15 Scenic Campgrounds in Colorado We Absolutely Love
These Colorado Campgrounds are Perfect for Hitting the Trail
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Camping in Colorado and her majestic Rocky Mountains where nature's best amenities are trickling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and shaded campsites leads you to diverse Colorado trails winding through Aspens and pine tree forests.
Every year we try on different Colorado campgrounds for size, so here are our fifteen favorites for 2025.
We lean towards tent camping or renting camper vans and smaller RVs, making many campsites in Colorado suitable for our size and needs.
Simple yet stunning, these 15 scenic campgrounds are gateways to outdoor adventures on Colorado trails, biking, paddling, fishing and more.
The Blue Lakes Trail was a marvelous day hike we took when we camped at Amphitheater Campground in Ouray.
Campsites in Colorado that Hikers Love
Many of these awesome Colorado campsites are only open during the warmer months, mid May through September or October.
Following summer vacationers, several of these campgrounds in Colorado remain ideal in September for folks driving through the Rocky Mountains to hike during the fall gold rush of Aspens changing colors at higher altitudes.
All of these Colorado campgrounds serve as gateways to different hiking trails we love.
Many of our favorite campsites in Colorado are in national forest campgrounds, and the ones listed below are overseen by the US Department of Agriculture or the Bureau of Land Management.
Plan on paying $15-20 per night for these serene campsites.
PRO TIP: Even though many Colorado campgrounds are booked up and reserved well ahead of time, don’t hesitate to check again. Check within four days of when you want to show up, and you may luck out discovering a campground with last-minute availability.
Try ARVIE
Through ARVIE, we got a last-minute campground reservation due to someone else’s last minute cancellation this past weekend.
ARVIE is a great way to get some of those coveted sites that someone else had to drop. Simply enter the campground you desire and the dates you want to go. When someone drops their reservation, yours is automatically added!
Camping at a BLM campground in Colorado
When we go tent camping in Colorado, our family is accustomed to pretty basic sites. This generally means no showers nor electrical hookups. But, at our favorites listed below, we have access to:
Water spigots or hand pumped water
Fire rings with grill grates
Picnic tables
Garbage bins
Vaulted toilets
Additionally, some of the campgrounds may have:
Bear proof food lockers
Level, allocated tent pads
Firewood for sale by the campground host
Download the Full Guide to Camping in Colorado (75 page PDF)
Together, we have over 50 years combined camping experience all over the world.
We know camping can be intimidating, especially when it comes to the right gear, finding campsites, cooking over a fire, and making sure everyone's having a blast.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, fear not! This detailed ebook is your ultimate guide to Colorado camping. We’re spilling the beans and sharing all our best tips and tricks to make your Colorado camping trip unforgettable.
Our 75 full-page Exploring and Enjoying Camping in Colorado eBook (downloadable PDF) covers:
Types of Campgrounds
How to Practice Leave No Trace Principles While Camping (lnt.org/)
Bear Awareness & Safety
How to Book a Campground Online
Tips for Getting Last-Minute Campsites in Colorado
Our Favorite Campgrounds in Colorado
How to Set Up Your Entire Campsite
How to Set Up Your Camp Kitchen
Additional Gear Needed for Dispersed Camping
11 Camping Recipes Everyone Loves
Camp Coffee Tips
Cooking Over a Campfire
Building and Putting Out a Campfire
Camping Bin Checklists
Personal Camping Pack List
Things to Consider While Off the Grid / In Case of Emergency
DIY Med Kit
And more!
Rent an RV near you in Colorado
RV Rentals in Colorado
Outdoorsy’s huge RV selection and delivery options are the real deal — owners will set up their RVs for you at the campground whenever possible!
Outdoorsy makes it easy to enjoy RVing while relieving you from the headache of maintaining and storing one on your own.
Get closer to the outdoors by booking the perfect RV, camper van, or travel trailer rental for your next Colorado adventure.
Save $50 OFF your next Outdoorsy RV Rental using our promo code: “COHH50".
Own an RV? Earn up to $50,000 this year!
The best side hustle yet! Rent your RV when you’re not using it. Folks are always looking for RVs to rent, especially Class B and Class C RVs.
Colorado Camping Tips
Before we delve into our favorite campgrounds in Colorado, here are a few important tips.
Don’t forget to bring your checkbook and cash to pay for firewood, as well as for your site if it’s first-come, first-serve. Campground hosts do not handle credit card transactions.
Visit recreation.gov or ReserveAmerica for reservations, fees, handicap accessibility, RV length restrictions, and fire allowances and restrictions, etc.
When camping and exploring in Colorado, please adhere to Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
We dispersed camped and hiked here near Crested Butte, at Paradise Basin
Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org
More smart tips for camping in Colorado, as well as 11 camping essentials, follow at the end of our campground list.
Let’s go see some of our favorite campgrounds!
Campsites like this one lead to great hiking trails
Campgrounds in Colorado we absolutely love:
TABLE OF CONTENTS (just click on a campground to learn about it below)
See the Complete Guide to Camping in Colorado (75 page PDF download)
RELATED: Where to Hike and Camp Along Kenosha Pass, just 30 minutes from Denver
Ouray’s Amphitheater Campground
Amphitheater
One of the best campgrounds in Colorado is found in Ouray along the Million Dollar Highway!
Sitting up high above the wonderful Old West town of Ouray and the Uncompahgre River, Amphitheater campground offers splendid views of the canyon and access to hiking trails.
There are so many outdoor adventure options in Ouray in the summer.
Skip the tents and glamp it up! Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental for Ouray.
The icing on the cake is Ouray’s amazing hot spring recreation pool, complete with an adults-only terrace. Swim and soak in these historic, soothing geothermal waters.
As for the campground, be on the lookout for black bears. Keep your food stored up tight, night and day.
Pro Tip: Campsites #19-27 are typically first-come, first-served and provide some of the best sunsets and views from the campground. These are some of our all-time favorite campsites in Colorado.
Elevation: 8,470’
Closest Towns: Ouray, Ridgway, and Silverton
Open Dates: June 10 - October 5
Hikes Nearby: There are several wonderful hikes in and near Ouray, like Chief Ouray Mine via Upper Cascade Falls, Lower Cascade Falls, Baby Bathtubs and the Animas Forks OHV Trail via Silverton
Dispersed campsite
Angel of Shavano
Sitting at the base of Mount Shavano, this is one of the best Colorado campgrounds for tent camping and accessing the Colorado Trail.
The wooded campsites are covered with aspen and spruce trees and many of them sit along the north fork of the south Arkansas River.
Angel of Shavano campground is first-come, first-served only with campground hosts from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Water spigots, fire pits, and vaulted toilets. Leashed dogs allowed.
Sleep off the ground! Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Salida.
If you can’t find a spot here, go a bit up the 4x4 road between the Angel of Shavano and North Fork campgrounds, and look for a dispersed camping spot.
Or try camping at O’haver Campground at the foot of Mount Ouray, one of our favorite thirteeners to climb in summer!
Not far from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, there are so many great things to do around here and nearby Buena Vista.
Elevation: 9,200’
Closest Towns: Salida and Poncha Springs
Open dates: May 20, 2022 - Sept. 25, give or take a few days, depending on the weather
Hikes Nearby: Explore loads of trails around Salida, like the Colorado Trail (#1776), Blanks Cabin trailhead, Mount Ouray and Mount Shavano.
Angel of Shavano Campground
Collegiate Peaks
You will pass this thickly wooded campground on your way up Cottonwood Pass, which crosses the Continental Divide.
The Middle Fork of Cottonwood Creek flows on the south side of the campground and there are 56 quiet campsites. Aim for a campsite along the creek.
Collegiate Peaks is one of the best campgrounds in Colorado near Buena Vista. Just 11 miles from town, camping here puts you right in the middle of our favorite outdoor adventure hub in the Colorado Rockies.
Sleep in style. Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Buena Vista.
Camping here puts you right by the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness area and just 5 miles from Cottonwood Lake, a beautiful place for fishing and paddle boarding.
RELATED: Paddleboarding in Colorado - 39 Gorgeous Spots All Over the State
This multi person stand up paddle board board, the Megalodon, is the biggest SUP made for fun. It can fit you, your friends, family, dogs and gear – potentially at the same time.
Check off your 11 Must Haves for Tent Camping in Colorado.
This XL paddleboard is ideal for the Rocky Mountains - paddle, fish and explore alpine lakes all over the Rocky Mountains
You can take a fun day trip over Cottonwood Pass to Crested Butte or over to Leadville and more.
RELATED: Crested Butte Hikes and Irwin Campground
There are 8 fourteeners to climb around here, so you know there are great hiking trails. This Wilderness includes the Gunnison, White River, and Pike & San Isabel National Forests.
Elevation: 9,800’
Closest Town: Our all-time favorite Colorado mountain town, Buena Vista, is just 11 miles away
Open Dates: May 20, 2022 - September 25, 2022
Pro Tip: Before Memorial Day weekend, sites look to be first-come, first-served but campground hosts and water may not be available. During peak season dates, some sites can be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov.
Hikes Nearby: Avalanche Trail, Ptarmigan Lake and the Denny Creek Trail, plus other Buena Vista area hikes
Camping in Collegiate Peaks, near Buena Vista
Conundrum Hot Springs
Camping at Conundrum Hot Springs is a different kind of camping trip that’s well worth the long trek before you set up camp.
You guessed it! It’s an overnight backpacking trip to a camping spot with breathtaking views in Colorado, near Aspen.
If you want to give backpacking trip a whirl, then consider the hike to Conundrum Hot Springs as a test drive.
Slip into soothing warm waters above treeline. At 11,000 feet, we loved the panoramic views.
The surrounding Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness is a nature enthusiast’s paradise, with trails winding through creeks, alpine meadows and gorgeous summer wildflowers.
We hiked 8.4 miles and climbed nearly 2,800’ in elevation before arriving to the Conundrum Hot Springs campsites, with our reservation in hand. Learn all about our trek and where to get reservations.
The Conundrum Hot Springs are actually three natural hot spring pools, but only one of them is large enough for more than a few folks. The largest pool was a comfy 102 degrees and we soaked for over two hours, enjoying epic views while sipping on the Colorado brews we had just carried up the hill.
Arguably one of our top favorite campsites in Colorado with an unbeatable view.
Elevation: 11,200’
Closest Towns: Aspen
Open Dates: The best time to visit Conundrum Hot Springs is July through September. From early October to late June, the campsites and trail are snow covered and the trailhead is inaccessible. We lucked out with good enough weather at the tail end of June. You can make reservations for a campsite at Conundrum starting February 15, 2025. Check dates and details and plan ahead.
Backpacking up to Conundrum for one night in a reserved campsite
Views from Conundrum Hot Springs above 11,000’
Difficult
Just five miles before you hit Aspen, Colorado on Hwy 82, Difficult Campground only lives up to when it comes to snagging a site there. Reserve early for some incredible camping in Colorado here.
You might be able to luck out with an open first-come, first-serve site. Limited sites can host longer RV trailers.
The best campground in Aspen, many of Difficult’s campsites are well shaded by aspen trees and pine trees, and thus feel very private. Try for a spot along the creek.
NOTE: There is a 5 night stay limit here.
Difficult Campground leads to hiking trails and fishing sites along the Roaring Fork River.
Elevate your camping trip. Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Aspen.
Difficult is one of our all time favorite campgrounds in Aspen
PRO TIP: If planning your summer drive into Aspen via Independence Pass (a must!), be aware that vehicles over 35 feet in length are NOT allowed on Independence Pass, so you will have to access the campground after driving through Aspen after dropping down from Glenwood Springs on I-70.
There’s all kinds of opportunities for outdoor summer fun around Aspen. Difficult Campground also has a Day Use Area, Trailhead and a Group Camping Site.
Elevation: 8,200’
Closest Towns: Aspen
Open Dates: May thru October
Hikes Nearby: Fabulous Aspen area hikes include Difficult Trail, Crater Lake to see the Maroon Bells and more.
PRO TIP: If planning your summer drive into Aspen via Independence Pass (a must!), be aware that vehicles over 35 feet in length are NOT allowed on Independence Pass, so you will have to access the campground after driving through Aspen after dropping down from Glenwood Springs on I-70.
There’s all kinds of opportunities for outdoor summer fun around Aspen. Difficult Campground also has a Day Use Area, Trailhead and a Group Camping Site.
Elevation: 8,200’
Closest Towns: Aspen
Open Dates: May thru October
Hikes Nearby: Fabulous Aspen area hikes include Difficult Trail, Crater Lake to see the Maroon Bells and more.
RELATED: Check out our list of 17 Unmissable Colorado Hikes for 2025.
The view of Mount Princeton from the Arkansas River Valley
Mount Princeton
Find Mount Princeton Campground easily along Chalk Creek Canyon, which is one of the valley's most popular areas.
One of the smaller campgrounds in Colorado, this one only has 17 sites. Leads to popular hiking trails, fishing, climbing, and mountain biking in the area, it tends to fill up quickly.
Don’t forget your swimsuit. Soak and rejuvenate at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, just 4 miles down the road. You will pass it on your way to the campground.
NOTE: Camping and campfires are restricted in the Chalk Creek Canyon to developed campgrounds only. Campers who are unable to find a campsite may camp above the townsite of St. Elmo on 4X4 Road 267.
Prefer glamping? Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Buena Vista or Salida.
RVs and tent camping sites and leashed dogs allowed.
Elevation: 8,000’
Closest Towns: Buena Vista or Salida, Colorado
Open Dates: May 20, 2022 - September 25, 2022
Pro Tip: Before Memorial Day weekend, sites look to be first-come, first-served but campground hosts and water may not be available. During peak season dates, some sites can be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov.
Hikes Nearby: Agnes Vaille Falls, Browns Creek Waterfall Trail, Shavano Falls and more.
We also feature Browns Creek Waterfall Trail in our list of 17 Unmissable Colorado Hikes. for 2025.
Campgrounds in Colorado lead to awesome hikes with scenic views
Mueller State Park
Camping in Colorado with spectacular views of the Continental Divide. Fall camping here is especially divine.
Discover Mueller State Park’s campground in a sweet forest of mixed spruce, fir, pine and aspen trees.
This is a bigger campground, with 134 campsites each with picnic table and fire ring. Mueller’s campground is home to 99 electric sites — many with tent pads, as well as 22 basic walk-in sites. Sites 12 and 22 are handicapped accessible. There are also three Group RV camping areas and two equestrian sites. Review Mueller’s page for more details.
Extra on-site campground accommodations include coin-operated showers/laundry and modern restrooms (mid May-mid October), vault toilets, 20 & 30 Amp hookups (walk-in tent sites excluded), water hydrants (mid May-mid October), dump station (mid May-mid October) and a playground.
Start this Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Colorado Springs or Divide, Colorado.
Campsites in Colorado’s Mueller State Park
PRO TIP: This is black bear country. Keep your food locked up tight at night and away from your tents. Pets are prohibited on trails or in the backcountry.
See our 11 Must Haves for Tent Camping in Colorado.
Mueller State Park is perfect for fall hikes during the gold rush of Aspens changing their colors. It is also a great campground near Colorado Springs.
These Colorado campsites may be reserved by calling 1-800-244-5613 or by reserving online. Reservations are NOT taken at the Park. In addition to campground fees, a valid parks pass or a daily vehicle pass fee is required during your stay.
Elevation: 9,600’
Closest Towns: Divide, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, and just 30 miles from Colorado Springs where there’s loads of fun things to do with kids.
Open Dates: Summer May 1 - September 30. Winter Season - October 1st - April 30 (limited sites are available and check on limited services).
RELATED READING: Tips for Camping in Winter.
Hikes Nearby: Mueller State Park is home to great Colorado trails. Also, head to nearby trailheads for hikes to the Crags, Raspberry Mountain, Horsethief Falls, Pancake Rocks, Sentinel and more.
We love the Zenbivy sleep system — like sleeping in a bed!
Oh Be Joyful
Just 5 miles up the road from Crested Butte, Colorado, Oh Be Joyful Campground is a sweet campground with 30 sites along the Slate River. You are wise to get a reservation ahead of time for this campground that leads to all sorts of outdoor adventures.
This gorgeous wilderness area is known for fishing, horseback riding, hiking, SUP, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.
We love these Crested Butte wildflower hikes.
The Oh Be Joyful Creek boasts massive waterfalls and loads of colorful wildflowers in the summer months like Columbine, Indian Paintbrush and Avalanche Lilies.
Discover top 27 waterfall hikes in Colorado in 2025.
After your Crested Butte hike, take a paddle down the Slate River.
This 30-unit campground includes 14 RV campsites, 15 walk-in tent campsites, and one walk-in group campsite. Spectacular views make the steep and bumpy ride to the campground worth it.
Prefer glamping to camping? Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Crested Butte or Gunnison.
Elevation: 9,000’
Closest Towns: Crested Butte and Gunnison
Open Dates: May 27, 2022 - September 30, 2022
Hikes Nearby: A foot bridge provides visitors to access the west side of the Slate River to hike along Oh Be Joyful Creek and into the Raggeds Wilderness.
Love Paddleboarding in Colorado? Save this list: 39 Gorgeous Spots All Over Colorado
Crested Butte wildflower hikes
Paradise Divide
Enjoy dispersed camping* at its finest at 11,205’. Campsites in Colorado don’t get better than this.
The 360 degree views from Paradise Divide will knock your socks off and have you coming back for more.
Paradise Divide is located in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado. You’ll travel a scenic, often hair-raising 16 miles on 4X4 roads from Crested Butte up to the top of the basin. And it’s worth every minute.
There are several dispersed campsites to choose from, all with amazing views and rock-built fire rings. One of my favorite places on earth.
Pitch your tent on government land in a designated spot and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No services at this camping area. Pack a Trelino portable toilet and wag bags!
*Dispersed camping is the term used by the US Forest for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a developed campground. Dispersed camping is free and, therefore, there are no services such as trash removal and there are few, if any, facilities such as tables and fire pits. PLEASE leave spaces better than you found them.
Elevation: 11,205’
Closest Towns: Crested Butte
Open Dates:
Hikes Nearby: West Maroon Pass, Judd Falls, Copper Lake and more hikes around Crested Butte
Head up to Paradise Basin for some of the best campsites in Colorado.
Pinon Flats in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Melody and her family scored a last-minute campsite on Loop 1 at Pinon Flats Campground inside this fabulous national park.
Camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park is an incredible experience at Pinon Flats because you're right in the heart of the park, where you can head straight to the dunes for hiking or epic sand sledding.
How did we get so lucky with a camping spot, you ask? Through a cool booking app called ARVIE, Melody’s family got a last-minute campground reservation due to someone else’s last minute cancellation.
Reservations are required to stay in Pinon Flats campground and it pays to plan ahead if possible. The campground offers 86 campsites.
Remember, if you can’t score a campsite here, head to Zapata Falls campground, just before the park.
These campsites in Colorado are right in the middle of one of the coolest spots in the Rocky Mountains. Camp here in early June for a chance to float down Medano Creek after you hit the tallest dunes in North America.
Elevation: 8,175'
Closest Towns: Alamosa, Mosca (Salida isn’t too far away either)
Open Dates: April through October each year
Hikes Nearby: High Dune and Star Dune in the Great Sand Dunes, and Zapata Falls just before the park entrance.
Head to Pinon Flats, a great camping spot with breathtaking views in Colorado
Prospector
Situated in the midst of White River National Forest, this Summit County campground overlooks Dillon Reservoir, one of Colorado’s largest manmade lakes.
Picturesque mountain views offer idyllic camping in Colorado, combined with easy access to fishing make this the perfect family friendly camping retreat.
Biking, hiking, boating, stand up paddle boarding and fishing are just minutes from the campground. Nearby towns of Frisco and Breckenridge offer breweries, ice creameries and restaurant options for that impromptu camping trip.
While the campground is RV friendly, most of the outer loops are tent only, offering spectacular views of the large reservoir.
Glamp up your camping trip. Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Breckenridge.
Prospector is by reservations only. While many of the spots are reserved 6 months ahead of time, check back within four days of when you want to go. Spots often open up for that last minute mountain get away.
Water spigots, grills/fire rings, bear proof food lockers, picnic tables and tent pads are provided for each slot. Vaulted toilets are located throughout the camp.
Elevation: 9,000’
Closest Towns: Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone
Open Dates: May 21, 2022 - October 3, 2022
Hikes Nearby: In the Eagles Nest Wilderness, try Lily Pad Lake Trail for a family-friendly excursion or Booth Lake for an all-day athletic venture with stunning views. Mohawk Lakes Trail in nearby Breckenridge is also wonderful.
Prospector campsite near Breckenridge
Silver Bell
This little gem shines as a subalpine campground just 4+ miles from accessing the Maroon Bells at Maroon Lake. The campsites are wrapped in Aspen trees and and there is a creek running closely.
If your goal is lots of hiking in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, Silver Bell is an ideal place to aim to camp. Camping here gives you automatic access driving the road to the Maroon Lake parking lot.
After enjoying fun summer activities in Aspen, enjoy warm days and cool nights at Silver Bell. Only 5 of the 14 sites are reservable; the others are set aside for first-come, first-served up with a 5 night stay limit.
Visit the welcome station along Maroon Creek Road between 7 am to 7 pm to check for first-come, first-served availability. Sites are usually snatched up by noon in the summer. There is a $5 car fee in addition to camp fees.
Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Aspen.
No drinking water at this campground.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your own drinking water. There’s a chance even in summer that you may wake up to a blanket of snow, so bring appropriate layers and the right sleeping gear for you and the kids.
Check off your 11 Must Haves for Tent Camping in Colorado.
Elevation: 8,460’
Closest Towns: Aspen
Open Dates: May - October, weather permitting (Memorial Day through first week of October likely)
We’ve Completed Many Hikes Nearby:
Backpacking the Four Pass Loop through the Maroon Bells
Hiking Crested Butte to Aspen and back again via a different route
There are three campgrounds on the road leading up to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area
Springer Gulch
From Lake George, hang a left on Colorado Rd 96 for six miles into Eleven Mile Canyon. You’ll drive along the South Platte River, from which Spring Gulch campground is just a short walk.
Ponderosa, aspen and fir trees fill the campground, especially deeper in the gulch. You may see bald eagles, fox, or even a bear.
PRO TIP: This is black bear country. Keep your food locked up tight at night and away from your tents.
Fantastic Rocky Mountain views and loads of trout keep campers happy. You can also find safe sections of the river to float along. Be sure to drive further back into the canyon for amazing views and fun tunnels to drive through.
Spend at least one afternoon paddling and playing Eleven Mile Reservoir in Eleven Mile State Park; be aware it’s a 30 minute drive to the reservoir.
PRO TIP: Bring your own SUP. ISLE inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with — so you can get on the lake when you want from sunup to sundown.
Spring Gulch 14 campground sites exist for tents, motorhomes, and trailers. Reservations required.
Prefer sleeping off the ground? Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental near Woodland Park.
Elevation: 8,300’
Closest Towns: Florissant, Lake George, Divide, and Woodland Park
Open Dates: May 20 - October 11
Hikes Nearby: Check out Overlook Trail. Drive over to Mueller State Park for the Cheesman Ranch Trail and others. Head to nearby trailheads for hikes to the Crags, Raspberry Mountain, Horsethief Falls, Pancake Rocks, Sentinel Point and more.
Eleven Mile Canyon is accessible from Springer Gulch
Twin Peaks
Colorado camping at it’s best, Twin Peaks is a first-come, first-served campground located just west of Twin Lakes Reservoir along Hwy 82 (aka Independence Pass).
PRO TIP: Independence Pass is a scenic, hair-raising mountain drive worth every minute as it leads you up over 12,000’, across the Continental Divide and drops down into Aspen.
The whitewater of Lake Creek will lull you to sleep, especially if you get a campsite in the back of Twin Peaks campground. You will enjoy majestic views of the Sawatch Range.
Hands down, one of the best Colorado campgrounds.
High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude. Know the signs.
If this campground is full, try nearby Parry Peak and Lakeview Campground
Prefer everyone under one roof? Start your Colorado adventure now by booking a small RV rental out of Buena Vista or Leadville.
Elevation: 9,600’
Closest Towns: Buena Vista and Leadville
Open Dates: Late May/Early June - End of September, depending on weather
Hikes Nearby: Interlaken Trail, Lily Pond, Mount Elbert (Colorado’s tallest fourteener), Hope Pass via Willis Gulch Trail, Colorado Trail segment #12,and more.
Twin Peaks campground offers Colorado campsites along Independence Pass
Zapata Falls
This completely first-come, first-serve Colorado campsite sits under Blanca Peak (14,345’) and at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. We discovered Zapata Falls campground on an unforgettable Southwest Colorado Road Trip.
At Zapata Falls campground, you’re only 12 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Park where you’ll enjoy gorgeous 360 views of the Dunes, San Luis Valley, and the San Juan Mountains.
Fabulous sunrises, sunsets and starry nights await. And, you’ll most definitely want to hit Great Sand Dunes for sand sledding and boarding.
Four wheel drive is helpful, but not required to reach this campground. Water may or may not be available - check before you go and plan accordingly.
Don’t miss Zapata Falls. Reaching the falls involves hopping boulders through the frigid creek, but it’s well worth it if you’re fit and steady on your feet.
Related Reading: Plan a trip with your crew to one of these 13 destinations on an Ultimate Colorado Family Vacation — Summer 2025.
Elevation: 9,000’
Closest Towns:
Open Dates: Open year round
Hikes Nearby: Hike to Star Dune in the park; South Zapata Creek Trail #852; North Folk South Zapata Trail #86, which leads to Zapata Falls. Learn all about camping and hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park
We can tell you all about hiking and camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Our favorite tents for camping in Rocky Mountains
REI Base Camp 6 Tent - Roomy enough for six people; we’ve had ours for 20 years!
Featherstone UL Granite 2P Backpacking Tent - Your no-frills freestanding tent that’s ready for any kind of adventure, whether it’s car camping, backpacking or thru-hiking.
Marmot Tungsten 4P Tent with Footprint - Free-standing design with two D-shaped doors and two vestibules for gear storage; two doors = no climbing over your partner for middle of the night bathroom trips.
Zapata Falls campground
Important Tips for Camping in Colorado
Bring your checkbook and cash to pay for firewood and for your site if it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campground hosts do not handle credit card transactions.
Check the weather 24 hours before you go and prepare accordingly.
Tell someone where you’re camping and how long you plan to stay there.
For first-come, first-served campsites, arrive an hour before campground checkout time to grab an open spot — especially on a Friday or Saturday.
Check in with the campground host right away and introduce yourself.
Ask the host if there’s anything you should be aware of about the campground or the surrounding area. For example, any bear activity? Are the water spigots working?
If Bear Lockers are provided, use them.
Always set up your tent on designated tent pads or areas if they exist.
If it’s hot and humid, choose a space with plenty of shade and water. If it’s cold and windy, pick a spot near something that will block the wind and offer some protection.
Watch out for widow-makers! DO NOT camp underneath dead trees or dead tree limbs.
Put your tent and sleeping bag and pad up right away, especially if bad weather might be coming in.
Introduce yourself to your campsite neighbors.
Be considerate to neighbors and observe campground quiet hours.
Buy firewood at the campground so that you don’t bring invasive species with you. Be aware of any fire restrictions.
Camp fires in provided fire rings only and they should always be put DEAD-OUT when you leave your campsite. No exceptions.
last minute Camping reservations
Through ARVIE, we got a last-minute campground reservation due to someone else’s last minute cancellation this past weekend.
ARVIE is a great way to get some of those coveted sites that someone else had to drop. Simply enter the campground you desire and the dates you want to go. When someone drops their reservation, yours is automatically added!
Our girls love camping in the mountains
What to Pack for Camping in Colorado
Along with your trusty tent and cozy sleeping bags, you will definitely want a good hiking daypack to hit those Colorado trails. So, learn all about our favorite hiking daypacks.
Then check out our 11 must haves for camping.
We’ve learned a thing or two! Give everyone in your family a packing checklist so they don’t forget anything they need for camping.
Grab our Camper's Packing List for Colorado:
Let’s Talk.
Got questions about all the wonderful camping and hiking areas in Colorado? Book a one hour call with us and we can help!
More Outdoor Gear we can’t live without
Head lamps for each person in your camping /hiking gang
Broom/dustpan to keep your tent clean
Tent entrance mat
Thermos Carafe makes morning coffee and hot cocoa easier
Around-camp shoes like Chacos or Birks
Rumpl Original Puffy Blankets - great around the campfire or for added warmth with your sleeping bag
Wipeable plastic picnic table cloth
Caribeeners / Bungee cords / Parachord to hang lanterns and gear
RELATED READING: Cool gifts for every camper.
We lean towards Osprey Packs when hiking Colorado Trails.
Pro Tip: Upon returning from your camping trip, replenish everything you used before storing your camping gear.
Restock trash bags, baggies, paper products and other disposable products, biodegradable soap, hot cocoa packets, salt and pepper, EVOO, etc.
Clean any items needing cleaning right away.
Now you’re ready to go on your next camping trip, especially a last-minute one.
rent an RV in Colorado
We love booking our RV rentals with Outdoorsy RV Rentals.
Outdoorsy’s huge selection and delivery options are the real deal — owners will set up RVs for you at the campground whenever possible!
Outdoorsy makes it easy to enjoy RVing while relieving you from the headache of maintaining and storing one on your own.