The best waterfall campgrounds near Telluride, Colorado

Looking for a camping experience near Telluride, Colorado with stunning waterfalls? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 118 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you'll be spoiled for choice. Whether you're on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, there's an option for everyone, with prices ranging from as low as $24 to an average of $46 per night. Want to know where the locals go? Check out the top-rated campsites, like Sage View Ranch (103 reviews), St Dane's Cabins & Campground (82 reviews), and Marble Mountain Yurt (75 reviews). And don't worry about amenities - popular options include pet-friendly sites, potable water, and showers. Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities for climbing, wildlife watching, and boating. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

95% (231)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near Telluride, Colorado with stunning waterfalls? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 118 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you'll be spoiled for choice. Whether you're on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, there's an option for everyone, with prices ranging from as low as $24 to an average of $46 per night. Want to know where the locals go? Check out the top-rated campsites, like Sage View Ranch (103 reviews), St Dane's Cabins & Campground (82 reviews), and Marble Mountain Yurt (75 reviews). And don't worry about amenities - popular options include pet-friendly sites, potable water, and showers. Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities for climbing, wildlife watching, and boating. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

95% (231)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Twilight Falls

92%

(26)

19mi from Telluride · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Silverton, CO

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.

2. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(129)

36mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV · Durango, CO

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. Durango Placer

100%

(107)

40mi from Telluride · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hesperus, CO

Learn more about this land: The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed . Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Enjoy ! The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !

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. Grand Mesa National Forest

87%

(23)

316 sites · Cedaredge, Colorado

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. 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

7. Gunnison National Forest

96%

(37)

423 sites · Crested Butte, Colorado

Venture into the wild mountain wilderness of western Colorado.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Rio Grande National Forest

85%

(27)

691 sites · Alpine, Colorado

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

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%

(6)

Angel Creek Campground

8mi from Telluride · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grand Mesa National Forest

This is a great campground to base from when planning on climbing Sneffells peak, one of the Colorado fourteeners. Here is the SW ridge, a more scrambly exposed option to the regular route.

100%

(3)

Thistledown Campground - Ouray

8mi from Telluride · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grand Mesa 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

Stories from the community

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,

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.

Michelle

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Durango Placer

We had a great quick night at Joe’s place. There were so many amenities like a fully stocked camp kitchen, outhouse, shower set up, and plenty of chairs and tables. We didn’t have to unload much of our own stuff and could just use what was provided. We slept peacefully with the sound of the creek. We wish we could have stayed longer to explore more of the property and creek! Our dog was a bit anxious at first but Joe came by with a treat to say hello and she immediately was happy and relaxed. She loved playing in the creek.

S

September 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Durango Placer

We loved the camp site its private and has all the things you need.

M

Mary Lin

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Durango Placer

I love this site. 3 places to set up a tent and plenty of parking near the tent spaces for my RTT. Great set up for a peaceful getaway. You can get your steps in walking around 😁

C

Chip

August 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Durango Placer

Joe is a great host that provides everything you need to camp. This is a great site for multiple tent campers with multiple level and groomed tent pads. Also suitable for small trailers or vans. Ample group parking. Lots of places to explore in La Plata Canyon. Great stop on our San Juan Adventure!

R

Rachael

August 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Durango Placer

I loved it so much at Joe’s land I wanted to stay much longer! The layout of the kitchen area, campsites, bathroom area, shower and creek made it feel like we had the whole forest to ourselves. It was quiet, peaceful and so so beautiful. The only thing I wasn’t expecting was it was a little walk from the car but nothing we couldn’t handle and still totally worth it. I came here for a retreat and that’s exactly what it was. I wouldn’t have left the site at all if I hadn’t needed more ice. I just loved it here so much! The kitchen has everything you need for very simple cooking but you still need to bring your own cooking utensils. I can’t wait to come back!

N

Nichole

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Durango Placer

This is our second trip to Joe’s place and we loved it just as much this time. He provides a magical place with plenty of room to enjoy and explore as a family. The perks include how he provides water and firewood, as well as a composting toilet and outdoor shower.

K

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Durango Placer

Very private and peaceful. Camp site it well equipped and clean.

J

Justine

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Durango Placer

Absolutely fantastic! Joe has thought of everything and is not only an excellent host, but also super kind! It was a very peaceful and easy stay!

Pam

July 2025

Tent

5 nights at Twilight Falls

We loved the meadow site. We had the place to ourselves and it was just beautiful. The host was very accommodating with our change in schedule.

Deana

July 2025

Tent

5 nights at Durango Placer

Joe's place is great! Quiet and private. We thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful 5 nights. You can't get better.

Emma

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Twilight Falls

Blake was an excellent and generous host! The campsite was beautiful and our group had a great time together in the meadow! It was so fun exploring the property. This campsite had awesome amenities nearby including a super clean bathroom and shower.

D

Daniel

July 2025

Tent

With pets

6 nights at Twilight Falls

Perfect spot in the woods away from it all. Blake was very helpful and nice. Thanks Blake!

Crystal

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Durango Placer

What a beautiful spot! We only stayed for one night on our way through the area, so we didn’t get to enjoy all this beautiful spot has to offer, but the dogs did get to play in the creek. The host came down to welcome us, which was great. The only thing I didn’t realize was that the tent sites were a bit of a hike from the car. Not a huge deal, but it should be noted your car won’t be visible to you from your site. We look forward to coming back and making it all the way to the top of the mountain!

A

Angelica

July 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Twilight Falls

Dianne and Blake were good friendly hosts! They made sure to get us a level spot, next to an electric hookup. The land surrounding the campsite was beautiful to explore! We only got to one waterfall this time, but we will see them all next time.:)

L

Lori

June 2025

Tent

3 nights at Durango Placer

My daughter and friend had a wonderful time at Joe's place! They had a great, level campsite and could hear the creek from their tent. There are great trails close by. The campsite is secluded and private, but the drive into Durango and up to Silverton is easily do-able for hiking other trails. They loved it! La Plata Canyon is so beautiful and peaceful. It's a very special place. Joe was helpful. The campsite is equipped as indicated on Hipcamp. They want to go back regularly. Joe was a wonderful host. Thanks for being awesome, Joe!

K

Keith

June 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Durango Placer

What a great find! We’ve never been so comfortable in the great outdoors and Joe’s place has every amenity one needs. This is well above primitive camping but nice to be spoiled for a few nights. Joe has thought of everything as other guests have mentioned. Great stay and a pleasure to meet Joe (and Norma, his cow).

S

Stacey

June 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Durango Placer

One of my favorite hipcamp experiences, the property is lovely with plenty to do— cold plunge in the creek, nearby hiking, including a trail right next door that has a stunning view of the basin. the cooking & lounge area was a great spot to hang out and relax. and there’s a shower!! the host was kind and hospitable, if i ever find myself back in the area i would certainly stay again.