Swimming Campgrounds in Colorado
Discover the best swimming campgrounds across Colorado. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.
Swimming Campgrounds in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Top-rated swimming destination (4.65 sentiment) with explicit mentions of water activities and swimming at Vallecito Lake. Reviews specifically praise 'water activities and fishing were perfect.' Greenbook status is perfect (100 vibe score) with friendly hosts and clean facilities.
High-altitude lake campground (9,200 ft) with 4.56 sentiment featuring non-motorized boating, paddleboarding, and swimming opportunities. Lake serves as centerpiece for water activities. Clean facilities and scenic mountain setting near Salida.
Exceptional 4.65 sentiment with perfect greenbook score (100). Reviews explicitly mention swimming as a key activity alongside boating and fishing. 1,011-acre alpine lake at 8,100 feet offers extensive water recreation with well-maintained facilities.
About Swimming Campgrounds in Colorado
Swimming camping Colorado offers an exceptional blend of high-altitude alpine lakes, pristine mountain reservoirs, and refreshing river swimming holes that make the state a premier destination for water-loving campers. From the expansive waters of Vallecito Reservoir in the southwest to the crystal-clear alpine lakes dotting Grand Mesa and the Northern Front Range, Colorado's diverse geography provides swimming opportunities ranging from 5,000 to over 10,000 feet in elevation.
Best Time
The prime swimming season in Colorado runs from late June through early September, with peak conditions typically occurring in July and August when water temperatures reach their warmest and weather is most stable. High-elevation campgrounds above 9,000 feet like Ohaver Lake and Jumbo Campground may not be accessible until late June or early July due to snowmelt, while lower-elevation reservoirs like Vallecito open earlier in May.
Activity Highlights
- Lake and river swimming access
- Natural swimming holes
- Beach and waterfront sites
- Family-friendly swimming areas
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites well in advance through Recreation.gov for Forest Service campgrounds or directly through Colorado Parks and Wildlife for state parks—popular lakeside sites book out months ahead for summer weekends.
- 2Bring layers and warm clothing even in summer, as temperatures can drop into the 40s at night, especially at high elevations above 9,000 feet.
- 3Pack water shoes or sandals for rocky lake bottoms and river entries, and always bring sunscreen with high SPF as Colorado's thin air intensifies UV exposure, particularly at altitude.
- 4A wetsuit or rash guard can extend your swimming comfort in colder alpine lakes.
Swimming Campgrounds in Colorado FAQ
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