The best forest camping near Ouray

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Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to escape to the forest near Ouray, Colorado? We've got you covered with over 669 camping options specifically in that area. Whether you're looking for a serene spot to pitch your tent or a cozy cabin nestled in the trees, we have something for everyone. Check out some of our top-rated campsites, like Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), and Bright Star Campground (211 reviews) for a tried and true camping experience. With popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly spaces, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're feeling adventurous, engage in activities like snow sports, climbing, and off-roading. So pack your gear and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest near Ouray, Colorado!

95% (722)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hartwork Ranch

1. Hartwork Ranch

97%
(29)
18mi from Ouray · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Placerville, CO
Elk are in rut and you can hear them bugling from your campsite. The aspen groves are peaking and we’re surrounded by orange scrub oak for fall. Oh, we have views! You may have a campfire and we have free wood! We also have delicious duck eggs! A beautiful 40 acre ranch on Hastings Mesa with views of Alder Canyon and Hayden’s Peak. You can hear Alder Creek flowing through the canyon from the comfort of your campsite. Many nearby options for bicycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing in the area. Once you pull out the driveway you are a few minutes from Last Dollar Ranch Road (hike, bike, or 4x4) and about a 25 minute drive to Telluride, 30 minutes to Ridgway, and 30 minutes to Norwood. Just outside of Ridgway is Orvis Hot Springs, and more hot springs can be found in Ouray. The property offers access to Alder Creek and our beaver ponds down in the canyon. The fields are blanketed with Iris and clematis flowers in May and June and other wild flowers throughout the summer including pentstemon, larkspur, and wild roses. There are patches of scrub oak and fields with cinquefoil bushes in the camping areas, and as you go down in the canyon there’s aspen groves, blue spruce, and ponderosa pines. As mentioned before, we have delicious farm fresh duck eggs from our happy free-ranging ducks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Bear Paw Lodge Bear Cabins

6. Bear Paw Lodge Bear Cabins

41mi from Ouray · 7 sites · Lodging · Bayfield, CO
Welcome to Bear Paw Lodge, ideally located near the scenic Vallecito Lake and surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains. We offer private, secluded mountain cabins and spacious vacation homes, each equipped with the amenities essential for a peaceful, relaxing stay. Stay with us and discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and comfortable accommodations in the stunning landscape of Southwest Colorado. Choose from our range of one to three-bedroom cabins at Bear Paw Lodge, each featuring a fully furnished kitchen, smart/streaming TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy living and dining areas, fireplaces or wood stoves, and charcoal grills. Our cabins provide a serene setting with essential comforts, making them ideal for couples, families. retreats and groups seeking a peaceful mountain retreat in Southwest Colorado. Recreation (volleyball, horseshoes, ladderball, cornhole and more) and large lighted fire pit on site as well.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$140
 / night
Durango Placer

8. Durango Placer

100%
(107)
48mi from Ouray · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hesperus, CO
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 !
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Animas River Valley red cliffs

15. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%
(129)
43mi from Ouray · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durango, CO
Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year.  No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production.  Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.  
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Meadows of San Juan RV Resort

16. Meadows of San Juan RV Resort

85%
(24)
24mi from Ouray · 112 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
Meadows of San Juan is located in Colorado's high desert region and is conveniently situated near some of the area's most popular attractions, including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ouray Hot Springs, and Colorado National Monument. Our RV park is family, pet, and big rig-friendly, with 120 spacious Full Hook-Up Pull-thru or Back-in Sites equipped with 30 amp and 50 amp service. Each site features a picnic table, complimentary Wi-Fi, and stunning Colorado views. You can even stay hooked up if you're only staying for one night. Our vacation cabins are cozy and comfortable, featuring wooden decks, a full bed, and a set of twin bunks that can accommodate up to four people. Each cabin comes with a small kitchenette equipped with a cooktop and refrigerator, and a charcoal grill and picnic table are available outside. The cabins also have a full bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet. For a more rustic camping experience, we offer primitive cabins that sleep four comfortably with two bunk beds and an air mattress, but no heat, electricity, kitchen, or bathroom. We offer a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy, including a seasonal indoor/outdoor pool, billiards, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and pedal karts. Other amenities include WiFi, propane, a general store where firewood is sold, and access to communal fire rings for campfire nights. For families with children and pets, there is a playground and a "Bark Park" for off-leash exercise. The resort also has an event center available for groups, reunions, weddings, and other celebrations. The scenic views and beauty of Montrose, CO enhance your camping experience with added value. Discover and explore the authentic Colorado experience with Meadows of San Juan RV Resort as your ideal "home base".
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Poplar Place

18. Poplar Place

93%
(14)
44mi from Ouray · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Olathe, CO
Locally owned, this large tree grove with over 100 trees, was planted in 1979 for privacy and shade between 2 homes. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock or park your RV at the Poplar Place. Several campsites within a large grove of trees which provide privacy & shade. Enjoy the sounds of nature including but not limited to: woodpeckers, owls, hawks, farm animals, frogs, crickets & much more. Hammocks, local area maps & yard games available at our check-in station and don’t forget to carve your initials in the totem pole before you leave. You can enjoy visiting with friends around the fire pit, play a game of tic-tac-toe, have an axe throwing contest or hide out in the Tee-Pee, whatever your heart desires. **Pets are welcome, however, they MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES & PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IS A MUST* Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Around the campsite.

19. Dark Sky Paradise

95%
(20)
46mi from Ouray · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Naturita, CO
Did you know the Milky Way has color? Come experience night skies like you have never seen them before! Look up when the next meteor shower is and reserve your spot. Most visitors love the serene atmosphere and want to get away from it all. You can explore 45 of our acres and access 45 acres of land locked BLM lands. A quick 5 min drive away is endless BLM and public lands. The land is around 10 miles from the town of Naturita which has a restaurant, atv rentals, a bar, a grocery store, thrift store, library, consignment store, dispensaries and gas stations. Naturita is an amazing place for Dark Sky viewing, hiking, camping, biking, and scenic drives. The outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. It is very close (driving) to the Dolores River. The land is surrounded by BLM and near the Uncompahge National Forest. The Dark Sky campsite is also close to the Unaweep/Tabegauche Scenic and Historic Byway. We are about 2 hours from Moab, UT! We go to Moab to get sushi. Come here to get away from it all! The land itself offers incredible mountain views. You park at the tree line with desert Sage brush views to the East, Pinion and Juniper trees with a private canyon and beautiful rock formations to the West. Just North is 45 acres of landlocked BLM public land walking distance from the campsite. Unit 70 for the hunters who know how legendary this area is. Our land has an obstacle course, private paintball/gel blaster/nerf field, seasonal lake, trails, canyon, elevation gains and drops. Pets are encouraged to join you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$31
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to escape to the forest near Ouray, Colorado? We've got you covered with over 669 camping options specifically in that area. Whether you're looking for a serene spot to pitch your tent or a cozy cabin nestled in the trees, we have something for everyone. Check out some of our top-rated campsites, like Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), and Bright Star Campground (211 reviews) for a tried and true camping experience. With popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly spaces, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're feeling adventurous, engage in activities like snow sports, climbing, and off-roading. So pack your gear and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest near Ouray, Colorado!

95% (722)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hartwork Ranch

1. Hartwork Ranch

97%
(29)
18mi from Ouray · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Placerville, CO
Elk are in rut and you can hear them bugling from your campsite. The aspen groves are peaking and we’re surrounded by orange scrub oak for fall. Oh, we have views! You may have a campfire and we have free wood! We also have delicious duck eggs! A beautiful 40 acre ranch on Hastings Mesa with views of Alder Canyon and Hayden’s Peak. You can hear Alder Creek flowing through the canyon from the comfort of your campsite. Many nearby options for bicycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing in the area. Once you pull out the driveway you are a few minutes from Last Dollar Ranch Road (hike, bike, or 4x4) and about a 25 minute drive to Telluride, 30 minutes to Ridgway, and 30 minutes to Norwood. Just outside of Ridgway is Orvis Hot Springs, and more hot springs can be found in Ouray. The property offers access to Alder Creek and our beaver ponds down in the canyon. The fields are blanketed with Iris and clematis flowers in May and June and other wild flowers throughout the summer including pentstemon, larkspur, and wild roses. There are patches of scrub oak and fields with cinquefoil bushes in the camping areas, and as you go down in the canyon there’s aspen groves, blue spruce, and ponderosa pines. As mentioned before, we have delicious farm fresh duck eggs from our happy free-ranging ducks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Bear Paw Lodge Bear Cabins

6. Bear Paw Lodge Bear Cabins

41mi from Ouray · 7 sites · Lodging · Bayfield, CO
Welcome to Bear Paw Lodge, ideally located near the scenic Vallecito Lake and surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains. We offer private, secluded mountain cabins and spacious vacation homes, each equipped with the amenities essential for a peaceful, relaxing stay. Stay with us and discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and comfortable accommodations in the stunning landscape of Southwest Colorado. Choose from our range of one to three-bedroom cabins at Bear Paw Lodge, each featuring a fully furnished kitchen, smart/streaming TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy living and dining areas, fireplaces or wood stoves, and charcoal grills. Our cabins provide a serene setting with essential comforts, making them ideal for couples, families. retreats and groups seeking a peaceful mountain retreat in Southwest Colorado. Recreation (volleyball, horseshoes, ladderball, cornhole and more) and large lighted fire pit on site as well.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$140
 / night
Durango Placer

8. Durango Placer

100%
(107)
48mi from Ouray · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hesperus, CO
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 !
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Animas River Valley red cliffs

15. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%
(129)
43mi from Ouray · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durango, CO
Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year.  No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D  Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille.  Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road.  Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production.  Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset.  At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.  
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Meadows of San Juan RV Resort

16. Meadows of San Juan RV Resort

85%
(24)
24mi from Ouray · 112 sites · Tents, RVs · Montrose, CO
Meadows of San Juan is located in Colorado's high desert region and is conveniently situated near some of the area's most popular attractions, including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Ouray Hot Springs, and Colorado National Monument. Our RV park is family, pet, and big rig-friendly, with 120 spacious Full Hook-Up Pull-thru or Back-in Sites equipped with 30 amp and 50 amp service. Each site features a picnic table, complimentary Wi-Fi, and stunning Colorado views. You can even stay hooked up if you're only staying for one night. Our vacation cabins are cozy and comfortable, featuring wooden decks, a full bed, and a set of twin bunks that can accommodate up to four people. Each cabin comes with a small kitchenette equipped with a cooktop and refrigerator, and a charcoal grill and picnic table are available outside. The cabins also have a full bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet. For a more rustic camping experience, we offer primitive cabins that sleep four comfortably with two bunk beds and an air mattress, but no heat, electricity, kitchen, or bathroom. We offer a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy, including a seasonal indoor/outdoor pool, billiards, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and pedal karts. Other amenities include WiFi, propane, a general store where firewood is sold, and access to communal fire rings for campfire nights. For families with children and pets, there is a playground and a "Bark Park" for off-leash exercise. The resort also has an event center available for groups, reunions, weddings, and other celebrations. The scenic views and beauty of Montrose, CO enhance your camping experience with added value. Discover and explore the authentic Colorado experience with Meadows of San Juan RV Resort as your ideal "home base".
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Poplar Place

18. Poplar Place

93%
(14)
44mi from Ouray · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Olathe, CO
Locally owned, this large tree grove with over 100 trees, was planted in 1979 for privacy and shade between 2 homes. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock or park your RV at the Poplar Place. Several campsites within a large grove of trees which provide privacy & shade. Enjoy the sounds of nature including but not limited to: woodpeckers, owls, hawks, farm animals, frogs, crickets & much more. Hammocks, local area maps & yard games available at our check-in station and don’t forget to carve your initials in the totem pole before you leave. You can enjoy visiting with friends around the fire pit, play a game of tic-tac-toe, have an axe throwing contest or hide out in the Tee-Pee, whatever your heart desires. **Pets are welcome, however, they MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES & PROPER DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IS A MUST* Thank you
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Around the campsite.

19. Dark Sky Paradise

95%
(20)
46mi from Ouray · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Naturita, CO
Did you know the Milky Way has color? Come experience night skies like you have never seen them before! Look up when the next meteor shower is and reserve your spot. Most visitors love the serene atmosphere and want to get away from it all. You can explore 45 of our acres and access 45 acres of land locked BLM lands. A quick 5 min drive away is endless BLM and public lands. The land is around 10 miles from the town of Naturita which has a restaurant, atv rentals, a bar, a grocery store, thrift store, library, consignment store, dispensaries and gas stations. Naturita is an amazing place for Dark Sky viewing, hiking, camping, biking, and scenic drives. The outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. It is very close (driving) to the Dolores River. The land is surrounded by BLM and near the Uncompahge National Forest. The Dark Sky campsite is also close to the Unaweep/Tabegauche Scenic and Historic Byway. We are about 2 hours from Moab, UT! We go to Moab to get sushi. Come here to get away from it all! The land itself offers incredible mountain views. You park at the tree line with desert Sage brush views to the East, Pinion and Juniper trees with a private canyon and beautiful rock formations to the West. Just North is 45 acres of landlocked BLM public land walking distance from the campsite. Unit 70 for the hunters who know how legendary this area is. Our land has an obstacle course, private paintball/gel blaster/nerf field, seasonal lake, trails, canyon, elevation gains and drops. Pets are encouraged to join you.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$31
 / night

Camper favorites near Ouray

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Ouray

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Other options near Ouray

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field