Paonia State Park

Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

Nestled in Colorado's stunning western landscape, Crawford State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine camping facilities and soul-stirring mountain vistas. Here, where crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between two of Colorado's natural treasures—the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the expansive Blue Mesa Reservoir. Wake to birdsong in this tranquil haven where modern amenities meet unspoiled wilderness, creating the ideal basecamp for your Colorado adventure.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Gunnison National Forest's Paonia Ranger District, Lost Lake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its hidden alpine paradise. Here, beneath the towering peaks of the Ruby Mountain Range, families gather around crackling campfires while days are spent exploring winding trails and casting lines into the crystal-clear waters of three pristine lakes—Lost Lake Slough, Dollar Lake, and Lost Lake itself. This first-come, first-served gem offers an authentic backcountry experience where modern amenities take a backseat to raw natural beauty. Pack your water bottles and embrace the simplicity of camping as it was meant to be, with no potable water on-site but endless opportunities for adventure.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Perched beside the crystal-clear waters of its namesake lake, Lake Irwin Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country. At 10,200 feet, this alpine sanctuary invites you to cast a line into pristine waters, explore winding mountain bike trails, or paddle silently across the mirror-like lake in your kayak or canoe. Towering Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir create a natural cathedral overhead, their ancient branches whispering stories of the wilderness that surrounds you.

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Escape to Oh Be Joyful Campground, where mountain serenity meets riverside bliss just 5 miles from the charming town of Crested Butte, Colorado. This intimate 30-unit retreat hugs the eastern banks of the pristine Slate River, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness immersion. Choose from 14 RV sites with modern conveniences, 15 secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more authentic experience, or gather your tribe at the spacious group site. Named after the melodious Oh Be Joyful Creek that cascades through the area, this campground serves as your gateway to thundering waterfalls, meadows painted with wildflowers, and trails that wind through some of Colorado's most breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, elk and deer are your neighbors, and each sunrise brings new adventures right to your tent flap.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Welcome to a seamless outdoor experience where modern convenience meets natural beauty. This campground embraces technology with easy on-site payment options, including QR code functionality through the Recreation.gov mobile app, ensuring your check-in is as smooth as your morning coffee by the campfire.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect escape at this welcoming first-come, first-served campground where spontaneity meets convenience. Simply arrive, choose your ideal spot, and settle into nature's embrace. Payment is refreshingly simple with modern QR code technology or traditional cash options available onsite, making your check-in process as smooth as the mountain breeze.

White River National Forest

Nestled behind the visitor center, this intimate amphitheater offers front-row seats to one of Colorado's most photographed views—Maroon Lake reflecting the iconic Maroon Bells peaks. Available for interpretive programs and private gatherings of up to 50 guests, the venue provides accessible vault toilets and drinking water, though you'll truly disconnect here with no electrical outlets or phone service.

SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA

Discover your perfect basecamp at Bogan Flats Campground, where 37 thoughtfully spaced sites invite you to settle into the rhythm of mountain life. Whether you prefer sun-dappled openings or the cool shade of towering pines, you'll find your ideal spot here. Lucky campers can claim one of the coveted riverside sites, where the gentle murmur of the Crystal River becomes your personal soundtrack. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table for memorable meals, a fire ring for evening gatherings, and access to vault toilets and fresh drinking water. While you won't find electrical hookups here, you'll discover something better: an authentic connection to the Colorado wilderness.

Highway 133, south side of McClure Pass, near Marble, CO

Tucked away at the base of McClure Pass near the charming town of Marble, Colorado, McClure Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While you'll find clean vault toilets on-site, the absence of potable water encourages a more authentic back-to-basics camping experience—so pack your water supplies accordingly. The real magic happens when you discover the nearby beaver ponds, where patient anglers can try their luck at landing native trout while surrounded by towering aspen groves that shimmer in the mountain breeze.

White River National Forest

Aspen Ranger Station, Attn: Silver Queen Campground, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO, 81611, USA

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's high country just outside Aspen, Silver Queen Campground offers an exclusive mountain retreat with only five reservable sites. Here, you'll wake to the gentle murmur of Maroon Creek and fall asleep under the watchful gaze of Pyramid Peak. Each campsite is embraced by shimmering aspen groves that dance in the mountain breeze, creating an intimate connection with nature. While the campground welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs, the cozy sites and winding access roads make it ideal for those seeking a more minimalist camping experience with smaller vehicles.

Aspen Ranger Station, 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO 81611, USA

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bell Campground offers an intimate escape with just 14 sites nestled among towering aspens and evergreens. This rustic mountain retreat welcomes tent campers and small RVs to experience authentic Colorado wilderness camping, complete with crackling campfires under star-filled skies and the gentle murmur of nearby Maroon Creek. While you won't find electrical hookups or running water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: a genuine connection to the spectacular Maroon Bells wilderness, where each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and secure bear-proof food locker to keep both you and the local wildlife safe.

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.

SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT

Nestled among whispering aspen groves, Redstone Campground offers 35 generously spaced sites where privacy meets natural beauty. Each campsite is thoughtfully positioned within a landscape of tall native grasses and dense forest understory, creating intimate retreats beneath towering red rock cliffs. The gentle sounds of the Crystal River provide a soothing soundtrack as you settle into your home away from home, complete with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings. Modern conveniences including hot showers, flush toilets, and a children's playground ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience.

Box 186, Collbran, Colorado, 81624, United States

Nestled in Colorado's scenic northwest, Vega State Park welcomes adventurers with an impressive array of camping experiences tailored to every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're seeking the comfort of Early Settlers Campground with its convenient electric and water hookups, modern flush toilets, and refreshing coin-operated showers, or you prefer the more rustic charm of Aspen Grove and Oak Point Campgrounds with their vault toilets and community water pumps, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. For those craving a more intimate connection with nature, Pioneer Campground beckons with secluded walk-in tent sites and cozy rustic cabins. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into pristine waters teeming with fish, glide across the reservoir in your boat, or simply sit quietly as elk, deer, and countless bird species reveal themselves in their natural habitat.

Avalanche Campground, Avalanche Creek, CO

Tucked away in Colorado's pristine wilderness, Avalanche Campground offers an intimate escape with just six first-come, first-serve sites nestled alongside the babbling waters of Avalanche Creek. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to endless adventure, with direct access to world-class fishing holes and hiking trails that lead deep into the legendary Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The campground's remote location promises solitude and authentic mountain experiences, though visitors should come prepared with bear-proof containers—the local wildlife is as active as the outdoor enthusiasts who frequent these parts.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Highway 133, south side of McClure Pass, near Marble, CO

SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA

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SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT

Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415, United States

Avalanche Campground, Avalanche Creek, CO

White River National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

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.

5575 CLEORA RD

Tucked away in the breathtaking Chalk Creek Canyon at 9,000 feet, Cascade Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This beloved retreat features 21 thoughtfully spaced campsites, ranging from spontaneous walk-up spots to reservable havens, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and inviting campfire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Whether you're casting a line into pristine mountain waters, discovering hidden hiking trails, or venturing onto rugged off-road paths, Cascade serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures and peaceful escapes alike.

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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.

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Step back in time at Duncan Cabin, where the whispers of 1880s prospectors still echo through weathered log walls. Perched at 8,120 feet in the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, this authentic one-room sanctuary offers adventurers a rare blend of rustic charm and mountain solitude. Inside, cozy bunk beds and a crackling wood stove promise warmth after days spent exploring, while outdoor vault toilets maintain the frontier spirit. Whether you arrive on horseback to graze in nearby meadows, seek pristine dark skies for celestial photography, or use this historic haven as your basecamp for discovering the otherworldly Great Sand Dunes National Park, Duncan Cabin delivers an unforgettable high-country experience.

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.

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.

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Dowdy Lake, this mountain retreat offers 70 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern convenience with natural beauty. Choose from 60 spacious sites equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers, or embrace a more traditional camping experience at one of 10 dedicated tent-only sites. Each campsite serves as your personal basecamp, complete with a sturdy picnic table for lakeside meals, a dedicated tent pad, and a campfire ring with grill where evening stories and s'mores come to life. Modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water stations, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.

46525 ST HWY 114, Saguache, CO 81149, USA

Nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest at 9,500 feet, Stone Cellar Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking true mountain solitude. This remote cabin sanctuary, perched at the edge of the La Garita Wilderness, serves as your gateway to pristine fishing streams, untamed hiking trails, premier hunting grounds, and exhilarating winter sports terrain. Here, where the modern world fades away, you'll discover the Colorado high country as it was meant to be experienced.