The best star host camping in Colorado

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With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.

99% (10.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Harmony Ridge Farm

2. Harmony Ridge Farm

99%
(78)
10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ramah, CO
We began this venture in 2012 by purchasing 35 acres overlooking a 7000 acre homestead. We are located on the beautiful eastern plains of Colorado southeast of Denver. Rolling hills dotted with Ponderosa pines that encourage wildlife to settle in. Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Mount Evans all visible on clear days. We have 35 acres and raise alpaca’s, chickens, cats and dogs as well as a large garden. We are totally off grid and enjoy life in the home my husband built using trees he cut down and milled on his sawmill. We lived on the property in a 400sq ft cottage while building the house and this cottage is now available to rent. Water is available outside and the outhouse is just a few steps away. It comes equipped with a woodturning stove you can use to cook on. We added the Bijou Tree House to our options a couple years ago! It is a one room cabin (sleeps 2) with an incredible picture window that frames Pikes Peak beautifully. It is nestle among some old Ponderosa Pines; sports a cute but tiny wood burning stove; bar table in front of the window; deck with seating and a propane camp chef 2 burner stove. A hammock is available for use and private outhouse just a few feet away. Across the gulley is the new Sawmill Cabin built under the canopy of Jim's sawmill. It is small, and can sleep 3 with a unique bunk over a queen sized platform bed. A small deck, fire pit all under a covered open space. More kids? Bring a tent! there’s room! Numerous tent sites are available all within easy walking to your car. An outhouse is close by. We love sharing our story and our home and the beautiful place God has gifted us with people from all over the world and hope to host you as well. Come Camp; and relax. Watch and listen to the birds, deer and antelope really do play here two little fawns were chasing each other through the gully just this morning. We are blessed beautiful sunrises and sunsets; stars at night and an added bonus is our Farm Store where we showcase products made from our alpaca's, and trees my husband has cut down... !
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$30
 / night
CampCHERIshed-Camp for a Cause!

3. CampCHERIshed-Camp for a Cause!

97%
(385)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sedalia, CO
⭐️ *Tons of privacy!* ⭐️ Camp for a Cause! 🌲100% of every dollar in our camping fee is a donation for ShesCHERIshed. ☂️ Help us with this mission by camping with us! 🏕 You can expect tons of trees, privacy, peaceful, quiet land to relax, with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of pine trees, boulders, open hiking, fire pits, *Chatfield Reservoir views (in certain areas) and more! 🔥 Enjoy private camping, yet still close to Rampart Range, the town of Sedalia or Castle Rock for convenience. ⛰ Or head to Deckers, and the South Platte River for Fishing! 🎣 Only 10 minutes to the town of Sedalia, w/ a gas station, the famous cheeseburger at Bud's Bar, B'Mans BBQ & Wide Open Saloon, a cafe & more. Options available if you don't feel like cooking while camping. 👏🏼 This is a smoke, drug, and drunk free campsite. 🚫Thank you! 🙏🏼 Blessings! (ShesCHERIshed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.) ✝️
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$85
 / night
Camp Two Oasis

4. Camp Two Oasis

97%
(17)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Gardner, CO
A great base camp access to the Sand Dunes,Mt Lindsey, and Blanca Basin. Great biking around the camp.Close to the Huerfano River with a secret spot and trout fishing.We have nice level r.v. or tent sites in valley farm / old.orchard setting with mountain views ,electricity and well water. We provide an outdoor sink at the Pumphouse, and plenty of good well water. , 20 minutes to the top of Laveta Pass and hwy.160, 35 minutes to Lily Lake trailhead via 4wd road,and 20 minutes to the Mosca Pass trailhead to the Great Sand Dunes. A great day trip is hiking from Mosca Pass to the Visitor center at Great Sand Dunes ,explore the creek and dunes down there and then trek back up to your car at Mosca Pass.About a 8.5 mile round trip. Decent cell phone reception here at camp.We have wifi available . Easy and nice bikerides right from camp. ,Camps have fire circles and grill for firepit. .Plenty of mowed grassy areas for the kids. Well behaved pets on or.off a leash are welcome . Be mindfull that your pet does not chase or harrass potential livestock.on neighbor's property . Grassy tent site,near power and water. Pit toilet. Corner Camp or Orchard Camp. Orchard Camp has 20 amp power and fresh water hookup.. Pull through with 50 amp hookup and water hookup for the Camp 2 site for longer setups.Pull through is possible.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

5. Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

95%
(55)
5 sites · Lodging · Center, CO
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, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. 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)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.

99% (10.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Harmony Ridge Farm

2. Harmony Ridge Farm

99%
(78)
10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ramah, CO
We began this venture in 2012 by purchasing 35 acres overlooking a 7000 acre homestead. We are located on the beautiful eastern plains of Colorado southeast of Denver. Rolling hills dotted with Ponderosa pines that encourage wildlife to settle in. Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Mount Evans all visible on clear days. We have 35 acres and raise alpaca’s, chickens, cats and dogs as well as a large garden. We are totally off grid and enjoy life in the home my husband built using trees he cut down and milled on his sawmill. We lived on the property in a 400sq ft cottage while building the house and this cottage is now available to rent. Water is available outside and the outhouse is just a few steps away. It comes equipped with a woodturning stove you can use to cook on. We added the Bijou Tree House to our options a couple years ago! It is a one room cabin (sleeps 2) with an incredible picture window that frames Pikes Peak beautifully. It is nestle among some old Ponderosa Pines; sports a cute but tiny wood burning stove; bar table in front of the window; deck with seating and a propane camp chef 2 burner stove. A hammock is available for use and private outhouse just a few feet away. Across the gulley is the new Sawmill Cabin built under the canopy of Jim's sawmill. It is small, and can sleep 3 with a unique bunk over a queen sized platform bed. A small deck, fire pit all under a covered open space. More kids? Bring a tent! there’s room! Numerous tent sites are available all within easy walking to your car. An outhouse is close by. We love sharing our story and our home and the beautiful place God has gifted us with people from all over the world and hope to host you as well. Come Camp; and relax. Watch and listen to the birds, deer and antelope really do play here two little fawns were chasing each other through the gully just this morning. We are blessed beautiful sunrises and sunsets; stars at night and an added bonus is our Farm Store where we showcase products made from our alpaca's, and trees my husband has cut down... !
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$30
 / night
CampCHERIshed-Camp for a Cause!

3. CampCHERIshed-Camp for a Cause!

97%
(385)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sedalia, CO
⭐️ *Tons of privacy!* ⭐️ Camp for a Cause! 🌲100% of every dollar in our camping fee is a donation for ShesCHERIshed. ☂️ Help us with this mission by camping with us! 🏕 You can expect tons of trees, privacy, peaceful, quiet land to relax, with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of pine trees, boulders, open hiking, fire pits, *Chatfield Reservoir views (in certain areas) and more! 🔥 Enjoy private camping, yet still close to Rampart Range, the town of Sedalia or Castle Rock for convenience. ⛰ Or head to Deckers, and the South Platte River for Fishing! 🎣 Only 10 minutes to the town of Sedalia, w/ a gas station, the famous cheeseburger at Bud's Bar, B'Mans BBQ & Wide Open Saloon, a cafe & more. Options available if you don't feel like cooking while camping. 👏🏼 This is a smoke, drug, and drunk free campsite. 🚫Thank you! 🙏🏼 Blessings! (ShesCHERIshed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.) ✝️
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$85
 / night
Camp Two Oasis

4. Camp Two Oasis

97%
(17)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Gardner, CO
A great base camp access to the Sand Dunes,Mt Lindsey, and Blanca Basin. Great biking around the camp.Close to the Huerfano River with a secret spot and trout fishing.We have nice level r.v. or tent sites in valley farm / old.orchard setting with mountain views ,electricity and well water. We provide an outdoor sink at the Pumphouse, and plenty of good well water. , 20 minutes to the top of Laveta Pass and hwy.160, 35 minutes to Lily Lake trailhead via 4wd road,and 20 minutes to the Mosca Pass trailhead to the Great Sand Dunes. A great day trip is hiking from Mosca Pass to the Visitor center at Great Sand Dunes ,explore the creek and dunes down there and then trek back up to your car at Mosca Pass.About a 8.5 mile round trip. Decent cell phone reception here at camp.We have wifi available . Easy and nice bikerides right from camp. ,Camps have fire circles and grill for firepit. .Plenty of mowed grassy areas for the kids. Well behaved pets on or.off a leash are welcome . Be mindfull that your pet does not chase or harrass potential livestock.on neighbor's property . Grassy tent site,near power and water. Pit toilet. Corner Camp or Orchard Camp. Orchard Camp has 20 amp power and fresh water hookup.. Pull through with 50 amp hookup and water hookup for the Camp 2 site for longer setups.Pull through is possible.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

5. Tin Can Camp: Adventure Base

95%
(55)
5 sites · Lodging · Center, CO
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, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. 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)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

Stories from the community

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

The best star host camping in Colorado guide

Where to go

Western Colorado

Western Colorado shares quite a bit in common with neighboring Utah to the west, with massive sandstone rock formations—including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—plus fantastic opportunities for winter and summer recreation alike. Towns worth checking out include Steamboat Springs and Aspen—both popular ski resorts—as well as cute towns such as Montrose and Durango that make excellent bases for exploring the wilds of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re interested in history or archaeology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Denver and North-Central Colorado

Stretching from Fort Collins near the Wyoming border all the way down just past Denver, this region is largely urban but still offers plenty for campers. You can take in fantastic views of the region from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or by driving the Trail Ridge Road scenic byway through Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, pack up your tent and head out on a backcountry camping trip in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests.

South and South-Central Colorado

This part of the state offers a mix of wide-open plains and towering massifs, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, a scenic mountaintop that served as the inspiration for the patriotic tune America the Beautiful. Popular area activities include fishing and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande and sledding down the sands at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. If you want to soothe tired muscles after a weekend of adventure, head to the hot springs towns of Buena Vista and Salida—both just outside the Pike and San Isabel national forests.

Eastern Colorado

Quiet Eastern Colorado features a mix of grasslands and canyons, with massive expanses of grazing lands and farms that give way to charming small towns. You can learn about life in the 19th century at the Old Fort National Historic Site and the Boggsville Historic Site, or head down to the John Martin Reservoir, a great place for birdwatching and boating.

Top regions in and near Colorado