RV travel and destinations
The Best Camping in Colorado [15 Must-See Locations]
Posted on July 14, 2022
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Looking to camp in Colorado?
You’re in luck.
In this guide, our on-site team shares the 15 best camping spots in the state of Colorado, including a handful of hidden gems loved by locals.
You’ll discover breathtaking camping locations scattered throughout Colorado’s Front Range and Western Slope while getting a snapshot of what the area offers and why you should stay there.
Whether you’re tent camping or RVing, this article has everything you need to plan the perfect road trip through Colorado.
Let’s get started!
Do you need an RV rental for your road trip? With RVezy, you can drive, tow, or get your RV rental delivered directly to your favorite campsite.
The best parks and campgrounds in Colorado
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Mueller State Park
- Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
- Collegiate Peaks Campground
- Turquoise Lake Recreation Area
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Elk Creek Campground and RV Resort
- Heaton Bay Campground
- Dinosaur National Monument
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Ridgway State Park
- Matterhorn Campground
- Priest Gulch Campground
- Morefield Campground at Mesa Verde National Park
Colorado's Front Range
Colorado's Front Range includes the urban areas and small towns east of the Continental Divide. All campgrounds are part of the Rocky Mountains and extend south into the San Luis Valley. Even though the Continental Divide runs through Rocky Mountain National Park, we've included it in this section of our guide since most of the campgrounds in the park are located on the eastern side of the park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Why you should camp here
Piñon Flats Campground is a small, rustic campground that rests near the base of the Great Sand Dunes, the tallest dunes in North America. Since the campground is located inside Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, you'll have access to all of the park's events and activities during the day and one of the best spots in the state for stargazing at night.
Campground
Piñon Flats Campground is the only developed campground inside Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This campground has non-electric campsites for tent, RV, and group camping and is best for vehicles under 30 feet long.
- 91 tent and RV sites.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Potable water faucets.
- Flush toilets (seasonal).
- Vault toilet and dump station.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
410 JL Ranch Heights Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926
Why you should camp here
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is one of the best campgrounds in Colorado Springs because it rests high on the base of Cheyenne Mountain and has spectacular views of the city. The park has 21 hiking trails, and is located near Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, and the United States Air Force Academy.
Campground
The park has several named campground loops, all part of the Cheyenne Mountain Campground. Every RV site comes with full hookups and can accommodate rigs of varying sizes. Cheyenne Mountain State Park also has walk-in tent sites and cabins for rent.
Cheyenne Mountain Campground
The park is open year round and RV sites are located in Raptor Glen, Swift Puma, Meadow, and Gobbler Grove camping loops.
- 51 full hookup RV sites with tent pads.
- 10 tent-only sites.
- 30- and 50-amp electrical service.
- Vault toilets and modern restrooms with coin-operated showers.
- Laundry facility on site.
- Dump station.
Learn more about RV camping at state parks.
Mueller State Park
Why you should camp here
Mueller State Park is one of the Pikes Peak Region's most popular state parks. The park has several hiking trails, seasonal park events, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The high elevation makes for comfortable camping in every season, and the park is close to Cripple Creek and Pikes Peak.
Campgrounds
Mueller State Park has several RV and tent campsites scattered between different loops, group campgrounds, backcountry camping, an equestrian campground, and rental cabins. Some campsites are open year-round but may have limited amenities available during the winter. Reservations are required.
Mueller State Park Campground
This campground is broken into several named loops. Camper services operate from mid-May to mid-October, and the comfort station remains open year round.
- 136 tent and RV sites.
- Sites are either dry or have 30-amp electrical service.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets and modern restrooms with coin-operated showers.
- Playground, laundry, and firewood sales.
- Dump station.
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
Co Road 96, Florissant, CO 80816
Why you should camp here
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area has several small and quiet campgrounds ideal for tents or small RVs. The green and lush campgrounds scattered along the river are often overlooked by the popular, more open campgrounds at Eleven Mile State Park, but that's because first-time campers don't know what they're missing with this diamond-in-the-rough recreational area.
Campgrounds
Each campground has basic amenities, and reservations are recommended during the peak camping season between May and September. No dump station on site.
This campground has non-electric campsites for both tent and RV camping. Best for RVs under 25 feet long.
- 23 tent and RV sites.
- Picnic tables.
- Fire rings.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
This campground has non-electric campsites for both tent and trailer camping and is best for trailers under 30 feet long.
- 4 tent and trailer sites.
- Picnic tables.
- Fire rings.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
This campground has non-electric sites for both tents and RVs and is best for RVs under 30 feet long.
- 18 tent and trailer sites.
- Picnic tables.
- Fire rings.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
This campground has non-electric sites for both tents and RVs and is best for RVs under 25 feet long.
- 18 tent and trailer sites.
- Picnic tables.
- Fire rings.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
Collegiate Peaks Campground
Ranger District Salida, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Why you should camp here
The Collegiate Peaks Campground is a wooded campground located near the headwaters of the Arkansas River and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is part of the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains and is home to eight fourteeners (mountain peaks towering over 14,000 feet in elevation). The Collegiate Peaks Campground is close to some of the best hiking trails, paddling, fishing, and hunting in Colorado.
Campground
The Collegiate Peaks Campground is a seasonally operating campground located in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest. Reservations are recommended during the summer months.
- 56 RV and tent sites.
- No electricity available.
- Potable water faucets.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and cooking grates at every site.
- Vault toilet.
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area
Why you should camp here
Turquoise Lake is one of the most popular recreational areas in the state. This glacial lake is located in a lodge pine forest just west of Leadville and sits close to 10,000 feet in elevation. Leadville is known for its hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and boating, and if you visit in August, you won't want to miss Leadville Boom Days and the historic burro races.
Campgrounds
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area has several campgrounds for tent, RV, and group camping, and reservations are required in most of the campgrounds. Campers have a two- or three-night minimum stay on holidays and weekends. The campgrounds operate during the warmest months and are typically open from around Memorial Day through Labor Day.
This campground is located on the lake's eastern shore, has standard, non-electric campsites for both tent and RV camping, and is best for RVs up to 45 feet long.
- 50 tent RV sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
This waterfront campground is located on the lake's eastern shore and is a first-come, first-served campground for tents only.
- 19 tent sites.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and pedestal grills.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
Father Dyer is a standard, non-electric RV and tent campground located near the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake and is best for trailers and motorhomes up to 35 feet long.
- 25 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
This is a first-come, first-served RV and tent campground. The sites here are standard, non-electric, and are best for rigs up to 42 feet long.
- 14 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
May Queen is an RV and tent campground located on the western side of Turquoise Lake. The standard, non-electric campsites are best for rigs up to 40 feet long.
- 27 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
This campground is located on the lake's eastern shore, has standard, non-electric campsites for both tent and RV camping, and is best for RVs under 40 feet long.
- 49 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
Silver Dollar is an RV and tent campground located on the western side of Turquoise Lake. The standard, non-electric campsites are best for rigs up to 30 feet long.
- 43 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
The Tabor campground is located on the northeastern shore of the lake next to the boat ramp. It is a first-come, first-served facility with standard, non-electric sites best for RVs up to 40 feet long.
- 44 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire rings.
- Firewood sales.
- Potable water faucets. Campers must fill their RV tanks off-site.
- Vault toilets.
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Beaver Meadows Visitor Center)
Why you should camp here
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's four national parks. Its stunning scenery is home to wildlife, mountain peaks, streams, and meadows, and it is the place to go if you want to take to the trails or backcountry to experience the Rocky Mountains in a more primitive and secluded atmosphere.
Campgrounds
Rocky Mountain National Park has RV, tent, and group campgrounds located throughout the park. Most of the campgrounds close during the off season, except for sections of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek.
The Moraine Park campground is located near the park's Beaver Meadows Entrance. The campground is open year round and has a mix of standard, non-electric RV and tent sites available by reservation only. Some facilities are closed during the off season.
- 101 RV and tent sites.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Potable water faucets.
- Comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks.
- Solar shower stalls available for guests who have their own solar shower bags.
- Vault toilets and dump station.
The Aspenglen campground is located near the park's Fall River Entrance. The campground is a standard, non-electric facility that operates seasonally and accommodates RVs up to 30 feet long.
- 54 RV and tent sites.
- Generators permitted in some loops.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
- Flush toilets are available during the warmer months.
Longs Peak is a tent-only, first-come, first-served campground located just south of Estes Park.The campground does not have water, so campers must bring their own. Open year round.
- 26 tent-only sites.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Vault toilets.
Glacier Basin is a group, RV, and tent campground with loops designated for generator use during approved hours. This standard, non-electric campground accommodates RVs up to 35 feet long and operates during the summer months by reservation only.
- 150 RV and tent sites.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Potable water faucets.
- One solar shower stall is available for guests who have their own solar shower bags.
- Vault toilets.
- Flush toilets and the dump station are open during the warmer months.
Timber Creek is the only RV and tent campground located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This standard, non-electric campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet long and operates by reservation only. Open year round.
- 98 RV and tent sites.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Potable water faucets.
- Vault toilets.
- Flush toilets and the dump station are open during the warmer months.
Colorado's Western Slope
Colorado's Western Slope includes the land west of the Continental Divide. The campgrounds in the Western Slope region of Colorado are mostly surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and trees and include some of Colorado's most popular mountain towns. However, once you get closer to the northwestern part of the state, the landscape changes and the terrain opens up to canyons, deserts, and plateaus.
Elk Creek Campground and RV Resort
43 County Road 48, Grand Lake, CO 80447
Why you should camp here
Elk Creek is a quiet campground known for the stunning scenery and wildlife presence and close to the Grand Lake Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The campground is less than 25 miles to the top of Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park's highway to the sky. The summit sits at 12,183 feet in elevation and gives visitors a spectacular aerial view of the mountains and valleys below.
Campground
The campground and RV Park is open May through September and has RV and tent camping as well as cabins and a tipi for rent. The RV sites are either full hookup or have 20/30/50-amp electric and water available.
- 62 RV and tent sites.
- Showers, flushing toilets, and sinks.
- Laundry facility and general store with firewood, propane, and ice for sale.
- Playground.
- Dump station.
- Honeywagon service available.
Heaton Bay Campground
Dillon Dam Road, Silverthorne, CO 80498
Why you should camp here
Heaton Bay Campground is a White River National Forest campground located in Silverthorne, close to the towns of Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, and Frisco. The area has abundant outdoor recreational activities ranging from sightseeing to fishing, paddling, boating, mountain biking, road biking, and much more.
Campground
Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance. Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 98 feet long, but most sites are best for rigs under 40 feet in length.
- 79 RV, tent, and trailer sites, some with 30-amp electrical service and water.
- Potable water is available for drinking and filling RV tanks.
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grates, and lantern poles.
- Vault toilets.
Dinosaur National Monument
Canyon Visitor Center 4545 US-40, Dinosaur, CO 81610
Why you should camp here
Dinosaur National Monument crosses Colorado and Utah and is the place to camp if you want to explore petroglyph sites and see dinosaur fossils. The park has outdoor activities like white water rafting, hiking, guided tours and scenic drives, and is a must-see location in the northwestern part of the state.
Campgrounds
The two RV campgrounds are split between Colorado and Utah. Since our guide is about the best campgrounds in Colorado, we only highlight the campgrounds on the Colorado side of the park.
Gates of Lodore
- 19 RV and tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire pits.
- Potable water for drinking. Campers should fill their holding tanks before coming to the national monument.
- Food storage lockers.
- Vault toilets.
Echo Park
- 22 standard, non-electric campsites for tents, truck campers, and campervans.
- Potable water for drinking. Campers should fill their holding tanks before coming to the national monument.
- Food storage lockers.
- Vault toilets.
Deerlodge Park
- 7 first-come, first-served tent sites.
- Picnic tables and fire pits.
- Potable water.
- Vault toilets.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Why you should camp here
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a steep canyon forged by the Gunnison River over two million years ago. The jagged canyons, cliffs, and rocks are just part of what makes this park so special. If you like to explore national parks and slow down during your camping trips, the campgrounds here are for you. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a designated International Dark Sky Park with hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, scenic drives, and fishing, so there is something to see or do for almost everyone.
Campgrounds
The camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is simple to rustic. Before reserving a site, check the max RV or trailer size and accessibility. Most locations in the national park don't have cellular service.
Reservations are required between May and September and first come, first served the other months of the year. The South Rim Campground can accommodate RVs and trailers with a max combined length of 55 feet or less.
- 88 RV and tent sites.
- Both standard, non-electric, and 30-amp electrical sites available.
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill grate.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Vault toilets and potable water.
North Rim is a small, first-come, first-served campground for tents, small trailers, and campervans. The maximum combined length of a motorhome, car, and trailer can't exceed 22 feet.
- 13 standard, non-electric RV and tent sites.
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill grate.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Vault toilets and potable water.
The road to this campground is steep with sharp, narrow curves. Any vehicle with a combined length of 22 feet in length or longer is not permitted.
- 15 RV or tent sites.
- 10 tent-only sites.
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill grate.
- Bear-resistant food lockers.
- Vault toilets and potable water.
Ridgway State Park
28555 US-550, Ridgway, CO 81432
Why you should camp here
Recreation! Ridgway Reservoir is five miles long and a hot spot for fishing, paddling, and boating. The San Juan Mountain Range and the Uncompahgre River make this tree-covered park scenic, relaxing, and fun. The park is near the towns of Montrose, Telluride, and Ouray.
Campgrounds
Ridgway State Park has RV and tent camping and yurt rentals. The yurts and one campground have winter camping, although some facilities are closed during the colder months. Every campground has scenic views and similar amenities.
Dutch Charlie
Dutch Charlie is a multi-loop campground split into two sides. The Dakota Terraces side offers mountain views and year-round camping and is within walking distance of the reservoir and swim beach. Elk Ridge sits atop the mesa and has scenic views from many tree-lined sites.
- 187 RV and tent sites.
- All sites have 30-amp electrical hookups and proximity to potable water filling stations.
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill grate.
- Comfort stations with flush toilets, sinks, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities.
- Firewood sales.
- Playground.
- Dump station (on the Dakota Terraces side).
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk
- 80 full hookup RV and tent sites with 30-amp electrical service.
- 15 walk-in tent sites.
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill grate.
- Comfort stations with flush toilets, sinks, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities.
- Firewood sales.
- Playground.
Matterhorn Campground
Priest Lake Road, Ophir, CO 81426
Why you should camp here
This campground is wooded and shaded with panoramic views of several mountain ranges. Campers will be close to the towns of Telluride and Ouray with proximity to off-road trails, hiking, fishing, paddling, wildflower viewing, and more.
Campground
Matterhorn Campground is open during the warmer months and accommodates RVs up to 45 feet long. The campground requires campers to make reservations for most of the sites; however, a few of the spaces are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 28 RV and tent sites.
- Most of the campground has standard, non-electric sites with no hookups.
- Four sites have 30-amp electrical hookups with water.
- Every space has picnic tables, fire rings, grill grates, and lantern poles.
- Drinking water, flushing toilets, and coin-operated showers on site.
- Firewood sales.
Priest Gulch Campground
27646 CO-145, Dolores, CO 81323
Why you should camp here
Campers who want an authentic Colorado experience will fall in love with Priest Gulch Campground. The campground is located in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Silverton, and Durango and is close to areas well known for fishing, paddling, hiking, off-roading, and much more.
Campground
Priest Gulch Campground operates seasonally and has RV and tent sites and small cabins for rent. Many of the sites face the Dolores River or Priest Creek.
- 88 RV and tent sites.
- RV sites have 30- or 50- amp electrical service, water, and sewer.
- Picnic table and fire ring at each site.
- Laundry, showers, and flushing toilets.
- Dump station.
Morefield Campground at Mesa Verde National Park
Mile Marker 4 U.S. 160, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
Why you should camp here
Although the area around Mesa Verde has abundant RV and tent camping, nothing compares to setting up camp near the cliff dwellings and mesas inside Mesa Verde National Park. Over 700 years ago, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived and thrived in the region. Today, visitors can visit what's left of well-preserved stone communities and learn about the people who once lived on the grounds.
Morefield Campground
Morefield Campground is an RV, tent, and group campground that accommodates RVs and trailers less than 46 feet long. The campground is open year round but operates with limited facilities during the colder months.
- 15 full hookup sites.
- 267 dry tent and RV sites.
- Potable water and showers.
- Flush and portable toilets and showers.
- Picnic table, fire pit, and grill.
- Camp store with ice and firewood for sale.
- Dump station.
Let's go camping
Ready to plan your Colorado campout? Whether you plan an epic road trip or want to rent an RV in Colorado and explore some of the best campgrounds in the state, we've got some helpful guides to get you started:
The Best RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Denver
