Lake Camping Near South Fork, Colorado, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a lakeside camping experience near South Fork, Colorado, we've got you covered. With over 670 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Some of our top campsites include Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), and The High Desert Ranch Colorado (205 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, showers, and campfires. Plus, you can enjoy activities like swimming, biking, and wildlife watching. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, we have options for every budget, with an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $15. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable lakeside camping experience near South Fork, Colorado!

99% (434)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a lakeside camping experience near South Fork, Colorado, we've got you covered. With over 670 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Some of our top campsites include Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews), and The High Desert Ranch Colorado (205 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, showers, and campfires. Plus, you can enjoy activities like swimming, biking, and wildlife watching. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, we have options for every budget, with an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $15. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable lakeside camping experience near South Fork, Colorado!

99% (434)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Chinook Cabins & RV Park

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(61)

0.8mi from South Fork · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · South Fork, CO

Our RV Park in South Fork CO has space for 18 R.V.’s. Each site has full hookups with the majority being 50amp service and are oversized so that they can handle any big rig! There is a shower house and laundry facility available for our guests (seasonal). There is more than ample parking and each site is easy to access. Our sites are back off the highway for a more relaxing atmosphere and the view is amazing. We have a community fire pit of which we can roast hot dogs, marshmallows for s’mores and tell all the stories you would like. “What goes on at the Fire Pit stays at the Fire Pit.” Come and join us! We have a lot of fun! South Fork Colorado has all the family fun and challenging terrain you could ever look for. 1000’s of miles of trails to hike and bike. Snowmobile/ATV/UTV and Motorcycle riding multi-use Rio Grande National Forest Service trails and roads. We welcome you with plenty of parking area on site for your trailers to park. The Rio Grande River offers world class fly fishing. There are plenty of lakes and creeks to enjoy also. Wolf Creek Ski Area is just up the road from South Fork, Colorado for all your winter fun downhill skiing and snowboarding. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing are fun low cost family activities with plenty of terrain to enjoy. Great Sand Dunes National Park is open all year long and is a day trip from South Fork. Enjoy the Sand Dunes National Park, learn how they were formed, hike a dune and try sand boarding. Zapata Falls is a short hike near the Sand Dunes. South Fork Colorado has several other waterfalls nearby to visit, Treasure Falls and South & North Clear Creek falls. You will want to come back year after year to explore all we have to offer.

2. The Scott Ranch

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(4)

5.9mi from South Fork · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · South Fork, CO

Welcome to the Scott Ranch located 10 minutes east of South Fork, CO. Our ranch is easily accessible via a flat, state-maintained road, just seconds off Highway 160. Our family purchased the ranch a couple years ago. We are native Coloradoans who are interested in conservation. The Scott Ranch is a 147 acre, conserved ranch and boasts some of the most beautiful riparian grassland in the valley. We have hundreds of tall cottonwoods bordering 7/10th mile of private, gold medal water on the Rio Grande river. There are literally thousands of species of plants and animals on the property. Come enjoy the incredible sunset views from the firepit perched high above the large pond and be prepared for one the best stargazing experiences in the valley! Please know that we are not an RV park, nor do we want to be. We have only three sites overlooking the lower river corridor. This is intentional because we want your experience to be focused on the beauty of the ranch. The sites are flat and relatively private. Each site is 26x80 (easy pull through) with individual access to power (50 amp, 30 amp and 110 outlet) and water. There is common area that includes a large firepit, small table and charcoal grill for your enjoyment. You also have immediate access to a septic system station next to the sites, at your convenience. The Scott ranch is a working ranch. The lower corridor of the ranch will have livestock (cattle) grazing for several weeks out of the year. (Calving season is adorable!) For insurance reasons, guest access to the lower pastures and river corridor -- defined as any part of the ranch beyond the RV sites -- is only allowed through a separate reservation. If you are interested fly fishing our gold medal waters or simply want to explore the ranch's forest and pastures, please book an RV site first. Access to any part of the ranch beyond RV sites is foot traffic only and 75$ per person per day, unless otherwise arranged. It's first come first serve, limited to one group per day (arranged separately after the RV reservation is paid). Yes, we've allowed riverside camping -- a truly epic experience -- with trust and prior authorization. Fishing is limited to fly rods only. Artificial flies only. Catch and release only.

3. Mt. Blanca Wetlands Oasis

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(1)

53mi from South Fork · 1 site · Tent, RV · Alamosa, CO

Only 15 minutes to Great Dunes National Park. Primitive camping.. beautiful lake adjacent to property at base of Mt. Blanca the sacred mountain of the east revered by the Navajo. Enjoy the stars and the sounds and birds of the wetlands. Most UFO sitings in the world since the the 1500s! Only 15 minutes to the town of Alamosa and 25 minutes to Hooper Hot springs.

4. Rio Grande National Forest

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(27)

691 sites · Alpine, Colorado

Explore the many ecosystems of south-central Colorado in this massive national forest.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. San Juan National Forest

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(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. AIYM Camp Riverfront Duplex Cabin!

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(24)

25mi from South Fork · 32 sites · Tents, Lodging · Capulin, CO

The AIYM Camp serves as a wonderful base camp and Christian Retreat for families wanting to recreate in the Rio Grande National Forest. Cabin rentals and Tent Campsites. You are invited to stay on 185 acres surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Rio Grande National Forest. Escape the crowds and relax in the quiet mountains. Easy Alamosa River access. Close to outdoor adventures; fishing, hiking, biking, atv trail access. Come enjoy a secluded and unforgettable mountain experience! The camp is in a wilderness setting with electricity supplied by a diesel generator that operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. No cell service in the canyon but the camp does have a regular phone for special usage and satellite Wi-Fi for $10. The most unique quality is the beauty and cleanliness of the forest. The quiet peaceful atmosphere of the canyon is hard to believe. This is the perfect place for families to unplug, get outside but still have some of the comforts we all enjoy!

7. Grand Mesa National Forest

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(23)

316 sites · Cedaredge, Colorado

Escape to a high elevation forest brimming with lakes, trails, and scenic views.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Gunnison National Forest

96%

(37)

423 sites · Crested Butte, Colorado

Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. San Luis State Wildlife Area

47 sites · Hooper, Colorado

Just 15 minutes west of Great Sand Dunes National Park is San Luis State Wildlife Area. Visitors come here to get away from the grind and enjoy a peaceful serenity which includes panoramic views of San Luis Lake, Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the Great Sand Dunes. The unique desert ecosystem features a wildlife area that’s home sweet home to waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors (don’t worry, we’re talking birds of prey, not the Jurassic Park kind). Overnight guests will enjoy the really modern campgrounds and water activities.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near South Fork

Alder Guard Station

2.4mi from South Fork · 1 site · in Rio Grande National Forest

Highway Springs Campground

3.9mi from South Fork · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Lower Beaver Creek Campground

4.1mi from South Fork · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Upper Beaver Creek Campground

4.8mi from South Fork · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Cross Creek Campground

6.1mi from South Fork · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Park Creek Campground

7.2mi from South Fork · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

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Palisade Campground

8.7mi from South Fork · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Cathedral Campground

11mi from South Fork · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground

12mi from South Fork · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

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(1)

Tucker Ponds Campground

14mi from South Fork · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rio Grande National Forest

Fitton Guard Station Cabin

16mi from South Fork · 1 site · in Rio Grande National Forest

Elwood Cabin

18mi from South Fork · 1 site · in Rio Grande National Forest

Stories from the community

L

Liam

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mt. Blanca Wetlands Oasis

Absolutely gorgeous area, would definitely recommend. Be advised that it’s a rough road to get there though, I tried taking my 2004 Honda accord not realizing how poor the road conditions were and almost got stuck several times as it was raining and muddy when we first arrived.

This shows the yellow ingress and egress for the three RV sites. Note that only two sites are pictured here. A third site was added parallel to the first two sites. The red circle is the common area which includes a fire pit. The blue square is the septic station.

Christine

August 2025

28 ft toy hauler

3 nights at The Scott Ranch

Lance is an exceptionally courteous and responsive host. His land is truly spectacular. It's a private paradise for people that want to get off the beaten path with a camper. The river is beautiful and this spot it is totally worth the price. It may not be everyone's cup of tea without the amenities of a campground/RV park, but if you don't want all that and are looking for quiet breathtaking views, with space for your fur babies to frolic through fields and swim in the river, this place is for you. I'm so grateful I was able to spend time here and will likely return next year!

S

Sarah

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at AIYM Camp Riverfront Duplex Cabin!

AIYM Camp is an amazing place; I highly recommend it. It’s a beautiful setting, every aspect of the facilities is in amazing condition, clean, functional and seems brand new. But, what really made our stay special was the hospitality of Jim and Melony. The are so warm and welcoming, giving us insight about the valley and activities in the area. This is a special place that we plan on returning to. I give it my highest recommendation.

B

Bryan

June 2025

26 ft campervan

1 night at The Scott Ranch

Far enough from the road to be peaceful and quiet. Gate for privacy. Rio Grande borders property! Beautiful

R

Robert

May 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at The Scott Ranch

This is a great spot and I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone. First… the communication was great with Lance who kept in contact and answered questions promptly. Second… the property is amazing. Just a few miles south of South Fork, Colorado on the Rio Grande River. Beautiful views, wildlife and tranquility. Third…easy access off the highway. There are three RV sites with hookups (H20/elec) but they are very close together. We opted for boondocking on the property further away and had a beautiful site in the woods. We were within walking distance to the river and small lake. Fourth…we were able to empty our tanks upon leaving in a very clean and easily assessable water/waste disposal site on the property. Fifth…we had our two dogs who were able to roam freely which is nice. Sixth… price $100/night which seemed a bit high but let me tell you it’s worth it. Lance has invested a ton of money into this project so I get it. Colorado is notorious for fees and taxes and I bet he has plenty of expenses to go with this site. Finally…you cannot go wrong here. There was a ranch hand lady who was on the property and very kind and helpful if needed. We had the place to ourselves, which was great. The RV sites would be a problem for me if others were camping at the same time l, but we always avoid RV parks for that reason and it may not be a problem for others. Please look at this site if your head g to South Fork. It gets a five star review from me!

Betty

May 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Scott Ranch

We had a lovely time on this beautiful property. The host was very communicative and responsive. Our dogs loved the property and had plenty of space to enjoy nature. We saw Elk, deer and lots of chipmunks.