Underrated Destinations

Hidden Gem Campgrounds in Colorado

Discover Colorado's best-kept secrets. 20 exceptional campgrounds with fewer crowds and authentic experiences.

Why these campgrounds? Each hidden gem has a sentiment score of 4.4+ from verified reviews, but fewer overall visitors. They're loved by those who find them.

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

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4.8

(31)

South Fork Campground & Trailhead

Buford
White River National Forest

Tucked away where the South Fork White River runs cold and clear, this mountain retreat offers direct access to Flat Tops Wilderness trails without the crowds found at more publicized trailheads.

Ophir
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest

Deep in Uncompahgre National Forest, this remote cabin offers electricity and running water where most backcountry shelters provide only four walls. Ski directly onto 10km of groomed cross-country trails from your front door, then return to heated comfort after exploring the surrounding wilderness.

South Fork
Rio Grande National Forest

Towering aspens and blue spruce create natural privacy screens between sites, while Embargo Creek ripples through the property for trout fishing steps from your tent.

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About Hidden Gems in Colorado

Hidden gems camping Colorado offers adventurous travelers access to some of the state's most pristine and lesser-known campgrounds, far from the crowds that flock to popular destinations. These secluded sites span from the dramatic depths of Black Canyon to high alpine meadows along the Continental Divide, offering authentic wilderness experiences without the tourist bustle.

Best Time

The prime season for Colorado's hidden gem campgrounds runs from late June through September, when high-elevation sites are snow-free and accessible. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, ideal for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, though afternoon thunderstorms are common and require early-morning activity planning.

Why These Campgrounds

High satisfaction ratings (4.4+ sentiment score)
Fewer crowds than popular destinations
Authentic wilderness experiences
Often more affordable than crowded alternatives

More Hidden Gems in Colorado

Discover 17 additional underrated campgrounds

4.8

(52)

East Portal Campground

Montrose
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

This riverside sanctuary sits at the canyon floor, accessible only by a steep, winding descent that keeps crowds away and rewards brave drivers with shaded campsites beneath towering canyon walls.

Aspen
White River National Forest

Tucked at 10,700 feet beneath towering spruces, ten primitive sites nestle along Lost Man Creek where alpine solitude meets genuine backcountry simplicity. Step across the road to disappear into the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, or simply surrender to star-filled nights in the thin mountain air.

Yeoman Park Campground

Eagle
White River National Forest

Wetland meadows dissolve into ancient spruce forests at 9,000 feet, where beavers engineer their dams and Craig Peak towers overhead at nearly 12,000 feet.

Upper Beaver Creek Campground

South Fork
Rio Grande National Forest

Tucked among towering ponderosa pines, this small 12-site campground delivers secluded mountain camping with direct access to Beaver Creek Reservoir's glassy waters.

Rifle Falls State Park

Rifle

Triple limestone waterfalls thunder just steps from your tent, creating a misty microclimate where ferns and moss carpet canyon walls in unexpected emerald abundance.

La Jara
Rio Grande National Forest

Nestled 4.5 miles past Terrace Reservoir Dam, this five-site riverside sanctuary delivers genuine solitude without sacrificing convenience—pull-through parking, fire rings, and the constant soundtrack of the Alamosa River flowing past your tent.

Rustic
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Towering lodgepole pines shelter 47 riverside sites where the Laramie River's constant melody drowns out neighboring conversations, creating natural privacy at the Rawah Wilderness threshold.

Tucked along Turquoise Lake's shoreline beneath towering Colorado peaks, this group campground offers rare seclusion for larger parties seeking privacy in nature.

Tents

4.7

(59)

Windy Point Group (Co)

White River National Forest

Towering at 9,000 feet above Dillon Reservoir, this exclusive group campground offers two distinct loops where large gatherings can claim sweeping mountain panoramas and pristine alpine air.

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RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Colorado

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Map Key

South Fork Campground & Trailhead

Matterhorn Cabin

Cathedral Campground

East Portal Campground

Lost Man Campground

Yeoman Park Campground

Upper Beaver Creek Campground

Rifle Falls State Park

Alamosa Campground

Tunnel Campground

Printer Boy

Windy Point Group (Co)

Staunton State Park

Parry Peak Campground

Jackson Guard Station

Rio Grande Campground

Rock Creek Recreation Area

Buffalo Pass Campground

Chapman Reservoir Campground

Piney Guard Station

View all 126 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Discovering secluded campgrounds off the beaten pathBackcountry hiking and wilderness explorationFly fishing in pristine mountain streams and riversWildlife viewing including elk, deer, and mountain birdsPhotography of dramatic landscapes and fall colorsMountain biking on forest service roads and trails

Tips & Recommendations

1Research road conditions and vehicle requirements before departure, as many hidden gems require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD for the final access miles—call the local ranger district for current conditions.
2Pack extra layers and cold-weather gear regardless of season, since high-elevation sites can drop below freezing even in July, and afternoon thunderstorms bring rapid temperature changes.
3Bring all necessary water or filtration equipment, as many remote campgrounds lack potable water sources.
4Download offline maps and GPS coordinates before leaving cell service, and inform someone of your itinerary since emergency communication may be impossible.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Hidden Gems in Colorado

Colorado Hidden Gems FAQ

Hidden gem campgrounds in Colorado are destinations with exceptional quality (4.4+ sentiment score) but fewer overall reviews, meaning they're less crowded but deeply loved by those who discover them. We identify these by analyzing review patterns to find underrated spots.

We've identified 20 hidden gem campgrounds in Colorado. Each one has been selected for its high visitor satisfaction combined with lower visitor volume, making them perfect for those seeking authentic, uncrowded experiences.

Not necessarily. While some hidden gems are off the beaten path, many are simply lesser-known despite having excellent facilities and accessibility. They're "hidden" because they haven't been widely publicized, not because they're difficult to reach.

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