The best waterside camping in Colorado

·

Colorado’s waterside campsites pack a punch. With over 11,900 options spread along rivers, lakes, and creeks, you’ll find everything from hidden streamside clearings to camps with mountain views reflected in still water. Average nights run about $62, but you can snag a site for as low as $5. favorites like Rustic Creek Ranch (827 reviews), Serenity in the Foothills (607 reviews), and Glen Isle Resort (598 reviews) come up again and again for good reason. Most sites allow campfires and pets, and you won’t be hunting for a toilet. Bring your boots—horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife watching start right outside your tent. If you want water close enough to dip your toes in, this is where you pitch your tent in Colorado.

95% (12.8K) 49 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Colorado

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

1. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
4 sites · Lodging · Red Cliff, CO
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$6
 / night
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

2. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(701)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Clifton, CO
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Fruita By The Lake

3. Fruita By The Lake

97%
(83)
5 sites · RVs · Fruita, CO
The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are just 2 minutes from downtown Fruita, offering easy access to good restaurants, great coffee shops a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the pond between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard WE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night
Rocky Mountain National Park

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

97%
(175)
553 sites · Grand Lake, Colorado
Explore one of America’s most beloved alpine landscapes in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Great Sand Dunes National Park

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park

99%
(82)
47 sites · Crestone, Colorado
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Resort De Los Arboles

6. Resort De Los Arboles

100%
(1)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Arboles, CO
Beautiful camping location minutes from Navajo Lake with amazing lake fishing boating surfing and canoeing Resort De Los Arboles supplies peace and relaxation in your private Resort minutes from the boat ramp or the Windsurf Beach The Resort offers 50amp 30amp and regular outlet Horse Shoes, Ax Throwing, Corn Hole and fire pit to enjoy the star gazing Roughly 35 minutes from the hot springs Pagosa Springs CO has the world's deepest hot Enjoy Sky Ute Casino 20 minutes away Ignacio CO Check out Chimney Rock and all the amazing adventours 15minutes away Durango Narrow Guage Railroad Roughly 4o minutes Durango CO Mesa Verde roughly 1hr and 15minutes Come and enjoy your Stay ! Enjoy your peace and harmony Harmonize with the earth
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Campe Diem!

7. Campe Diem!

92%
(296)
49 sites · Tents, RVs · CO
Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Lodge pole forest

8. Lodge pole forest

94%
(47)
2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fairplay, CO
This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Water hookup
from 
$80
 / night
Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

9. Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

95%
(65)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · CO
One of a kind property on the Colorado River in the middle of wine country. Animal sanctuary w Alpaca, Goats, Pigs, mini Horses, Peacocks, Chickens, Dogs, That all free range the property. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Western Colorado the views, stars secluded quietness in nature yet 5 miles from all the city conveniences Electric 15 amp; water hookups & along the Colorado River on a private animal sanctuary. We allow tents, vans, small rvs & small campers. This is a very exclusive property and location. There is also a large lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding for our guest use. This spot is on a private beach shared w our family friends and guest on the Colorado river Sorry no dogs allowed
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night
St. Vrain State Park

10. St. Vrain State Park

100%
(1)
78 sites · Firestone, Colorado
Get outdoors without driving far at this state park between Denver and Fort Collins.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Curecanti National Recreation Area

11. Curecanti National Recreation Area

100%
(2)
158 sites · Gunnison, Colorado
Nestled high in the mountains west of Colorado Springs is a boater's paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stagecoach State Park

12. Stagecoach State Park

89 sites · Oak Creek, Colorado
Fish for trout and pike at this reservoir-side park—you can even borrow tackle.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Pueblo State Park

13. Lake Pueblo State Park

63%
(8)
370 sites · Pueblo, Colorado
Enjoy all things water related at this fishing and water sports hot spot.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Colorado river Airstream

14. Colorado river Airstream

91%
(11)
1 site · Lodging · Clifton, CO
Animal sanctuary farm w alpaca, dogs, goats, pigs, mini horses, chickens, peacocks. Located on the beach of the Colorado river. Large 2 acre lake to fish, paddle board, kayak, canoe or swim. All the animals are rescues that are now pets that you can hand feed and interact with they all love attention and food.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night
North Sterling State Park

15. North Sterling State Park

141 sites · Padroni, Colorado
Commune with nature, no matter the season, on the banks of a massive reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Yampa River State Park

16. Yampa River State Park

48 sites · Hayden, Colorado
Bring your raft and fishing gear to this expansive state park on the Yampa River.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

Colorado’s waterside campsites pack a punch. With over 11,900 options spread along rivers, lakes, and creeks, you’ll find everything from hidden streamside clearings to camps with mountain views reflected in still water. Average nights run about $62, but you can snag a site for as low as $5. favorites like Rustic Creek Ranch (827 reviews), Serenity in the Foothills (607 reviews), and Glen Isle Resort (598 reviews) come up again and again for good reason. Most sites allow campfires and pets, and you won’t be hunting for a toilet. Bring your boots—horseback riding, hiking, and wildlife watching start right outside your tent. If you want water close enough to dip your toes in, this is where you pitch your tent in Colorado.

95% (12.8K) 49 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Colorado

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

1. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
4 sites · Lodging · Red Cliff, CO
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$6
 / night
Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

2. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(701)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Clifton, CO
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Fruita By The Lake

3. Fruita By The Lake

97%
(83)
5 sites · RVs · Fruita, CO
The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are just 2 minutes from downtown Fruita, offering easy access to good restaurants, great coffee shops a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the pond between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard WE DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night
Rocky Mountain National Park

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

97%
(175)
553 sites · Grand Lake, Colorado
Explore one of America’s most beloved alpine landscapes in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Great Sand Dunes National Park

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park

99%
(82)
47 sites · Crestone, Colorado
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Resort De Los Arboles

6. Resort De Los Arboles

100%
(1)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Arboles, CO
Beautiful camping location minutes from Navajo Lake with amazing lake fishing boating surfing and canoeing Resort De Los Arboles supplies peace and relaxation in your private Resort minutes from the boat ramp or the Windsurf Beach The Resort offers 50amp 30amp and regular outlet Horse Shoes, Ax Throwing, Corn Hole and fire pit to enjoy the star gazing Roughly 35 minutes from the hot springs Pagosa Springs CO has the world's deepest hot Enjoy Sky Ute Casino 20 minutes away Ignacio CO Check out Chimney Rock and all the amazing adventours 15minutes away Durango Narrow Guage Railroad Roughly 4o minutes Durango CO Mesa Verde roughly 1hr and 15minutes Come and enjoy your Stay ! Enjoy your peace and harmony Harmonize with the earth
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Campe Diem!

7. Campe Diem!

92%
(296)
49 sites · Tents, RVs · CO
Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Lodge pole forest

8. Lodge pole forest

94%
(47)
2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fairplay, CO
This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Water hookup
from 
$80
 / night
Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

9. Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

95%
(65)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · CO
One of a kind property on the Colorado River in the middle of wine country. Animal sanctuary w Alpaca, Goats, Pigs, mini Horses, Peacocks, Chickens, Dogs, That all free range the property. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Western Colorado the views, stars secluded quietness in nature yet 5 miles from all the city conveniences Electric 15 amp; water hookups & along the Colorado River on a private animal sanctuary. We allow tents, vans, small rvs & small campers. This is a very exclusive property and location. There is also a large lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding for our guest use. This spot is on a private beach shared w our family friends and guest on the Colorado river Sorry no dogs allowed
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night
St. Vrain State Park

10. St. Vrain State Park

100%
(1)
78 sites · Firestone, Colorado
Get outdoors without driving far at this state park between Denver and Fort Collins.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Curecanti National Recreation Area

11. Curecanti National Recreation Area

100%
(2)
158 sites · Gunnison, Colorado
Nestled high in the mountains west of Colorado Springs is a boater's paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Stagecoach State Park

12. Stagecoach State Park

89 sites · Oak Creek, Colorado
Fish for trout and pike at this reservoir-side park—you can even borrow tackle.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Pueblo State Park

13. Lake Pueblo State Park

63%
(8)
370 sites · Pueblo, Colorado
Enjoy all things water related at this fishing and water sports hot spot.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Colorado river Airstream

14. Colorado river Airstream

91%
(11)
1 site · Lodging · Clifton, CO
Animal sanctuary farm w alpaca, dogs, goats, pigs, mini horses, chickens, peacocks. Located on the beach of the Colorado river. Large 2 acre lake to fish, paddle board, kayak, canoe or swim. All the animals are rescues that are now pets that you can hand feed and interact with they all love attention and food.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night
North Sterling State Park

15. North Sterling State Park

141 sites · Padroni, Colorado
Commune with nature, no matter the season, on the banks of a massive reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Yampa River State Park

16. Yampa River State Park

48 sites · Hayden, Colorado
Bring your raft and fishing gear to this expansive state park on the Yampa River.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires

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