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The best camping near White River National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next White River adventure.

The best camping near White River National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next White River adventure.

Camping near White River National Forest

92% (56 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next White River adventure.

Unspoiled scenery and year-round recreation abound in the nation’s most visited national forest.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near White River National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in White River National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near White River National Forest

100%
(125)

Frenchman's Creek Ranch

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs100 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.
from 
$55
 / night
94%
(62)

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site ¡ RV, Tent160 acres ¡ Alma, CO
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from 
$50
 / night
97%
(35)

Sawatch Base Camp

2 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Leadville, CO
Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind property at the site of an old turquoise mine with accessible yet private backcountry lodging. Located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake, Sawatch Base Camp is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters, Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies, while also being removed enough to provide solitude and quality time with friends and family. In summer and fall (May through November), the property has vehicle access by Forest Service Road 103- known by many other names depending on mapping service including County Road 9A, Turquoise Chief Rd, and St. Kevin Rd. This segment of road is part of the famous Leadville 100 MTB race, lying at roughly Mile 8/Mile 95. In winter months (roughly Thanksgiving through April), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe on groomed multi-use winter trails open to the public. The trek in is approximately 4.4 miles from the Leadville Junction Parking Lot, with an elevation gain of roughly 800 feet. The terrain around the yurt provides backcountry skiing through trees with occasional glades. Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather. Firewood and propane for the camp stove are provided. The restroom is an outhouse a few yards from the yurt stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Sawatch Base Camp operates under Lake County CUPs 21-10 and 23-33.
from 
$149
 / night
93%
(7)

Glenwood Canyon Resort

102 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs10 acres ¡ Glenwood Springs, CO
Glenwood Canyon Resort, located just east of Glenwood Springs, CO is the only lodging, camping, and RV resort in beautiful Glenwood Canyon, where Hanging Lake resides and the mighty Colorado River flows. Learn more about our newest addition, The Sprinter Village. A beautiful area custom designed for Sprinter vans, small RVs, truck campers, pop-up campers, and Rooftop Campers. Guests enjoy on-site rafting, fly-fishing, Bar & Grill, and canyon bike path access, and package deals with Glenwood Hot Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs and deals for skiing and snowboarding at Sunlight Mountain Resort in the winter. Our variety of cabins is available year-round and perfect for couples getaways, family fun vacations, reunions of all kinds, RV & travel groups, and corporate retreats. Not only does the Glenwood Canyon Resort boast the most scenic and gorgeous location in all of the western slopes, but we also have some of the coolest (and most convenient) amenities to offer our guests. From the most adventurous activities requiring nerves of steel and uncommon strength to the least adventurous activity of doing your laundry, we’ve got what you’re looking for right here on site. Need camping supplies or maybe a souvenir for those back home? Stop by our resort office and store where we have basic camping needs including wood & fire starters, ice, cold drinks, tent stakes, propane, and all the s’mores fixings you may need. Don’t miss out on trying our favorite s’mores recipe with peanut butter cups! You’ll find other items for your laundry and RVing needs as well. Also located in our resort store are fun little trinkets and things that make great gifts for the ones back at home as well as souvenirs in the form of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and such.
from 
$89
 / night
100%
(104)

Williams Fork Lodging

5 sites ¡ Lodging80 acres ¡ Parshall, CO
Luxury spa amenities away from the crowds and immersed in wilderness. Close enough to visit Rocky Mountain national Park Hot Springs in winter park ski area perfect for the couple and their dog. Hot tub, sauna, ropes, slippers and herbal teas. Hike, bike or snowshoe our 80 acres of trails abundant with wildflowers hummingbirds and wildlife beautiful fall colors to dark sky nights great for stargazing, fresh farm eggs and cinnamon rolls are available to pre-order. We are located at the end of a private road, we value or peace and serenity here and hope you do as well Adjacent to state national public lands, just for miles to the Williams fork reservoir a few more miles will take it to the Colorado river and many other lakes and reservoirs to fish in recreate Ask Dale for references a fun things to do in the area, such as rafting, horseback, riding or zip lining All wheel drive, or 4 x 4 with high clearance is recommended for the best experience We are approximately a half hour to kremmling Hot Sulphur Springs and the closest restaurant We are a little over an hour to Granby in Rocky Mountain national Park. Two hours to any summit county, ski areas, and steamboat. The lodge is basically a triplex building with a common area and three condos within. Bill’s cabin is our fourth lodging option that sits out on our Ridge about a half mile from the lodge building. Bill‘s cabin is off grid and has an out house. It also requires all wheel drive. The common area, houses the sauna, games, washer and dryer, and it’s just basically extra room to spread out. It also includes Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, for bills cabin guests to use. The lodge can be rented as one unit to sleep up to 10 guests. Or The lodge can also be rented as individual units: Each unit is individually named, has private entrances, and is completely private. There is the Copper Peak, which is a studio. The Williams Peak. and The Byers Peak. The shared areas include the hot tub and sauna which are located in common area. Each unit is filled with luxury and everyday amenities you need for a complete stay. We allow dogs too! Williams Peak and Copper Peak unit has a doggie door leading to a six-foot tall kennel run! NOTE: dogs cannot be left alone when you leave. Bills Cabin is our separate off grid, rental cabin, which offers luxury camping in a forested environment with numerous foot and bike trails right out your door! The total darkness provides a spectacular night time sky full of stars and constellations perfect for viewing from the deck. Expect to see wild life in our exclusive off grid cabin, while you enjoy an Ecco friendly vacation! Bill’s cabin has a primitive road to it and therefore some foresight is required for travel, a 4x4 vehicle is required in any seasonal weather. We recommend a conversation about your means of travel. Alternative methods such as Bike or hike, we just highly recommend that no one hikes at night. Bills cabin is built out of concrete including the "log" siding. The power comes from solar panels and propane to cook and heat. Your kitchen and bathroom include instant hot water and are just outside the door..enjoy an alfresco shower out side! Alternatively the lodge office guest bathroom/shower is also provided for Bill’s Cabin Guests. This unique lodging experience is an opportunity to enjoy a camping vacation with a loved one or a friend without all the cost and hassle of setting up camp. Enjoy a deck complete with a gas grill and fire place. Water is provided for washing dishes, hands and drinking. You need to bring food, ice cubes. Bill’s cabin is available for the summer and fall beginning Memorial Day weekend or earlier as weather permits. All lodging includes bed linens as well as towels, dishes, coffee pot, coffee, grill, within the lodge, all rooms have full kitchens, including microwaves Bills cabin provides a cooler including ice blocks, everything you need to cook with, including a grill burners, and a camp oven! We provide split wood and propane for all guests. bathrooms are supplied with shampoo, lotion, hair dryers and other small necessities! The common area as well as the buyers peak offer a Washer/dryer for guests to use Wifi, smart TV with Netflix, Hulu and pandora various crafts, games, puzzles and corn hole. A large deck for yoga, gathering with other guests or just relaxing over looks the valley and is perfect for wildlife viewing is also located at the lodge. Sorry but our zoning does not allow for any camping of any sort on our property. Come experience the Old West as it was and still is as you meander along the road through working ranches that were homesteaded back in the early 1900’s...their weathered log cabins still standing and often still occupied...others are close enough for a great “back in time” photo opportunity. As Colorado's open range law permits ranchers to graze their cattle without borders, you will often find them on the roadways or you may even get caught up in a cattle drive as the ranchers move their cattle from one pasture or paddock to another. Springtime brings all the calves and branding time! Observing the rancher, his horse, and dog working together is a genuine treat. Look along the roadside for sage grouse, in the open fields for pronghorn, down in the willows and streams for the bull moose, in the trees for the mule deer, and on top of the ridge lines for the elk. There are also bald eagle and osprey nests, alpacas, horses, sheep, and goats. All this just on the ride into Williams Fork Lodging! Our residence sits above this scenic panorama at the end of the road and adjacent to public lands tucked beneath Copper Peak on the Williams Fork Range. The elevation is roughly 8,500 feet and the 180 degree view is breathtaking...encompassing three mountain ranges, many peaks, pastures/meadows, forest, and ponds. Soak in everything from the glorious sunrises to enchanting full moons to brilliant stars that truly seem closer than they are…the view of the Milky Way is unobstructed by light pollution for outstanding celestial shows…and meteor showers are spectacular from the hot tub! We live on the same property as the Lodge and are quite self sustainable: hunting, fishing, gardening, gathering wild berries, and raising our own poultry meat. The Lodge and cabin are constructed of concrete and rock as well as high efficiency windows and takes full advantage of passive solar heat; backup heat and the hot water are provided by wood via an outside boiler maintained by us. if interested, Dale offers fresh baked caramel rolls and other enticing breads and/or meals. Every season has its own special beauty: Spring brings abundant wild flowers, contrasting greens of pine, aspen and sage. Newborn livestock and wildlife. Thunderstorms and brilliant double rainbows. Birds singing, chickens crowing and warm, quiet evenings are welcomed in summer. Our view of the fall colors are hard to match ~ the changing yellow, gold and reds quaking in the valley are quite beautiful. Winter brings diamond-sparkling white snow untouched by humans and cobalt blue skies and picture-perfect post card and right out your
from 
$115
 / night
100%
(11)

Basalt Mountain Oasis

1 site ¡ Lodging35 acres ¡ Basalt, CO
Basalt Mountain Oasis is perched on a south facing mountainside with incredible views of 3 14ers including Capitol Peak. It is a completely private location in the middle of nature yet only two miles from Basalt, and 20 miles from Aspen and Carbondale. We have produce growing in the gardens and greenhouse and herbal products for sale and will email you what is available before you check in and can have it stocked in the fridge.
from 
$175
 / night
91%
(150)

Vail Valley BackCounty Access

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Eagle, CO
This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in of BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electiric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property.Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the new Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away.Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is know for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.
from 
$52.50
 / night
92%
(43)

River Side

1 site ¡ RV4 acres ¡ New Castle, CO
Learn more about this land:At River Side you will have an overlook of the Colorado River with river access. You will wake up to a breathtaking view of the river winding west towards the Anvil Points and Roan Plateau. The property is an easy 7 minute drive from old town New Castle where you can find a grocery store, gas and basic amenities. The town of New Castle is up and coming with several restaurants and a new local's favorite, Colorado Drifters Coffee and Fly shop. You can rent paddle boards, and book guided fishing trips on the river right there. A 20 minute drive from New Castle you can find a popular lake called Harvey Gap. The lake is great for paddle boarding and fishing. Ten minutes away from Harvey Gap is another beautiful area called Rifle Falls which is truly a hidden gem. Climbing and rafting are also available up Canyon. There are many great hikes around the area. Our favorite is Rifle Arch which is about 25 minutes away right outside of the town of Rifle. New Castle has mountain biking trails everywhere and is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the Roaring Fork Valley. Glenwood Springs is 11 miles away and is the home of the famous hot springs. Aspen is about an hour from our property. Please note our home is located on this property as well. You will have an OPEN (no trees) grassy flat spot to the right of our home that overlooks the river with a view. Just realize you also have a view of our backyard to your west. Due to very high fire danger on the Western Slope we kindly ask you to refrain from using a fire while staying on our property. Please clean up after yourselves, your dogs, and be respectful of noise. Campers or self contained bathrooms are best. We ask that you come prepared and bring your own bathroom at this time. Please message or call when you arrive at our property. We are happy to answer any of your questions. Happy HipCamping to All!
from 
$33
 / night
99%
(94)

Riverside Rest for RVs

2 sites ¡ RVs30 acres ¡ Gypsum, CO
The original homestead cabin from 1903 is still here! This became our home when my husband retired because it is his dream. Our Highland cattle have personality plus!! The river wrapping around the ranch at the foot of the mountain washes away the stress and leaves a peace here that fills the spirit with calm. We love the land, the bald eagles, the wildlife, our guests and each other! Learn more about this land: Sleep in your RV with the sound of the river lulling you to recharge and just breath in the peace. We have a great boat ramp with a put-in and a place to kayak, tube, raft or fish! Great hiking trails nearby and a quiet country road to bike that the big bike races use. Our Scottish Highland cows give kisses are happy to share your carrots, apples and watermelon! We only rent two spots to keep it peaceful here.
from 
$30
 / night
97%
(16)

Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Gypsum, CO
Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours
from 
$25
 / night
99%
(51)

Colorado River Camp Has It All!

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ New Castle, CO
One of the valleys last original stone homes dating back to 1845. We have been restoring the buildings made from the limestone. The main house which is not yet finished has beautiful etched glass windows of the cattle drives. James Hinds the homesteader and original owner of the ranch created the ware and hinds ditch which supplies our abundant Valley water. He was a prominent attorney and got our water rights given to us forever from President Harris.. It includes water that extends to the middle of the Colorado River and the one mile of our shoreline. Everyday that we live here we give thanks for his wisdom and foresight. The once huge ranch that used to extend across I -70 and to the far side of the Colorado River is now reduced to our beautiful 110 acres, but it is the most beautiful and historic part of his astounding empire.
from 
$70
 / night
100%
(114)

Marble Mountain Yurt

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Marble, CO
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 SEASON (May-October)! A little about our reservation process. We accept two group reservations per week: 1) A discounted mid-week booking (Checking-in Tuesday or Wednesday) for 1-2 nights minimum (depending on the season) 2) A weekend booking starting Thursday, Friday, or Saturday weekly with a 2-3 night minimum. Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.
from 
$235
 / night

The best camping near White River National Forest guide

Overview

About

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the United States. Spread out over 2.3 million acres, this wild expanse is home to thousands of miles of trails and eight protected wilderness areas. Popular attractions within the park include the Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark, the oft-photographed Crystal Mill (an old wooden powerhouse dating to 1892), and the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. There are also a number of celebrated ski areas in the state, including the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area and the Vail Ski Resort.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for history buffs: Lost Man Campground provides easy access to the ghost town of Independence, two-miles away.
  • Best for weekend campers: Willows Campground has reservable sites, ideal for campers who can’t show up early to nab a first-come, first-served (FCFS) spot.
  • Best for RV camping: Deep Lake Campground has 37 FCFS sites that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Most campsites in White River National Forest are available on a FCFS basis. Arrive in the morning for the best selection.
  2. Some campgrounds have reservable campsites and all cabins can be pre-booked. Reservations open up at 8am Mountain Time, six months in advance. Cabins and popular sites fill up quickly, so try to book as early as you can.
  3. Choose harder-to-reach campgrounds for the best chances of scoring a campsite, particularly if you’re camping on a summer weekend.
  4. Free dispersed camping is available throughout the forest and is a good alternative for those having troubles securing a campsite.

When to go

White River National Forest attracts visitors throughout the year. Summer is the best time to camp here, when the weather is cool and dry, though you’ll have to deal with far more crowds in July and August than you will if you plan your trip for just after Labor Day Weekend. Winter sports are a big draw for many people, though it’s wise to avoid backcountry trips in the snow unless you really know what you’re doing.

Know before you go

  • Cell phone service can be spotty in the forest. Make sure to bring a paper map or download offline maps before you set out.
  • Check ahead with the forest service for up-to-date details on road closures, particularly if you’re visiting outside of the summer months, when snow can be an issue.
  • Fire bans are common in the summer months due to elevated wildfire risks. Check ahead before building a campfire.
  • Black bears can put a damper on your camping plans. To mitigate the risk of a visit, store all food, cosmetics, cookware, and garbage in a bear-proof container or in a secure, hard-sided vehicle.

Nearby attractions

Camping near Taylor Park Reservoir promises an idyllic setting with ample fishing and boating. Surrounded by Colorado's majestic peaks, it's a haven for nature lovers seeking lakeside tranquility and outdoor adventure.

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