Lake Irwin

Ponderosa Campground, Soap Creek Road, Colorado

Escape to Ponderosa Campground, where tranquility meets breathtaking vistas at the secluded northwest corner of Blue Mesa Reservoir's Soap Creek Arm. Perched at an elevation of 7,880 feet, this peaceful retreat beckons adventurers with diverse camping options—from convenient car camping and trailer sites to intimate walk-in tent spots that promise a true connection with nature. Here, solitude isn't just promised; it's delivered with panoramic views that stretch across Colorado's stunning high country.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Discover your perfect escape at Soap Creek Campground, where 21 thoughtfully designed sites await adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Choose from spacious pull-through sites ideal for RVs, secluded walk-in tent sites that immerse you in nature, or claim your spot along the creek's gentle waters. While Site #11 once offered the coveted riverfront RV experience, nature has temporarily reclaimed this spot as erosion works its magic around the fire pit. The campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities, encouraging visitors to embrace the simplicity of outdoor living without running water—just you, your gear, and the great outdoors.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Adventure awaits at Soap Creek campground, where the classic first-come, first-served tradition means your perfect spot is claimed the moment you arrive. Come prepared with the Recreation.gov mobile app downloaded before you leave home—these remote landscapes offer stunning solitude, but that also means cell service can be as scarce as it is peaceful, so you'll want that QR code payment option ready to go.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Tucked away along the gentle curves of the Gunnison River, Almont Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that's becoming increasingly rare. This intimate riverside retreat features just ten sites—five drive-up spots welcoming trailers and RVs (though without hookups) and five secluded tent-only sites nestled among the trees. Here, the amenities are refreshingly simple: vault toilets and the soothing soundtrack of flowing water. Without trash service or running water, this hidden gem attracts those seeking genuine solitude and an unfiltered connection with Colorado's wild beauty.

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.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

Tucked away in the heart of Taylor Canyon, Granite Tent Campground offers an intimate escape where the rushing waters of the Taylor River provide nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis with six secluded tent sites nestled beneath towering canyon walls. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, scaling the nearby rock faces, or preparing for a thrilling rafting adventure, this tent-only sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring the canyon's endless outdoor possibilities.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Nestled alongside the pristine Taylor River, One Mile Campground invites you to experience Colorado's high country at its finest. This intimate retreat features 25 thoughtfully spaced single-family campsites, each complete with electric hookups and your own picnic table for al fresco dining under the stars. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilets and no running water (so pack your own), it serves as your gateway to endless adventure. Cast a line into the Taylor River's crystal-clear waters, launch a thrilling rafting expedition, or venture out to explore the nearby Taylor Park Reservoir and the untamed beauty of Fossil Ridge Wilderness trails.

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Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness, this campground offers an authentic outdoor experience where modern conveniences meet natural splendor. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat from city life or an adventure-filled basecamp for exploration, you'll find exactly what you're looking for among towering trees and starlit skies. Each campsite has been thoughtfully positioned to provide privacy while maintaining easy access to shared facilities and scenic trails.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Taylor River, Rosy Lane Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover their perfect mountain retreat. Here, the gentle rush of the river provides a natural soundtrack to days filled with adventure – cast your line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, paddle through scenic stretches perfect for kayaking, or explore winding trails that reveal the area's hidden treasures. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite sits beneath a protective canopy of trees, creating intimate outdoor rooms where memories are made around crackling campfires and under star-filled skies.

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Discover your perfect outdoor retreat where adventure meets tranquility. This pristine campground offers an unforgettable escape into nature's embrace, featuring well-maintained sites nestled among towering trees and scenic vistas. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or an extended wilderness experience, you'll find everything needed for a memorable stay, from spacious camping areas to convenient amenities that enhance your outdoor adventure without compromising the authentic camping experience.

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

Tucked away in the heart of Taylor River Canyon, Lodgepole Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper secrets and the river's gentle melody sets the rhythm for your days. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for anglers casting lines into pristine waters and hikers eager to explore winding mountain trails. Here, beneath a canopy of dense lodgepole pines that filter sunlight into dancing patterns, each campsite becomes a private sanctuary where the only sounds are birdsong and the rustling of wind through needles.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Escape to Cement Creek, where the convenience of modern camping meets untouched wilderness. This first-come, first-served haven welcomes spontaneous adventurers with easy QR code payment through the Recreation.gov app, ensuring your spot in paradise is just a scan away.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Experience the freedom of spontaneous adventure at this innovative campground where modern technology meets outdoor tradition. Simply arrive, scan, and secure your perfect spot using our cutting-edge QR code system that puts you in control of your camping experience. No reservations needed—just show up ready for adventure and claim your space with a quick smartphone scan.

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.

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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.

PO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States

Nestled beneath the dramatic peaks of the Ragged Mountains, Paonia State Park beckons adventurers with its pristine streams and shimmering reservoir. This high-country haven captivates photographers and nature enthusiasts with its stunning alpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers. While the park's rugged charm includes some rustic elements—narrow mountain roads wind through the terrain and facilities reflect a more traditional camping experience—visitors find themselves immersed in Colorado's raw, untamed beauty. The park's remote setting offers a genuine backcountry feel, though travelers should note that signage can be sparse and some areas require careful navigation.

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Nestled at the breathtaking upper reaches of Taylor Park, Dorchester Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country wilderness. This hidden gem, managed by the Gunnison Ranger District, beckons adventure seekers with its perfect blend of rugged accessibility and pristine natural beauty. Ten thoughtfully spaced campsites accommodate both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, each furnished with sturdy picnic tables and grills for memorable outdoor meals. At 9,800 feet, this mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to endless adventures—whether you're carving through backcountry trails on your OHV, casting a line into the crystal-clear Taylor River, or exploring the area's legendary mountain biking terrain.

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.

White River National Forest

Escape to Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground, where 22 secluded campsites await along the winding Lincoln Creek Road. This hidden gem rewards adventurous souls who navigate its rocky, challenging terrain with a true wilderness experience. While the journey demands a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, those who make the trek discover an untouched alpine paradise far from the crowds. Each site offers a unique vantage point into Colorado's raw beauty, with direct access to pristine hiking trails that disappear into the surrounding peaks.

White River National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the White River National Forest, just a stone's throw from the vibrant mountain town of Aspen, Weller Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's high country. This cozy retreat features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire grates perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Modern conveniences include vault toilets, trash disposal, and fresh potable water throughout the camping season from May 19 through September 24. Adventure beckons right from your tent flap, with the popular Weller Lake Trail No. 1989 serving as your gateway to alpine fishing spots and breathtaking mountain vistas.

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.

665 Difficult Campground Rd, Aspen, CO 81611

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's wilderness just 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Difficult Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Roaring Fork River valley. This riverside sanctuary offers 47 thoughtfully positioned campsites, from intimate standard sites to spacious group accommodations, all immersed in a tapestry of diverse mountain forests. Here, the rushing waters of the Roaring Fork provide a constant natural soundtrack as you disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the wild.

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.

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.

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

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

806 W. Hallam

SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT, CARBONDALE, CO, 81623, USA

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

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

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

GUNNISON, GRAND MESA, AND UNCO

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PO Box 147, Crawford, Colorado, 81415-0147, United States

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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Campgrounds - Taylor Park Area, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Fore

SOPRIS RANGER DISTRICT

White River National Forest

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

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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.