Winter Camping in Colorado
Discover the best winter camping across Colorado. Experience the serene beauty of winter camping. From snow-covered forests to mild desert escapes.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Matterhorn Cabin
Cross-country ski trails begin right outside the door, with 10 kilometers of groomed routes threading through snow-laden forest plus nearby snowmobiling and snowshoeing terrain.
Seedhouse Guard Station
This 1933 Forest Service cabin sits at 8,000 feet where snowshoe tracks lead straight into Mount Zirkel Wilderness terrain and cross-country skiers glide through powder-covered meadows.
Moose Manor Cabin
Cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing routes fan out from your doorstep into Grand Mesa's snow-blanketed forests, where moose and elk leave fresh tracks through powder-laden pines.
About Winter Camping in Colorado
Winter camping Colorado offers some of the most spectacular and diverse cold-weather camping experiences in the American West, from snow-draped San Juan Mountain cabins to high-altitude wilderness shelters overlooking frozen alpine lakes. The state's unique geography creates exceptional winter camping opportunities across multiple climate zones, where campers can wake to powder-dusted ponderosa pines in the morning and watch sunset paint the Continental Divide gold by evening.
Best Time
Colorado's prime winter camping season runs from late December through early March, when snowpack is most reliable and winter recreation conditions peak across the state's mountain ranges. January and February offer the deepest snow and most consistent winter weather, ideal for serious snow sports enthusiasts and those seeking true winter wilderness experiences, though these months also bring the coldest temperatures with overnight lows frequently reaching -10°F to -20°F at higher elevations.
Season Highlights
- Year-round open campgrounds
- Snow and winter activities
- Mild climate destinations
- Ultimate solitude and peace
Explore Winter Camping in Colorado
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Winter camping in Colorado demands serious preparation and respect for high-altitude winter conditions that can turn dangerous quickly.
- 2Book heated cabins through Recreation.gov well in advance, as popular locations like Matterhorn Cabin and Moose Manor fill up months ahead, and always have a backup plan since winter road closures can make even 'accessible' sites unreachable during storms.
- 3Essential gear includes a four-season tent rated for heavy snow loads, sleeping bags rated to at least -20°F (go colder than you think you'll need), insulated sleeping pads with R-values above 5, and a reliable method for melting snow into drinking water.
- 4Layer your clothing system with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof-breathable outer shells, and pack extra dry socks and gloves since wet extremities are the fastest path to hypothermia.
Winter Camping in Colorado FAQ
We've ranked 20+ winter campgrounds in Colorado based on year-round accessibility, winter activities, and weather conditions. Options range from snowy retreats to mild-weather escapes.
Winter camping in Colorado can be safe with proper preparation. Check campground winter hours, bring appropriate cold-weather gear, and monitor weather forecasts closely.
For winter camping in Colorado, bring a cold-rated sleeping bag, insulated pad, layered clothing, emergency supplies, and extra food and water. Four-season tents are recommended for cold conditions.
Popular Colorado Campgrounds Book Fast
The best winter camping in Colorado book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Matterhorn Cabin
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