South Fork Campground & Trailhead

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

Nestled in Colorado's rugged northwest, Rifle Gap State Park unfolds across 1,305 pristine acres where adventure seekers discover their perfect outdoor playground. At its heart lies a sparkling 350-acre reservoir that beckons water enthusiasts from dawn to dusk. Whether you're descending into crystal-clear depths with scuba gear, carving wake patterns behind a speedboat, or casting a line from peaceful shores, this aquatic wonderland delivers year-round thrills. The park's well-appointed campsites stretch along the northern shoreline, welcoming everything from backpacking tents to luxury RVs, each offering front-row seats to Colorado's natural theater.

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

Nestled in Colorado's northwest wilderness, Rifle Falls State Park beckons adventurers with 19 thoughtfully positioned campsites that bring you face-to-face with nature's grandeur. Choose from 12 convenient drive-in sites perfect for RV enthusiasts and car campers, or embrace a more intimate wilderness experience at one of 7 secluded walk-in tent sites. Here, the thundering cascade of a magnificent triple waterfall creates a natural amphitheater where photographers chase golden hour light, hikers discover hidden limestone caves, and families gather for unforgettable picnics surrounded by emerald greenery.

Deep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado

Perched at a breathtaking 10,600 feet, Deep Lake Campground reigns as the crown jewel of Eagle Ranger District's outdoor destinations. This expansive haven offers 35 thoughtfully designed sites, each featuring sturdy picnic tables, fire ring grills, and level gravel driveways that welcome RVs up to 35 feet. Nestled along the pristine eastern shore of Deep Lake—a sparkling 37-acre alpine gem—this beloved campground draws adventurers seeking the perfect blend of accessibility and high-country splendor.

Sweetwater Campground, Colorado

Nestled in the pristine wilderness of White River National Forest, Sweetwater Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just nine thoughtfully placed sites that promise solitude and connection with nature. This rustic haven welcomes adventurers with six vehicle-accessible sites (accommodating rigs up to 30 feet), each equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars: sturdy picnic tables for evening meals, secure food lockers to protect your provisions, and fire rings where stories and s'mores come to life. A convenient vault toilet serves the campground, maintaining the delicate balance between comfort and wilderness immersion.

White River National Forest

Nestled 35 miles north of New Castle, Colorado, Meadow Ridge Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat with 20 first-come-first-serve campsites. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or pulling in with your RV (accommodating rigs up to 50 feet), you'll find everything needed for a comfortable stay. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening storytelling and s'mores. Modern conveniences like secure food storage lockers, trash disposal, and well-maintained vault toilets ensure your wilderness experience doesn't sacrifice comfort. Several sites feature handicap-accessible amenities, welcoming all adventurers to this mountain haven.

White River National Forest

Nestled in the pristine White River National Forest, Meadow Lake Campground welcomes adventurers to its intimate collection of 10 campsites, perfect for tent camping and small trailers seeking an authentic mountain experience. This first-come, first-served gem provides everything you need for a comfortable wilderness stay: sturdy picnic tables for outdoor dining under towering pines, fire grates for evening storytelling sessions, secure food storage to keep wildlife at bay, and clean vault toilets. Thoughtfully designed handicap-accessible sites ensure everyone can enjoy this alpine paradise, while convenient trash disposal helps preserve the natural beauty that draws visitors back season after season.

White River National Forest

Nestled at the edge of untamed wilderness, Cutthroat Campground at Trappers Lake offers an intimate escape with just 14 secluded campsites. This hidden gem sits moments from the Wilderness boundary and the convenient Trappers Lake Outlet parking area, providing the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking both accessibility and authentic backcountry experiences. As part of the larger Trappers Lake Campground complex, Cutthroat combines the comfort of established camping with the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.

null

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 National Forest

Nestled at the edge of the pristine Flat Tops Wilderness, Bucks Campground offers an intimate retreat with just 10 sites among towering firs. As one of five campgrounds forming the scenic Trappers Lake camping community, Bucks provides easy access to the wilderness boundary and the picturesque Trappers Lake Outlet. David Lobree captured the essence of this special place in his September 2021 visit, noting how the campground serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring one of Colorado's most beloved wilderness areas.

NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND,COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO 81641, USA

Perched at a breathtaking 9,720 feet in the Colorado Rockies, Shepherds Rim Campground at Trappers Lake invites adventurers to experience high-altitude camping at its finest. This intimate mountain retreat features 15 carefully positioned campsites that welcome everything from cozy tents to full-sized RVs, each equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring where stories are shared under star-studded skies. While you won't find electrical hookups here, the campground provides the essentials—clean vault toilets and fresh mountain drinking water—ensuring a comfortable yet authentic wilderness experience.

Horse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO

Saddle up for an authentic wilderness experience at Horse Thief Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern adventure. This intimate equestrian paradise offers just five specially-designed campsites, each equipped with sturdy corrals for your four-legged companions. Tucked within the pristine Flat Tops Wilderness near the crystalline waters of Trappers Lake, this unique destination invites riders to explore one of Colorado's most spectacular backcountry areas while adhering to carefully crafted wilderness preservation guidelines.

32201 County Rd 8, Meeker, Colorado 81641

Nestled within a pristine grove of towering conifers and shimmering aspens at 8,200 feet, Marvine Campground serves as your personal basecamp to the magnificent Colorado Rockies. This mountain sanctuary opens the door to the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness, where endless trails beckon hikers and horseback riders, crystal-clear streams entice anglers, and autumn brings world-class elk hunting opportunities to those seeking adventure in the high country.

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Nestled among towering aspens and evergreens, Himes Peak Campground invites you to experience the serenity of high-country camping with just 10 thoughtfully spaced sites arranged in a peaceful single loop. This hidden gem sits at the doorstep of the magnificent Flat Tops Wilderness, where Boulder Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel nearby. Adventure beckons from your tent flap, with the Big Fish Trail #1819 and Boulder Lake Trail #2262 serving as your personal gateways to an extensive wilderness trail network that winds through some of Colorado's most breathtaking backcountry.

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's rugged backcountry, Cold Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just 16.5 miles from the charming town of Yampa. This intimate campground serves as your gateway to the breathtaking Flat Tops Wilderness, where towering peaks and pristine alpine landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you won't find electric hookups or shower facilities here, the campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction, with crystal-clear reservoirs waiting to be explored, world-class fishing opportunities, and access to legendary hiking trails including the Stillwater and Smith Lake Trailheads that wind through some of Colorado's most spectacular terrain.

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Tucked away in a serene forest clearing, Horseshoe Campground offers an intimate escape with just 7 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem forms a gentle loop off Forest Service Road 900 near Yampa, Colorado, where towering trees create natural privacy screens between sites. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. As your gateway to the magnificent 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness, this quiet retreat delivers postcard-perfect mountain views while maintaining the peaceful solitude that makes Colorado camping so special.

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Nestled high in the Colorado wilderness at 9,500 feet, Bear Lake Campground offers 43 thoughtfully designed campsites where towering evergreens create natural privacy screens between neighbors. This mountain sanctuary features spacious single sites along with 3 double-sites and 1 triple-site perfect for group adventures. Three interconnected loops wind through the dense forest, each site equipped with picnic tables and surrounded by nature's own walls of spruce and fir. Modern vault toilets, fresh potable water, and regular trash services ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. While the campground welcomes trailers up to 30 feet, the intimate forest setting makes it equally appealing for tent campers seeking solitude. Four-legged companions are welcome on leash, and savvy visitors come prepared with insect repellent for the enthusiastic summer mosquito population.

COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO, 81641, USA

Nestled within a magnificent aspen grove on Colorado's western slope, North Fork Campground beckons adventurers to its peaceful retreat at 7,800 feet. Here, golden aspens tower overhead while wild roses and native grasses create natural privacy screens between generously spaced campsites. The gentle murmur of the North Fork White River provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while endless recreational opportunities await just beyond your tent flap. Whether you're casting a line for trout, exploring rugged OHV trails, or setting off on foot through pristine wilderness, this mountain sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for Rocky Mountain adventures.

Ripple Creek Pass, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, between Meeker and Yampa

High in the alpine wilderness where the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway winds through pristine forests, Ripple Creek Pass invites adventurous souls seeking solitude and spectacular mountain vistas. This dispersed camping haven transforms with the seasons—from a powder-white playground for snowmobilers carving fresh tracks through winter's embrace to a summer sanctuary where wildflowers paint the rugged terrain in vibrant hues. Here, far from the crowds of traditional campgrounds, you'll find your own piece of mountain paradise beneath star-filled skies.

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

Tucked away in a serene forest loop, Sheriff Reservoir Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just five tent-only sites. This cozy retreat invites campers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the tranquility of Colorado's high country. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table and fire grate for evening campfires under starlit skies. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities and no running water, this back-to-basics approach ensures a genuine wilderness experience where the loudest sounds are crackling fires and rustling pine needles.

Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness outside Yampa, Colorado, Chapman Reservoir Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty. This hidden gem along the spectacular Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway offers 12 intimate campsites nestled within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with picnic tables, fire grates, and vault toilets (bring your own water), it compensates with unmatched tranquility and jaw-dropping scenery. Perfect for smaller RVs and trailers up to 22 feet, this peaceful retreat near Dunckley Pass promises an authentic Colorado mountain experience.

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Deep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado

White River National Forest

COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO, 81641, USA

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND,COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO 81641, USA

null

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

32201 County Rd 8, Meeker, Colorado 81641

White River National Forest

Sweetwater Campground, Colorado

White River National Forest

5775 Highway 325, Rifle, Colorado, 81650, United States

Ripple Creek Pass, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, between Meeker and Yampa

Horse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO

White River 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.

null

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.

null

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.