House Creek

Mesa Verde National Park

San Juan National Forest

Escape to this hidden gem where spontaneity meets adventure! This pristine campground welcomes visitors on a first-come, first-served basis, perfect for those who love the thrill of unplanned journeys. Modern convenience meets wilderness charm with our innovative QR code payment system through the Recreation.gov mobile app—simply scan and settle in for your outdoor adventure. While you'll be immersed in nature's tranquility, remember that cellular signals can be as elusive as the local wildlife in these remote reaches, adding to the authentic off-the-grid experience.

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Nestled deep within the San Juan National Forest, Snowslide Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This rustic mountain retreat operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming spontaneous adventurers and seasoned campers alike. While the campground embraces its remote character, modern convenience meets the backcountry through the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay app for easy payment processing. Pro tip: download the app before your journey begins, as cellular signals fade quickly among these towering peaks and dense forests.

SAN JUAN NF

Perched on the stunning south shore of McPhee Reservoir—the crown jewel of the San Juan National Forest—McPhee Recreation Complex welcomes adventurers of every stripe. Whether you're arriving with a group of friends, navigating in your RV, or pitching a tent under the stars, this expansive campground serves as your gateway to endless recreation. Cast a line into Colorado's second-largest body of water, carve through crystal-clear waters on skis, or simply lose yourself in the rhythmic splash of paddle against water. When you're ready to stretch your legs, scenic trails beckon, while eagles soar overhead and wildlife emerges at dawn and dusk for those patient enough to watch.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

SAN JUAN NF

Nestled at 7,600 feet where towering spruce, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir create a natural cathedral, Mavreeso Campground beckons adventurers to experience the pristine beauty of the West Dolores River. This mountain sanctuary offers both intimate single-family sites and spacious group camping areas, perfect for those seeking solitude or shared adventures. Days here unfold with the rhythm of the river—cast a line into crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails on foot or bike, or simply breathe in the pure mountain air while nature's symphony plays around you.

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, Transfer Campground offers a tranquil escape just 11 miles north of Mancos, Colorado. This intimate, lesser-known gem welcomes adventurers with 12 first-come, first-serve family campsites nestled beneath a canopy of quaking aspens, plus one reservable group site perfect for larger gatherings. Whether you're drawn to explore the winding Aspen Loop Trail on foot, navigate the educational Big Al Interpretive Trail, or seek more adventurous pursuits on horseback, mountain bike, or ATV, Transfer serves as your gateway to endless outdoor experiences in this pristine corner of Colorado.

CO Hwy 145 (FS Road 535), Dolores, CO 81323, USA

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the West Dolores River, this enchanting campground beckons adventurers to southwestern Colorado's San Juan National Forest. Here, the gentle murmur of flowing water mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines, creating the perfect backdrop for your mountain escape. Whether you're casting a line into the river's cool depths, exploring winding forest trails on foot or bike, or simply savoring the tranquility of alpine mornings, West Dolores Campground offers an authentic Colorado wilderness experience far from the crowds.

Box 1047, Dolores, Colorado, 81323, United States

Nestled within a towering Ponderosa pine forest, Mancos State Park welcomes adventurers with 32 thoughtfully placed campsites and 2 cozy yurts that serve as your gateway to Colorado's most iconic landscapes. Here, where the scent of pine mingles with mountain air, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the geographic marvel of Four Corners. The park's shimmering reservoir reflects the surrounding peaks while beckoning anglers, boaters, and hikers to explore its shores and the winding trails that disappear into the forest beyond.

29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323

Perched high above the shimmering waters of McPhee Reservoir—the crown jewel of San Juan National Forest—McPhee Campground offers 71 thoughtfully designed sites across two scenic loops. This mesa-top retreat welcomes adventurers with modern conveniences including potable water, maintained vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire grates perfect for evening gatherings. While the campground transforms into a quieter sanctuary from October through May with limited sites available, summer visitors enjoy full amenities and easy paved access throughout this spectacular high-country escape.

SAN JUAN NF

29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323

SAN JUAN NF

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Box 1047, Dolores, Colorado, 81323, United States

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

CO Hwy 145 (FS Road 535), Dolores, CO 81323, USA

Mesa Verde National Park

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Escape to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, where the art of tent camping reaches new heights in Colorado's breathtaking Gunnison Valley. This carefully curated, tent-only retreat invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. Wake up to the aroma of fresh pancake breakfasts wafting through the pines, gather around crackling fires fueled by complimentary firewood, and let the sound of the Taylor River lull you to sleep under star-studded skies. With pristine drinking water at your fingertips and meticulously maintained sites nestled among towering trees, this isn't just camping—it's an elevated outdoor experience that honors the timeless tradition of sleeping under canvas.

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

15571 County Road T5 La Jara, CO 81140

Tucked away in the heart of the Rio Grande National Forest, Conejos Campground serves as a hidden gem for those seeking a more intimate camping experience. While originally designed as an overflow area for the busier Mix Lake and Spectacle Lake campgrounds, this cozy loop has developed its own devoted following among anglers and nature enthusiasts. The campground's prime location offers direct access to the pristine waters of the Conejos River, where trout dance beneath the surface, and provides an easy gateway to the mirror-like waters of nearby Spectacle Lake.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

102 Elk Creek, Gunnison, CO, 81230, USA

Tucked away at the dramatic base of Black Canyon, East Portal Campground offers an intimate escape where the mighty Gunnison River whispers past 15 secluded campsites. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient box elder trees, adventurers discover a hidden gem accessed by a thrilling descent down one of Colorado's most memorable access roads. This quiet sanctuary combines raw natural beauty with fascinating glimpses of human ingenuity, where the historic Gunnison Tunnel stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering prowess.

LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 810 FRONT STREET, LEADVILLE, CO 80461, USA

Perched on the eastern shore of the stunning Turquoise Lake, Molly Brown Campground invites adventurers into a world of towering lodgepole pines and crystal-clear mountain waters. Named after Leadville's legendary 'Unsinkable' Molly Brown, this high-altitude haven serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—from early morning fishing expeditions to sunset hikes along pristine mountain trails. Here, the majestic peaks stand as silent sentinels while you launch your boat into the turquoise waters or simply lose yourself in the tranquil forest setting.