The best waterside campgrounds near Winter Park, Colorado

With a name like Winter Park, this Colorado resort town is perhaps best known as a winter sports destination. In summer, however, Winter Park transforms itself into an adventurous summer sports haven. From hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting to golfing, ziplining, and scenic gondola rides, Winter Park has it all, and it’s less than a 90-minute drive from downtown Denver. Campers will also find plenty of options near Winter Park and in nearby Granby, Grand Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s no wonder that Winter Park is consistently rated as Colorado’s top adventure town.

95% (5.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

With a name like Winter Park, this Colorado resort town is perhaps best known as a winter sports destination. In summer, however, Winter Park transforms itself into an adventurous summer sports haven. From hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting to golfing, ziplining, and scenic gondola rides, Winter Park has it all, and it’s less than a 90-minute drive from downtown Denver. Campers will also find plenty of options near Winter Park and in nearby Granby, Grand Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s no wonder that Winter Park is consistently rated as Colorado’s top adventure town.

95% (5.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lodge pole forest

94%

(47)

46mi from Winter Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fairplay, CO

This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes

2. Gondola Village at Holy Cross

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(160)

49mi from Winter Park · 4 sites · Lodging · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 21)

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

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(175)

553 sites · Grand Lake, Colorado

Explore one of America’s most beloved alpine landscapes in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

4. St. Vrain State Park

100%

(1)

78 sites · Firestone, Colorado

Get outdoors without driving far at this state park between Denver and Fort Collins.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Winter Park

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(8)

Longs Peak Campground

30mi from Winter Park · 25 sites · in Rocky Mountain National Park

At the back of the loop so there's forest right behind you.

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(37)

Glacier Basin

33mi from Winter Park · 139 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rocky Mountain National Park

A big horn sheep relaxes not far from Moraine Park Campground.

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(86)

Moraine Park Campground

35mi from Winter Park · 239 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rocky Mountain National Park

100%

(22)

Timber Creek Campground

35mi from Winter Park · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rocky Mountain National Park

100%

(22)

Aspenglen Campground

39mi from Winter Park · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rocky Mountain National Park

Kestrel

47mi from Winter Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Coot Pond

47mi from Winter Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Red Tail Pond

47mi from Winter Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Mallard

47mi from Winter Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Bald Eagle Point

47mi from Winter Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Sandpiper

47mi from Winter Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Tail Feathers

47mi from Winter Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Vrain State Park

Stories from the community

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lodge pole forest

Don was super responsive and helpful! Nice spot that has a beautiful mountain view when you wake up!

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Frasier

October 2025

2 nights at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

Relaxing cabin in the mountains! Make sure not to over pack so you can actually enjoy the hike up to the cabin!

Jessica

September 2025

2 nights at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

We loved this special little village. It's a very well-kept cabin and has everything you could need. The hike in was a bit tough, but well worth it and very straightforward! We were able to see lots of wildlife and enjoy time at the nearby lake. There's a marmot that runs around the abandoned town and plenty of pika in the surrounding area. Will remember this trip for a while.

L

Laura

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Lodge pole forest

We booked Don's place last minute and he was a lifesaver. Super nice and relaxed. Would recommend!

Whitney

August 2025

1 night at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

What an absolute GEM of a spot! Went up for a little solo retreat, and the cabin had absolutely everything I needed for a cozy camping experience but with a roof over my head and all camping basics provided plus a little more! I hiked over to Cleveland Lake, enjoyed the cozy cabin at night, and woke up to a stunning sunrise. It’s a relatively accessible spot, meaning you don’t have to hike very many miles to get there, but you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere in only the best way. Would absolutely come again!!!

W

Wesley

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Lodge pole forest

Amazing, thanks don! We really enjoyed our stay. Great location, do mount sherman!

R

Ruth

June 2025

2 nights at Gondola Village at Holy Cross

Such a cozy and peaceful cabin! Perfect for a quiet getaway—remote enough to feel like an escape, but still super comfortable and well equipped with everything you need. The host was incredibly responsive and helpful, which made the whole experience seamless. Would absolutely come back!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(175)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Winter Park guide

Where to go

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park is made up of two interconnected ski mountains: Winter Park and Mary Jane. Both offer fantastic skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Camping is limited in town to a few private spots but there are several National Forest campgrounds just outside of the town including the Robbers Roost and Idlewild Campground.

Granby

This small mountain town is only 25 minutes from Granby. It’s a bit quieter than nearby Winter Park and Grand Lake, and it offers a ton more camping options. Lake Granby has several campgrounds spread out across its shores and even more options in the neighboring Arapaho National Forest.

Grand Lake

Located about a 45-minute drive north of Winter Park, Grand Lake is a charming little mountain town at the doorsteps of Rocky Mountain National Park. The town’s namesake lake sits just a block beyond Main Street and offers all sorts of water sports fun. Kayak, paddleboard, and pontoon boat rentals are available at the lake. Campers will find a couple of RV parks in town and tent camping at the Sunset Point Campground.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Grand Lake Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is only a 45-minute drive from Winter Park. The park features endless hiking trails, numerous alpine lakes and waterfalls, and one of the most scenic drives in the country, the Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake to Estes Park. Campers will find several established campgrounds in the park and unlimited opportunities for backcountry camping. The Timber Creek Campground is the closest campground in the park to Winter Park.

When to go

Winter Park is a year-round outdoor sports destination. The best time to hike, bike, whitewater raft, and camp in Winter Park is June through September. Fall is a wonderful time to visit and colors typically peak around late September. Ski season typically kicks off around Thanksgiving and runs through mid-April. The Grand Lake Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park remains open through the winter but Trail Ridge Road typically closes for the season between mid-October and mid-November depending on early season snow.

Know before you go

You can find plenty of gear shops, outdoor rentals, and specialty shops in Winter Park. Shops in Fraser, 10 minutes north of Winter Park, cater more to locals.
The Robbers Roost and Idlewood campgrounds just outside Winter Park do not take reservations. Arrive early in the day for your best chance of scoring a spot.
Summer festivals are a common occurrence in Winter Park. Check the resort calendar to see what events are happening during your visit
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Winter Park in July and August. Start hiking early in the morning.