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The best lakeside camping in Colorado

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Every mountain has a valley—and in Colorado, that means glistening blue mountain lakeside getaways. And even at altitude, many lakes get warm enough to swim in during the summer months. The third-largest body of water in Colorado, Lake Granby is a popular spot with campers for fishing and swimming, as well as paddleboarding rentals. And while the water can be quite icy, you can’t beat the views in Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest at Brainard Lake and its Pawnee Campground in Ward near Boulder, where you’ll find (brave) paddleboarders, fishers, and canoers admiring the vistas, as well as a vast network of lakeside biking and hiking trails. If you’re looking for a fuller beach experience at a lower elevation, visit Chatfield State Park near Denver for day-use picnic tables, kayaks, and more. Nestle your feet in the sand, pack snacks and floaties, then rinse off at the coin-operated restroom showers before heading back to your camping spot.

95% (4.4K) 10,474 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

1. Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

92%
(422)
Black Hawk, CO · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse is a true Colorado gem—family-owned and operated, and rooted in a love for the land. Just 50 minutes from Denver, our ranch offers an authentic Colorado experience where nature, relaxation, and adventure come together. Guests can enjoy our spring-fed pond for swimming and paddleboarding (boards provided!), easy access to nearby National Forest trails, and close driving proximity to additional hiking, biking, and local fishing spots. Whether you’re here to unplug, explore, or soak it all in, Wideawake Ranch is the perfect home base. We can’t wait to welcome you—along with your family, friends, and furry companions—on your next camping getaway. 📸 Instagram: @WideawakeRanchWaterhouse — We love being tagged in your Wideawake adventures! 🌐 Website: www.wideawakeranch.com — Visit us to learn more about our artesian water and hot soaks.
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Tater's Black Canyon Campground

2. Tater's Black Canyon Campground

97%
(337)
Crawford, CO · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
North Rim of Black Canyon National Park has re-opened. Hot showers and toilets! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries.  Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.
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Yeti Sanctuary

3. Yeti Sanctuary

93%
(209)
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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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
Toilets
Rio Grande National Forest

5. Rio Grande National Forest

86%
(29)
National forest in Colorado · 691 sites
Explore the many ecosystems of south-central Colorado in this massive national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Neverland Camp Wilder

6. Neverland Camp Wilder

92%
(383)
Nederland, CO · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.
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High Peaks Campground

7. High Peaks Campground

97%
(795)
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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Gondola Village at Holy Cross

8. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

94%
(166)
Red Cliff, CO · 2 sites
Welcome to our little slice of mountain heaven! Tucked away between Aspen, Vail, and Leadville, Gondola Village is more than just a cabin—it’s a dream we’ve built at nearly 12,000 feet. We’re pretty sure it’s one of the highest-altitude retreats on the planet, making it a true bucket-list spot for anyone with an adventurous soul. When you stay here, the Holy Cross Wilderness is literally your front porch. You’ll have direct access to pristine trails, hidden alpine lakes, and peaks that feel like they belong only to you, all while being just a few hours from the hustle of Denver. It’s Colorado’s "water wilderness" at its most majestic, and we can’t wait for you to experience the magic of having world-class hiking, fly fishing, and backcountry skiing right outside your door. We’ve poured our hearts into the design of our two cabins, the Alpine Gondola Lodge and the Lost Gondola Lodge. We wanted to celebrate the rugged history of our local mining towns while bringing in the clean, cozy vibes of Scandinavian mountain design. Every corner is filled with things we love: snuggle up with Rumpl blankets, sip your morning coffee from Miir mugs, and cook up a feast on a classic Coleman stove. We’ve even tucked in a guitar, a library of our favorite books, and a super comfy Metolius couch for those lazy afternoons. Fun fact: because our spot is so secluded that big deliveries have to come in by helicopter, we’ve hand-picked every single item to make sure your off-the-grid stay feels special and incredibly comfortable. You might have spotted us on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed or heard about our support from Airbnb’s OMG! Fund. We’ve spent years learning how to blend high-end design with wild beauty, and Gondola Village is the result of that passion. It’s a place we built for people who, like us, are looking for a little peace, a lot of seclusion, and a chance to really plug back into the natural world. Part of the magic is just getting here—it’s the first chapter of your adventure! Since we’re so far off the beaten path, access is part of the fun. You can hike or bike the scenic 2.5-mile uphill trail or if you’re driving, you’ll need a serious off-road vehicle with a winch and lockers to make the climb. In winter, the approach is 11 miles of over-snow travel.
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Campfires
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

9. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(754)
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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Campfires
San Isabel National Forest

10. San Isabel National Forest

91%
(79)
National forest in Colorado · 912 sites
Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
San Juan National Forest

11. San Juan National Forest

97%
(43)
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
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Gunnison National Forest

13. Gunnison National Forest

96%
(39)
National forest in Colorado · 423 sites
Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.
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Electrical hookup
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Rabbit Hole Ranch

14. Rabbit Hole Ranch

94%
(590)
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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Gordon Creek RV Park

15. Gordon Creek RV Park

99%
(48)
Livermore, CO · 11 sites · RVs, Lodging
Enjoy peace and tranquility on 80 acres of private land. Hook into one of our RV sites with full hookups or stay in one of our beautiful cabins with close access to the nightlife of Ft. Collins as well as the gorgeous Red Feather Lakes area and all it has to offer. Visit Rigby's roadhouse for dinner and drinks right here on the property or take the family on a trail ride with Tattered Saddle. Wildlife is abundant in the area and you might see deer, elk, fox, bear, hawks, and bald eagles. Close to many trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, fishing, backcountry skiing, hunting, and even a golf course close by.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
ALPINE HOLIDAY RANCH Vail Valley!!

16. ALPINE HOLIDAY RANCH Vail Valley!!

91%
(187)
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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Lakefront-Jackson Reservoir

17. Lakefront-Jackson Reservoir

88%
(4)
Jackson Lake, CO · 1 site · Tent, RV
🌅 Private Lakefront Primitive Camping on Jackson Reservoir NOTICE- The water level is now extremely low; they will begin filling the lake soon. Stay tuned for updates. Leave the crowds behind and discover your own secluded slice of Colorado. Nestled on the quiet east side of Jackson Reservoir, this private waterfront campsite offers breathtaking sunrises unforgettable sunsets, incredible stargazing, and the peaceful sounds of nature. Whether you’re looking to fish, paddleboard, kayak, swim, birdwatch, or simply relax by the water, this hidden gem is the perfect place to unplug and recharge. The shallow shoreline is great for wading, and the wide-open landscape provides plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your own private retreat. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant wildlife, endless skies, and the feeling of having the lake almost to themselves. What You’ll Love • 🏕️ Private, secluded lakefront camping • 🎣 Fishing just steps from your campsite • 🛶 Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming • 🚶 Scenic walks around the reservoir • 🌅 Spectacular sunrises and sunsets • ✨ Amazing stargazing with no light pollution • 🦅 Excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing • 🏍️ Nearby ATV riding area Just across the reservoir, the state park offers a boat ramp, restrooms, hot showers, and a small convenience store if you need additional amenities during your stay. Know Before You Go, this is a primitive, dry camping experience with no hookups or utilities. Please bring everything you’ll need for your stay, including drinking water, a generator (if you require electricity) and a porta john. The property is accessed by a rough dirt road that is not regularly maintained. Road conditions can change with the weather, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. No one has had trouble reaching the site, the terrain may not be suitable for every vehicle or RV. If you’re searching for a quiet place to disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature, you’ll love camping on the shores of Jackson Reservoir. This isn’t a crowded campground—it’s your own peaceful lakeside escape.
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Campfires
Twin Bridges Campground

18. Twin Bridges Campground

93%
(121)
Coaldale, CO · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, in the "upper campground," with dry camping (full facilities) on the Arkansas River rated as Gold Medal fishing, and glamping sites (two on the river) allowing access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. If you are interested in long-term stays, contact us to complete an application and set up monthly payments. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Open 40 Acres Near The Dream Stream

19. Open 40 Acres Near The Dream Stream

98%
(43)
Lake George, CO · 80 sites · Tents, RVs
40 acre property overlooking 11-mile reservoir. This property currently has a well drilled and a fire pit installed. More being added regularly. Wildlife in the area are Antelope, Cattle, Elk, Deer, and a large herd of Big Horn Sheep live in the hills to the north of the property. Surrounded by Stoll Mountain, Pulver Mountain, and Puma ridge this is a great open location for RV, Bus, Sprinter, Van, or Tent camping. This area is a 10 minute drive to multiple reservoirs and the Dream Stream which is some of the best fishing in Colorado. Boats, rafts, etc are allowed on different reservoirs. Hiking, ATV trails, fossils, gems, rafting, skiing are all very close to this location. Come enjoy the great outdoors!
Pets
The Gold Links Ranch

20. The Gold Links Ranch

86%
(18)
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

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