Desert Camping in Colorado
Discover the best desert camping across Colorado. Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.
Desert Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Vallecito Campground
**NOTE: This is NOT a desert campground** - it's a mountain forest setting with Vallecito Creek, ponderosa pines, and aspen groves at high elevation in Colorado. This campground doesn't match desert camping criteria.
Camp Hale Memorial
I cannot write a desert camping summary for this location because Camp Hale Memorial is a Rocky Mountain campground, not a desert environment. The setting features lodgepole pine forests, mountain streams, elk, and alpine conditions—none of the desert landscapes, flora, fauna, or...
River Hill
Willows sway above rushing Rio Grande waters at 9,200 feet, where mountain meadows meet dense forest beneath the soaring peaks of Colorado's largest wilderness area.
About Desert Camping in Colorado
Desert camping Colorado offers a surprising contrast to the state's famous alpine peaks, though true desert environments are rare in this mountainous state. Colorado's semi-arid landscapes blend high-desert characteristics with mountain terrain, creating unique camping experiences in regions like the Western Slope near the Utah border, the Arkansas River Valley, and areas surrounding the Great Sand Dunes.
Best Time
Late May through early October offers the prime window for desert camping in Colorado, with peak season running July through August when all facilities operate fully and weather stabilizes. However, shoulder seasons provide exceptional value—late September and early October deliver stunning fall colors, smaller crowds, and comfortable daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s, though nights drop to freezing.
Scenery Highlights
- Unique desert landscapes
- World-class stargazing
- Mild winter temperatures
- Solitude and wide-open spaces
Explore Desert Camping in Colorado
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites six months ahead for summer weekends, especially for campgrounds near major attractions like Mesa Verde or the Maroon Bells.
- 2Bring extra water containers—plan for one gallon per person per day, plus additional for cooking and cleaning, as altitude and aridity accelerate dehydration.
- 3Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings, including warm sleeping bags rated to 20°F even in summer, as overnight lows frequently drop to the 30s-40s.
- 4Sun protection proves critical at 8,000+ feet elevation where UV radiation intensifies—bring high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves for midday activities.
Desert Camping in Colorado FAQ
We've ranked 20+ desert campgrounds in Colorado based on scenery, stargazing conditions, and accessibility. Top options offer dramatic landscapes and incredible night skies.
Desert camping in Colorado is best from October through April when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights perfect for campfires.
For desert camping in Colorado, bring extra water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), sun protection, layers for cold nights, and sturdy tent stakes for sandy or rocky ground.
Popular Colorado Campgrounds Book Fast
The best desert camping in Colorado book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Vallecito Campground
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