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% (5.2K) 2,785 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Bright Star Campground

1. Bright Star Campground

98%
(788)
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
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

2. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(730)
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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High Peaks Campground

3. High Peaks Campground

97%
(777)
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
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San Juan National Forest

4. San Juan National Forest

97%
(41)
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.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Todd’s Gothic Glamping

6. Todd’s Gothic Glamping

Colorado Springs, CO · 1 site
Enjoy one acre of fun in Fountain, CO! You’ll have a private entrance to the backyard, where you can take in mountain views by day and stargaze from the deck at night. Relax around the fire pit or swing under the open sky, you can even collect your own chicken and duck eggs from the backyard coop! A tent is already set up for your convenience, and you’ll have access to shared spaces including a shower, toilet, living room, laundry room, and breakfast nook. For your personal use, you’ll also have a microwave, mini fridge, solar light/fan, solar charging station, heater, cot, blow up matt, and table and chairs — everything you need for a comfortable and cozy stay. Address is indeed Colorado Springs (south) but when you turn the corner you are in Fountain Colorado.
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Campfires
Rabbit Hole Ranch

7. Rabbit Hole Ranch

94%
(569)
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.
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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

8. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(384)
Hotchkiss, CO · 5 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
ALPINE HOLIDAY RANCH Vail Valley!!

9. ALPINE HOLIDAY RANCH Vail Valley!!

91%
(182)
Eagle, CO · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding, Jeep, Bronco, Land Rovers, OffRoad, Bike, Hike and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property. Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $35 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games, Eagle County Rodeo, Birds of Prey Downhill, Vail Farmers Market, Free Showdown Down Thursday Eagle, Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater, Free Hot Summer Nights Music Vail Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is known for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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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%
(87)
National park in Colorado · 47 sites
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
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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
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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
Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

14. Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

99%
(186)
Moffat, CO · 7 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.
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Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

15. Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

100%
(17)
Crestone, CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hi! We are a bright, young family, & small community, developing our 42 acres in Crestone, Colorado. Our property features a host of cottonwood trees, a creek, two outdoor bath houses, a fire pit, a 1.5 acre mini farm in progress. There are two new bell tents, available with up to 3 single beds, or one king. There are ample tent camping locations, and shore power for vans/rvs. The property is also home to abundant wildlife including a Great Horned Owl, Coyote packs, Elk, Deer, Woodpeckers, Hummingbirds, Bobcats, Bats and Frogs. 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 continue use the space for yoga, capoiera, dance and other events. 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. That may seem low-tech overall but, we are blessed with the infinite power of Starlink internet! Great opportunity for part time mobile office types. 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.
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Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

16. Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

97%
(489)
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.
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Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

17. Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

94%
(45)
Gypsum, CO · 1 site
Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours
Pets
Hummingbird Ranch

18. Hummingbird Ranch

93%
(193)
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
Twisted Sisters Farm

19. Twisted Sisters Farm

96%
(137)
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
Water hookup
Potable water
3 Pond Ranch

20. 3 Pond Ranch

92%
(18)
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.
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Picnic table

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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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