Columbine Landing Recreation Site

4.77

40 reviews

Featured in:Beach Camping Colorado Desert Camping Colorado Camping Near Denver +1 more

Quick Facts

8,304 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open May - October. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,304 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open May - October. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Columbine Landing Recreation Site

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This campground is free, according to both official sources and multiple user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 40 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews for Columbine Landing highlight its convenience and scenic views, though the lack of facilities and road noise are noted drawbacks. Many appreciate its free status and proximity to the Blue River, making it an excellent spot for rafting and fishing."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Columbine Landing Recreation Site

39.7594, -106.1350

Driving directionsFrom I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9 for approximately 10 miles. The area will be on your right just before the highway crosses the Blue River.

The area is directly accessible from Highway 9, which is a major highway. The road access is paved to the site and suitable for vehicles. The campground is located in proximity to the highway, making it easy to locate.

Nearby places

Silverthorne (~10 miles, ~15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Columbine Landing Recreation Site

From May through October, this mountain sanctuary experiences a delightful mix of Colorado's famous sunshine and dramatic weather patterns. Cool mornings give way to warm, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for river activities, while evening temperatures invite cozy campfires. The area's unique microclimate often provides shelter from regional storms, as one visitor noted after experiencing 'beautiful and sunny' conditions while 'it was raining and thunderstorms elsewhere.' Be prepared for nature's surprises though – occasional rain showers and even late-season snow can dust the surrounding peaks, adding to the landscape's ever-changing beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open in summer with rafting, kayaking and fewer crowds per reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Reviewers note 'spectacular' fall foliage; highly praised shoulder season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open from May; spring (May) access possible but conditions/flows vary with snowmelt.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site closed in winter per multiple user reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May - October. "Closed in winter." - User review by Neil Hinch.
Current Alerts: null

About Columbine Landing Recreation Site

Nestled along the rushing waters of the Blue River, this hidden gem serves as both a gateway to thrilling whitewater adventures and a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in the Colorado wilderness. While originally established as a rafting launch point, the dispersed campsites scattered throughout the area have become a favorite among adventurers who appreciate the raw beauty of undeveloped camping. Basic amenities include vault toilets, though visitors should come prepared with their own water supply, embracing the self-sufficient spirit of backcountry exploration.

Columbine Landing is primarily a dispersed camping site meant for free, primitive camping. There are no designated campsites, and the site is tailored to accommodate vehicles of various sizes.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, this mountain sanctuary experiences a delightful mix of Colorado's famous sunshine and dramatic weather patterns. Cool mornings give way to warm, sun-drenched afternoons perfect for river activities, while evening temperatures invite cozy campfires. The area's unique microclimate often provides shelter from regional storms, as one visitor noted after experiencing 'beautiful and sunny' conditions while 'it was raining and thunderstorms elsewhere.' Be prepared for nature's surprises though – occasional rain showers and even late-season snow can dust the surrounding peaks, adding to the landscape's ever-changing beauty.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe Blue River carves a stunning corridor through this pristine landscape, creating a natural amphitheater of sights and sounds that captivate visitors from the moment they arrive. Towering peaks frame the horizon while the river's constant melody provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay. The thriving riparian ecosystem attracts diverse wildlife and supports lush vegetation along the water's edge, creating pockets of green that contrast beautifully with the rugged mountain terrain. This tranquil environment offers endless opportunities for riverside relaxation, wildlife watching, and photography, making every moment feel like a scene from a nature documentary.

Geological RegionSet within the majestic White River National Forest, this campground showcases the dramatic geological story of Colorado's high country. The Blue River has spent millennia sculpting its path through ancient mountain formations, creating a diverse landscape where alpine environments meet vibrant riparian corridors. This unique positioning at the intersection of mountain and river ecosystems provides campers with access to varied terrain and habitats, from rocky outcroppings perfect for scrambling to gentle meadows ideal for afternoon picnics. The surrounding peaks stand as silent sentinels, their faces telling tales of geological forces that shaped this remarkable corner of the Rockies.

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Stay Limit

"You can stay for 2 weeks." - User review by Brian Edwards.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutRoom for probably a dozen campers." - User review by Brian Edwards.

Walk-in AvailabilityFree RV camping. Says no tent camping." - User review by Neil Hinch.

Site SizeThe campground appears to accommodate various rig sizes, as one user noted there is "room to park any size rig.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some reviewers mentioned being "steps from the river" or "tucked down a little" from the highway, but others noted the proximity to the road and occasional road noise.

Recommended SitesSteps from the river" - User review by Neil Hinch.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Columbine Landing caters to outdoor enthusiasts with activities like picnicking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Hiking opportunities and general outdoor enjoyment are also referenced in user reviews.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in the nearby Blue River, which is noted for its river and stream fishing.

BoatingThe site is used primarily for rafting access on the Blue River. One reviewer noted it is a meet-up location for a rafting company.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"No cell coverage with Verizon" - User review by Neil Hinch. Bring toilet paper as vault toilets are not stocked regularly - User reviews.

Active Alertsnull

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Columbine Landing Recreation Site

Reviews

4.8

40 reviews

Top-Rated

Columbine Landing Recreation Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Columbine Landing highlight its convenience and scenic views, though the lack of facilities and road noise are noted drawbacks. Many appreciate its free status and proximity to the Blue River, making it an excellent spot for rafting and fishing.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the free camping experience and the scenic location near the Blue River. Some noted it was "great for boondocking" and commended the "spectacular" fall foliage.

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included a lack of cell service (for providers like Verizon and T-Mobile), absence of dumpster facilities, and the occasional road noise. Additionally, vault toilets lacked toilet paper...

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring their own drinking water and toilet paper. Starlink is recommended for internet connectivity, as there is no cell service. Arriving early may be prudent to secure a spot,...

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is only open from May to October. Fall was noted for its "spectacular" foliage, while summer offered opportunities to avoid larger crowds in Colorado.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great free campground. While it is close to the road and there is some road noise, it was not too bad." - Babs Masters. "Room for probably a dozen campers." - Brian Edwards. "Absolutely no cell...

Based on 40 reviews