Mountain Camping in Colorado

Mountain Camping in Colorado

Discover the best mountain camping across Colorado. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Silver Bar Campground
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Star
4.9
(80)
Silver Bar Campground
Aspen
White River National Forest

Nestled beneath Colorado's iconic Maroon Bells, this intimate four-site retreat delivers unfiltered access to towering alpine peaks and the vast Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Tents
2
Rainbow Lakes Campground
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(130)
Rainbow Lakes Campground
Nederland
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Perched at 10,000 feet where weathered peaks pierce the sky, this gateway to Indian Peaks Wilderness immerses you in Colorado's dramatic high-alpine terrain of glacier-carved valleys and crystalline lakes.

Tents
3
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
Star
4.7
(317)
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
South Fork
Rio Grande National Forest

Perched in the San Juan Mountains at sub-alpine elevation, this campground delivers sweeping views of wildflower meadows framed by towering peaks, with the Weminuche Wilderness trail system starting right from camp.

Tents
RVs

About Mountain Camping in Colorado

Mountain camping in Colorado offers an unparalleled alpine experience, with campgrounds nestled among the state's legendary peaks, pristine wilderness areas, and breathtaking high-country landscapes. From the iconic Maroon Bells near Aspen to the towering fourteeners of the Sawatch Range, Colorado's mountain campgrounds provide access to some of North America's most spectacular terrain.

Best Time

The prime season for mountain camping in Colorado runs from late June through September, when most high-elevation campgrounds are snow-free and accessible. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, but also bring afternoon thunderstorms and peak crowds at popular locations like those near Aspen and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Colorado

Map of campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Colorado
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Map Key
1
Silver Bar Campground
2
Rainbow Lakes Campground
3
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
4
Steamboat Lake State Park
5
Collegiate Peaks
6
Twin Peaks Campground
7
Amphitheater (Co)
8
Pawnee
9
Silver Bell Campground
10
Silver Queen Campground
11
Alvarado Campground
12
Kenosha Pass Campground
13
Windy Point Group (Co)
14
Burning Bear Campground
15
Kite Lake Campground
16
Zapata Falls Campground
17
Rocky Mountain National Park Timber Creek Campground
18
Halfmoon East Campground
19
Alta Lakes Campground (Designated) - Norwood Rd
20
Matterhorn Cabin
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking and backpacking to alpine lakes and wilderness areasFourteener climbing and peak baggingMountain fishing in streams, lakes, and reservoirsWildlife viewing and photographyMountain biking on forest service roads and designated trailsWildflower identification and nature study

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Acclimate to altitude gradually if traveling from lower elevations—even moderate exertion at 9,000-10,000 feet can cause altitude sickness in unprepared visitors.
  • 2Pack layers including warm clothing for cold mountain nights, rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms, and sun protection for intense high-altitude UV exposure.
  • 3Always store food, toiletries, and scented items in bear-proof lockers or containers; Colorado's mountain bears are active and food-motivated.
  • 4Bring a reliable water filter or purification system, as even pristine-looking mountain streams can harbor giardia.
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Curated for Mountain Camping in Colorado

Mountain Camping in Colorado FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Colorado based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Colorado requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Colorado typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
Availability Alerts

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