89% (72 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Isabel National Forest adventure.
Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near San Isabel National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in San Isabel National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near San Isabel National Forest
89%
(63)
Sweetwater River Resort
67 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO
Sweetwater River Resort is located on the Arkansas river, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort.
You’ll enter a different world–a sanctuary away from the fast pace and pressures of ordinary life.
Sweetwater River Resort is a nature-lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fly fishing fanatic’s dream nestled on the banks of the beautiful juniper-lined Arkansas River. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind with plenty of rivers to explore outside the confines of city life. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing.
Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents and even RV sites. Choose from Rustic Cabins, Pioneer Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, or Glamping Tents to call Sweetwater your home away from home. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself.
At Sweetwater River Resort, there's something for everyone. Fish along our private half-mile of river frontage, go whitewater rafting or kayaking, soak in nearby hot springs, hike or mountain bike through the mountains, pan for gold, stargaze at night, and spot eagles, osprey, and other birds. Keep an eye out for Big Horn sheep, pronghorn, and elk, and marvel at the beauty of Colorado's aspen trees in the fall. Explore a nearby ghost town or simply relax by the water.
Located near numerous attractions, Sweetwater River Resort is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge, and The Bluff Trail Hiking in Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
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Frenchman's Creek Ranch
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, CO
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
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$50
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92%
(51)
Aspenwald
7 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Guffey, CO
*Port-a-potty added for this season* June-September.
85 acres of ranch land with mixed Aspen and Pine Forest. Campsites are separated along a small creek. Each campsite has a fire pit and FREE firewood provided at a central location. The firewood is replaced weekly. It is first come/first served. Excellent shade and 8500 feet of elevation to help keep you cool during warm months. Endless miles for gravel biking. Close to Eleven mile, Pike National Forest, Cripple creek, and Florissant Fossil Beds.
Please make sure you note the gate code in the arrival instructions upon booking a campsite. I hope you have a great stay.
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(7)
Yeti Sanctuary
4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Florissant, CO
Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially
wooded acres, with a small lake, we have 3
beautiful campsites. One can be used by an
RV, the other for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged
beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal
Aspens and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for
the avid bird watchers.
Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7
miles away, with a Night Sky program, at
every new moon.
Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your
needed supplies
Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and
peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful
mountains.|
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$30
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100%
(95)
Mountain Bird Alpine Desert
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO
Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing.
Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching.
New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable.
No fireworks are permitted at any time.
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96%
(59)
Twin Bridges Campground
14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO
Camp alongside the Arkansas River in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, April-November. We accommodate tents, vans, smaller Class C motor homes or camping trailers under 30 feet. Multiple campers and/or tents are provided for you based on your camping or glamping needs. Restrooms and showers are easily accessible. We also have camping by our lake with easy access to the river.
We offer fly fishing on our 1,000 feet of riverfront property, (no lures, treble hook, or "bait" of any kind). Catch and release on property grounds. Colorado fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16. No fishing is allowed on the small lake on the property. Fly fishing lessons and guided tours for fishing the Arkansas River from a raft or walk-wade, along with white water rafting, horseback riding, or zipline adventures which can be arranged by our staff.
Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.
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91%
(29)
Wandering Moose Meadows
2 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Alma, CO
Perhaps the BEST plot of land in all of Summit and Park County. The 41 acres boasts Sacramento Creek running through it, a hiking trail and National Forest on three sides. Huge trees, southern exposure and AMAZING mountain views. 40 Minutes to Breckenridge!
Lots to explore on this GREAT property. Hiking, fly fishing, biking, 4x4, etc. Note: The property also features a fully off-grid cabin that will be having utilities installed in the coming months but is currently not a part of the rental.
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$70
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97%
(717)
High Peaks Campground
22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the highest Alpine Valley in the world!
This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. You can also see the San Juan mountain range to the east in the distance. San Juans are part of the NW rim of the Continental Divide.
Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, Meteor showers!!!
Previously known as High Desert Ranch Campground, this land was originally part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years.
In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing!
My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all!
You will be surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away.
Accommodations for those with livestock, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message.
Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes.
We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
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$38
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96%
(12)
Cutty's Hayden Creek Resort
133 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents157 acres · Coaldale, CO
Cutty’s offers a camping experience you won’t find anywhere else. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, you and your loved ones can enjoy an abundance of activities while surrounded by incredible scenic views. We offer many activities and amenities to keep the whole family entertained. Go swimming in the indoor or outdoor pool. Play a round of mini golf. Shoot some hoops on the basketball court. Try your hand at poker in the adult lounge upstairs in the lodge. Throw some horseshoes. Rent a golf cart and cruise around the resort with ease. Take a walk next to Hayden Creek. Take in the views. Or just relax at your campsite. Cutty’s Resort will provide the vacation you desire and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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$39
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95%
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Creekside Chalets
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, CO
Welcome to Creekside Chalets
Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location.
Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings.
We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year.
New for 2023
Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.
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Cabin, RV & RV Site by Muller Park
3 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Divide, CO
We are located only 4 miles to Muller State Park or the Wolf Wildlife Center and only 8 miles to Florresint National Park.
Real quite here with lots of wildlife visitors including deer, foxes and an occasional bear. Close to world class fishing and hiking. Camp is stocked with firewood and coffee in the trailer. You just need your own bedding and towels.
Great place for star gazing 🌛
Learn more about this land:
RV sleeps 4 adults and 4 kids. Firewood included. Only 4 miles to Muller State Park and Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. 6 miles to Florissant Fossil Beds National Park. 5 miles to Pikes Peak National Forest off road area.
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Observatory At South Park
6 sites · RVs, Tents537 acres · Fairplay, CO
Observatory At South Park! THE UNIVERSE AWAITS
With an incredable Night Sky, The Observatory at South Park is located on 5.37 acres in Harstel Colorado. According to web site Darksitefinder.com,
The Observatory at South Park location is rated Dark Blue! That's the 3rd darkest on their scale with Gray & Black skies to the South & West.
Telescope
Our main Telescope this year is a custom built well-crafted 13-inch Dobsonian telescope. This scope created by Robert Teeter of Teeters Telescopes has a 13in primary mirror. Stay Up with us!
See Planets, Moons, Rings, Star Clusters, Nebulas, Galaxies and more!
Outdoor recreation is the maindraw to the area, The pristine South Platt River flows thru Hartsel/South Park offering great trout fishing year round. The South Platt fills 3 awesome Reservoirs, Antero, Spinney, and Eleven Mile State Park with boating, fishing, hiking, biking, swimming. Hunting is also popular on Federal lands and stat wildlife areas.
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The best camping near San Isabel National Forest guide
Overview
About
This park's location in the Rocky Mountains makes it a magnet for mountain climbers. You've got 19 14'ers to choose from! The big one is Mount Elbert, the highest summit in all the Rockies at 14,440 feet. You can also hit the second-highest, Mount Massive, and the fifth-highest, La Plata.
If you've got kids with you on your adventure, definitely hit the Picketwire Canyon Trail. This trail takes you to the largest known sample of dinosaur tracks in the country! Getting all the way through this 10.6-mile haul is a serious undertaking, so pack plenty of water.
Prefer a less strenuous, more relaxing San Isabel experience? High-altitude fishing at Chalk Creek or Cottonwood Creek is great for landing trout. Be sure to come between July and September. These alpine lakes often ice over during the colder months of the year.
With over 300 days of sunshine, we're sure you'll be baggin' peaks and takin' names in no time!
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