Discover Colorado's Camping Gems
Whether you're seeking solitude in the wilderness or a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions, these locations cater to a wide range of preferences. Let's dive into our top picks:
| Location | Why It's Great | Activities | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Iconic scenery, abundant wildlife, and challenging trails. Perfect for experienced hikers and nature lovers. Offers both developed campgrounds and backcountry camping. | Hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, fishing, rock climbing. | Highly recommended, especially during peak season. Recreation.gov. |
| Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve | Unique landscape featuring towering sand dunes against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A truly surreal camping experience. | Sandboarding, hiking, stargazing, splashing in Medano Creek (seasonal). | Piñon Flats Campground requires reservations. Backcountry dune camping permits also necessary. Recreation.gov. |
| Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness | Home to the iconic Maroon Bells, two of the most photographed peaks in North America. Stunning alpine lakes and wildflower meadows. | Hiking, backpacking, photography, fishing. | Dispersed camping available with permits in some areas. Developed campgrounds nearby require reservations. Recreation.gov. |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park | Dramatic canyon carved by the Gunnison River, offering breathtaking views and challenging climbs. A must-see for adventurous campers. | Hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, ranger programs. | Reservations recommended at South Rim Campground and North Rim Campground. Recreation.gov. |
| State Forest State Park | Vast wilderness area with over 71,000 acres of forests, lakes, and mountains. Excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. | Hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, moose watching. | Reservations required for most campgrounds and yurts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. |
| Golden Gate Canyon State Park | Close proximity to Denver, offering convenient access to hiking trails, panoramic views, and peaceful campgrounds. | Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing. | Reservations highly recommended. Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. |
| Guanella Pass | Located in the Front Range, offering easy access to high-altitude hiking trails and stunning alpine scenery. Great for a quick weekend getaway. | Hiking, fishing, scenic drives, wildflower viewing. | Several campgrounds available, some requiring reservations. Recreation.gov. |
| Ridgway State Park | Located near Ouray, known as the "Switzerland of America," with beautiful mountain views and a scenic reservoir. | Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing. | Reservations required. Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. |
| White River National Forest | Expansive national forest encompassing the Flat Tops Wilderness, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, and many other scenic areas. Offers countless camping opportunities. | Hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding. | Many campgrounds available, some requiring reservations. Recreation.gov. Dispersed camping is also permitted in some areas. |
| Dinosaur National Monument | Unique geological formations and dinosaur fossils. A fascinating destination for campers interested in history and paleontology. | Hiking, rafting, fossil viewing, stargazing. | Campgrounds available on both the Colorado and Utah sides. Reservations recommended. Recreation.gov. |
| Steamboat Lake State Park | Picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, offering excellent fishing and boating opportunities. A great family-friendly camping destination. | Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing. | Reservations required. Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. |
| Mueller State Park | Located near Pikes Peak, offering stunning views and access to miles of hiking trails. A great base for exploring the surrounding area. | Hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, picnicking. | Reservations highly recommended. Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. |
