Tent Campgrounds in Colorado

About This Region

Colorado offers some of the finest tent camping in the country. From high alpine meadows above 10,000 feet to riverside sanctuaries nestled in ancient forests, tent campers will find pristine wilderness and well-maintained facilities across the Rockies. The state's spectacular mountain landscapes and commitment to outdoor recreation make it a premier destination for tent camping enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking primitive walk-in sites that deliver true wilderness immersion or developed campgrounds with clean facilities and mountain views, campgrounds like Silver Bar near the iconic Maroon Bells and River Hill along the Rio Grande provide exceptional access to Colorado's legendary backcountry. The state's diverse regions—from the Front Range near Rocky Mountain National Park to the remote San Juan Mountains—offer tent camping experiences ranging from family-friendly lakeside spots to adventurous high-country retreats. Our curated selection includes 20 top-rated campgrounds spanning Colorado's premier mountain regions, each chosen for tent site quality, natural beauty, and outstanding guest reviews. From the Aspen area's creek-side havens to alpine lakes surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, these campgrounds deliver authentic Colorado tent camping. Many feature walk-in sites for enhanced privacy, bear-proof food storage, and access to world-class hiking trails. With elevations ranging from 8,600 to 10,700 feet, Colorado's tent campgrounds promise cool mountain nights, star-filled skies, and mornings surrounded by some of North America's most dramatic scenery.

Tent campgrounds in Colorado range from primitive walk-in sites to developed campgrounds with flush toilets and hot showers. Expect clean vault toilets and potable water at most National Forest campgrounds, while some remote sites require packing in your own water. Nearly all campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof food storage lockers or bins—using them is mandatory in bear country. The terrain varies from dense spruce-fir forests providing natural shade to open meadows with panoramic mountain views. Sites are typically level with designated tent pads, though you'll encounter rocky ground at higher elevations where a thick sleeping pad becomes essential. Summer afternoons bring brief but intense thunderstorms, making a quality rain fly critical. Elevations from 8,600 to 10,700 feet mean cool nights even in July—pack warm sleeping bags rated for 20-30°F. Most tent sites accommodate 4-6 people with parking nearby, though walk-in sites may require carrying gear 50-200 feet from your vehicle. Fees range from $15-35 per night depending on amenities, with reservation fees adding $9-10. Cell service is extremely limited at mountain campgrounds, so download maps and information before departure.