The best camping near Crested Butte with horseback riding

·

Surrounded by wilderness and mountains, Crested Butte is often called “Colorado’s last great ski town,” renowned for both downhill and Nordic skiing. It also shines in summer, with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities that include hundreds of miles of epic mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing, rafting, and more. It’s home to a registered historic district and a lively festival scene. Numerous areas near Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte offer camping, including private campgrounds and RV parks, developed forest service campgrounds, and primitive wilderness sites. 

90% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Crested Butte

1. Marble Mountain Yurt

100%
(131)
19mi from Crested Butte · 1 site · Lodging
Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$220
 / night

6. Double Rose Ranch

98%
(24)
33mi from Crested Butte · 5 sites · Tents
The only and closest Hipcamp under the steady majesty of Needlerock! You need to arrive in daylight! This area was Ute land first and Needlerock was ceremonial ground. We have lots of large fields (110 acres) A river running through to dip into and secluded areas to be at one with the magical beauty here. Once a working sheep ranch we are now taking time to dream into this magical place and it’s next incarnation. Come pitch a tent or there are a couple spots to car camp and share in this ranch paradise. We limit each camping spot to two adults or a family with children are fine. Please do not come with 4+ people and one tent. Book accordingly and respectfully. There are mosquitos down by the creek at certain times in the summer in the evening, so we recommend bringing some bug spray. There is a fridge in the barn to keep small things cold and tables to use to sit and enjoy the rustic lux surroundings. We provide a porta potty so please only #1 (pee) outdoors. The land is big although we have 7 camping spots listed, and they are mowed all summer, there is plenty of room to usually be able to choose your own exact spot. This is a cut above basic camping with some nice amenities! We have very friendly dogs, horses and goats. The dogs are out and about and will want to greet you and possible hang out a little. It’s their home too:) We often have a friends yaks grazing here and the next door neighbors cows are always there.
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night

8. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
36mi from Crested Butte · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade.  There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

15. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
46mi from Crested Butte · 4 sites · Lodging
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

17. Riverfront Mountain Ranch

98%
(102)
47mi from Crested Butte · 10 sites · Lodging
Welcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away. Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$251
 / night

18. Creekside Chalets

98%
(109)
48mi from Crested Butte · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

19. Buckeye's Cozy Romantic Cabins

94%
(9)
49mi from Crested Butte · 4 sites · Lodging
Buckeye's Cabin is located 4 miles outside the Town of Leadville on the upper most reaches of the Arkansas river headwaters on highway 91 as you head towards Freemont Pass. Itis just at the bottom of the pass at the point where Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak and Mt Massive come into view. It is part of an old ranch that sits on a gold mining claim and is an authentic old, comfy, cozy cabin. Huge picture windows look out onto Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak, and the Beaver Ponds of the very upper headwaters of the mighty Arkansas River. Sit by the woodstove with glass door and be mesmerized by the crackling flame. Turn on the satellite TV with surround sound and lose yourself in time. The reading room is a quiet place to escape on the feinting bench with a good book. Romantic bedroom with comfy queen bed. A perfect place to end the day. Sit back in the comfy antique recliner and watch the flame in the woodstove through the glass door, as the aspen leaf's flicker in the wind outside the picture windows that look out onto Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. The Beaver ponds across the street, teeming with trout, await your exploration. The sunset colors on the surrounding mountain peaks will amaze you as you sit on the sundrenched deck. Mining tours, museums, hiking, skiing, 4 wheel drive roads, dog sledding, snowmobiling, train rides, biking, fishing, & ice climbing are some of your options. Of course reading a good book by the fire rates high also. Leadville, Colorado is an old western Town full of charm, mountains, scenic lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Great restaurants, bars, and café’s await your culinary delight. An old historical mining Town from the late1800’s’ in the midst of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$245
 / night

Surrounded by wilderness and mountains, Crested Butte is often called “Colorado’s last great ski town,” renowned for both downhill and Nordic skiing. It also shines in summer, with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities that include hundreds of miles of epic mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing, rafting, and more. It’s home to a registered historic district and a lively festival scene. Numerous areas near Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte offer camping, including private campgrounds and RV parks, developed forest service campgrounds, and primitive wilderness sites. 

90% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Crested Butte

1. Marble Mountain Yurt

100%
(131)
19mi from Crested Butte · 1 site · Lodging
Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$220
 / night

6. Double Rose Ranch

98%
(24)
33mi from Crested Butte · 5 sites · Tents
The only and closest Hipcamp under the steady majesty of Needlerock! You need to arrive in daylight! This area was Ute land first and Needlerock was ceremonial ground. We have lots of large fields (110 acres) A river running through to dip into and secluded areas to be at one with the magical beauty here. Once a working sheep ranch we are now taking time to dream into this magical place and it’s next incarnation. Come pitch a tent or there are a couple spots to car camp and share in this ranch paradise. We limit each camping spot to two adults or a family with children are fine. Please do not come with 4+ people and one tent. Book accordingly and respectfully. There are mosquitos down by the creek at certain times in the summer in the evening, so we recommend bringing some bug spray. There is a fridge in the barn to keep small things cold and tables to use to sit and enjoy the rustic lux surroundings. We provide a porta potty so please only #1 (pee) outdoors. The land is big although we have 7 camping spots listed, and they are mowed all summer, there is plenty of room to usually be able to choose your own exact spot. This is a cut above basic camping with some nice amenities! We have very friendly dogs, horses and goats. The dogs are out and about and will want to greet you and possible hang out a little. It’s their home too:) We often have a friends yaks grazing here and the next door neighbors cows are always there.
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$50
 / night

8. Zenzen Gardens

95%
(220)
36mi from Crested Butte · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Zenzen Gardens is now the official tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a local winery located 3 miles south of Paonia. Come enjoy some local wines in the garden with a beautiful mountain view. Our tasting room is open May 1st to November 1st from 12 PM - 6 PM. We will be hosting several Farm to Table Dinners along with a Summer Concert Series, Water Lantern Festival and Masquerade.  There is veranda seating to enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and where you can access the internet. Wine tastings are offered daily 12pm-6pm. The veranda is open until 8pm. At the turn of the century, this farm was a dairy operation with its huge old red barn built in the 1880's. The property is pastoral, relaxing, rural and beautiful! It is surrounded by hay and alfalfa fields. It is very quiet with wide open spaces. You might see deer, fox, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Red Wing Blackbirds, just to name a few.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

15. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

93%
(160)
46mi from Crested Butte · 4 sites · Lodging
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

17. Riverfront Mountain Ranch

98%
(102)
47mi from Crested Butte · 10 sites · Lodging
Welcome to our geographic phenomenon! Here at the continental divide; we are lucky to have it all for the Outdoor Enthusiast. Our 5 acre Campground sits right along the Arkansas River. There are (2) 1 Min trails that lead you straight to River Access. Not wanting to get that close? No worries; watch the paddlers and rafters float by all summer long. If the Arkansas River is not enough of a playground for you, you will be happy to know that you have an uninterrupted view of Mount Princeton and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Peaks. We are also located 1/2 mile from some of the most famous mountain biking trails the USA offers. Mount Princeton Hot Springs are a beautiful 10.5 mile (15 min) drive away. Our campground offers a dreamy Bathhouse with 5 glamoured showers and 5 bathrooms. We have (14) Yurt glamping sites and (2) Riverfront studio cabins. All sites have electricity (heaters included), parking, fire pits (unless we are facing a fire ban), and picnic table. In addition, we have a large community bonfire location and there is access to outdoor grilling. We are excited to have you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$251
 / night

18. Creekside Chalets

98%
(109)
48mi from Crested Butte · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

19. Buckeye's Cozy Romantic Cabins

94%
(9)
49mi from Crested Butte · 4 sites · Lodging
Buckeye's Cabin is located 4 miles outside the Town of Leadville on the upper most reaches of the Arkansas river headwaters on highway 91 as you head towards Freemont Pass. Itis just at the bottom of the pass at the point where Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak and Mt Massive come into view. It is part of an old ranch that sits on a gold mining claim and is an authentic old, comfy, cozy cabin. Huge picture windows look out onto Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak, and the Beaver Ponds of the very upper headwaters of the mighty Arkansas River. Sit by the woodstove with glass door and be mesmerized by the crackling flame. Turn on the satellite TV with surround sound and lose yourself in time. The reading room is a quiet place to escape on the feinting bench with a good book. Romantic bedroom with comfy queen bed. A perfect place to end the day. Sit back in the comfy antique recliner and watch the flame in the woodstove through the glass door, as the aspen leaf's flicker in the wind outside the picture windows that look out onto Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. The Beaver ponds across the street, teeming with trout, await your exploration. The sunset colors on the surrounding mountain peaks will amaze you as you sit on the sundrenched deck. Mining tours, museums, hiking, skiing, 4 wheel drive roads, dog sledding, snowmobiling, train rides, biking, fishing, & ice climbing are some of your options. Of course reading a good book by the fire rates high also. Leadville, Colorado is an old western Town full of charm, mountains, scenic lakes, rivers, and wildlife. Great restaurants, bars, and café’s await your culinary delight. An old historical mining Town from the late1800’s’ in the midst of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$245
 / night

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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 camping near Crested Butte with horseback riding guide

Where to go

South

Take the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway south to Gunnison. Camp with your boat or lakeside at Blue Mesa Reservoir, part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Colorado’s largest body of water is known for excellent fishing and plenty of watersports. Continue south to remote Lake City, nestled in the San Juan Mountains. Enjoy ice climbing, go off-roading, or enjoy the waters of Lake San Cristobal. Stay in a private campground in town, dispersed camping on USFS land, free BLM riverside campsites, primitive sites in La Garita Wilderness Area, or in a network of backcountry yurts.

West

Take the West Elk Loop over Kebler Pass to Somerset for hiking, boating, and camping at Paonia State Park. Go fishing and sample wines near Hotchkiss. Just outside of Delta, enjoy boating and birdwatching at Sweitzer Lake State Park, look for dinosaur bones at Dry Mesa Quarry, and explore the red rock canyons and bluffs of Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Montrose is a great base for exploring the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Camping options can be found at state parks, wilderness areas, and national parks, and include sites for tents and RVs.

East

Head east to Taylor Park for camping, fishing, and rafting. Further south, Sargents offers dirt biking, mountain biking, and off-roading. Explore state wildlife areas and ghost towns, then soak in the hot springs and history of Poncha Springs or the arts scene in Salida. Bag a 14er in the Sawatch Range. There are plenty of campground options, whether you prefer the forest riverside, lakeside, or the backcountry. Gunnison National Forest also offers more than 30 developed campgrounds, with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. 

When to go

Winter and summer are the most popular times to visit Crested Butte and nearby Mount Crested Butte. Several popular festivals are held over the summer. The area is known for abundant wildflowers over the summer, and golden aspens in the fall. Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers lift-assisted activities over the summer and winter. In the winter, the area is a top skiing and snowboarding destination. Several mountain passes close over the winter. 

Know before you go

  • Crested Butte is situated at nearly 9,000 feet. Other recreation areas and campsites in the region are at even higher elevations. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
  • A free shuttle bus takes passengers around the town of Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte year-round. A vehicle will be required to explore outside of the area. 
  • Backcountry camping near Crested Butte is restricted to designated dispersed camping sites.
  • Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent. 
  • Permits are required for state and national wilderness areas.