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The best desert camping in Colorado

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Looking to explore the desert terrain of Colorado? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 2,200 options specifically tailored to your desert camping preference in Colorado, you'll have no shortage of amazing campsites to choose from. Whether you're seeking a unique experience in a tipi at Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), a rustic ranch getaway at Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), or stunning views at The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), you'll find the perfect spot to rest and recharge. And with popular amenities like trash, showers, and toilets, along with activities such as climbing, hiking, and fishing, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping adventure. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $4, there's a campsite for every budget. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an epic desert camping experience in Colorado!

95% (5.4K) 2,811 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

1. Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

99%
(196)
Moffat, CO · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bright Star Campground

2. Bright Star Campground

98%
(826)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

3. Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

96%
(34)
Crestone, CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hi! We are a bright family in a small community, developing our 42 acres in Crestone, Colorado. Our property features a host of cottonwood trees, a seasonal creek, a creative outdoor bath house and a 1.5 acre mini farm in progress. There is a bell tent available with a king. There is one tent or vehicle camping location. There is no shore power for vans/rvs or wifi near the camp sites. The property is also home to abundant wildlife including a Great Horned Owl, Coyote packs, Elk, Deer, Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds, Bobcats, Bats and Frogs, and the neighbors farm animals. Crestone is a beautiful, remote, high desert wilderness surrounded by classic Colorado (almost) 14-ners with high alpine lakes, rivers, hot springs, rock climbing, mountain biking, and our property borders on the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Crestone is also known for its 30 diverse spiritual centers, incredible star gazing as a official dark sky community, alien sightings, and it's beautiful and unique housing community that focuses on building with reclaimed and natural building methods. Our home, like many of the homes here, is creatively made from recycled materials, using two train cars for the body of the house. The property also hosts a 1200 square foot Dojo, built by the previous owner, a Qi Gong master lineage carrier. We are completely off grid, using solar power, wood heat and some propane when needed. We aren't on sewer or septic, so this is an opportunity for the understanding of composting toilet and humanure systems. Our goals on the property are to enhance our lives, and those in our community, with everything we do here. Our home and community provides an opportunity to learn about natural living and building methods, composting, the beauty and challenge of living off grid, and ample opportunities to be in nature. We host seasonal events that have roots in our ancient humanity. It is an opportunity to experience the deep quiet of the community of nature, while still having modern cleanliness and coziness.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
San Juan National Forest

4. San Juan National Forest

97%
(42)
National forest in Colorado · 696 sites
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Uncompahgre National Forest

5. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%
(23)
National forest in Colorado · 228 sites
Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rio Grande Reset Access

6. Rio Grande Reset Access

Mesita, CO · 1 site · Tent, RV
Escape the noise and enjoy private recreational access on trust-owned land in Costilla County, Colorado. This quiet quarter-acres parcel is ideal for tent campers, van travelers, stargazers, and nature lovers seeking short stay near Rio Grande. ✅ Dark skies ✅ Off-grid ✅ Peaceful setting ✅ Short stays only This land is offered for temporary recreational use by permission of the owner. No utilities or permanent facilities are provided.
Pets
Campfires
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

7. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(743)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hummingbird Ranch

8. Hummingbird Ranch

93%
(195)
Rye, CO · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Hummingbird Ranch is a sprawling 350+ acre ranch property in Colorado's Spanish Peaks Country, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Wet Mountains, the open plains, and the iconic Spanish Peaks. Just 12 minutes from I-25 and 2.5 hours south of Denver, the ranch sits at roughly 6,800 feet in elevation — high enough for spectacular dark skies and cool mountain breezes, but easy to reach on 2WD-friendly roads. Choose your own campsite across wide-open and varied terrain: ridge-lines with panoramic views, sheltered spots nestled in the scrub oak, and plenty of open ground for vehicles as large as full-sized RVs. Spread out, find your own private corner of the ranch and settle in. Wildlife is part of the experience — elk, deer, fox, wild turkey, and excellent bird-watching — including of course the hummingbirds that gave the ranch its name. Enjoy privacy, quiet, and some of the darkest night skies you'll find this close to I-25. Nearby, you'll find Bishop's Castle (a one-of-a-kind hand-built stone fortress just a short drive away), Lake Isabel for fishing and hiking, the San Isabel National Forest, the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, and Great Sand Dunes National Park for a day trip. The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway is also within reach for an unforgettable drive through historic mountain passes.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
3 Pond Ranch

9. 3 Pond Ranch

91%
(22)
Rifle, CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is nestled right between two great Colorado reservoirs, Harvey Gap and Rifle Gap. The camping area is right beside a beautiful pond with live fish. There is a picnic table and small firepit for activities. Harvey Gap is about a 1 mile walk from the property and Rifle Gap is a 7 min drive. This property is situated right beside BLM land with a trail head for 4x4 and hiking just 30 seconds down the road or out the back door.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Steamboat Lake State Park

10. Steamboat Lake State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Colorado · 182 sites
A relaxing oasis with plenty of opportunities for year-round outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Great Sand Dunes National Park

11. Great Sand Dunes National Park

99%
(91)
National park in Colorado · 47 sites
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
John Martin Reservoir State Park

12. John Martin Reservoir State Park

67%
(3)
State park in Colorado · 213 sites
This high plains oasis offers two bodies of water, historic sites, and an abundance of birds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Pueblo State Park

13. Lake Pueblo State Park

63%
(8)
State park in Colorado · 370 sites
Enjoy all things water related at this fishing and water sports hot spot.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Twisted Sisters Farm

14. Twisted Sisters Farm

96%
(143)
Florissant, CO · 1 site · Tent, RV
I bought this land to move from Houston Learn more about this land: In by 2PM, out be 2PM No water on site. I widened the gate and moved my mailbox for easier access. Butane fire rings allowed on private property during a fire ban . Camp anywhere on 60 acres. In one direction there are rolling meadow. Another rocky outcropping. Look to the south and you’ll see the BLM land that shares my fence line. If you want access to town you’re there. You choose how you want to feel. In the woods, in the forest, on huge rocks, flat land or turn around and see CR 1 ( 1/4 mile driveway). Forty five minutes west of Colorado Springs, ten miles to Divide for grocers. One half mile to ice, gas, pizza etc.  It is first come first serve with the sites.  Two that are near trees for large RVs.  One up higher works for pull thru trailers.  Plenty of room in the pasture.  I just got my first negative review referring to it being dry prairie land.  Some  pictures are from late last summer..  We haven’t had enough rain yet for it to green up.  Also it can be windy.
Pets
Potable water
High Peaks Campground

15. High Peaks Campground

97%
(789)
Moffat, CO · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the largest Alpine Valley in the world! San Luis Valley is a region in south-central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico. The valley is approximately 122 miles long and 74 miles wide, making it the largest alpine valley in the world. It extends from the Continental Divide on the northwest rim into New Mexico on the south. This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. I encourage binoculars or even a telescope to view wildlife and check out the Rockies and then the night sky views! Looking to submerse yourself in nature? The Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado contains the following 14ers: Blanca Peak, Challenger Point, Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Culebra Peak, Ellingwood Point, Humboldt Peak, Kit Carson Peak, Mount Lindsey, and Little Bear Peak. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, even Meteor showers!!! History: this land was originally part of a large cattle ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by BLM land, BACA land, and Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Be sure to bring extra bug spray and protection needed against biting insects such as flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. For those bringing your pets, they MUST be on a leash/lead at all times. While I do not have much cactus on my property, I do have an abundance of greasewood (Chico brush) which is very thorn-like if stepped on. Accommodations for those with livestock or horses, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Gold Links Ranch

16. The Gold Links Ranch

78%
(9)
Ohio City, CO · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our 220 acre historical ranch has been in the family for over 100 years. The property was once a gold mine stop for the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad and we are still able to enjoy the train depot and telegraph house from the early 1900’s when the train was running through the Quartz Creek Valley. We are also blessed with some of the oldest, largest Pine Trees in the Valley thanks to them being on protected railroad property when logging was prevalent. Come enjoy over 2 miles of private prime fly fishing on the Gunnison headwaters of Gold and Quartz Creek as well as 3 different well stocked lakes. Take a stroll, run or bike along the private 2 mile walking loop along Quartz Creek. Keep an eye out for the resident Geese, Blue Heron, ducks and other birds who reside here on the islands. If hiking is your thing-enjoy the Willow Creek Hike that cuts through the property, among other scenic trails in the area. Choose from 4 different lake & creek-side campsites and come relax on our private slice of heaven!
Pets
Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

17. Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

97%
(498)
Hotchkiss, CO · 5 sites
Formerly known as the North Fork Tipi Haven, this 22 acres is now home to Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven. This property offers spectacular views, a large grass field for activities and games, a short hike up Mandala Mountain (behind the solar panels), and relaxion by Love Gulch in the many hammocks. Two mile drive from Big B's and even closer to the nearest winery (Storm Cellar). Tipi camping offers an authentic camping experience, complete with possible bugs and other critters one would expect to find in nature.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Coworking Space with Mountain Views

18. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%
(74)
Montrose, CO · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our sites have a tent pad and 20-amp electric service. The main building, which we have converted into a coworking space, is available for our guests to use from 9 AM to 6 PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land, so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer, and consider this when booking your stay with us. Please note that only one camping structure is allowed per site (one tent, one RV, one van, etc.). Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rabbit Hole Ranch

19. Rabbit Hole Ranch

94%
(588)
Mosca, CO · 196 sites · Tents, RVs
The Rabbit Hole Ranch offers beautiful night skies with little to no light pollution and unobstructed views of the majestic Blanca Massif. The Great Sand Dunes and Zapata Falls is just a (gorgeous) 35 minute drive. Camping here at the Rabbit Hole Ranch is primitive and dispersed (no numbered sites) and there 30 acres available for you to use. Just follow the signs to the designated area and pick out a spot you like. Some spots have fire rings, some don’t. We are working on getting more, but in the meantime you’re welcome to bring your own. Or feel free to dig out a little hole. It works great and is easy to extinguish when you fill it back in and bury it. Please do not bury any trash. Typically, you will experience a rare kind of solitude and silence that feels…. other-worldly, with incredible sunrises and sunsets filling the enormous skies. On holidays, however, expect it to be busy. Our only dog, Boudicca, is a working dog and she is more than happy to help keep you and your pets safe. Please help make her job easier by not leaving any food or trash in or around tents. Her name is Boudicca (BOO duh kuh) and she lost her two besties last year, so she needs extra love and treats! Please keep your pets on leash or under control until you’re comfortably certain they get along with our dog. And please report any issues promptly. Quiet time begins at 10:00 pm. Note: Holidays still offer the excellent location and spectacular views, but are likely to be less quiet and far more busy. We typically do not strictly enforce quiet time during holidays.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

20. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(395)
Hotchkiss, CO · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Full hookups

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

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