Colorado’s natural beauty makes it a camper’s paradise. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to lush forests and clear lakes, offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Colorado’s wide range of campgrounds cater to all. Each camping trip here offers a unique adventure, with lasting memories.
So pack your gear, choose your site, and enjoy the best of camping in Colorado. Let’s explore some of the best campgrounds in Colorado, starting with an introduction to the three main types of camping you’ll find in the Centennial State.
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Types of Camping in Colorado
There are various types of campgrounds and campsites available in Colorado to suit different camping preferences. Here are the three most common:
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping refers to camping outside of designated camping areas, often in wilderness or remote areas. This type of camping offers solitude and an immersion in nature, but it requires a high degree of self-sufficiency, as amenities like restrooms, water, and picnic tables are typically not available.
RELATED READ: HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES IN COLORADO
Designated Camping
Designated campsites are specific sites in a national forest or park open for first-come, first-serve camping. These sites often include basic amenities such as a fire ring, picnic table, and access to restrooms. They are a half step between dispersed camping and full developed campgrounds.
Developed Campgrounds
Developed campgrounds are larger camping areas that offer a range of amenities. These may include restrooms, shower facilities, water, and electric hook-ups. Some developed campgrounds also offer additional features like playgrounds, ranger programs, and nearby recreational activities.
In this guide, we’ll focus mostly on this third category.
Top Campgrounds in Colorado: 15 Favorites
Here are 17 of our top picks for the best campgrounds in Colorado, ranging from developed campgrounds with many amenities to more remote, dispersed camping areas for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
1. Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado
Price: $35
Amenities: Drinking water, bathrooms, firewood, fire rings, picnic tables
Moraine Park Campground is nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park and provides campers with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The campground is open year-round, with peak season running from late May through early October. Known for its spacious sites, which offer a mix of sun and shade, the campground also provides easy access to a number of hiking trails. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the frequent sightings of elk, mule deer, and other local species in the meadows surrounding the campground.
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2. Silver Bell Campground, Maroon Bells
Location: Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado
Price: $15
Amenities: Vault toilets, food storage lockers, fire rings, picnic tables
Silver Bell Campground is located just a short distance from the stunning Maroon Bells, two of Colorado’s most iconic peaks. The campground is surrounded by aspen trees, providing plenty of shade, and is open from late May through late September. It’s an excellent base for exploring the Maroon Bells and the surrounding wilderness. There is no electrical hookup or water available so come prepared.
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3. East Portal Campground, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Location: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, near Montrose, Colorado
Price: $20
Amenities: Vault toilets, grill, fire rings, picnic tables, seasonal drinking water access
East Portal Campground is located at the base of the stunning Black Canyon, providing campers with unique views of the dramatic cliffs. The campground, shaded by box elder trees along the water, is open from April to October, and reservations are recommended due to its popularity. The campground provides easy access to a range of hiking trails and fishing spots along the Gunnison River.
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4. Echo Lake Campground, Mount Blue Sky
Location: Mount Evans Wilderness, near Idaho Springs, Colorado
Price: $23
Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, trash service
Echo Lake Campground is situated at the base of Mount Blue Sky and offers campers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The campground is open from late May through early September. Campers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It’s also an ideal base camp for those who aim to climb Mount Blue Sky and want to acclimatize beforehand.
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5. Pinon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park, near Alamosa, Colorado
Price: $20
Amenities: Drinking water, bathrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, food storage lockers, firewood, dump station, tent pads
Pinon Flats Campground is located in the heart of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, providing campers with unparalleled access to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The campground is open from April to October, with reservations recommended due to its popularity. In addition to exploring the dunes, campers can enjoy nearby hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.
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6. Difficult Campground, Aspen
Location: Near Aspen, Colorado
Price: $32
Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, firewood
Difficult Campground, despite its intimidating name, offers a serene camping experience amidst the Aspen trees. Open from late May through September, it’s an excellent location for hikers and bikers with easy access to a variety of trails along Independence Pass. It’s also a short drive away from the town of Aspen, providing an opportunity for a quick escape to civilization if needed. Note: electrical hookup is not available here.
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Pro Tip: Vehicles over 35 feet in length are prohibited over Independence Pass but can access the campground via Aspen.
7. The Crags Campground, Pikes Peak
Location: Pikes Peak, near Colorado Springs, Colorado
Price: $22
Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables
The Crags Campground, located near the base of Pikes Peak, offers campers a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Colorado’s most famous mountains. The first-come, first-serve campground is open from May to September, providing easy access to the Crags Trail and other hiking opportunities on Pikes Peak. Enjoy the crisp mountain air, stunning views and the tranquil sounds of the surrounding forest without worrying about reservations.
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8. Elbert Creek Campground, Mount Elbert
Location: Mount Elbert, near Leadville, Colorado
Price: $22
Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables,
Elbert Creek Campground is located at the foot of Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado. Open from May to September, it offers visitors a chance to camp in the shadow of this towering peak. The first-come, first-serve campground provides easy access to the Mount Elbert trailhead for those adventurous enough to attempt the summit. Wildlife viewing and fishing in the nearby creek are also popular activities.
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9. Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Mesa Verde National Park, near Cortez, Colorado
Price: $38
Amenities: Drinking water, bathrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, firewood, trash service, dump station.
Morefield Campground is situated within Mesa Verde National Park, known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The campground is open from April to October, with a general store and gas station available for campers. Visitors can explore the park’s ancient dwellings and enjoy the area’s hiking trails.
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10. Zapata Falls Campground, San Luis Valley
Location: San Luis Valley, near Alamosa, Colorado
Price: $11
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, food storage lockers, trash service
Zapata Falls Campground offers campers a unique experience with a short hike to a hidden waterfall. Open from May to November, it provides an excellent base for exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground is situated at a high elevation, offering cooler temperatures in the summer and stunning views of the surrounding valley. There is no drinking water available, so come prepared.
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RELATED READ: ZAPATA FALLS HIKING TRAIL – ULTIMATE GUIDE
11. Meadow Ridge Campground, White River National Forest
Location: White River National Forest, near Frisco, Colorado
Price: $21
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, trash service
Meadow Ridge Campground is situated in the heart of the White River National Forest, providing an ideal base for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. Open from May to October, the first-come, first-serve campground is surrounded by a stunning forest and offers easy access to multiple trailheads. Its altitude provides cool temperatures during the summer and incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
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12. La Vista Campground, San Isabel National Forest
Location: San Isabel National Forest, near Pueblo, Colorado
Price: $27
Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, trash service, electrical hookup
La Vista Campground is nestled in the beautiful San Isabel National Forest, offering campers a serene setting by the lake. The campground is open from May to October, and campers can enjoy a host of activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Lake Isabel makes it a popular destination for those who enjoy water sports.
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13. Green River Campground, Dinosaur National Monument
Location: Dinosaur National Monument, near Jensen, Utah and Dinosaur, Colorado
Price: $18
Amenities: Drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, firewood vendor, trash service
Green River Campground, located in the Dinosaur National Monument, offers campers a truly prehistoric experience. The campground is open from April to October, and visitors have easy access to the park’s ancient dinosaur fossils and petroglyphs. The campground is situated along the Green River, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and rafting.
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14. North Michigan Reservoir Campground, State Forest State Park
Location: State Forest State Park, near Walden, Colorado
Price: $24
Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, boat ramps
North Michigan Reservoir Campground is located in the State Forest State Park, known for its dense forests and abundant wildlife. It’s open from May to September and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The campground is located near the stunning North Michigan Reservoir, providing campers with beautiful waterfront views and easy access to water activities.
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15. Cherry Creek Campground, Cherry Creek State Park
Location: Cherry Creek State Park, near Denver, Colorado
Price: $26
Amenities: Drinking water, bathrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, showers, laundry, firewood, dump station, trash service
Cherry Creek Campground is located within the bustling Cherry Creek State Park, offering an urban escape without l
