Island Lake Campground

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.

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Discover your riverside retreat at Cottonwood Grove Campground, where towering cottonwood trees create a natural canopy along the banks of the Gunnison River. This intimate campground offers six thoughtfully spaced sites, including one fully ADA-accessible site complete with its own fishing pier for anglers of all abilities. Launch your kayak or canoe from the convenient boat ramp, then return to your shaded sanctuary equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and sheltering structures. Best of all, this hidden gem comes without a price tag—camping is completely free on a first-come, first-served basis, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Nestled along the pristine shores of Island Lake, Little Bear Campground offers a tranquil mountain escape with over 30 well-appointed campsites. Each site comes equipped with its own fire pit and picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground provides essential amenities including basic restroom facilities, while the crystal-clear waters of Island Lake beckon anglers and paddlers alike to explore its peaceful expanse.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Nestled alongside the shimmering waters of Ward Lake, this cherished first-come, first-served campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Choose between the sun-dappled Upper Ward loop, where morning light filters through scattered trees, or the more sheltered Lower Ward loop, offering cooler retreats beneath a fuller canopy. Essential amenities include vault toilets and convenient water spigots throughout both loops, though RV travelers should note there are no dump stations available. Each campsite promises its own unique perspective of the lake's ever-changing moods.

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Nestled beside the pristine waters of Cobbett Lake, this enchanting single-family campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's Grand Mesa. At 10,300 feet, where ancient spruce trees stand sentinel and the Grand Mesa National Byway winds through breathtaking vistas, campers find themselves immersed in a world perfect for paddling across mirror-like waters, casting lines for native trout, exploring mountain trails, and encountering the abundant wildlife that calls this alpine paradise home.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Embrace the spirit of adventure at this first-come, first-served wilderness retreat. Here, the early bird truly catches the worm – or in this case, the perfect campsite. Simply arrive, explore the available spots, and claim your piece of paradise. No reservations needed, just pack your sense of spontaneity and head out to secure your site in person.

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Tucked away among dramatic rock formations where Tarryall Creek whispers through the forest, Spruce Grove Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's rugged beauty. This coveted first-come, first-served haven draws adventurers to its thoughtfully spaced car camping and walk-in sites, where towering spruces provide natural privacy and the simple amenities let nature take center stage.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Mesa Lakes Recreation Area, Moose Manor Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat with a storied past. This charming 1930s ranger station has been lovingly transformed into a semi-rustic rental cabin that perfectly balances historic character with modern comforts. Step through its weathered doorway and you'll discover a cozy sanctuary where Forest Service rangers once kept watch over these pristine woodlands, now reimagined as your personal gateway to Grand Mesa's breathtaking wilderness.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Step back in time at Black Bear Cabin, where the spirit of 1930s Forest Service rangers lives on in this beautifully preserved mountain retreat. Nestled within Mesa Lakes, this historic cabin seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern comforts—think cozy electric heating for chilly mountain nights, convenient flush toilets, and warm lighting that illuminates original woodwork. While you'll enjoy peaceful seclusion away from the bustle of nearby campgrounds, don't be surprised if friendly hikers wave as they traverse the nearby trails, adding to the authentic mountain community experience.

251 US Hwy 65, Mesa, CO 81643, USA

Perched at an impressive 9,800 feet between the pristine waters of Jumbo and Sunset Lakes, Jumbo Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic high-altitude escape. This mountain sanctuary invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, paddle across mirror-like surfaces at dawn, or explore endless trails by foot or mountain bike through Colorado's stunning backcountry.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Embrace the spontaneity of outdoor adventure at this first-come, first-served campground, where your perfect campsite awaits those who arrive with a spirit of exploration. Simply drive in, choose your ideal spot, and make it yours for the night. The campground features modern convenience with QR code payment options through the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature, allowing you to secure your site with just a few taps on your phone. Pro tip: Download the free Recreation.gov app before you venture out, as cellular service can be spotty in these pristine wilderness areas. This traditional approach to camping rewards early birds and spontaneous travelers alike, offering the thrill of discovering your perfect basecamp without advance reservations.

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Escape to the tranquil shores of Cottonwood Lake, where adventure awaits on a first-come, first-served basis. This hidden gem invites spontaneous explorers to claim their piece of wilderness paradise by arriving in person to secure their campsite. While the remote location offers a true disconnect from the digital world, tech-savvy campers can still utilize the Recreation.gov mobile app with its convenient Scan and Pay feature for seamless payment processing. Just remember to download the app before your journey begins, as cellular signals fade into whispers among these pristine surroundings.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect outdoor escape where adventure meets tranquility. This hidden gem offers an unforgettable camping experience with pristine natural surroundings, well-maintained facilities, and endless opportunities for recreation. Whether you're seeking a peaceful weekend retreat or an action-packed family vacation, you'll find everything you need for the ultimate outdoor getaway.

PO Box 700, Clifton, Colorado, 81520, United States

Nestled within the dramatic walls of Debeque Canyon near Palisade, Colorado, the Island Acres section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park beckons adventurers with its stunning riverside setting. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, settling into an electric hookup site, or enjoying the convenience of full hookups, this riverside oasis caters to every camping style. After a day of exploration, refresh yourself in pristine restrooms and hot showers, take a dip in the inviting swimming pond, or cast a line in the tranquil fishing lakes that dot the landscape.

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.

251 US Hwy 65, Mesa, CO 81643, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

, , , CEDAREDGE, CO 81413, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

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PO Box 700, Clifton, Colorado, 81520, United States

Box 186, Collbran, Colorado, 81624, United States

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

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.