The best great views campgrounds near Telluride, Colorado

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.

97% (412) • 19 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds 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.

97% (412) • 19 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Telluride

1. Down at the Hop Yard Camping

99%

(137)

31mi from Telluride · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

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 until October 3rd 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 nights, as well as offer tours, upon request! 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! ; )

2. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(129)

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.  

3. Bear springs

98%

(60)

43mi from Telluride · 1 site · RV

Beautiful mountain views, trails and only 10 minutes to downtown Durango! 35 acre gated community property with miles of private trails to explore. Friendly pets welcome. Complementary firewood fire restrictions permitting. Owners live on property and are available to help or answer questions. Great setup and location.

4. Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins

96%

(88)

45mi from Telluride · 23 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: At the head waters of the Rio Grande River, Mineral County is 96% National Forest with 4.5M acres of National Forest lands surrounding us.  You can see the largest wilderness area in the United States from your camp site, at 9,000 ft. We are an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Wolf Creek ski area 'The Most Snow In Colorado'. Creede Repertory Theater rivals Off Broadway. We offer cabins, RV sites and Campsites at Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins. Please call our office or visit our website. RV Sites are NOT booked through hipcamp, they run $50-$60 nightly and can only be reserved through the Bristol Mountain RV Park & Cabins website.  We are 32728 hwy 149 Creede. 11 miles towards Lake City on hwy 149. Pull all through the Cabins and either turn left up the little hill camping anywhere, but keep the fire pit open for everyone. Or drive through the green gate past cabin #7 and camp in the pasture. Bathhouse is in the middle of the cabins. (No Bathhouse or water after September 15th.) Fire pit and picnic table are on the hill.  You can have dogs off leash anywhere away from the cabins and RV sites, just be careful as we have horses, we don't want the pup's getting kicked.  Let me know if you need anything. NO BATHHOUSE BETWEEN SEPT 15-JUNE 1 PRICE $30 BATHHOUSE AVAILABLE JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 14 Price $35 Dale, Anne, and Susan.

5. RV sites

99%

(106)

50mi from Telluride · 3 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: View of mts off of paved highway access. Within minutes to national forest, lakes and rivers. Enjoy fishing, biking, hunting, ohv riding also hiking and climbing within minutes of sites.

6. Campfire Dreamers (4WD or AWD)

94%

(9)

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

G

Gabriel

December 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Bear springs

Very convenient spot! Michael made sure we had everything that we needed and more! Can’t wait to be back!

P

Paul

November 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Bear springs

Terrific! The spot is 10 minutes from Durango and far enough from the owners home that it felt private. And there are endless acres of forest for the dogs to explore. We had no problem accessing the site in our rwd Ford Transit. Verizon signal was adequate. Tree coverage made starlink useless.

J

Jerry

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

It was good. I needed a place last minute and it was easy to book and find. Left first thing.

Robert

October 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at RV sites

The site was level, clean and had a very nice view. Utilities were nice and convenient.

M

Marlana

October 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

13 nights at RV sites

Small and somewhat private location close to several wonderful places!

Michael

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Quiet, peaceful and a perfect spot for a quick overnighter. Super clean restrooms with a hot shower! Would definitely recommend this place!

C

Christine

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,

K

Keeghan

October 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at RV sites

Beautiful location with gorgeous sunsets and stargazing. A little close to the neighbor rv’ers. Didn’t appreciate the dogs barking early morning. Overall a great overnight stay!

K

Katie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

I thoroughly enjoyed camping on this land!! Very quiet, the two farm dogs are beautiful and friendly. I also greatly appreciated the clean bathroom facilities. Lovely space, I’d love to return!!

T

Tammy

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.

B

Brian

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Down at the Hop Yard Camping

It was pretty close to perfect experience. The bathrooms and showers were clean, heated and private. The tent sites were flat. The location was about a 30 minute drive to Ouray, CO and Black Canyon Gunnison. The location was also 8 minutes to downtown Montrose which had every store you would want. The host Audrey was friendly. The cost was reasonable.

K

Kathy

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Bear springs

Peaceful ! Wanna get away - this is a nice spot ! Good views and quiet !

A

Ashley

October 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great little spot to stop for the night. Would definitely stay again.

R

Richard

October 2025

28 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great hospitality, great vibe, great beer, great music, can’t wait to go back.

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

4 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Bear springs

Beautiful spot in the hills above Durango! Directions were clear, site was level, firepit and utilities all as advertised. We drove a 2 WD Ram Class B and had no issues accessing. Will stay here again when we are in Durango next. :)

Colleen

September 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Great place ! Great people! Nice clean restrooms!

J

James

September 2025

36 ft fifth wheel

With pets

4 nights at RV sites

Easy in and out with full hookups. Gorgeous views. I worked from my camper on the weekdays that we were there and I could watch the sunrise from my desk and at night we could watch the sunset. After dark the stars were amazing!

M

Mark

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Bear springs

Great views , private Free firewood Michael was there to assist if need be , told us about trails on land , saw 8 turkeys in morning walking through camp , best Hipcamp Mark

M

Mary

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Lovely spot to tent camp. Bathrooms are clean and the shower was fantastic. Great views. The owners pups are adorable and SO friendly. Hosts are amazing and friendly. Got a tour of the hop fields which was so cool. Definitely recommend.

E

Eric

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Down at the Hop Yard Camping

Audrey and her partner are awesome hosts and we had a great time here. Grits and Faya were excellent pups and greeted us when we drove up, a good sign! Billy Goat is the only commercial hop farm in CO, so it was great to take a tour of the farm and see the operations. This is the first year they’ve opened the farm up to camping and 12 sites are available. They open up their “beer barn” to the public on Thur and Fri, and pour local beer on draft and in cans/bottles made with their hops. On Friday, a BBQ truck was slinging food and a bluegrass band was slinging tunes until 9:00pm. It’s obviously popular as it was packed, along with a ton of doggos. Great vibes, excellent beers, and lawn games available to play. They even had a bottle list of various Primitive and other sour beers for purchase…a VERY nice surprise for the spontaneous/sour beers lovers out there. There are a few bathrooms and HOT showers available. Sure, the farm is off the highway so you get some road noise, but it’s not terrible. This is good for them logistically, and gets the farm great visibility, but does sacrifice some quietude. The only thing I’d love to see in the future is a fire pit…if not for each tent site, then a communal fire pit (which I didn’t see). I get that it’s a working farm but having a campfire is one of the joys of camping….only qualm, really. In the end, this is a beautiful, unique campsite in full view of the San Juan mountains. The owners/hosts are lovely people and responsive. Rec!