Camping in Cotopaxi, CO, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

United States
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Colorado
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Cotopaxi

93% (13744 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cotopaxi

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

One of the Snowbird campsites, along the Timber Lake trail. It was very well maintained. A bull moose walked through my campsite, twice! This is the closest campground to Timber Lake (1/4 mile up the trail) and is very convenient for a dayhike up Mount Ida.

Rocky Mountain National Park

446 campgrounds

Pike National Forest

665 campgrounds

Shadow Mountain Lookout

Great Sand Dunes National Park

677 campgrounds

Garden of the Gods

596 campgrounds

San Isabel National Forest

718 campgrounds

Star Hosts in Cotopaxi

100%

(64)

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, Saguache

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing.Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching.

Badger Creek Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4000 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

Badger Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated working ranch high above the Arkansas Valley in Central Colorado. We take a holistic approach to ranching and land stewardship; from having good daily practices by living “off the grid,” providing healthy locally sourced food to our guests and healthy, humanely raised meat to our meat customers, and by living in harmony with nature, including our livestock and the wildlife that call the ranch their home. Our intention is to create a space that provides connection and community. This work is meant to be shared and experienced by all. We welcome you to join us and be a part of Badger Creek Ranch. Whether you want to get your hands in the dirt, take respite and recharge, or find inspiration for your own work, Badger Creek’s gate is open. Experiences such as our One-Day Working Ranch experience, Walking Tours, and Carriage/Wagon Rides are available for an additional charge. See our website for details.

100%

(5)

Glamping at the Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

Enjoy the lovely setting of this romantic spot in nature. Kiowa Kabin is a peaceful spot to relax after a day of adventure. It's about 2 miles to several trails for dirt biking, ATV, hiking, & mountain biking in the San Isabella Forest. Trailer Parking so bring your ATVs and dirt bikes. A Short drive to the Royal Gorge train and park, St Abby's winery, Arkansas rafting and fishing, restaurants and shops. Comes with almost everything for your off grid in nature experience, even an outhouse / shower enclosure.

Creekside Chalets

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, Chaffee

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

The High Desert Ranch Colorado

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, Saguache

This land was part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. After over a year of clean up we are happy to be able to open the gates and welcome guests to our little valley ranch. Recently Featured in USA Todays Ten Best! Our property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! We are surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. We also offer accommodation for those with livestock, just make sure you chat with us in your initial message. We are also close to BLM, and National Forest as well as several hot springs and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!

12 top campgrounds near Cotopaxi

95%

(42)

Twin Bridges Campground

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Cotopaxi, Fremont

Camp alongside the Arkansas River (considered Gold Medal for the quality of trout per acre) with white water rafting June-Labor Day. We accommodate tents, vans, or RV's or we can provide a RV or tent. Restrooms and showers are easily accessible. We offer bank fishing, fly fishing lessons, guided fishing on the property and Rocky Mountain National Park or will arrange guided tours for fishing the entire Arkansas River, white water rafting, horseback riding, or having a zipline adventure. When fishing from the bank, no lures or or treble hooks and catch and release only. Pictures welcome! There are several Colorado mountains (fourteeners) to hike/climb in the vicinity. We have 4 acres on the waters of the Arkansas River. Our pond will be accessible next year. We will create the adventure you deserve - from guided fishing, fly fishing lessons, (children and adults) or fishing from the bank. Zipline, jeep, and horseback tours are not far from the campground. We can recommend several white water rafting companies based on your specific needs.

The High Desert Ranch Colorado

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, Saguache

This land was part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. After over a year of clean up we are happy to be able to open the gates and welcome guests to our little valley ranch. Recently Featured in USA Todays Ten Best! Our property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! We are surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. We also offer accommodation for those with livestock, just make sure you chat with us in your initial message. We are also close to BLM, and National Forest as well as several hot springs and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, Saguache

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing.Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching.

100%

(1)

Rollin Boles RV Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent36 acres · Moffat, Saguache

36 Acres all to yourself below the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. Hotsprings right across the street, along with many others near by. Amazing hiking all around you! If you're into offroading, check out Marshall pass rd/Poncha creek Rd. Medano pass is another one of our favorites and is an amazing way to finish out a day in Sand Dunes National Park. Joyful Journey hot springs is 3 mins away and for $15 you can soak all day long and enjoy a hot shower before returning back to camp. An hour to Great Sand Dunes National Park. 3 hours from Durango, 3 hours to Denver, 2 hours from colorado springs. 30 mins from Salida. Mailbox available to get whatever packages you need!

Creekside Chalets

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, Chaffee

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

Badger Creek Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4000 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

Badger Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated working ranch high above the Arkansas Valley in Central Colorado. We take a holistic approach to ranching and land stewardship; from having good daily practices by living “off the grid,” providing healthy locally sourced food to our guests and healthy, humanely raised meat to our meat customers, and by living in harmony with nature, including our livestock and the wildlife that call the ranch their home. Our intention is to create a space that provides connection and community. This work is meant to be shared and experienced by all. We welcome you to join us and be a part of Badger Creek Ranch. Whether you want to get your hands in the dirt, take respite and recharge, or find inspiration for your own work, Badger Creek’s gate is open. Experiences such as our One-Day Working Ranch experience, Walking Tours, and Carriage/Wagon Rides are available for an additional charge. See our website for details.

92%

(6)

Tumbleweed Flats

8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

This five acre property is in the county, yet on the edge of town. Close, as in 5 minutes, to the town center, the Hogbacks (Skyline Drive) , and the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge Bridge is about a 20 minute drive out of town. Feeling adventurous? Not afraid of heights or drop-offs and have four wheel drive? Then try the back route (single track, dirt road) to Cripple Creek - Shelf Road. Go adventure for the day, knowing your gear and equipment are safely secured on private property! Great views of the surrounding mountains and a quiet environment to stay the night.

100%

(2)

Mountain Breeze Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent62 acres · Smeltertown, Chaffee

Welcome to the ultimate outdoor retreat nestled just 30 minutes outside of the charming town of Salida, Colorado! Our 62-acre campsite is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Location: Our campsite is ideally situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering you breathtaking views of rugged peaks and pristine wilderness. Located just a short drive from Salida, you'll have the convenience of town amenities while enjoying the serene beauty of the mountainous landscape. Adventure Awaits: For those craving adventure, the nearby Arkansas River offers thrilling whitewater rafting experiences. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, you'll have the opportunity to navigate the exhilarating rapids of this iconic river. It's a fantastic way to get your adrenaline pumping and create unforgettable memories. Natural Hot Springs: After an exhilarating day on the river or exploring the trails, unwind and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs in Salida. These soothing thermal pools offer the perfect relaxation experience, allowing you to soak away any fatigue while surrounded by the tranquility of the wilderness. Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by towering pine trees and majestic mountain vistas, our campsite provides a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Whether you're hiking, mountain biking, or simply sitting by the campfire, you'll be immersed in the beauty of Colorado's pristine nature. Starry Nights: As night falls, the absence of city lights allows for a stunning display of stars in the clear mountain sky. Gaze up at the Milky Way and constellations as you relax around the campfire, creating lasting memories under the breathtaking celestial canopy. Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife that call this area home. You might spot deer, elk, eagles, and other fascinating creatures during your stay, adding an element of wonder to your outdoor experience. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventure, serene relaxation, or a bit of both, our 62-acre campsite near Salida, Colorado, is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, and soak in the natural hot springs while creating lasting memories in this mountain paradise.

Glamping at the Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

Enjoy the lovely setting of this romantic spot in nature. Kiowa Kabin is a peaceful spot to relax after a day of adventure. It's about 2 miles to several trails for dirt biking, ATV, hiking, & mountain biking in the San Isabella Forest. Trailer Parking so bring your ATVs and dirt bikes. A Short drive to the Royal Gorge train and park, St Abby's winery, Arkansas rafting and fishing, restaurants and shops. Comes with almost everything for your off grid in nature experience, even an outhouse / shower enclosure.

Booked 3 times

BV Overlook Camp & Lodging

88 sites · Lodging10 acres · Buena Vista, Chaffee

Situated at the Midland trailhead with amazing views of the Collegiate Peaks, BV Overlook Camp and Lodging have unique and modern Tiny Homes, Glamping Tents, Cabins, a Yurt, full hookup options at the RV Park, and sites for Camping. The campground offers a range of amenities such as newly renovated bathhouses, a store stocked with snacks, supplies, and clothing, complimentary Wi-Fi, a communal fire pit, a laundry room, and a recreation room featuring a pool, darts, games, and movies. Buena Vista, Colorado offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities to explore, including rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly fishing, backpacking, dirt biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy hot springs and access to numerous 14ers.

93%

(20)

Lake George Gulch

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Florissant, Park

Come have free range on wide open 40 Acres! TWO CABINS AVAILABLE! ASK! Loft sleeping areas, gas cooktops, and sinks. These cabins are OFF-GRID and run entirely on solar energy. Waterless toilets.Walking distance to Spinney Mountain Reservoir and a short drive to trophy fishing at Antero, and Eleven mile, as well as the "Dream Stream". We have many available primitive tent sites and RV sites that are private or go ahead and make your own site if you find the perfect spot. Feel free to bring your machines as we have direct access to National Forests and BLM land.

92%

(65)

MTNMN Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

Welcome to MTNMN Ranch! We are only 9 Miles from Royal Gorge access and have a creek on the property. While staying with us you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and fishing within 5 minutes from the site. Our property is always gated and secure. Our sites are best suited for RV or van campers and feature large and level parking areas. We also offer 110 electrical hookup with a maximum vehicle length of 50 ft. Potable water and trash bins are also available there are no direct hook ups for 30 am electric or potable water but we have water access just not a direct hook up.

Under $50

96%

(28)

Creekside Chalets

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, Chaffee

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

Twin Bridges Campground

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Cotopaxi, Fremont

Camp alongside the Arkansas River (considered Gold Medal for the quality of trout per acre) with white water rafting June-Labor Day. We accommodate tents, vans, or RV's or we can provide a RV or tent. Restrooms and showers are easily accessible. We offer bank fishing, fly fishing lessons, guided fishing on the property and Rocky Mountain National Park or will arrange guided tours for fishing the entire Arkansas River, white water rafting, horseback riding, or having a zipline adventure. When fishing from the bank, no lures or or treble hooks and catch and release only. Pictures welcome! There are several Colorado mountains (fourteeners) to hike/climb in the vicinity. We have 4 acres on the waters of the Arkansas River. Our pond will be accessible next year. We will create the adventure you deserve - from guided fishing, fly fishing lessons, (children and adults) or fishing from the bank. Zipline, jeep, and horseback tours are not far from the campground. We can recommend several white water rafting companies based on your specific needs.

Rollin Boles RV Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent36 acres · Moffat, Saguache

36 Acres all to yourself below the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. Hotsprings right across the street, along with many others near by. Amazing hiking all around you! If you're into offroading, check out Marshall pass rd/Poncha creek Rd. Medano pass is another one of our favorites and is an amazing way to finish out a day in Sand Dunes National Park. Joyful Journey hot springs is 3 mins away and for $15 you can soak all day long and enjoy a hot shower before returning back to camp. An hour to Great Sand Dunes National Park. 3 hours from Durango, 3 hours to Denver, 2 hours from colorado springs. 30 mins from Salida. Mailbox available to get whatever packages you need!

The High Desert Ranch Colorado

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, Saguache

This land was part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. After over a year of clean up we are happy to be able to open the gates and welcome guests to our little valley ranch. Recently Featured in USA Todays Ten Best! Our property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! We are surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. We also offer accommodation for those with livestock, just make sure you chat with us in your initial message. We are also close to BLM, and National Forest as well as several hot springs and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, Saguache

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing.Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching.

Within one hour of Cotopaxi

Booked 1 time

Hambones get away

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Cotopaxi, Fremont

Learn more about this land:You have scenic views. Royal gorge is approximately 25 minutes away. White water rafting is approximately 25 minutes away. Rainbow hiking trail is approximately 25 minutes away. 4 wheeler rentals are near by or bring your own.

Saved 5 times

Cottonwood Camp

7 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Florence, Fremont

Open May through October. This secluded, 2-acre campsite is the only place between the Royal Gorge and Lake Pueblo where you can fish and camp right on the banks of the Arkansas River. Accessible by watercraft only, you cannot drive to it or hike to it—you can only boat to it. There is no public road access to the camp. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN WATERCRAFT. Access to the campsite requires your own boat. There are no direct roads for you take. You will be our only guests at this private riverfront location—no one else vying for the trout…no one’s boom box disturbing your sleep…no swimmers disturbing the fish. Note: We’re open May through October, and during those months, we might have to close temporarily for safety reasons when river flow-rates exceed 1,300 cfs (cubic feet per second). If we need to close when you have a reservation and you can’t change your date, we will notify you of the closure and refund your money.

MTNMN Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Cañon City, Fremont

Welcome to MTNMN Ranch! We are only 9 Miles from Royal Gorge access and have a creek on the property. While staying with us you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and fishing within 5 minutes from the site. Our property is always gated and secure. Our sites are best suited for RV or van campers and feature large and level parking areas. We also offer 110 electrical hookup with a maximum vehicle length of 50 ft. Potable water and trash bins are also available there are no direct hook ups for 30 am electric or potable water but we have water access just not a direct hook up.

Saved 22 times

Big Tiny in the Sangres

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Cotopaxi, Fremont

Amazing 5 acre property with 1000's of acres of BLM to hike and enjoy a serene place to enjoy. Amazing place to chill and unwind from the city! Arkansas River, Lake Deweese, Royal Gorge Train Ride, White Water Rafting, Trail hiking, and Hot springs all within 35 min away! Horse back riding tours in Westcliffe as well!

97%

(55)

Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

7 sites · Lodging20 acres · Salida, Chaffee

The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(72)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

88%

(12)

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Salida, Colorado

88%

(8)

Eleven Mile State Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Rio Grande National Forest

Alpine, Colorado

97%

(33)

Gunnison National Forest

Crested Butte, Colorado

San Luis State Wildlife Area

Hooper, Colorado

94%

(16)

Grand Mesa National Forest

Cedaredge, Colorado

Camping near Cotopaxi guide

Looking for the best camping near Cotopaxi? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Colorado hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Cotopaxi.