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.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Silver Bar Campground
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.
Rainbow Lakes Campground
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.
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)
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.
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
Explore Mountain Camping in Colorado
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
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.
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.
Popular Colorado Campgrounds Book Fast
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Silver Bar Campground
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