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Camping near Telluride

Tucked high in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride is best known as a ski town. Don’t let that fool you—when the snow melts, the mountains come to life with adventure-seekers. Hike in Aspen forest, fish in alpine streams, or tackle heart-pounding mountain bike trails. Whether you want to relax in camp or get active, Telluride has the perfect campsite.

Stay close to downtown restaurants at the Telluride Town Park Campground. The park welcomes tents and RVs up to 30 feet (no hookups). It’s open from mid-May through early October and runs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Outside of the town of Telluride, the Forest Service operates several beautiful campgrounds. Beating the mountain views at Sunshine Campground is hard. Bringing an RV? You’ll find four sites with hookups at Matterhorn Campground.

For free primitive camping, head for Priest Lake Campground. From here, you’re a short walk from hiking and mountain biking trails. Alta Lakes Campground, which is also free, offers alpine views and horseback riding trails.

Telluride is home to more 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks than anywhere else in the U.S. The best way to see them is on one of the 90+ local hiking trails. Or, rent a 4WD vehicle and explore the network of forest roads. In the winter, try fat tire biking, snowmobiling, or Nordic skiing.

This tiny town sits at 8,750 feet, so the weather is unpredictable year-round. Bring a rain jacket for summer thunderstorms, and pack layers for high-elevation trips. Dry, cool autumn is the perfect time for hiking through the fall foliage. Winters are cold and snowy; extra-warm gear and snow tires can keep you comfortable.

94% (1.1K) • 3,560 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Telluride

Campfire Dreamers (4WD or AWD)

1. Campfire Dreamers (4WD or AWD)

95%

(10)

11mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV

This location is 4WD only and no trailers. Access to the site requires going down a 12% grade. Beautiful location on the side of a mountain with great views. Fire ring, firewood and water for extinguish your fire are provided.

Pets

Hartwork Ranch

2. Hartwork Ranch

94%

(43)

12mi from Telluride · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

We have fresh DUCK EGGS!! This is 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… even backcountry, in the area. Once you pull out the driveway you are a few minutes from Last Dollar Ranch Road (hike, bike, or 4x4) where True Grit was filmed, and about a 25 minute (weather depending) drive to Telluride, 35 minutes to Ridgway, and 35 minutes to Norwood. Just outside of Ridgway is Orvis Hot Springs, and more hot springs and a vapor cave 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 are aspen groves, blue spruce, and ponderosa pines. The backside of the property is up against BLM land, which everyone is welcome to.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Twilight Falls

3. Twilight Falls

93%

(28)

19mi from Telluride · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Twilight Falls is a 40 acres private paradise of natural forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls nestled within thousands of acres of San Juan National Forest. Come experience this amazing place. Words cannot describe it. This has been a family retreat for our family for decades, and we want to share it with you.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Uncompahgre National Forest

4. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%

(23)

National forest 6.3mi from Telluride · 228 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Grand Mesa National Forest

5. Grand Mesa National Forest

88%

(24)

National forest 78mi from Telluride · 316 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Lazy Rooster Ranch

6. Lazy Rooster Ranch

97%

(107)

22mi from Telluride · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging

The ranch was the site of a sawmill in the early 1900s when the old Rio Grande Southern and Galloping Goose Railroads ran through the property along the Dolores River. All that’s left now is a little shack in the middle of the meadow and some remnants of the railroad tracks in the river. 

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Almostaranch

7. Almostaranch

91%

(34)

28mi from Telluride · 1 site

The Almostaranch Family welcomes you to stay with us in the San Juan Mountains located in Durango, Colorado. Our property features spectacular views and endless activities for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you! Durango is the Capitol of mountain biking in the US. Horseback riding next door and snowmobile rentals close by. Kayaking very close & hiking trails everywhere. Silverton 35 miles. RV site includes horseshoe pits and tables.

Pets

Full hookups

The Hop Yard Hideaway

8. The Hop Yard Hideaway

98%

(164)

31mi from Telluride · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Wake up to the fresh aroma of hops, enjoys beers made with the hops grown next to your sleeping bag, have a campfire with an incredible view of the San Juan Mountains and open night sky, take a tour and learn about the unique world of hops, walk around an 18-foot tall, 32-acre hop trellis, and adventure in all that the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer. We also have 'Fridays on the Farm' every Friday from May 22nd until October 2nd from 4-9pm serving beer with our hops, a local food truck, live music, and yard games. Check our website for more details! We can open the beer barn on other days by request, as well as offer tours! And our neighbors happen to be LaNoue DuBois Winery... This is a perfect basecamp for adventure! The attractions are endless: Exploring Black Canyon NP, Curecanti NRA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA; fly fishing in gold metal waters; hunting; hiking, climbing, and traversing the Via Ferrata in the San Juan Mountains; rafting, kayaking, or SUPing on three different rivers, including a wave park right in town, as well as on reservoirs and lakes; relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs; shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts; and enjoying the activities, restaurants, and shopping of nearby Ouray and Telluride! If we're booked out, message us and we may have some backup spots! ; )

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Coworking Space with Mountain Views

9. Coworking Space with Mountain Views

99%

(74)

33mi from Telluride · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Our sites have a tent pad and 20-amp electric service. The main building, which we have converted into a coworking space, is available for our guests to use from 9 AM to 6 PM. Unfortunately, we are on old agricultural land, so the sites are in the direct sun during the day. Please be aware that it gets hot out here in the summer, and consider this when booking your stay with us. Please note that only one camping structure is allowed per site (one tent, one RV, one van, etc.). Our property is also on a bike trail that connects to 70 miles of (mostly paved) bike trails across the town of Montrose. Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

San Juan National Forest

10. San Juan National Forest

97%

(42)

National forest 28mi from Telluride · 696 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Ridgway State Park

11. Ridgway State Park

100%

(5)

State park 21mi from Telluride · 257 sites

Pack up your boat or paddle-board for a camping excursion at this reservoir park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Gunnison National Forest

12. Gunnison National Forest

96%

(38)

National forest 67mi from Telluride · 423 sites

Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Rio Grande National Forest

13. Rio Grande National Forest

86%

(29)

National forest 62mi from Telluride · 691 sites

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Junction West Durango

14. Junction West Durango

96%

(40)

34mi from Telluride · 95 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

History of JW Durango Riverside Resort It all started in 1965… When this campground hosted its first guests the goal back then was simply to offer folks from around the Four Corners a place to relax and lounge along the Animas River. Today, the property boasts 73 quality RV sites, 24 cabins and 6 tent sites. We also have a heated pool, playground, convenience store, retail shop, game room, café with a large deck for dining, laundry room, paved roadways, two bath houses, and an observation deck overlooking the Animas. The property sits just south of Bakers Bridge, a local landmark made famous as the set of the climactic finale in the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” – where Paul Newman and Robert Redford sat along the rocky cliffs that line the river before they famously took the plunge. As the lifeblood of this community, the Animas River winds its way under that bridge and south toward historic downtown Durango. Everyone from whitewater enthusiasts and acclaimed fly fisherman to laidback locals in inner tubes enjoy the same flowing mountain waters miners have tapped for more than a century. Back in 1965, the population of Durango was just over 10,000 and La Plata County almost 20,000. Today, the city itself is home to 20,000 residents while the county is closing in on a staggering 58,000. As more and more people discover the beauty and majesty of the San Juan National Forest and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, the number of people flocking to the Four Corners region continues to grow. Whether hiking, biking, horseback riding, or four-wheeling this area has an endless number of adventures to uncover. Even if it takes a lifetime to explore some of the forgotten roads in this region, these outdoor experiences offer just a glimpse of what there is to do when you visit. People come from around the world to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, listen to songs and stories from the Bar D Wranglers, hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or hug the guardrails along the legendary Million Dollar Highway. These are just a few of the reasons people continue to come back year after year, and generation after generation. Even here at Durango Riverside, we constantly listen to stories from guests who first came here as children and now return with their own. It really is easy to find places where you can experience some of the wonders this community has to offer. But, there’s only one place where you can relax and lounge along the Animas River with friends and family, making memories that will stick with you for generations – Durango Riverside.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Animas River Valley red cliffs

15. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(136)

36mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV

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

Darbywoods RV Mountain Lot

16. Darbywoods RV Mountain Lot

99%

(34)

37mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV

This is a one acre lot for just one RV located at 9500ft in the Colorado mountains located halfway between Montrose and Gunnison off Hwy 50. The lot is six miles up the Alpine Plateau road. This area is surrounded by BLM land and National Forest. The lot is located with full hook ups and wifi in a neighborhood with cabins and rv lots. Please ask about deep discounts for long term rentals.

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

RV Space 1 Mile from Vallecito Lake

17. RV Space 1 Mile from Vallecito Lake

100%

(17)

37mi from Telluride · 1 site

Learn more about this land:Get away from the crowds of the local RV parks in Vallecito Lake, Colorado. Save money and stay in our quiet neighborhood instead! This RV space is located in a quiet neighborhood just 1 mile north of Vallecito Lake, Colorado, in the San Juan National Forest. The gravel RV space has easy access to County Road 501.This RV space is easy to access. It has full hookups: 50 amp electric, water, and sewer. Wifi is included (and it’s good for streaming!). Dogs are welcome with prior approval. No camping tents, RVs and campers only. The quiet Decker Park neighborhood is just 1 mile north of Vallecito Lake. Most residents are aged 50+. This is a kid-friendly neighborhood. Features include:One mile north of Vallecito Lake. Walking distance to Vallecito Creek (fishing opportunities!), restaurants, shops & marina just minutes away, firepit (available when fire restrictions allow)Local attractions include boating, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, ziplining, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and just about everything you need to have an authentic Colorado experience.CAMPFIRES: Portable fire pits, charcoal and propane grills are permitted when fire restrictions allow.Thank you for booking our RV space in Vallecito Lake, CO!

Pets

Full hookups

Balsam Bliss

18. Balsam Bliss

95%

(10)

37mi from Telluride · 1 site

Natural RV site at 9500 feet within Arrowhead Ranch. Electric (50 amp RV and 2 - 20 amp circuits), water, and septic on site. Enjoy nature on this primitive site. No WiFi provided and Cell Service is not ideal. No unapproved fire pits allowed. No firewood provided. Speed limit in Arrowhead is 20 mph. Arrowhead Mountain Lodge is a mile from the site. The lodge has a small convenience store and an excellent restaurant. In the summers, they offer musical groups on the weekends. Long Term Stays are available in Spring, Summer and early Fall. No winter camping allowed. Other things to note Hwy 867 is a gravel road. All roads within Arrowhead are gravel. Sorry no Fifth Wheels, they do not fit.

Pets

Full hookups

Arrowhead Getaway

19. Arrowhead Getaway

91%

(23)

37mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV

Come to a private camping space with great scenery and access to lakes. This space provides access to water, a tent, fire pit/grill with an additional tent pad and rv pad. There is also an additional shower and bathroom tent on the premise. Arrowhead lodge has live entertainment throughout the summer as well as dining and additional housing if needed.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

20. Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park

90%

(10)

38mi from Telluride · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Cedar Creek stands out as a unique destination near downtown Montrose, offering a serene and well-shaded RV park that caters to a variety of accommodation preferences. Whether you choose to stay in one of our charming tiny homes, park your own RV or van, indulge in glamping, or set up your tent right by the creek, you’ll find a perfect spot to unwind in nature. Our campground provides essential amenities to enhance your stay, including access to a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With the beautiful surroundings, you can explore nearby natural features, enjoy swimming holes, and partake in various outdoor activities. Plus, you’ll be just a short distance from local restaurants and shops, making it easy to experience the best of Montrose. We look forward to welcoming you to Cedar Creek for a memorable getaway!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Mia

3 days ago

Tent

1 night at Animas River Valley red cliffs

Absolutely beautiful property with a stunning view of the red cliffs. Bunch of room to pitch our tent. 15 minutes from town which was great as we wanted more of a scenic place to stay. The host was very welcoming as well as the greater - both of them gave a tons of places worth checking out while we stayed in Durango. Would love to come back!

Kerry

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arrowhead Getaway

This is our second stay here and it did not disappoint. We love this space, the tent is cozy, and the location is perfect.

Susan

2 weeks ago

8 ft travel trailer

2 nights at HTR Durango

Lovely little camping site in the hills near Durango. Lots of trees and stream. Staff was helpful and friendly. They only had 30 amp plug ins and we only used 110 but they gave us a loaner adapter.

Dowdy's

2 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at Junction West Durango

Wonderful basic cabin spot by beautiful River. Full amenities available on the property. Upgraded bedding worked great and was super comfortable. We just wish we had more time to enjoy the beautiful spot.

Ouray is 45 mins away. We hiked a part of the perimeter trail. We also enjoyed the Box Canyon and Cascade hikes.

Bre'

2 weeks ago

Tent

5 nights at Coworking Space with Mountain Views

We stayed here for five nights and couldn’t have asked for a better home base for exploring southwest Colorado. The location is fantastic, just outside Montrose with an easy drive to both Ouray and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, making it incredibly convenient while still feeling peaceful. Scott and Taylor are building something really special, and it shows in every detail. The campsites are spacious, the property is exceptionally clean and well maintained, and the coworking space was absolutely perfect. It made it so easy to balance a little work with a lot of adventure. We experienced some incredibly strong winds during our stay, which had us a little nervous in our tent. Scott and Taylor were so thoughtful and proactively offered to move us to a more sheltered campsite, which made a huge difference. Their kindness extended beyond us, too, they welcomed campers displaced by the Ouray area fire with open arms, and it was clear they genuinely care about both their guests and their community. Every interaction we had with them was warm, friendly, and genuine. They’re pouring so much heart into this place, and it’s exactly the kind of small business you want to support. We absolutely adore what they’re building and can’t wait to come back and see all of the exciting improvements they have planned. Thank you, Scott and Taylor, for such a memorable stay!

Akp

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Animas River Valley red cliffs

Super beautiful camping area. Very peaceful with great views. The cows in the pasture over were my sons favorite part getting to pet them. Loved it!

Steven

2 weeks ago

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Hop Yard Hideaway

Fantastic experience. Highly recommend the farm tour

Cecily

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Hartwork Ranch

Nice, large camp spot! The ground is very lumpy so it’s hard to find a good tent spot and set up chairs/tables. Also the road coming in is quite bumpy but fine for a suv. Delicious duck eggs and lots of trees around the site! Great experience overall.

Jose

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Durango Placer

Great spot! Is far in the canyon that you get great access to hiking and site seeing. You can barely see the hosts house or the neighboring houses. Joe’s has an amazing set up and plenty of space for you to spread around. Kitchen included, the shower set up is fantastic and it’s great if you’re bringing people to a new to camping. I will definitely be looking at his spot again.

Elliott

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Arrowhead Getaway

This location was great for being roughly halfway between Black Canyon and Crested Butte. The campsite is beautifully situated in an aspen grove and is well-leveled. When we were there, there was a picnic table, benches, firebox, and “bathroom” tent with a pump toilet and sink. There was also a roomy permanent tent with a double cot and a couple of chairs. Unfortunately for us, there was standing water in a couple places inside the tent and one of the rugs in there was completely soaked. Thankfully the cot and chairs were dry. Definitely bring your own tent/sleeping system as a backup, just in case.

Amanda

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Hop Yard Hideaway

Such a cool place to stay!! We showed up a little late and the live music was just ending, but we were able to get one drink from the bar. The land is nice and soft for tent camping. The showers and restrooms were super clean. One thing I didn’t know was that they had yurts and I would’ve loved to had one of those. Maybe they were already booked by the time I made my reservation? I want to do a girls trip to the area, so we would definitely stay there again!!

John

2 weeks ago

35 ft fifth wheel

7 nights at Darbywoods RV Mountain Lot

We loved the RV location. We felt so secluded with all of the amenities of full hook ups. We had deer frequently walk through the camp. There are endless roads and trails in this area to explore. We will most definitely be back.

Mary Beth

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Almostaranch

Beautiful view, large yard for dogs, host family is super kind. Less than 5 minutes drive from Haviland Lake (walkable) for paddle boarding and fishing. Lots of amazing dog friendly hiking trails, too. We would definitely stay here again.

Megan

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at The Hop Yard Hideaway

This spot is one of the coolest we have ever camped! The sites are long, and being right by the hop field was such a cool experience. Great bathrooms and showers. We took the tour of the farm Audrey offered and felt like it was a great add-on and so reasonably priced!

Lisa

3 weeks ago

29 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Balsam Bliss

Peaceful and quiet with amazing views. Property was private as well. Deer hanging out too Tricky getting our 29’ rv in because it’s at a 90 degree angle but smaller RVs would do just fine. Would definitely recommend and Jennifer was great.

Matthew

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Lazy Rooster Ranch

Hands down the best campsite I’ve ever seen!! 10 out of 10!!!

Doug

3 weeks ago

30 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Junction West Durango

Great location between Durango and Silverton, the grounds are well kept, right on the Aminas River

Ryenne

3 weeks ago

2 nights at The Hop Yard Hideaway

Super awesome place to camp. We loved the tent and furnishings. The beds were comfortable and the bathroom/shower facilities were great. We should’ve known how incredibly hot it was going to be and I do regret bringing a canopy for you are out in the OPEN no coverage. Although there is some on the property within the cool cutout silos where they host live music events. We had a great time and would definitely stay here again. Most likely in spring or early fall.

Went for a little hike around the property our favorite spot to play.

Taylor

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Durango Placer

Booked a last minute surprise Father’s Day camping trip for my husband and to say it was the best experience… it really was! My husband has been showing interest in gold panning and we are advent campers and this was great! We had our three kids who loved playing in the creek, while dad panned for gold and I got to lounge in a comfy chair to read and enjoy watching my family and the beautiful scenery. We loved the exclusiveness of this camp spot much better than having close neighbors in a camp ground. Our 14 year old doggo got to roam freely. It was truly the best. Thank you Joe for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful piece of land and the provided amenities. We already want to return! Oh and not to mention the awesome engineering of the outdoor shower, we definitely enjoyed! And the hubby did find gold! Thank you, see you again soon!

Joy

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hop Yard Hideaway

We parked a 30' travel trailer in the end space. That is maximum for sure. Love the rope like material spread on the ground which would be soft for tents and not muddy. Amazing toilet building. I wish we had come on a weekday to see the beer Barn.

Top camping destinations around Telluride

San Isabel National Forest

71 campgrounds

Moab Field Office

62 campgrounds

Taylor Park Reservoir

72 campgrounds

Great Sand Dunes National Park

63 campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular outdoor activities in Telluride?

In Telluride, you can hike in Aspen forest, fish in alpine streams, or tackle heart-pounding mountain bike trails. Whether you want to relax in camp or get active, Telluride has the perfect campsite.

What are the camping options near Telluride?

You can stay close to downtown restaurants at the Telluride Town Park Campground, which welcomes tents and RVs up to 30 feet (no hookups). Outside of the town, the Forest Service operates several beautiful campgrounds, including Sunshine Campground and Matterhorn Campground for RVs. For free primitive camping, head for Priest Lake Campground or Alta Lakes Campground. You can also explore different options for camping near Telluride on Hipcamp.

What are the best ways to explore the mountains in Telluride?

The best way to see the 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks in Telluride is on one of the 90+ local hiking trails. You can also rent a 4WD vehicle and explore the network of forest roads. In the winter, try fat tire biking, snowmobiling, or Nordic skiing.

What should I pack for a trip to Telluride?

Since Telluride sits at 8,750 feet, the weather is unpredictable year-round. Bring a rain jacket for summer thunderstorms, and pack layers for high-elevation trips. Dry, cool autumn is the perfect time for hiking through the fall foliage. Winters are cold and snowy; extra-warm gear and snow tires can keep you comfortable.

Where can I find RV parks near Telluride?

You can find RV parks at the Telluride Town Park Campground, which welcomes RVs up to 30 feet (no hookups), and at Matterhorn Campground, which has four sites with hookups for RVs. You can also explore different options for camping near Telluride on Hipcamp.