It’s no secret that one of the most beloved pastimes in Colorado is camping. Visitors and residents alike will never tire of pitching a tent, eating their weight in gooey s’mores, and soaking in the natural beauty that is a Colorado campground. However, it can be somewhat daunting of a task to narrow down the endless options of campgrounds in the Centennial State. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado. So gather your family or friends, load up the car, and prepare to be dazzled by all that the following campsites have to offer:
- Crested Butte
Flickr/joãokẽdal Why camp at Crested Butte? Well, aside from the fact that there are over 27 campgrounds in Crested Butte/Gunnison alone, the area offers a variety of amenities, including utility hookups and secluded areas that can only be accessed by foot. For more information on selecting the perfect Crested Butte campsite, you can click here.
- San Isabel National Forest
sfgamchick / flickr Enjoy camping in a meadow setting? San Isabel has that. Pine-dotted mountaintops? San Isabel has that too! And an alpine lake to boot? You bet! No matter your preference, San Isabel’s impressive camping opportunities offer something for every kind of camper. Learn more about the variety of campsites available in the San Isabel National Forest by clicking here.
- Steamboat Lake State Park
Flickr/TinkurLab What could be better than starting — and ending — your day with beautiful views and crisp mountain air? Steamboat Lake State Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that encompasses 2,820-acres of pristine wilderness in Routt County. Find out more about the camping opportunities that await you at Steamboat by clicking here.
- Piñon Flats Campground (Great Sand Dunes National Park)
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National Camping at Pinyon Flats is an experience unlike any other. Where else are you within walking distance of the largest sand dunes in the U.S.? When it comes to unique campgrounds in Colorado, Pinyon Flats Campground might just take the cake. For more information on finding a campsite here, click here.
- 4 Eagle Ranch (Vail)
4 Eagle Ranch Facebook 4 Eagle Ranch isn’t your traditional camping experience by any means, but it’s still worth noting because of its opportunities for “glamping” (glamorous camping). People will shell out big bucks to stay at this gorgeous ranch, and it’s easy to see why. For more details, click here.
- Grand Mesa National Forest
Adam Zolyak / flickr This large, forested area is home to 10 different campgrounds, a whopping 300 lakes and reservoirs, and even quaint cabins available for rent. There’s truly something for everyone at this picturesque Colorado campground. Learn more about all the camping options inside Grand Mesa National Forest by clicking here.
- Ridgway State Park
enny Conine Murley / TripAdvidsor Ridgway, with its three campgrounds, is a favorite of many because of its stunning reservoir and tranquil environment unlike any other. Learn more about camping at Ridgway State Park by clicking here.
- Dunton Hot Springs (Dolores)
Dunton Life Facebook Dunton Hot Springs is another one of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado. What sets this property apart are the out-of-this-world views, the pristine accommodations, and its proximity to some of the best fly fishing in the state. For more information about Dunton Hot Springs, click here.
- John Martin Reservoir State Park (Hasty)
John Martin Reservoir State Park Facebook Let’s not forget the ample camping opportunities in eastern Colorado! John Marin Reservoir is truly the “sapphire of the plains” with its two peaceful, uncrowded lakeside campgrounds. Click here for more information about camping at John Martin Reservoir State Park.
- Chatfield State Park (Littleton)
NoraFrydman / TripAdvisor No time to escape the confines of the city? No problem! Chatfield State Park is conveniently located just south of Denver and features grassy campsites within walking distance of the reservoir. Learn all about the camping opportunities that await you here by clicking here.
What are your thoughts on this list of beautiful camping spots in Colorado? How many have you visited? We’d love to hear from you!
Flickr/joãokẽdal
Why camp at Crested Butte? Well, aside from the fact that there are over 27 campgrounds in Crested Butte/Gunnison alone, the area offers a variety of amenities, including utility hookups and secluded areas that can only be accessed by foot. For more information on selecting the perfect Crested Butte campsite, you can click here.
sfgamchick / flickr
Enjoy camping in a meadow setting? San Isabel has that. Pine-dotted mountaintops? San Isabel has that too! And an alpine lake to boot? You bet! No matter your preference, San Isabel’s impressive camping opportunities offer something for every kind of camper. Learn more about the variety of campsites available in the San Isabel National Forest by clicking here.
Flickr/TinkurLab
What could be better than starting — and ending — your day with beautiful views and crisp mountain air? Steamboat Lake State Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that encompasses 2,820-acres of pristine wilderness in Routt County. Find out more about the camping opportunities that await you at Steamboat by clicking here.
Flickr/Great Sand Dunes National
Camping at Pinyon Flats is an experience unlike any other. Where else are you within walking distance of the largest sand dunes in the U.S.? When it comes to unique campgrounds in Colorado, Pinyon Flats Campground might just take the cake. For more information on finding a campsite here, click here.
4 Eagle Ranch Facebook
4 Eagle Ranch isn’t your traditional camping experience by any means, but it’s still worth noting because of its opportunities for “glamping” (glamorous camping). People will shell out big bucks to stay at this gorgeous ranch, and it’s easy to see why. For more details, click here.
Adam Zolyak / flickr
This large, forested area is home to 10 different campgrounds, a whopping 300 lakes and reservoirs, and even quaint cabins available for rent. There’s truly something for everyone at this picturesque Colorado campground. Learn more about all the camping options inside Grand Mesa National Forest by clicking here.
enny Conine Murley / TripAdvidsor
Ridgway, with its three campgrounds, is a favorite of many because of its stunning reservoir and tranquil environment unlike any other. Learn more about camping at Ridgway State Park by clicking here.
Dunton Life Facebook
Dunton Hot Springs is another one of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado. What sets this property apart are the out-of-this-world views, the pristine accommodations, and its proximity to some of the best fly fishing in the state. For more information about Dunton Hot Springs, click here.
John Martin Reservoir State Park Facebook
Let’s not forget the ample camping opportunities in eastern Colorado! John Marin Reservoir is truly the “sapphire of the plains” with its two peaceful, uncrowded lakeside campgrounds. Click here for more information about camping at John Martin Reservoir State Park.
NoraFrydman / TripAdvisor
No time to escape the confines of the city? No problem! Chatfield State Park is conveniently located just south of Denver and features grassy campsites within walking distance of the reservoir. Learn all about the camping opportunities that await you here by clicking here.
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Address: Crested Butte, CO 81224, USAAddress: San Isabel National Forest, Colorado 81233, USAAddress: 61105 Rcr 129, Clark, CO 80428, USAAddress: Great Sand Dunes NP&P, 11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146, USAAddress: Vail, CO 81657, USAAddress: Grand Mesa National Forest, Colorado 81413, USAAddress: 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432, USAAddress: Dunton, CO 81323, USAAddress: 30703 County Road 24, Hasty, CO 81044, USAAddress: Chatfield State Park, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beautiful Camping Spots In Colorado July 12, 2020 Beth C. Where can I go primitive camping in Colorado? Most of the sites we outlined in our list of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado feature non-primitive campsites. Generally, primitive campsites are those without electricity, running water, trash facilities, or the amenities that most organized campsites offer. Another option is dispersed camping, which, similar to primitive camping, offers privacy at the cost of some conveniences. If this is something you’re looking for in your camping experience, you’ll enjoy learning about camping at Creedmore Lakes in Fort Collins, Caribou Townsite in Nederland, Montezuma Road in Keystone, and Rabbit Ears Pass in Steamboat Springs. Where can I go camping in Colorado with no reservations? As you can imagine, the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado are oftentimes the most popular, and reservations can be filled up to a year in advance. Fortunately, it’s possible to find a stunning campground without a reservation. In fact, there are plenty of sites around the Denver area that accept reservation-free walk-ins. These spots include Platte River Campground, the Crags Campground, Deer Creek Campground, Elbert Creek Campground, and Flat Rocks Campground. That being said, it’s always easier to make a reservation if possible. There are few things more frustrating than driving up to a beautiful campsite only to find that it’s completely booked! Can I camp right on the water in Colorado? Colorado is notoriously land-locked; however, there are beautiful alpine lakes and reservoirs that make the perfect setting for camping. Some of the destinations where you can look forward to camping right on the water in Colorado include Grand Lake, Steamboat Lake State Park, Mountain Park, Little Molas Lake, Chatfield State Park, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Vallecito Reservoir, Rainbow Lakes Campground, and Thunder Ridge at Rampart Reservoir. Looking for more inspiration for some of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado? Click here to learn about 5 breathtaking campgrounds that cost less than $25 per night.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Beautiful Camping Spots In Colorado
July 12, 2020
Beth C.
Where can I go primitive camping in Colorado? Most of the sites we outlined in our list of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado feature non-primitive campsites. Generally, primitive campsites are those without electricity, running water, trash facilities, or the amenities that most organized campsites offer. Another option is dispersed camping, which, similar to primitive camping, offers privacy at the cost of some conveniences. If this is something you’re looking for in your camping experience, you’ll enjoy learning about camping at Creedmore Lakes in Fort Collins, Caribou Townsite in Nederland, Montezuma Road in Keystone, and Rabbit Ears Pass in Steamboat Springs. Where can I go camping in Colorado with no reservations? As you can imagine, the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado are oftentimes the most popular, and reservations can be filled up to a year in advance. Fortunately, it’s possible to find a stunning campground without a reservation. In fact, there are plenty of sites around the Denver area that accept reservation-free walk-ins. These spots include Platte River Campground, the Crags Campground, Deer Creek Campground, Elbert Creek Campground, and Flat Rocks Campground. That being said, it’s always easier to make a reservation if possible. There are few things more frustrating than driving up to a beautiful campsite only to find that it’s completely booked! Can I camp right on the water in Colorado? Colorado is notoriously land-locked; however, there are beautiful alpine lakes and reservoirs that make the perfect setting for camping. Some of the destinations where you can look forward to camping right on the water in Colorado include Grand Lake, Steamboat Lake State Park, Mountain Park, Little Molas Lake, Chatfield State Park, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Vallecito Reservoir, Rainbow Lakes Campground, and Thunder Ridge at Rampart Reservoir. Looking for more inspiration for some of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado? Click here to learn about 5 breathtaking campgrounds that cost less than $25 per night.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most of the sites we outlined in our list of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado feature non-primitive campsites. Generally, primitive campsites are those without electricity, running water, trash facilities, or the amenities that most organized campsites offer. Another option is dispersed camping, which, similar to primitive camping, offers privacy at the cost of some conveniences. If this is something you’re looking for in your camping experience, you’ll enjoy learning about camping at Creedmore Lakes in Fort Collins, Caribou Townsite in Nederland, Montezuma Road in Keystone, and Rabbit Ears Pass in Steamboat Springs.
Where can I go camping in Colorado with no reservations?
As you can imagine, the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado are oftentimes the most popular, and reservations can be filled up to a year in advance. Fortunately, it’s possible to find a stunning campground without a reservation. In fact, there are plenty of sites around the Denver area that accept reservation-free walk-ins. These spots include Platte River Campground, the Crags Campground, Deer Creek Campground, Elbert Creek Campground, and Flat Rocks Campground. That being said, it’s always easier to make a reservation if possible. There are few things more frustrating than driving up to a beautiful campsite only to find that it’s completely booked!
Can I camp right on the water in Colorado?
Colorado is notoriously land-locked; however, there are beautiful alpine lakes and reservoirs that make the perfect setting for camping. Some of the destinations where you can look forward to camping right on the water in Colorado include Grand Lake, Steamboat Lake State Park, Mountain Park, Little Molas Lake, Chatfield State Park, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, Vallecito Reservoir, Rainbow Lakes Campground, and Thunder Ridge at Rampart Reservoir. Looking for more inspiration for some of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado? Click here to learn about 5 breathtaking campgrounds that cost less than $25 per night.
