The best desert campgrounds near Portland, Colorado

Looking to go camping near Portland, Colorado? Hipcamp has over 900 options for you to choose from. With prices starting as low as $15 per night and an average price of $48 per night, there's something for every budget. If you're looking for top campsites with rave reviews, check out Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), or Bright Star Campground (211 reviews). Popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water. And if you're into horseback riding, snow sports, or paddling, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities as well. Happy camping!

98% (53)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Portland, Colorado? Hipcamp has over 900 options for you to choose from. With prices starting as low as $15 per night and an average price of $48 per night, there's something for every budget. If you're looking for top campsites with rave reviews, check out Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), or Bright Star Campground (211 reviews). Popular amenities include pet-friendly sites, showers, and potable water. And if you're into horseback riding, snow sports, or paddling, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities as well. Happy camping!

98% (53)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Dark Sky Paradise

95%

(20)

44mi from Portland · 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.

2. CampV Colorado

97%

(45)

50mi from Portland · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Naturita, CO

Inspired Shelter for the Spirited Wanderer CampV was established in 1942 by the Vanadium Corporation to house the engineers who worked in the uranium mines outside of Naturita, Colorado. In 2020, this historic gem was restored by StudioVille Crew to welcome wanderers to a remote and scenic corner of SW Colorado. Discover your Wild without the crowds. Beautiful with a tiny bit of dirt under the fingernails and 120 acres to explore, travelers can sleep well in one of the newly reimagined historic cabins, glamping tents, Jupes, airstreams or river front camping. Through our arts non-profit WEarts, explorers can experience our curated art and support art and creative programming in a rural community. When you’re ready for a mission, check out Planet V, our annual arts and music gathering over Memorial Day and prepare to lift off.

3. Camp Stargazer

100%

(9)

47mi from Portland · 1 site · Lodging · Delta, CO

We started hosting our Glamping site in May of 2021 and have enjoyed sharing the experience with guests from Australia, Italy, Mexico City and all over the USA! We are centrally located between Grand Junction/Montrose and the Paiona/Hotchiss/Crawford area of the Western Slope. Our glamping site is 100% private, located on a secluded part of the 130 acre Stargazer Ranch in Delta Colorado. Just 7 miles from town yet has zero light pollution allowing for amazing epic views of the night sky. The site offers stunning views of the San Juan mountains to the South and the Grand Mesa to the North. Behind you and bordering the property is the Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon with miles of trails for hiking, biking, ATV'ing, dirt biking and horseback riding .The Grand Mesa has over 300 lakes to explore and we are 30 minutes away from a variety of wineries. The glamping tent sleeps 2, and we offer an extra tent and a queen blow up bed for an additional fee. As well as fresh eggs and firewood. We are a Coleman sponsored site so everything you need awaits your arrival. 5 gallons of drinking water, 5-6 gallons of washing water, Flashlights, lanterns, fans, Bluetooth speaker, chairs, cooler , wagon, telescope, sun shower , propane grill, dishes for 6 and more!! Just bring ice for cooler, towels for shower and your food & beverages! We now offer Horseback rides from our location! Please inquire if interested.

4. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%

(23)

228 sites · Ophir, Colorado

Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. San Juan National Forest

97%

(41)

696 sites · Rico, Colorado

Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Sunset Ridge

26mi from Portland · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cimarron, CO

Welcome to Sunset Ridge — your basecamp for adventure, sunsets, and Colorado mountain magic! Tucked away on the ruggedly beautiful Western Slope, our rustic mountain campsite offers panoramic sunset views, crackling campfires*, and easy access to the wild outdoors. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or soaking in the scenery, we've got you covered: 🛻 Four-wheel across scenic trails and roadways, 🥾 Hike to jaw-dropping overlooks on nearby popular trails, 🎣 Cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, 🎶 Enjoy live music, drinks and food under the stars at the local lodge. ...and that’s just the start. We’re a scenic drive from two classic Western Slope mountain towns—both offering hot springs, local eateries, charming shops, and even a nostalgic drive-in theater for the perfect nightcap. At Sunset Ridge, you can rise with the sun and the sound of birdsong, bugling elk, or grazing sheep, explore untamed Colorado by day, and unwind beside the fire* while the sky erupts in color followed by a nightlight of stars from above. Whether you're pitching a tent or pulling up in your rig, this is your place to unplug, unwind, and explore. *Availability is based on local fire restrictions, which are often in place during peak summer months.

7. Fire Mountain Farmstead

49mi from Portland · 1 site · Lodging · Hotchkiss, CO

Fire Mountain Farmstead has easy access to the area's many attractions. Right on Hwy 92, 7 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss and 20 min to Paonia. Drive 45 min to the Black Canyon's North Rim, or 45 min the other direction to the Grand Mesa. World class fishing right down the road! High desert views of the Gunnison Gorge and the Uncompahgre Plateau. We raise Dorper sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. We also grow 90% of our own food and have a market garden for a popular Paonia Producer's Market. We sell meat, eggs, veggies, herbs, medicinal tinctures, hand-made soap, and more! All of these items are available for our guests to purchase, although some are only available seasonally. Inquire with your hosts for more information or to schedule a farm tour! Well-stocked kitchenette. 100 Mbps WiFi. Fire pit! Dog allowed. No cats. Smoking OK outside, 420 friendly!

Public campgrounds near Portland

Campsite #9 - 100 yards off road, behind #10, very private and quiet. Loved this spot.

88%

(4)

Amphitheatre Campground

5mi from Portland · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Jackson Guard Station

13mi from Portland · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(1)

Silver Jack Campground

13mi from Portland · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Beaver Lake Campground

14mi from Portland · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Big Cimarron Campground

14mi from Portland · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(11)

Alta Lakes Campground

16mi from Portland · 16 sites · in Uncompahgre National Forest

EarthRoamers descending Last Dollar Road towards Telluride, CO

Sunshine Campground - Norwood

17mi from Portland · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

67%

(3)

Matterhorn Campground

20mi from Portland · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Matterhorn Cabin

20mi from Portland · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

83%

(4)

South Mineral Campground

20mi from Portland · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(2)

Woods Lake Campground - Norwood

24mi from Portland · 46 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Cayton Campground

27mi from Portland · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Stories from the community

J

JJ

October 2025

12 ft campervan

1 night at CampV Colorado

Awesome spot beneath the golden cottonwoods! Loved checking out the installations and spaces.

K

Kelli

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Stargazer

Camp Stargazer is an absolute gem! Sean and Vickie have built an incredible campsite. It is very comfortable, has everything you need, and looking up at the stars is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Hands down the coolest bathroom experience of my life.. you'll see when you're there!

D

Dorothy

September 2025

Tent

1 night at CampV Colorado

I found this camp at the last minute, while pulled over on the side of the road. It was awesome! The owner came and showed me around and advised me on working the hot shower. There.was a pond, total privacy, with everything I needed. It was lovely and I would definitely recommend staying at CampV!

P

Patti

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Stargazer

Had a great time! Vickie and Sean are awesome and welcoming. They think of everything and are quick to respond and answer questions. Thanks for the hospitality!

J

Jason

January 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Dark Sky Paradise

Camping at Dark Sky Paradise is always a wonderful experience! We return every year to enjoy the quiet and solitude. Sonny is a fantastic host and made sure we were able to locate the fire wood we requested and communicated with us whenever we had questions. I highly recommend this camp spot to enjoy the beautiful stars, gorgeous terrain and incredible views. Ridgeway is not far away and we always enjoy taking time to visit Orvis Hot Springs for a day. Do yourself a favor and make time to enjoy this unique place!