma, CO · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Heated tent glamping with all amenities. New Moon (total darkness) October 10th weekend, and will be optimum stargazing. Fire ban lifted and wood fires nightly at the bonfire pit. High-elevation Forest property at 11,000' bordering National Forest, surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Enjoy world class hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and 4x4 access in summer, and snowshoeing and backcountry skiing in winter. Located just 2 miles from Alma, CO the highest town in the North America (Highest record temperature of 78 deg F) The property offers easy access to some of Colorado’s most iconic 14ers, including Mt. Democrat, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Bross, Mt. Cameron, and Mt. Quandary, all within a short drive along with endless moderate hiking trails. Located on the border of Park and Summit Counties, the front ranges summer and winter playground. Just 30 minutes south is Buena Vista for whitewater rafting and hot springs. Alma is 1.5 hours from Denver and 30 minutes from Breckenridge, offering a scenic alternative to I-70 via Highway 285 from southwest Denver. The property features 3 glamping sites with hot tent accommodations for year-round camping. Each 2-person tent includes a wood stove and propane heater (firewood and propane included), a queen memory foam bed with bedding, a cook stove with supplies, and a cooler. Water is delivered to each site. Cassette toilets are provided in each tent during the winter season. Due to fire restrictions each Glamping Site has a propane fire pit. The 3 campsites have propane fire pits with $20 propane tank fee or campsite guests can provide their own propane tank.
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People of the Honey

3. People of the Honey

97%
(86)
Ward, CO · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Ceremonial Ground: A Sacred 100% Off-Grid Sanctuary at 9,000’ Elevation Immerse yourself in raw Rocky Mountain wilderness on this intentionally curated 34-year sanctuary. Tucked away in total silence and solitude with no neighbors, no road noise, and no power lines, this is a true off-grid haven where the stars feel close enough to touch and the only sounds are wind through the pines and the calls of wildlife. PLEASE: NO GENERATORS or LOUD SPEAKERS ALLOWED! QUIET IS PARAMOUNT! • Just 3 mi. to Brainard Lake and the Indian Peaks Wilderness • Minutes from Left Hand Reservoir • 14 mi. to Nederland/Eldora Ski Resort • 20 mi. to Boulder, Denver, and the vibrant Front Range • 35 mi. to Estes Park and RMNP • Easy access to endless hiking and biking trails that begin right from the property Wake up to stunning sunrises painting the peaks, and enjoy quick drives to world-class adventures, music at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or peaceful days exploring alpine lakes and ancient forests. On the Property: This sacred land hosts profound Ceremonies and gatherings including Sweatlodges, Vision Quests, Weddings, Solstice & Equinox Ceremonies, Coming-of-Age, Naming Ceremonies, Medicine Journeys, and more. The heart of the Land is a beautiful hand-built straw bale Temple and Ceremonial Art Museum. Four Ceremonial Fire Pits anchor each quadrant, creating powerful spaces for connection and ritual. Campground-style Accommodations: • 8+ beautiful tent sites nestled in nature-a couple are private but most are semi-private within 25-50’ of other tent sites. • 24’ Diamond Tipi Lifestyle & Hosts: We live lightly and joyfully off the Land with beehives, gardens, flowers, and full composting. Everything here supports sustainable well-being, meditation, presence, and spiritual awakening. Leaf, Serah, and her 10-year-old son Thomas call this magical place home year-round and are delighted to share it with those seeking peace and connection. Whether you’re here for a quiet solo reset, a meaningful Ceremony, a family adventure, or a gathering with friends, this land holds space for deep rest, inspiration, and transformation. Starlink internet is available if needed, but you’ll likely find yourself happily unplugged. Come home to the mountains. Come home to Presence.🙏🥰🍁🧡
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White River National Forest

4. White River National Forest

93%
(71)
National forest in Colorado · 1193 sites
Unspoiled scenery and year-round recreation abound in the nation’s most visited national forest.
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Electrical hookup
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Rio Grande National Forest

5. Rio Grande National Forest

87%
(30)
National forest in Colorado · 691 sites
Explore the many ecosystems of south-central Colorado in this massive national forest.
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Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

6. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(552)
Clifton, CO · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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A-Lodge Boulder

7. A-Lodge Boulder

93%
(344)
Boulder, CO · 50 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp. We have a BRAND NEW barrel sauna, hot tub, grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from your campsite. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion! Walk-in sites are just a short hike, about 100 feet, on an unmanicured trail to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc. A-Lodge has a 7-day non-refundable cancellation policy. If you cancel within 7 days of your arrival, 50% of the total is non-refundable. Our guests love us too! Check out what a fellow camper had to say: "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."
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High Camp, Leadville, Colorado

8. High Camp, Leadville, Colorado

100%
(7)
Red Cliff, CO · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Escape to a cozy woodland cabin in Vail, Colorado, perfect for up to three guests. Enjoy peaceful mountain surroundings with a private fire pit, a dedicated campsite, a hammock for relaxing beneath the trees, a rustic outhouse, and a refreshing gravity-fed outdoor shower. Whether you're hiking, stargazing, or simply unwinding by the fire, this charming mountain retreat offers an authentic Colorado camping experience with the comfort of a cozy cabin.
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Bright Star Campground

9. Bright Star Campground

98%
(716)
Cortez, CO · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are a unique, community driven campground open from April - October. We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, pit toilets, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. The entire campground can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
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Full hookups
San Isabel National Forest

10. San Isabel National Forest

89%
(83)
National forest in Colorado · 912 sites
Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.
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Electrical hookup
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San Juan National Forest

11. San Juan National Forest

98%
(44)
National forest in Colorado · 696 sites
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Roosevelt National Forest

12. Roosevelt National Forest

85%
(47)
National forest in Colorado · 800 sites
Get out in nature without straying far from the city in this wooded national forest.
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Gunnison National Forest

13. Gunnison National Forest

94%
(41)
National forest in Colorado · 423 sites
Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.
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Yeti Sanctuary

14. Yeti Sanctuary

93%
(220)
Florissant, CO · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small pond, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country skiing in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.
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Crystal Ranch

15. Crystal Ranch

97%
(137)
Golden, CO · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Hello campers, wanderers, and travelers alike! We are nestled in the Coal Creek Valley up here at 8,000 ft. Gorgeous views with stunning sunrises and sunsets. We have two adorable tiny A-frames for rent with a seasonal outdoor shower and Porta Potty. We share this family home and love welcoming travelers into our little world we've created. Thank you for stopping by and we can't wait to meet you! A Few Notes: - Quiet Hours between: 10pm - 8am - Wifi close to the home (password given on arrival) - BYOB (Bring your own bedding, sleeping bags, pillow) - You are responsible for packing in/out...all respectful land stewards welcomed - Bring your own towels if you're planning on using the outdoor shower. - Keep all food locked up appropriately. This is bear country, and while we've never had an incident, they are curious little guys. - No Kitchen. bring your own supplies if you'd like to cook in the fire pit. - Outdoor Shower: Water is Turned off for the Season when Temps drop. RULES FOR THE FIRE PIT: ** Bring your own wood ** NEVER leave a fire unattended ** NATURAL FIRES ONLY -- NO LIGHTER FLUID or GASOLINE. ** All local fire ban laws apply when appropriate. ** No Smoking on the property ** Hot Tub is private and not available for use.
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Infinite Empire Farm

16. Infinite Empire Farm

100%
(32)
Trinidad, CO · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
9.5 acres of beautiful juniper and cedar trees. This is the future home of a "u-pick" farm, petting zoo, farm stand, and much more! We are located only 3 minutes from I-25, 15 minutes from Fisher’s Peak (Colorado's newest and second-largest state park), and 10 minutes from Trinidad Lake State Park. We currently have goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and ducks on-site, located away from the tent area. You are able to feed and pet some of the animals as part of your stay. You will have access to a fire pit as long as there are no burn restrictions and can purchase firewood for an additional cost. We are located in Las Animas County, but as the first property in the county, we offer easy access to downtown, I-25, and local shops and restaurants. We are just 5 minutes from downtown/Main Street and 3 minutes from I-25.
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Lone Duck Campground and Cabins

17. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins

89%
(104)
Cascade, CO · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Lone Duck Campground sits just outside the city lights of Colorado Springs at the base of Pikes Peak, at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Our prime location puts us within a short distance of the many beautiful Colorado attractions. This makes us an ideal stop for families looking for a summer adventure or folks just passing through for a couple of days. We strive to make every stay a special experience. We know you will love it here at "the Duck"! Lone Duck Campground and Cabins is your stop for a memorable vacation in the Colorado Rockies. We have all the necessary amenities to make your stay a comfortable one. We offer tent sites, cabins, and RV sites. Make your reservation with us today and allow our family to treat yours!
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Full hookups
Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

18. Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

99%
(247)
Salida, CO · 17 sites
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, snacks & souvenirs. Most of our large tent campsites are right on the south fork of the Arkansas river offering a peaceful & relaxing setting. *Cell Service/Internet: We are located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains right on the South Arkansas River surrounded lots of shady trees, amazing nearby hikes, fishing & much more. This is the perfect environment to relax and be immersed in nature but not so perfect to be fully connected like you are at home as there is no Cell Service provided by any of the large carriers, (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc…). We do provide free WIFI that will help send a text, make a call or check an email, but that is about it. The free WIFI works best near the camp store and some of the closer RV sites. It does not work at all at the tent sites. We highly suggest you bring your own internet (Your personal Starlink will work great here) if you are wanting stay fully connected, work remotely or do other heavy internet tasks. We want your stay to be as enjoyable as possible so please do not come here and have the unrealistic expectation that our free WIFI will meet your streaming, remote working or internet heavy needs.
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Montgomery Homestead

19. Montgomery Homestead

99%
(119)
Lafayette, CO · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
A 6th generation 160 acre working farm, with a beautiful view of the Colorado front range. Minutes away from multiple municipalities. Our camping sites are located in a quite area near a water storage 1 acre pond. Great for an evening stroll or sit back and enjoy the sounds and sights of Colorado birds and wildlife. Please note 2026: due to the drought there is no water in the pond and no open fires allowed.
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Picnic table
Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

20. Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

96%
(84)
Center, CO · 5 sites
Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, and a covered porch. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -106.271551) Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood. As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp! Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.
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Colorado camping guide

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.

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

Top regions in and near Colorado