The best desert camping in Colorado

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!

94% (5.6K) • 2,817 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

1. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(551)
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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Bright Star Campground

2. Bright Star Campground

98%
(715)
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
Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

3. 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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San Juan National Forest

4. 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
Toilets
Uncompahgre National Forest

5. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%
(24)
National forest in Colorado · 228 sites
Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.
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Electrical hookup
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Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

6. Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

99%
(208)
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.
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Bear Family Ranch, RV and Camping

7. Bear Family Ranch, RV and Camping

97%
(63)
Mack, CO · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
BEAR FAMILY RANCH is a working ranch. We are up early. PLEASE PLEASE CHECK IN BEFORE 8 PM TU. We have Cows that moo, goats bah, Roosters Cock-a-Doodle-Do. We are 2 miles from I-70, 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, Fruita Desert 6mi, and many other outdoor activities. Here within the Ranch, 5 miles of bike/hiking trails. You can explore the 160 acres. The Ranch is a secluded, very hidden, and it is a quiet location. You cannot see the ranch from the roadway. And PLEASE DO NOT TRUST YOUR GPS, we are off 10 Rd and we will send you specific exact directions to find us. You will see incredible views of the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa. There are 3 full hook-up RV sites and 8 dry "WALK-IN" tent sites 8'X8' raised pad camping sites (the walk is roughly 200 feet). Duck space is for a place to park Walk around the seasonal pond, explore the property, hike a mile to the Mack Wash. This is a very private and secluded location with lots of space! Bring your own camping toilet or use our outhouse with a camping toilet inside. Because it's a working ranch, we prefer to familiarize you and your guests to the ranch and show you the route to the site as we have exposed irrigation ditches, and a pond. We prefer not to fish you out of the pond. LOL LIMIITED SEWER If you need to dump grey or black from your RV tank, please help us keep our leach field from being saturated, If you need to dump grey or black water from your RV, we recommend the really nice rest area in Fruita. The Colorado Welcome Center Rest Area is off of I-70 at EXIT 19, which has a FREE dump station. We are on a leach field, no paper products including toilet paper into the sewer, all paper products, oils and grease must go into trash, please and thank you. We must check you in, to familiarize you and your guests to the Ranch. Ater check-in you are our guests; you may come and go as you need. We respect your privacy, but if you need anything please contact us or go to the main house. Being a family ranch, we are always working and vigilant of our animals and the security of the Bear Family Ranch. A private and quiet retreat that we are happy and proud to share with you. We have a salon, by appointment only (April can do haircuts, color, manicures, pedicures, etc.)
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Full hookups
Base Camp Family Campground

8. Base Camp Family Campground

93%
(67)
Alamosa, CO · 36 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome To Your Base Camp Whether your adventure brings you here for just one night, or the entire summer, this is the view you want to wake up to! We have... •Largest Pull Through Sites In The Area-100' x 40' •Big-Rig-Friendly, 60 degree angled sites •Large Private Showers •Best 360 Degree Views •Full Hookups •Free Wi-Fi •Laundry •Close To All Local Attractions •Sandboard and Sand Sled Rentals Base Camp Family Campground is owned and operated by the Baker Family. Josh Baker first lived in Southern Colorado in the early 90's as a child, but his family moved away after a short time. His desire to move back here as an adult prompted him to start bringing his own family to Colorado for vacations. They purchased land in the valley in 2014 and moved to Colorado in 2020. They are using all they've learned from years of RV adventures, to continue the park's mission of providing a clean, affordable, spacious, well-run camping facility, and to be a centrally located "base camp" and hub of information for everything this unique area has to offer. You'll be camping in the shadows of 14,000 ft. mountain peaks, in the largest high-desert alpine valley in the world, that is sprinkled with free-flowing artesian wells, hot springs and wet lands. Daily summer temperatures average 65 degrees, and it will get down into the 50's at night. That's perfect camping weather! For native American tribes, including the Utes, Apache, Navajos, and others, this valley is considered the source of life, a place where humans and spirit enter and leave this world. The valley was considered so sacred, that no war would be waged here. The ET Connection As if all of the mountains, deserts, hot springs, and sacred ground weren't enough, The San Luis Valley is also known as a UFO hot spot! UFO sightings have been reported as far back as the 1600's. • EXPRESS CHECK IN - We'll send you an email the day before your arrival, with your site number, wifi password, etc. There is no need to check in at the host site when you arrive, unless you have questions. You can follow the yellow signs straight to your camp site! • Check In Time -1:00 PM •Check Out Time -11:00 AM
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Full hookups
Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

9. Coyote Mountain, Crestone Open Sky

94%
(41)
Crestone, CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hi! We are a bright family in a small community, developing our 42 acres in Crestone, Colorado. The land backs up to the north side of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Our property features a host of cottonwood trees, a seasonal creek, a creative outdoor bath house with hot running water, claw foot bath tub and a 1.5 acre mini farm in progress. You’ll usually catch us in some project. We host folks in a bell tent with a cozy king bed. Or you can choose the Bring Your Own option for your tent or vehicle camping location. There is no shore power for vans/rvs or wifi near the camp sites. We don’t have too many neighbors, and it is 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 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, 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.
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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%
(99)
National park in Colorado · 47 sites
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
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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.
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Electrical hookup
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Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

14. Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

99%
(407)
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!
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Full hookups
Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

15. Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven

97%
(513)
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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Toilets
Showers
Tumbleweed Flats

16. Tumbleweed Flats

90%
(20)
Cañon City, CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This five acre property is in the county, yet on the edge of town. Close, as in 5 minutes, to the town center, the Hogbacks (Skyline Drive) , and the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge Bridge is about a 20 minute drive out of town. Feeling adventurous? Not afraid of heights or drop-offs and have four wheel drive? Then try the back route (single track, dirt road) to Cripple Creek - Shelf Road. Go adventure for the day, knowing your gear and equipment are safely secured on private property! Great views of the surrounding mountains and a quiet environment to stay the night.
Pets
Picnic table
Dune Camp (hosted by Dune Glamping)

17. Dune Camp (hosted by Dune Glamping)

98%
(22)
Hooper, CO · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
6 tent sites, 2 group sites, and 1 pull thru rv site accommodates rv up to 26ft (no hookups). Located 15 minutes from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Zapata Falls. Best view of the Dunes in the valley, and perfect for international dark sky viewing. Wake up to sweeping mountain views and the Great Sand Dunes, spend your days exploring the towering dunes and scenic trails, and end your evenings beneath some of the darkest and most spectacular night skies in the country. Whether you're seeking adventure, seclusion or a peaceful escape, our camp ground provides the perfect base for experiencing the natural beauty and wonder of the San Luis Valley Enjoy hiking, sand surfing, paddle boarding or kayaking on the nearby Rio Grande river, or smith reservoir.
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Campfires
Rabbit Hole Ranch

18. Rabbit Hole Ranch

94%
(597)
Mosca, CO · 197 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Near Fruita Bike Trails

19. Near Fruita Bike Trails

100%
(32)
Fruita, CO · 1 site
New Hipcamp property. Learn more about this land:Fruita, Colorado is approximately 10 min from location. Also nearby are the 18 Rd. mountain bike trail system, and Highline State Park. Site is quiet and very little light pollution at night. Notes: Horses on property. Please don’t approach horses. Family dog (friendly chocolate lab) on property as well.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Ribbit Retreat — Fall Colors, Elk Base Camp & Dark Skies | Durango

20. Ribbit Retreat — Fall Colors, Elk Base Camp & Dark Skies | Durango

90%
(15)
Durango, CO · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
🍂 PEAK FALL COLOR RIGHT NOW — San Juan foliage is peaking now through early October, and we're 15 minutes from it all. Ribbit Retreat is your fall basecamp in the Animas Valley — 5 private acres of open meadow under some of the darkest skies in Colorado. We're OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER while most Durango campgrounds shut down Oct 31. 🏕️ 4 private sites, all with Instant Book: - Campsite A & B — tent/car sites, max 4 guests, fire pit + Adirondack chairs, hammock with fairy lights - RV Outlet #1 & #2 — 50A/30A/110v hookups, fits rigs up to 45 ft, max 6 guests — run your heater all night, no generator needed 🦌 Elk hunters: 2nd rifle season (Oct 24–Nov 1) is over-the-counter bull elk in nearby units. Park the rig, plug in, hunt all day, sleep warm. 🎈 Balloon Rally weekend (Oct 16–18): watch dawn launches from your camp chair. ✨ Stargazers: zero light pollution — the Milky Way is the show. The practical stuff: - 15 min to downtown Durango, 50 min to Mesa Verde National Park - Portable restroom on site (cleaned weekly), trash/recycling - Self-serve check-in — arrive on your schedule - Pet friendly 🐾 | Starlink-friendly cell signal | Motion lighting + cameras for peace of mind - No potable water / showers / wifi — this is real camping, just comfortable Come watch the aspens turn gold. 🐸
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Electrical hookup
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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