The best forest camping near Pitkin

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Camping in Pitkin’s forests means waking up to pine needles underfoot and the sound of wind moving through aspen. With over 1,650 woodland campsites in the area, you’ll find spots ranging from shady clearings beside creeks to thick, secluded groves. Nightly prices start at $25, with an average around $51, so there’s something for every budget. Most sites offer toilets, pet-friendly policies, and showers—essentials after a day spent fishing, swimming, or chasing fresh snow on the slopes. Crowd favorites like Frenchman's Creek Ranch (186 reviews), Camp Penguin at WPR (135 reviews), and Marble Mountain Yurt (113 reviews) get high marks for scenic settings and practical setups. This is forest camping made simple—bring a warm sleeping bag, prep for cool evenings, and don’t forget your fishing rod.

95% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Pitkin

2. Creekside Chalets

98%
(109)
18mi from Pitkin · 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

6. Washington Gulch Getaway

37mi from Pitkin · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to the Washington Gulch Getaway! Don't miss this rare opportunity to stay at one of the most coveted homes in Crested Butte. Featuring 20 acres of private land surrounded by National Forest, ample mountain views and wildlife, 3 ponds, and trout stream, this 3-story creekside cabin is the perfect place for you and your friends or loved ones to enjoy the CO backcountry, or to simply relax and recharge. Book now to lock in your dates before they're gone; I would love to host your stay! ABOUT THE LOCATION: The Washington Gulch Getaway is your premier destination to enjoy a remote mountain retreat in the beautiful backcountry of Crested Butte, Colorado. Start your day watching the sun rise over Gothic Mountain before it slowly starts moving across a picturesque view of Whetstone. Enjoy the views from two decks and frequent visits from wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bears, and beavers. Sit and sunbathe by the two small ponds, or grab your fishing rod and follow the creek down to the third pond with plenty of trout waiting to bite. Hand-built over decades by the legendary Phil P., take in the sights, sounds, and rich history of one of the oldest gold mining claims in Gunnison County as you walk the property to find hidden gems like an old sluce box, outhouse, and some of the original equipment used to create this one-of-a-kind oasis. You'll also find countless trinkets, treasures, and antiques throughout the home. End your day watching the sunset over Anthracite Mesa, where an old coal mine once stood in the 1890's, as deer and other wildlife return almost every evening to graze and visit the ponds. Some might even get as close as the front door!
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$800
 / night

14. New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

100%
(56)
42mi from Pitkin · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history. New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth. We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$39
 / night

15. Goodview Campground at RMOC

88%
(40)
25mi from Pitkin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
The Goodview Campground is the perfect destination for your adventurous travels. It is conveniently located along Highway 285 and the banks of the Arkansas River just south of Buena Vista, CO, with sweeping views of Mt. Princeton and the Sawatch Mountains. The campground property is shared with the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, the Junkyard Bike Park, and Browns Canyon Brewing Company. We offer walk-in tent sites and car/van/camper pull-in sites with fire rings, beautiful views, port-a-johns, potable water, trash, and recycling onsite. Brown's Canyon Brewing Company is conveniently located within the RMOC outpost if you're looking for delicious food or a satisfying drink. Open 7 days a week, M-Th 11-7, F& Sa 11-8, Sun Brunch 11-2 & regular menu 3-7. Need an idea for an activity? RMOC is a full-service guide company that provides guided trips and instruction for rafting, kayaking, climbing, biking, and SUP excursions. Enjoy everything we have to offer at the Goodveiw Campground! If a site is not available on your date, please call the office for more booking options. 719-395-3335. While you're here, check out our onsite brew pub and food truck: Brown's Canyon Brewing Company https://brownscanyonbrewing.com/
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

16. Cloud 11: Secluded & Close to Town

95%
(29)
47mi from Pitkin · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience serene seclusion with breathtaking mountain views at our property, perfectly nestled in nature yet just a short walk from town. The property is 8 acres and includes a primary residence. There are many amazing locations to park a camper or van or even pitch a tent. Property is surrounded by empty land so very secluded but still close to town. Adjacent to the Mineral Belt Trail and easy access to East Side trail system. We live in a house on the property with our 3 year old son, and Buddy the dog, who will be very excited to meet you and might come check on you through out your stay. He loves leftover campfire hot dogs. Please be aware that this is old mining land and there is mining debris and also glass on the property. We work hard to pick it up and repurpose into art projects but it seems to be a never ending battle. If that is of concern this might not be the property for you. However feel free to bring a metal detector and your geology books and you can find a lot of fun treasures on the land if that is your thing!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

18. Rustic Off-Grid Mountain Cabin

100%
(4)
48mi from Pitkin · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Rustic off-grid mountain cabin just minutes from Leadville and Turquoise Lake. Enjoy solar power, Starlink Wi-Fi, outdoor shower, and wood stove. Cozy full bed and couch for comfort after hiking, fishing, or skiing nearby. Relax on the porch with stunning mountain views or gather around the fire pit under starry Colorado skies. A perfect retreat for couples or adventurers looking to escape and explore the Rockies without losing all modern comforts. Tennessee Creek Rd is part of the Leadville 100 race course (road does remain open during the races). During winter the same section of road are groomed snowmobile trails, so you can ski in or snowmobile in to the cabin. Bring your mountain bike, ATV/UTV, snowmobile, skis or snowboard to enjoy year round excitement! Blankets, bed linens, towels and pillows provided for guests comfort and convenience. (Summer months only! Winter months guests need to provide their own bedding & pillows i.e. sleeping bag, as cleaning services do not have access. No cleaning fee will be charged during winter months and guests are asked to leave the cabin in clean and ready to use condition for future guests) Cooking pots & pans, cooking utensils, 1 burner butane stove, charcoal smoker grill (bring your own charcoal), wood burning stove and fire pit are provided for cooking. ❄ Winter Vehicle Access Disclaimer Tennessee Creek Road typically becomes impassable to wheeled vehicles between Halloween and Thanksgiving and generally remains closed until Memorial Day. Depending on snowfall, this may occur earlier or later in the season. During times when the road is snow-covered and impassable, guests may access the cabin only by snowshoe, backcountry skis, or snowmobile. A public parking lot, which is plowed and maintained throughout the winter, is available for guest parking before using these alternative methods of access. 🛷 Trail Conditions: About a 2-mile stretch of Tennessee Creek Road is groomed during winter for skiing and snowmobiling up to Forest Road 103. Beyond that point, the road is ungroomed and may have deep powder or snow drifts, making travel more challenging. 🚰 Water: Running water is not available during the winter months, as water storage is winterized. Guests must either bring their own water or melt snow.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$100
 / night

Camping in Pitkin’s forests means waking up to pine needles underfoot and the sound of wind moving through aspen. With over 1,650 woodland campsites in the area, you’ll find spots ranging from shady clearings beside creeks to thick, secluded groves. Nightly prices start at $25, with an average around $51, so there’s something for every budget. Most sites offer toilets, pet-friendly policies, and showers—essentials after a day spent fishing, swimming, or chasing fresh snow on the slopes. Crowd favorites like Frenchman's Creek Ranch (186 reviews), Camp Penguin at WPR (135 reviews), and Marble Mountain Yurt (113 reviews) get high marks for scenic settings and practical setups. This is forest camping made simple—bring a warm sleeping bag, prep for cool evenings, and don’t forget your fishing rod.

95% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Pitkin

2. Creekside Chalets

98%
(109)
18mi from Pitkin · 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

6. Washington Gulch Getaway

37mi from Pitkin · 1 site · Lodging
Welcome to the Washington Gulch Getaway! Don't miss this rare opportunity to stay at one of the most coveted homes in Crested Butte. Featuring 20 acres of private land surrounded by National Forest, ample mountain views and wildlife, 3 ponds, and trout stream, this 3-story creekside cabin is the perfect place for you and your friends or loved ones to enjoy the CO backcountry, or to simply relax and recharge. Book now to lock in your dates before they're gone; I would love to host your stay! ABOUT THE LOCATION: The Washington Gulch Getaway is your premier destination to enjoy a remote mountain retreat in the beautiful backcountry of Crested Butte, Colorado. Start your day watching the sun rise over Gothic Mountain before it slowly starts moving across a picturesque view of Whetstone. Enjoy the views from two decks and frequent visits from wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bears, and beavers. Sit and sunbathe by the two small ponds, or grab your fishing rod and follow the creek down to the third pond with plenty of trout waiting to bite. Hand-built over decades by the legendary Phil P., take in the sights, sounds, and rich history of one of the oldest gold mining claims in Gunnison County as you walk the property to find hidden gems like an old sluce box, outhouse, and some of the original equipment used to create this one-of-a-kind oasis. You'll also find countless trinkets, treasures, and antiques throughout the home. End your day watching the sunset over Anthracite Mesa, where an old coal mine once stood in the 1890's, as deer and other wildlife return almost every evening to graze and visit the ponds. Some might even get as close as the front door!
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$800
 / night

14. New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

100%
(56)
42mi from Pitkin · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history. New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth. We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$39
 / night

15. Goodview Campground at RMOC

88%
(40)
25mi from Pitkin · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
The Goodview Campground is the perfect destination for your adventurous travels. It is conveniently located along Highway 285 and the banks of the Arkansas River just south of Buena Vista, CO, with sweeping views of Mt. Princeton and the Sawatch Mountains. The campground property is shared with the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, the Junkyard Bike Park, and Browns Canyon Brewing Company. We offer walk-in tent sites and car/van/camper pull-in sites with fire rings, beautiful views, port-a-johns, potable water, trash, and recycling onsite. Brown's Canyon Brewing Company is conveniently located within the RMOC outpost if you're looking for delicious food or a satisfying drink. Open 7 days a week, M-Th 11-7, F& Sa 11-8, Sun Brunch 11-2 & regular menu 3-7. Need an idea for an activity? RMOC is a full-service guide company that provides guided trips and instruction for rafting, kayaking, climbing, biking, and SUP excursions. Enjoy everything we have to offer at the Goodveiw Campground! If a site is not available on your date, please call the office for more booking options. 719-395-3335. While you're here, check out our onsite brew pub and food truck: Brown's Canyon Brewing Company https://brownscanyonbrewing.com/
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

16. Cloud 11: Secluded & Close to Town

95%
(29)
47mi from Pitkin · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Experience serene seclusion with breathtaking mountain views at our property, perfectly nestled in nature yet just a short walk from town. The property is 8 acres and includes a primary residence. There are many amazing locations to park a camper or van or even pitch a tent. Property is surrounded by empty land so very secluded but still close to town. Adjacent to the Mineral Belt Trail and easy access to East Side trail system. We live in a house on the property with our 3 year old son, and Buddy the dog, who will be very excited to meet you and might come check on you through out your stay. He loves leftover campfire hot dogs. Please be aware that this is old mining land and there is mining debris and also glass on the property. We work hard to pick it up and repurpose into art projects but it seems to be a never ending battle. If that is of concern this might not be the property for you. However feel free to bring a metal detector and your geology books and you can find a lot of fun treasures on the land if that is your thing!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night

18. Rustic Off-Grid Mountain Cabin

100%
(4)
48mi from Pitkin · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Rustic off-grid mountain cabin just minutes from Leadville and Turquoise Lake. Enjoy solar power, Starlink Wi-Fi, outdoor shower, and wood stove. Cozy full bed and couch for comfort after hiking, fishing, or skiing nearby. Relax on the porch with stunning mountain views or gather around the fire pit under starry Colorado skies. A perfect retreat for couples or adventurers looking to escape and explore the Rockies without losing all modern comforts. Tennessee Creek Rd is part of the Leadville 100 race course (road does remain open during the races). During winter the same section of road are groomed snowmobile trails, so you can ski in or snowmobile in to the cabin. Bring your mountain bike, ATV/UTV, snowmobile, skis or snowboard to enjoy year round excitement! Blankets, bed linens, towels and pillows provided for guests comfort and convenience. (Summer months only! Winter months guests need to provide their own bedding & pillows i.e. sleeping bag, as cleaning services do not have access. No cleaning fee will be charged during winter months and guests are asked to leave the cabin in clean and ready to use condition for future guests) Cooking pots & pans, cooking utensils, 1 burner butane stove, charcoal smoker grill (bring your own charcoal), wood burning stove and fire pit are provided for cooking. ❄ Winter Vehicle Access Disclaimer Tennessee Creek Road typically becomes impassable to wheeled vehicles between Halloween and Thanksgiving and generally remains closed until Memorial Day. Depending on snowfall, this may occur earlier or later in the season. During times when the road is snow-covered and impassable, guests may access the cabin only by snowshoe, backcountry skis, or snowmobile. A public parking lot, which is plowed and maintained throughout the winter, is available for guest parking before using these alternative methods of access. 🛷 Trail Conditions: About a 2-mile stretch of Tennessee Creek Road is groomed during winter for skiing and snowmobiling up to Forest Road 103. Beyond that point, the road is ungroomed and may have deep powder or snow drifts, making travel more challenging. 🚰 Water: Running water is not available during the winter months, as water storage is winterized. Guests must either bring their own water or melt snow.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$100
 / night

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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