Best campgrounds in Colorado
Colorado

Best Campgrounds in Colorado

Curated guides to help you find the perfect camping destination in Colorado. From tent-only sites to full-hookup campgrounds.

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Junction Creek Campground
Star
4.7
(451)
Junction Creek Campground
Durango
San Juan National Forest

Top-rated campground (4.65 sentiment, 451 reviews) in San Juan National Forest with exceptional camping amenities including electric hookups. Offers direct access to Colorado Trail and excellent fishing. Clean facilities and helpful hosts consistently praised.

Tents
RVs
2
Dowdy Lake
Star
4.7
(455)
Dowdy Lake
Red Feather Lakes
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Excellent lakeside camping (4.65 sentiment, 455 reviews) with electric hookups and diverse water activities. Beautiful location near Red Feather Lakes with kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Clean facilities and friendly hosts.

Tents
RVs
3
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
Star
4.5
(578)
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Premier Rocky Mountain National Park location (4.55 sentiment, 504 reviews) with direct shuttle access to Bear Lake trails. Stunning alpine setting with diverse ecosystems and excellent wildlife viewing. Well-maintained facilities.

Tents
RVs

More Top Campgrounds in Colorado

Discover 17 additional top-rated campgrounds in Colorado

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
Star
4.6
(317)
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
South Fork
Rio Grande National Forest

Outstanding high-elevation campground (4.63 sentiment, 317 reviews) with perfect greenbook score (100). Excellent fishing, hiking to Weminuche Wilderness, and beautiful sub-alpine setting. Consistently praised for cleanliness and helpful hosts.

Tents
RVs
Collegiate Peaks
Star
4.5
(368)
Collegiate Peaks
Salida
PSICC

Excellent high-country campground (4.51 sentiment, 368 reviews) near Salida with exceptional greenbook score (95.08). Prime access to Continental Divide trails and quality trout fishing. Beautiful sub-alpine setting with well-maintained facilities.

Tents
RVs
Gore Creek Campground
Star
4.5
(411)
Gore Creek Campground
Vail, CO
White River National Forest

Premium White River National Forest location (4.46 sentiment, 411 reviews) near Vail with direct Eagles Nest Wilderness access. Beautiful creek-side setting with excellent fall colors. Clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to town.

Tents
RVs
Saddlehorn Campground
Star
4.5
(710)
Saddlehorn Campground
Fruita
Colorado National Monument

Unique high desert camping (4.47 sentiment, 634 reviews) in Colorado National Monument with dramatic red rock formations. Excellent hiking and wildlife viewing. Represents western Colorado's distinct landscape.

Tents
RVs
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground
Star
4.4
(582)
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground
Montrose
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Spectacular National Park setting (4.42 sentiment, 581 reviews) on canyon rim with electric hookups. Dramatic geology and excellent ranger programs. Strong greenbook score (91.81) ensures welcoming environment.

Tents
RVs
Lakeview Campground
Star
4.5
(351)
Lakeview Campground
Leadville
PSICC

Beautiful Twin Lakes location (4.45 sentiment, 351 reviews) at 9,500 feet with Colorado's highest peaks as backdrop. Excellent fishing, boating, and hiking access including Colorado Trail. Clean facilities and spacious sites.

Tents
RVs
Jumbo Campground
Star
4.5
(265)
Jumbo Campground
Mesa
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

High-elevation Grand Mesa camping (4.46 sentiment, 265 reviews) with electric hookups and excellent fishing. Beautiful spruce and aspen forests with lake access. Strong greenbook score (92.9).

Tents
RVs
Spillway Campground
Star
4.4
(288)
Spillway Campground
Lake George
PSICC

Excellent fishing and climbing destination (4.40 sentiment, 288 reviews) in Eleven Mile Canyon. Budget-friendly with attentive hosts and beautiful granite canyon scenery. Strong greenbook score (91.91).

Tents
RVs
Ohaver Lake
Star
4.5
(347)
Ohaver Lake
Salida
PSICC

Peaceful alpine lake camping (4.53 sentiment, 347 reviews) near Salida with excellent fishing and paddleboarding. Tranquil setting with clean facilities and beautiful mountain views.

Tents
RVs

Camping Style

Find campgrounds in Colorado that match how you love to camp


By Activity

Campgrounds in Colorado with the best access to your favorite outdoor activities


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Colorado

Map Key
1
Junction Creek Campground
2
Dowdy Lake
3
Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground
4
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
5
Collegiate Peaks
6
Gore Creek Campground
7
Saddlehorn Campground
8
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground
9
Lakeview Campground
10
Jumbo Campground
11
Spillway Campground
12
Ohaver Lake
13
Chapman Campground And Group
14
Zapata Falls Campground
15
Lottis Creek Campground
16
Alvarado Campground
17
Difficult Campground
18
Pawnee
19
Ansel Watrous
20
Amphitheater (Co)

About Camping in Colorado

Camping in Colorado offers unparalleled access to some of North America's most spectacular mountain landscapes, from towering 14,000-foot peaks to pristine alpine lakes and dramatic desert canyons. The state's diverse geography spans multiple climate zones and ecosystems, providing camping experiences that range from high-elevation wilderness sites above treeline to riverside retreats along rushing mountain streams.

Best Time

The prime camping season in Colorado runs from late May through September, with peak visitation occurring during July and August when high-elevation roads and trails are fully accessible. June offers excellent conditions with wildflower blooms and fewer crowds, though some high-country campgrounds may still be snow-covered or muddy.

Why Camp Here

  • Curated selection of top-rated campgrounds
  • Verified reviews and sentiment analysis
  • Diverse options for every camping style
  • Local insights and seasonal recommendations

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Camping in diverse mountain environmentsHiking and backpacking on extensive trail networksTrout fishing in alpine lakes, reservoirs, and mountain streamsWildlife viewing including elk, bighorn sheep, and black bearsPhotography of mountain landscapes and wildflowersKayaking and canoeing on mountain lakes

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular campgrounds like Glacier Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park and Gore Creek near Vail exactly six months ahead when booking windows open on Recreation.gov, as these sites fill within hours of becoming available.
  • 2Prepare for high-altitude conditions by arriving a day early to acclimate if camping above 8,000 feet, staying well-hydrated, and packing layers for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
  • 3Always carry bear-proof food storage containers or use provided bear boxes, as black bears are active throughout Colorado's mountain regions—never store food, toiletries, or scented items in tents.
  • 4Check current fire restrictions before your trip, as campfire bans are common during dry periods; bring a camp stove as backup for cooking.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Camping in Colorado

How to Book These Campgrounds

The most popular campgrounds for camping in colorado book up months in advance. Here are the tools to help you get a site.


Colorado Camping FAQ

Our rankings combine multiple factors including camper reviews, sentiment analysis, amenity quality, location accessibility, and natural setting. We analyze thousands of reviews to identify campgrounds that consistently deliver exceptional experiences across Colorado.

Colorado offers diverse camping options including RV camping with full hookups, traditional tent camping, and rustic walk-in sites. Many campgrounds also provide excellent access to activities like fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating.

The ideal camping season in Colorado varies by region and elevation. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but book early for prime locations. Check individual campground pages for specific seasonal recommendations.

Colorado Camping Guides

Planning reads to pair with your Colorado trip


Never Miss a Campsite in Colorado

Popular Colorado campgrounds book up fast. Set up free availability alerts and we'll notify you when spots open up.