The best waterfall camping in Colorado

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Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to camp near waterfalls in Colorado? You're in luck! We have over 1200 options in Colorado that are perfect for waterfall enthusiasts. From stunning campsites nestled near cascading falls to stunning hikes that lead to majestic waterfalls, we've got you covered. And with options starting as low as $15 per night, you can experience the beauty of nature without breaking the bank. Check out our top campsites like Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), Purgatory Riverbottoms (147 reviews), and Mudita Camel's Yurt (131 reviews) for the best camping experience in Colorado. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and trash disposal. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from wind sports to boating and swimming. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Colorado with Hipcamp!

95% (3.3K) • 7,878 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Creekside Paradise

1. Creekside Paradise

95%
(493)
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.
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Yakalo Ranch

2. Yakalo Ranch

96%
(58)
Colorado Springs, CO · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
It’s Real Rustic Out Here. Welcome to Yakalo Ranch — 37 acres of private mountain land near Colorado Springs, surrounded by the beauty of Pike National Forest. This is NOT glamping. Yakalo is for campers looking for a genuine, rustic Colorado mountain camping experience: hike in, pitch your tent, explore the trails, listen to the creeks and springs, and leave the land as you found it. Choose your adventure: 🏕️ Bring Your Own Tent — Hike in and pitch your tent at one of our rustic campsites. ⛺ Tent Provided — Stay in one of ours and bring the rest of your camping gear. 🌲 Sasquatch Forest — Hanging-tent camping is coming soon for campers brave enough to spend the night looking for Bigfoot. Wild Colorado, right outside your tent! Yakalo Ranch is home to mountain views, natural springs and creeks, rock formations, historic mining features and miles of places to explore. Wildlife sightings may include elk, deer, wild turkey, foxes, black bears and other native Colorado wildlife. You'll also meet some of the ranch animals along the way. Depending on the season, explore hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, snow sledding and other outdoor adventures. You'll also find wild berries and other native plants growing throughout the property. The Bunkhouse After a day outside, head back to our community Bunkhouse and campfire area, open daily from 10 AM–10 PM. Pull up a bench, meet other campers and stay awhile. Please note: Pets are welcome at campsites but are not permitted at the Bunkhouse due to working guard dogs and livestock. Explore Yakalo Our trails and landmarks include Makayla Meadow, Vultures Point, Roy's Ridge, Walter's Historic Well, Historic Pipeline Trail, Stonehenge's Table, Ponderosa Pine Forest, Sleeping Giant Trail, Sasquatch Forest and Squirrel Falls. Some backcountry areas and dispersed camping locations require a guide. Trail difficulty ranges from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Know Before You Book Yakalo Ranch follows Leave No Trace principles. This is an intentionally rustic camping experience, so guests should arrive prepared to pack it in and pack it out. Native terrain, wildlife and changing mountain conditions are part of the experience. If you're looking for paved campsites, manicured grounds and resort-style camping, Yakalo probably isn't your place. But if you're looking for a quiet tent, a mountain trail, running water nearby, wildlife outside your campsite and a little Colorado adventure… Welcome to Yakalo Ranch. It’s Real Rustic Out Here. 🤠🏕️
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Durango Placer

3. Durango Placer

99%
(124)
Hesperus, CO · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land: The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed . Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Enjoy ! The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !
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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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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.
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Rocky Mountain Glamping

6. Rocky Mountain Glamping

99%
(422)
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.
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Base Camp Family Campground

7. Base Camp Family Campground

93%
(66)
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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Rabbit Hole Ranch

8. Rabbit Hole Ranch

94%
(596)
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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Gondola Village at Holy Cross

9. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

94%
(169)
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Historic 1800s Ski Hut & Summer Cabin & Private Thermal Dipping Pool

14. Historic 1800s Ski Hut & Summer Cabin & Private Thermal Dipping Pool

94%
(62)
Alma, CO · 1 site
Stay in a beautifully restored 1800s alpine cabin at 11,000 feet surrounded by ancient bristlecone pines. Hike four iconic 14ers, cozy up beside the wood stove, then unwind in a private creekside thermal dipping pool beside a waterfall. One of Colorado's most unforgettable mountain retreats.
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Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

15. Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

95%
(111)
Alma, CO · 1 site · Tent, RV
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Twin Bridges Campground

16. Twin Bridges Campground

93%
(125)
Coaldale, CO · 14 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.
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Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

17. Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%
(77)
Cortez, CO · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.
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Casitas Amigas at K-Bar Ranch

18. Casitas Amigas at K-Bar Ranch

97%
(64)
Guffey, CO · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
K-Bar Ranch is a small hobby farm situated on over 20 acres of beautiful, rolling grassland sprinkled with pine trees and offering breathtaking views in every direction. Just off of CR102, we are conveniently located to the little town of Guffey and are only 3 miles from the wildly popular Guffey Gorge. Additionally, Eleven Mile Reservoir, The Royal Gorge, gambling at Cripple Creek, the Colorado Wolf Sanctuary, the Florissant Fossil Beds and many more areas of interest and recreation are within an easy drive. You can open camp here and be completely off-grid or you can park near our barn and have access to electricity and wifi. We also offer Glamping Overnights in Gypsy, an adorable tiny camper with a double bed, sofa, 2 burner cooktop and everything you need to have a comfortable stay while still having a camping experience! Glamping stays are still largely off-grid with a "Luggable Loo" and an outdoor Joolca shower (upon request). Our new stargazing dome is a truly unique experience where you can sleep under the stars and be completely surrounded by nature. Situated where you have lots of privacy and can enjoy the breathtaking views all around you. If you want to upgrade your experience, we offer Romance Packages with charcuterie boards, a bottle of bubbly, chocolate covered strawberries and can create unforgettable special occasions since we are in the wedding/events industry! Wanting to get engaged? Looking to elope? We can do that! Ask us for details! We will be adding more off-grid accommodations in the future so stay tuned for updates! We have Mini Donkeys, a horse named Bebe, Chickens and 2 Livestock Guardian Dogs. *Please be aware that the dogs are working dogs and you WILL hear them bark at night as they are doing their job in deterring predators. We are excited to share our beautiful property with Happy Campers from everywhere!
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Ute Lodge - At the End of the Road

19. Ute Lodge - At the End of the Road

97%
(167)
Meeker, CO · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The Ute Lodge was homesteaded in the 1930’s by Joe Fox who after leaving the military came west to settle in the White River valley. Joe was known for his friendliness, hospitality and wild stories. Today you might find much of the same. From Joe’s day to today it is a place where families come together to get away. The Ute Lodge is now owned by Karl and Mona Maser who celebrated 20 years of ownership summer of 2019! All summer our cabins are filled with guests from all over the US as well as international travelers. One of our favorite things about the summer is our weekly potlucks where we all share an outdoor meal. All of our visitors have a standing invitation to join us around the community campfire at night. From our beautiful private lake (where you can paddle-board, kayak and fish), to immediate access to the Papoose and Crooks Park Trails on National Forest land, as well as the vast variety of wildlife that roams around, you can find what you need here to unplug and get away from it all.
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Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

20. Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

93%
(48)
Alma, CO · 1 site
Campgrounds, crowds, noise, generators, headlights at midnight — those are the things you leave behind when you come here. What you’ll find instead is silence, privacy, and the feeling of having an untouched piece of Colorado completely to yourself. This private alpine meadow sits at approximately 11,000 feet, at the base of two 14,000-foot peaks, on 160 secluded acres bordering National Forest. The camp rests in a hidden sunken meadow surrounded by ancient forest, alpine streams, and some of the oldest living bristlecone pines in the world — trees so remarkable they have appeared in Ansel Adams photography. At night, you may hear great horned owls in the trees, coyotes calling at sunset, and sometimes moose moving quietly through the meadow. During the day, the air smells of pine, summer grass, and cold mountain water. Sit beside the stream with your feet on warm granite while the wind moves through 3,000-year-old trees overhead. It is peaceful, wild, and difficult to describe until you are here. The site is built for guests who want to disconnect from crowds and reconnect with nature without giving up comfort. Tucked into the meadow is a cozy insulated A-frame shelter with large windows, a skylight, soft solar lighting for nighttime ambiance, a locking door, and a full-size bed. It is simple, warm, secure, and comfortable — a perfect basecamp after exploring the high country. From the property, you have access to miles of 4x4 roads, ATV trails, hiking routes, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and quiet time by the stream. Spend the day hiking alpine ridges, exploring the forest, reading on the deck, or doing nothing at all. Amenities include a wood deck, waterproof awning, picnic table, BBQ grill, bear box, oversized stone fire pit, and simple backcountry-style toilet setup. Altitude note: this camp is around 11,000 feet, so guests should be prepared for high-elevation conditions, cooler nights, stronger sun, and changing mountain weather. There are also two other private Hipcamp sites on the property. [Add short sentence here naming or describing the other two sites.] Access note: the county road was recently graded and is manageable for most vehicles when driven slowly, though normal mountain-road potholes and uneven sections remain. RVs,
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