The best desert campgrounds near Telluride, Colorado

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Telluride, Colorado, we've got you covered. With over 725 options available in this area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're into historic sites, wildlife watching, or fishing, there's something for everyone. Some of our top campsites with glowing reviews include Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), and Bright Star Campground (211 reviews). Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like toilets, showers, and campfires. The average price per night is $44, with options as low as $15. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the desert near Telluride, Colorado!

94% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds near Telluride

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Telluride, Colorado, we've got you covered. With over 725 options available in this area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're into historic sites, wildlife watching, or fishing, there's something for everyone. Some of our top campsites with glowing reviews include Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews), The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), and Bright Star Campground (211 reviews). Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like toilets, showers, and campfires. The average price per night is $44, with options as low as $15. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the desert near Telluride, Colorado!

94% (50)

Top-rated campgrounds near Telluride

1. Dark Sky Paradise

95%

(20)

41mi from Telluride · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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)

47mi from Telluride · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. Sunset Ridge

38mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.

4. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%

(23)

228 sites · Ophir, Colorado

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

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

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Modern Nomad

40mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to your peaceful, private RV getaway on County Road 250, one of Durango’s most scenic and iconic byways. This covered RV site sits beneath a spacious pole barn with protection from sun, snow, and weather—perfect for year-round stays. Located just 12 minutes from downtown Durango, 8 minutes from the hot springs, and 20 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, this spot gives you the best of mountain adventure with the quiet comfort of rural living. 🌄 Site Amenities ✔ Covered RV Parking (Pole Barn Shelter) – ideal for all seasons ✔ Electrical Hookup – 30/50 amp available (specify if you want) ✔ Water Access – fill your tank onsite (no direct sewer hookup) ✔ Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pit – perfect for evenings under the stars ✔ Picnic Table + Outdoor Chairs – relax and enjoy the mountain views ✔ Porta Potty On-Site – clean, private, and maintained ✔ Gravel base – level parking, easy access ✔ Beautiful rural property – quiet, safe, and private ⸻ 🏔 Close to Everything You’re right in the heart of Durango’s outdoor playground: • 8 minutes → Durango Hot Springs • 12 minutes → Downtown Durango (restaurants, shops, Animas River) • 20 minutes → Purgatory Ski Resort • 2 minutes → Mountain biking + trail access • Nearby → Hiking, fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing • On County Road 250 → One of the most scenic roads in Southwest Colorado Whether you’re here to ski, soak, bike, hike, or just unwind, this spot puts you close to everything while giving you the peace of country living.

7. A Colorado Trail Gem

42mi from Telluride · 1 site · RV

Just a place to park for the night. Gravel pad with plenty of room to turn around. Potable water available upon requests. A single electrical cord can be run to the site No electric hook up/no rv dump/no bathroom

8. Ribbit Retreat

86%

(7)

49mi from Telluride · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Scenic RV Parking & Outdoor Adventure in Southwest Colorado Welcome to our open-field RV site in beautiful Durango, Colorado! Located at Toad Road, our property offers a convenient and peaceful spot to park your rig while you explore the stunning landscapes of La Plata County and beyond. Amenities & Features: ✔️ Electrical hookups available ✔️ Spacious open field with easy access for cars of all sizes and RVs ✔️ 5+ acres, 2 new Eno hammocks! ✔️ Perfect for short stays while visiting Durango, Mesa Verde, San Juan National Forest, and more We welcome outdoor enthusiasts, but please be respectful of our neighbors and keep noise levels reasonable. No hunting allowed on site. Whether you're here for adventure, sightseeing, or a relaxing stop along your journey, this is a great place to set up for a few nights. Book your stay and enjoy all that Southwest Colorado has to offer!

Public campgrounds near Telluride

100%

(11)

Alta Lakes Campground

4.2mi from Telluride · 16 sites · in Uncompahgre National Forest

EarthRoamers descending Last Dollar Road towards Telluride, CO

Sunshine Campground - Norwood

5.2mi from Telluride · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

67%

(3)

Matterhorn Campground

7.4mi from Telluride · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Matterhorn Cabin

7.4mi from Telluride · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

83%

(4)

South Mineral Campground

9.6mi from Telluride · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

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

88%

(4)

Amphitheatre Campground

10mi from Telluride · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(2)

Woods Lake Campground - Norwood

13mi from Telluride · 46 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Cayton Campground

15mi from Telluride · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Lone Cone Cabin

19mi from Telluride · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Sig Creek Campground

21mi from Telluride · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Jackson Guard Station

25mi from Telluride · 1 site · in Uncompahgre National Forest

100%

(1)

Silver Jack Campground

26mi from Telluride · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Uncompahgre National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp 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.

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!

Spencer

July 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at Ribbit Retreat

Great spot just outside of Durango. Comms from the host were excellent. Easy to find. Power hook up was a real plus, and clear sky views for Starlink. There is a house on the other side of the fence but felt private and quiet. Saw wildlife running in the bush. The road coming in is quite convex so if you have low clearance be careful.

Jennifer

June 2025

Tent

With pets

5 nights at Ribbit Retreat

Great site close enough to activities of Durango but far enough that you get the mellowness of being in nature. We had deer visit and saw a coyote in the distance which was super cool. Our dogs loved being able to be off leash but make sure you have them under good voice control because there is wildlife. The host was super responsive and communicated well. We didn't need any of the hook ups so stayed in a nice treed area to keep cool when it got warm. Would definitely stay again.

Site 2. Rigs longer than 55-60' (when connected) might have trouble unhooking due to the slope

S

Shannon

May 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

With pets

6 nights at Ribbit Retreat

A very peaceful property within 12 minutes of Walmart and 15 minutes of historic downtown Durango. We enjoyed watching the deer and elk wander by in the evenings. We stayed in site 2 in a 35' fifth-wheel with slides on both sides. Of the 2 sites, site 1 is the longer of the 2 sites and 24' feet wide. It looked pretty level side to side with a little bit of a downhill grade (front to back). There is about 6' between the power pole and the fence, so plenty of room to walk around the backside of your rig. Site 2 is also 20'+ wide, but shorter due to a steep drop at the front of the site and required a little bit of levelling side-to-side (1 block under the tires).

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!