Best Camping in Colorado
Camping in Colorado can be one of the best experiences when going for a holiday outdoors. It does not matter if you prefer mountains, rivers, lakes, woods, or deserts, you will find a Colorado camping destination perfect for you. Colorado attracts travelers with its wide range of breathtaking views and scenery, in addition to the numerous trails and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here.
Colorado has plenty of camping destinations ideal for campers of all skill levels. There are as many campgrounds suitable for advanced and serious campers as there are campsites ideal for families and friends who want a casual camping experience while admiring the beauty of nature. It is important to note that outdoor holidays are becoming increasingly popular nowadays, so expect parks and campgrounds to be packed with guests. Making reservations when camping in Colorado is a must if you want to ensure that you can get a camping spot.
You will find this guide helpful if you need help determining where to go for your Colorado camping vacation. This post will feature a diverse selection of Colorado’s best campgrounds, ideal for anyone who wants to unwind and relieve themselves of the stress brought by their busy life.
Colorado Campgrounds Listed by City
1. Saddlehorn Campground
Cost: $22 per night
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Phone: (970) 858-3617
One of the favorite destinations of people camping in Colorado is the Saddlehorn Campground. The place is perfect for those looking for a quick weekend getaway after a busy week of work. The campground is part of the Colorado National Monument and was once a little-known wonder, with no more than a few campers visiting from time to time. Nowadays, Saddlehorn Campground is as popular as any state park can be, with campers frequenting the site every year.
The beautiful canyons here make it an excellent choice for people looking for a relaxing camping getaway. Campers who want to explore the area can walk on various trails, including the famous Upper Monument Canyon Trail.
2. Maroon Bells
Cost: Free ($10 starting 2023)
Location: Border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, CO
Phone: (970) 945-3319
Famous for being one of the most beautiful destinations in Colorado and the whole country, the Maroon Bells is a favorite among travelers because of its stunning beauty. This camping destination does not run short of Instagram-worthy spots that will only enhance anyone’s camping experience.
If you want to witness breathtaking fourteeners, Maroon Bells will surely not disappoint. Greenery, forests, and lakes surround the majestic peaks. The natural beauty of Maroon Bells makes it a perfect backdrop for families and friends looking for a campground with scenic views. Camping may be an excellent activity when visiting here, but those looking for other options will find that hiking is a great way to experience the place’s beauty.
3. Camp Dick Campground
Cost: $17 to $34 nightly rates
Location: Lyons, CO
Phone: (303) 541-2500
Located next to Middle Saint Vrain Creek, this camping destination consisting of an open meadow and forest is an excellent destination for campers who want to fly fish and hike. When you get here, you will find that Camp Dick Campground has plenty of trails perfect for exploring on foot or a bike. Those who want to bring off-road vehicles will also find the roads near the campground perfect.
If you go to Camp Dick Campgrounds with your family and friends, you will have over 40 campsites to choose from for your outdoor adventure. Fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms can be found within the vicinity. You can expect a primitive camping experience at Camp Dick because no showers or electricity hookups are available.
4. Buffalo Pass
Cost: $5 per night
Location: Saguache, CO
Phone: (719) 655-2547
Buffalo Pass is an ideal destination for campers who want to experience a memorable Colorado camping trip. Those who wish to camp near the top of the pass may need a 4 x 4 vehicle with high clearance. Camping on the lower Steamboat side should be fine for most cars. The campsites at the Buffalo Pass are primarily for small tear-drop-sized campers and tents. It is not recommended to bring RVs as there is not enough space available for large travel trailers.
Make sure to show up early when you plan your camping trip at the Buffalo Pass because campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during summer. There are 15 dispersed camping spots available within Steamboat. If you want to go fishing, you can do so at Summit Lake, located near the campground.
5. Guanella Pass Campground
Cost: $23 for nonelectric tents
Location: Idaho Springs, CO
Phone: (303) 567-3000
Does exploring old wagon trails or collecting your wood for a campfire interest you? Guanella Pass Campground is ideal for people who want a one-of-a-kind primitive camping experience! RV and tent camping is allowed at Guanella Pass, although RVs are discouraged from passing on the Guanella Scenic Byway. Make sure to bring a jacket when you camp here because temperatures drop at night since the camp is elevated at 10,000 feet, so expect cold evenings even during summer.
The breathtaking byway and views make the Guanella Pass an ideal campground. The best time to go here for your camping getaway is in autumn, as the scenery becomes even more awe-inspiring. Other activities in the area include fishing and hiking.
6. Long Draw Campground
Cost: $16-$32 average daily rates
Location: Bellevue, CO
Phone: (970) 295-6600
Long Draw Campground is an excellent choice for campers who want to camp far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The campground’s solitude and calm are ideal for those who prefer camping alone or far from large crowds. You can explore the wilderness with your closest friends and family or go fishing at the reservoir. RV camping is recommended at the Long Draw Campground, with abundant space available.
The campground is situated in the middle of the woods, so expect a lot of shade and protection from the sun’s heat. This enables campers in the area to stay cool even during the warmer seasons.
7. Moraine Park Campground
Cost: $30 nightly rate per site
Location: Estes Park, CO
Phone: (970) 586-1206
The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the more popular destinations for anyone camping in Colorado. The park attracts more than four million visitors annually, so it is no wonder why it is so popular in the country. One of the best campgrounds in this vast national park is the Moraine Park Campground. Located on the park’s east side, the Moraine Park Campground is frequented by people who want to camp in a stunning setting.
Campers who plan to head to Moraine Park Campground are advised to book a schedule for their planned stay because this is a reservation-only campground. Food storage lockers, flush toilets, and a dump station are some of the campground’s facilities. There is also firewood available for sale for your campfires and other requirements.
8. Silver Thread Campground
Cost: $23 average nightly rate
Location: Creede, CO
Phone: (719) 852-5941
A short distance from the Colorado 149, the Silver Thread Campground features 11 campsites perfect for families and friends searching for a unique outdoor experience. If you head to this campground, you will discover a majestic waterfall you can hike to from the campground’s south end. Suitable for overnight stays, the Silver Thread Campground offers other outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking.
If you have yet to decide on where to go camping in Colorado, head to Silver Thread Campground, and you will not be disappointed. The various attractions along the byway, which include historic districts, ruins, and giant lakes, will make your trip worthwhile. The campground is open all year round but can be inaccessible during winter with the increased snow levels.
9. Piñon Flats Campground
Cost: Starts at $20 for an individual campsite per night
Location: Mosca, CO
Phone: (719) 378-6395
Do you want to camp in the tallest sand dunes in the US? If you answer yes, you should camp at the Piñon Flats Campground. Located in the famous Great Sand Dunes National Park, Piñon Flats is one of the best places to stay overnight with your loved ones. The campground offers over 85 campsites available on a reservation basis. If you would like to ensure you do not run out of camping spots, it would be best to book your reservation early.
The best time to come here for your camping trip is in May. Usually, this is the time when Medano’s Creek’s melting waters create a natural water park that you add to the overall camping experience here.
10. North Rim Campground
Cost: $16 per night
Location: Crawford, CO
Phone: (970) 641-2337
Camping at North Rim Campground will make your overnight stay at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park more fun and memorable. Campers who wish to spend the outdoors in privacy and away from the city’s busy life will find the campground an ideal destination. The seclusion that North Rim Campground offers means that the drive to the place can be more challenging because of the unpaved road, but all cars should be able to reach the spot just fine. This campground might offer the most primitive camping experience among the other destinations listed here, so it would be best to come here prepared.
The North Rim Campground has 13 campsites situated across juniper and pinyon trees. The sites fill up quickly since they are limited, so make sure to come here early, as there are no available reservations. When you secure a spot, you can expect a quiet time like no other, making your trip here more than worth it.
11. Aspen Campground
Cost: $14 nightly rate
Location: Jefferson, CO
Phone: (719) 836-2031
Aspen Campground’s incredibly peaceful surrounding is ideal for families and friends looking for a relaxing camping vacation. Bring your fishing gear and head to Jefferson Creek if you love fishing outdoors. The surrounding groves of aspen and lush greenery provide a perfect backdrop for your camping trip. While the campground is open for most of the year, the roads get rough due to snow build-up during winter.
Those who want to go on a path will find the 471 miles of the Colorado Trail. Serious hikers will find the trail perfect for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Nature lovers are set to have the ultimate camping experience when they go to Aspen Campground.
Conclusion
Colorado is indeed home to some of the country’s best campgrounds. The gorgeous places and spectacular trails in the state make for an extraordinary camping experience you will never forget. People who appreciate nature and love the outdoors will find the simple joys of falling asleep beneath the trees. Imagine how relaxing it is to gaze at the clear skies with a bright moon and shining stars as you enjoy a hot cup of coffee.
To enjoy your camping trip in Colorado, it is essential to remember that the campgrounds should be treated with respect. Enjoying the beauty of nature is a privilege we should never take for granted. The only way to sustain nature’s natural beauty and offerings is to do our part as responsible campers. Simple things such as not leaving any trash at your campsite and abiding by the park rules are significant steps in doing your part in maintaining the excellent state of campgrounds.
Pack your travel bags, and remember to bring the essentials on your camping trip. Camping in Colorado will give you an experience you will not soon forget. Aside from camping, there are many other fun outdoor activities that you can enjoy here with your loved ones. Bring your family and friends and go on an outdoor adventure in any of these excellent Colorado camping destinations!
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