The best river, stream, or creek camping in Colorado

·

Looking for the perfect camping experience in Colorado with a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1500 options to choose from, you'll find the ideal spot to relax and unwind. Whether you're into surfing, biking, or snow sports, there's something for everyone. And don't worry about breaking the bank, with prices as low as $5 per night and an average price of $35 per night, camping in Colorado has never been more affordable. Need some recommendations? Check out the top campsites like Glen Isle Resort (461 reviews), Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), and Serenity in the Foothills (295 reviews). Plus, popular amenities like showers, pets, and campfires are available to make your camping experience even better. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors!

95% (12K) 10,611 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Serenity in the Foothills

1. Serenity in the Foothills

99%
(1362)
Conifer, CO · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
We now offer disc golf to our guests for a $5 fee per person, course open in the morning to our guests and afternoons to public, ask about this when you check in. It is seperate from Hipcamp ***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED*** Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads. If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event! YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed. Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent. We are a working horse ranch, so horses may be encountered on roads. Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado! We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer. -NO fifth wheels (ALL sites). -Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites) -Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing. -Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max) -Sites 3 and 7 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only -Sites 4-12(excluding sites 7 and 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max) -Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only. If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp) **When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Rustic Creek Ranch

2. Rustic Creek Ranch

98%
(1357)
Bailey, CO · 25 sites · Tents, RVs
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer. **Please note that the GPS will take you 300 feet away from my property, please follow my clear instructions that are sent in your welcome email. There is signage that you can also follow. ** The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather. Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer. Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs. I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover. Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler. About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sweetwater River Resort

3. Sweetwater River Resort

91%
(415)
Cotopaxi, CO · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
White River National Forest

4. White River National Forest

93%
(69)
National forest in Colorado · 1193 sites
Unspoiled scenery and year-round recreation abound in the nation’s most visited national forest.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
San Juan National Forest

5. 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
Crystola Creek under Pikes Peak

6. Crystola Creek under Pikes Peak

100%
(1)
Woodland Park, CO · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Wilderness, forest, and mountain beauty await just 5 miles off Highway 24. This private property sits at 9,600 feet elevation and offers visitors a chance to experience true Colorado mountain wilderness. Nearby attractions include the Pikes Peak Highway, Garden of the Gods, and several scenic hiking and biking trails. Guests can park their RV on asphalt, gravel, or in an open grass meadow surrounded by pine forest and wide mountain views. You’ll find yourself immersed in nature, with regular visits from moose, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, deer, coyote, turkey, and squirrel. It’s a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. For everyone’s safety, please keep pets on a leash and never leave food or trash outside, as these curious creatures often roam nearby. Spend your days hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing across 40+ acres of forest. You can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet or set off to explore the nearby Catamount Lakes, just 6 miles away, where you can fish, picnic, or hike even farther toward the summit of Pikes Peak. The mile-long driveway includes some steep sections, so please drive carefully. There are no hookups at the sites. Bring your own toilet and remember to pack in and pack out everything you bring. You can filter creek water for drinking. Please store all trash securely inside your car or RV—never in your tent or outside—and consider freezing wet garbage to reduce odors. Your 4G and 5G cell phone data work best at the top of the asphalt turnaround, which is faster than our HughesNet Wi-Fi. A fresh water spigot is available at the main house for guests who help an hour a day moving light pine branches (for stays longer than one night), with prior approval. There are five total campsites. Sites #1 and #2 are at the top with incredible Pikes Peak views, while Sites #3–#5 are farther below with more wildlife and forest scenery. All offer peace, privacy, and a genuine off-grid mountain experience. Solar Panel Exposure at each site: #1 Early AM – PM sun, best #2 AM – PM sun, 2nd best #3 Limited sun, shady #4 AM – early PM sun #5 AM - PM, some Aspen shading
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

7. Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

100%
(155)
Salida, CO · 17 sites
Nestled in a small valley in the San Isabel National Forest along the south fork of the Arkansas River, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is at 8,620 feet above sea level – literally in the Heart of the Rockies. We offer free Wi-Fi access, clean laundry and shower facilities, and a camp store with last-minute supplies, snacks & souvenirs. Most of our large tent campsites are right on the south fork of the Arkansas river offering a peaceful & relaxing setting.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Creekside Paradise

8. Creekside Paradise

95%
(438)
CO · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 3 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt. Please read the entire description for your specific site before booking.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rocky Mountain Glamping

9. Rocky Mountain Glamping

99%
(374)
Lyons, CO · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience Relax streamside in our private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite treat as you unwind. Bliss Canyon features 4 accommodations: 2 Gypsy Wagon Campers and 2 spacious Tent Cabins and a boondocking RV site. Teardrop camper sleeps 2 as an addition to any accommodation. The open-air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. Limited WIFI available. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. New this year Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Tent Cabin. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, and quaint shops. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations in advance especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Roosevelt National Forest

10. Roosevelt National Forest

84%
(45)
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

11. Gunnison National Forest

96%
(37)
National forest in Colorado · 423 sites
Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Uncompahgre National Forest

12. 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
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

13. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

89%
(14)
Park in Colorado · 94 sites
Camping comes with a dose of adrenaline and a side of adventure along the Arkansas River.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Glen Isle Resort

14. Glen Isle Resort

98%
(920)
Bailey, CO · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
🌲 Glen Isle Campgrounds – A Historic Riverside Retreat Welcome to Glen Isle, a 125-year-old mountain resort along the North Fork of the South Platte River, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally reached by train, Glen Isle remains one of Colorado’s last surviving turn-of-the-century resort properties and offers a camping experience rich in history, natural beauty, and community. Because Highway 285 follows the original railroad corridor that once brought visitors here, it runs nearby. We encourage guests to review the map before booking to be sure our location is the right fit for their camping style. Many guests appreciate the easy access along with the beauty of the river, surrounding forest, and nearby mountain trails. 🎣 Activities & Amenities Campers enjoy: • Fishing along the South Platte (no rod fees required) • A 21-hole wooded disc golf course (free for campers) • Rescue horses, miniature donkeys, and miniature goats • Optional guided mini-donkey walks (paid experience) • Bingo nights, camper music nights, and outdoor movie evenings (when scheduled) • Recreation room with games • Guided historic lodge tours and gift shop • Tuesday Food Truck nights • Trailhead ½ mile behind the property • Walking distance to the Coney Island hot dog stand • About 30 miles from Red Rocks Amphitheatre Glen Isle is a historic gathering place rather than a remote backcountry campground, and guests may see other campers and activity around the lodge, especially on summer weekends. Seasonal insects are part of the natural river environment during warmer months. Campsites are currently first-come, first-served within designated camping areas as we transition toward reservable individual sites. 🔥 Fire Policy Due to drought conditions and wildfire risk, wood fires and charcoal are not permitted. Propane fire rings and cooking equipment are welcome. Propane tanks are available to rent for $25. A community fire ring may be used when restrictions allow. 🚗 Important Arrival Note Please do not turn at the Coney Island Boardwalk. Glen Isle is located ½ mile farther west on the same side of Highway 285. The road behind Coney Island is not maintained for passenger vehicles and should not be used to access the property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Four Seasons RV Park

15. Four Seasons RV Park

93%
(37)
Salida, CO · 19 sites
We are excited to be your beautiful basecamp for countless outdoor activities or a peaceful pad to simply unwind and relax next to our rambling river. Four Seasons is located just a mile outside the vibrant Mountain Town of Salida, and inside the historic Area of Cleora. The settlement started as a stagecoach stop on the Barlow Sanderson Stagecoach line. Explore natural landmarks, hiking trails and a range of activities for the whole family.
Pets
Full hookups
Frenchman's Creek Ranch

16. Frenchman's Creek Ranch

100%
(324)
Buena Vista, CO · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Yeti Sanctuary

17. Yeti Sanctuary

94%
(181)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Bright Star Campground

18. Bright Star Campground

98%
(799)
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
Riverview RV Park and Campground

19. Riverview RV Park and Campground

92%
(57)
Loveland, CO · 98 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Riverview RV Park and Campground is set in the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains along the Big Thompson River. The quiet countryside setting of our family-oriented park, with its gorgeous surroundings and charming wood carvings, is a favorite for groups or a romantic getaway. Hidden beneath the cottonwoods at 5100 ft elevation, Riverview RV Park and Campground is near the Big Thompson Canyon entrance. We are 30 minutes from the beauty of Estes Park and 20 minutes from unique shops, art district, and numerous family friendly activities within Loveland and Ft Collins. Cheyenne and Denver are about an hour’s drive from Loveland on I-25.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
A-Lodge Boulder

20. A-Lodge Boulder

92%
(310)
Boulder, CO · 50 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp. We have a BRAND NEW barrel sauna, hot tub, grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from your campsite. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion! Walk-in sites are just a short hike, about 100 feet, on an unmanicured trail to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc. A-Lodge has a 7-day non-refundable cancellation policy. If you cancel within 7 days of your arrival, 50% of the total is non-refundable. Our guests love us too! Check out what a fellow camper had to say: "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

Top regions in and near Colorado