The best waterside camping in Colorado

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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) 1,520 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

1. Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

94%
(730)
Clifton, CO · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We moved here in 1997 The home has had major remodels done on it. The lake is an old gravel pit to make road base for local road construction. The buoys in the lake are scuba projects from the local college CMU, and hold lots of fish. Other nesting platforms are for our local Geese and they hatch out in April-June. We airbnb 2 rooms in our home as a shared facility and have airbnbs in Northern Ca and Baja. Our home is off limits for campers as we need to respect the space for our other airbnb guests. But in an emergence please call, cell service works fine. port-a potty is gone for the winter November-April. port-a potty is clean and works great, May- Oct. If you are here in the winter you may use the trees or Mavericks gas station in 1.5 miles away. The first two pets are included at no additional cost. For any additional pets beyond the first two, there is a fee of $10 per pet, per night. Please make sure to add the Pet fee extra accordingly.
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Campfires
Campe Diem!

2. Campe Diem!

92%
(297)
CO · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Gondola Village at Holy Cross

3. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
Red Cliff, CO · 2 sites
Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Aspen, Vail, and Leadville, Colorado. There is little else in the area except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all accessed from a trailhead only two plus hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many only dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Vail / Eagle County / Leadville / Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you've seen, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Don’t forget your camera, and a good book (or read one from our large library while you’re up here). Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at almost 12,000 feet above sea level (believed to be one of the highest altitude Hipcamps in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, numerous other publications and brand product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in modular construction (cabins, yurts, and homes) and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern mountain design with a mining town aesthetic. With such challenging access (larger items can only come in via helicopter), each piece of furniture and amenity is carefully chosen. 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. For successful navigation without reliable cell service, a map app like onX is recommended. 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).
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Rocky Mountain National Park

4. Rocky Mountain National Park

98%
(186)
National park in Colorado · 553 sites
Explore one of America’s most beloved alpine landscapes in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park

99%
(87)
National park in Colorado · 47 sites
Come play in North America’s tallest sand box.
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Toilets
Campfires
Resort De Los Arboles

6. Resort De Los Arboles

100%
(1)
Arboles, CO · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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
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Electrical hookup
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Lodge pole forest

7. Lodge pole forest

94%
(48)
Fairplay, CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

8. Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

95%
(65)
CO · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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
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Campfires
Fruita By The Lake

9. Fruita By The Lake

97%
(84)
Fruita, CO · 3 sites
Stay somewhere truly different. Our property blends a private, working environment with wide-open space and a beautiful 1-acre lake (seasonal, summer access)—creating a peaceful, one-of-a-kind camping experience just minutes from town. Each campsite sits on our 10-acre property, giving you your own space and privacy while still enjoying easy access to everything the area has to offer. You’ll be surrounded by some of the best outdoor recreation in Colorado—mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, rafting, fishing, off-roading, and more—all right outside your door. The Colorado National Monument is just a short drive away. Despite the quiet setting, you’re only 2 minutes from Fruita, where you’ll find great restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, gas, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. The Sites We offer three well-spaced sites, each with: Water and electricity (#1 has no water but power) Expansive views Easy access and privacy One site includes full sewer hookup A Unique Setting (Please Read) This is not a traditional campground—it’s a private, adult-oriented property (18+) that also operates as the home of The Gondola Shop, a specialized gondola restoration business. Weekdays (Mon–Fri): You may notice light activity, occasional noise, and staff moving through parts of the property. Safety & atmosphere: For this reason, the property is best suited for responsible adults seeking a quieter, more independent camping experience. No children allowed due to the working environment and equipment on site. Speed limit: 10 mph throughout the property. Groups & Gatherings We’re open to small groups (RVs, vans, roof tents, etc.) as long as you are self-contained. From May through October, when the lake is full, the property becomes an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings, BBQs, and enjoying the outdoors in a private setting. If you’re looking for a quiet, unique place with space, views, and unbeatable access to Fruita’s outdoor scene—this is a great fit. If you’re looking for a traditional, kid-friendly campground, this likely isn’t it.
Pets
Full hookups
St. Vrain State Park

10. St. Vrain State Park

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

11. Curecanti National Recreation Area

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

12. Stagecoach State Park

State park in Colorado · 89 sites
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)
State park in Colorado · 370 sites
Enjoy all things water related at this fishing and water sports hot spot.
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Electrical hookup
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Colorado river Airstream

14. Colorado river Airstream

91%
(11)
Clifton, CO · 1 site
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
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Campfires
North Sterling State Park

15. North Sterling State Park

State park in Colorado · 141 sites
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

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

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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