North Sterling State Park
North Sterling State Park is home to a reservoir described as a boaters paradise with 3,000 acres of water and two boat ramps. The park also has an archery range, shooting range, multi-use trails, and a playground.
All campsites here have shade, a campfire ring, and a picnic table. There are a variety of types of campsites, including basic, non-electric campsites as well as ones located near showers and flush toilets. Elks Campground, Inlet Grove Campground, and Chimney View Campground are the options.
24005 CR 330, Sterling | 970-522-3657 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/NorthSterling
The Best Glamping Sites In Colorado
There are some pretty amazing campsites in Colorado. But if thats not your thing or youve never been camping before, no sweat.
Theres always glamping.
Just in case you dont know what glamping is, its glamourous camping. Its kind of what you may already be imagining tents with kitchens and bathtubs, fairy lights, and Instagram-worthy charm. Other unique spots, renovated cabins and whatnot, also make for great glamping experiences.
If youre already excited by all this, lets take a loot at what glamping in Colorado looks like
Is Camping Popular In Colorado
Camping is popular in Colorado, both with locals and people traveling from around the world. In 2020, Colorado had a total of 209,046 camping reservations. This doesnt count those who camped at first-come, first-served sites!
The pandemic encouraged many people to get outdoors and try camping. This, in part, caused the number of people camping in Colorado to go up by 110.8% from 2015-2020.
Whether you want to go camping in Colorado in the mountains, next to a lake, or in a beautiful national park or forest, hopefully Ive given you plenty of ideas. If youre exploring a lot of Colorado, be sure to check out our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide.
I hope Ive helped you find some great spots to go camping in Colorado!
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+ Best Places For Free Dispersed Camping In Colorado
Today, Im going to share my all-time favorite free campsites in Colorado.
The Centennial State is home to literally thousands of dispersed campsites , so let me be clear that my recommendations below are simply to help you start your search.
Here are my 15 favorite free dispersed campsites in Colorado .
Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping in Colorado.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area has plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating, hiking, and bird watching. There are a series of three reservoirs here, making it a popular spot for water enthusiasts.
There are several options for camping here: Elk Creek Campground, Lake Fork Campground, Stevens Creek Campground, Cimarron Campground, Ponderosa Campground, Dry Gulch Campground, East Portal Campground, East Elk Creek Campground, Red Creek Campground, and Gateview Campground.
Visit the NPS website to check if a site is open and find specific information for each campground, including the number of sites, which type of site is available, and other amenities.
102 Elk Crk, Gunnison | 970-641-2337, ext. 205 | nps.gov/cure
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The 8 Best Campgrounds In Colorado
By Contributor | March 25, 2022
Please double check what’s open before your trip and follow all local vax & mask guidelines to keep yourself and others safe! Also, ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Grand mountains. Rustling plains. Towering sand dunes. Spectacular lakes. Nope, were not talking about the entire United States: you can find absolutely all of this stunning scenery right in Colorado! From the grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park to the winding roads of the Million Dollar Highway and the breathtaking expanse of theBlue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado is a stunning outdoor playground. And the best way to get to know its vast expanses of wilderness is to go camping!
Whether youre a casual camper or a seasoned backcountry lover, there are limitless opportunities for camping spots in Colorado. Which is, honestly, a little overwhelming.
So, weve teamed up with Lyndsie, a Colorado native who has lived and camped her whole life in this beautiful state, to create this list of the 8 best places to camp in Colorado, plus all the tips you need to plan a fun, safe camping trip! Because a safe camper is a happy camper, as I have never said before in my life but will definitely start saying now because I love me a terrible Dad joke.
Take it away, Lyndsie!
Ruedi Marina Campground On Ruedi Reservoir
Located on the western side of the Continental Divide, Ruedi Reservoir is home to impressive views and a flawless starry night sky. Its not too far from town only 15 miles upstream from Basalt and Aspen in the White River National Forest.
The Ruedi Marina Campground is near the rich conifer forest that reaches toward the shoreline of the reservoir. This is an ideal location for both land- and water-based adventures, with access to 8 different wilderness areas, ten fourteeners, scenic rivers, and tons of alpine wildlife!
- Fascinating Fact: Before the Ruedi Reservoir flooded the area in the 1960s, there used to be a small town here named Ruedi, which was established in the 1880s during the silver mine boom. The town bears the name of Swiss immigrant John Ruedi, who settled there in the 1880s and established the towns post office.
- Leashed dogs welcome
What to Do Nearby
How to Get There
Take I-70 from the east or west to Glenwood Springs . Turn south on CO-82. Turn east at Basalt onto Frying Pan Road to your destination in Eagle County.
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What Are The Camping Rules In Colorado
Camping rules in Colorado for dispersed camping include: A 14-day limit in national forests. Campers cant stay longer than that within a 28 day time period. Making sure the area where you camped looks the same or better than it did when you arrived. Leave no trace! Not camping within 100 feet of a water source, at developed trailheads, or in picnic and day-use areas.
Dispersed camping means camping in undeveloped areas, mostly found on national forest land. Developed campgrounds have their own rules, which are usually posted on-site and on the campgrounds website.
Moraine Park Campground Rocky Mountains National Park
Moraine Park Campground is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park and is one of five excellent campsites in the National Park.
The views of the nearby mountain peaks that youll enjoy from every site are breathtaking, and the area is a Mecca for wildlife spotting too. Here, you can see elk, mountain lions, moose, black bears, and long-horned sheep. For those who crave total peace, quiet, and seclusion, the campgrounds are open year-round, and a trip here during the winter months is truly magical.
Tent camping only is permitted here, and there are no hookups. Potable water is available, and there are vault toilet facilities provided for use year-round. Flush toilets are available for the summer months. For the summer season, reservations are recommended and may be made up to six months in advance.
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Angel Of Shavano Campgrounds San Isabel National Forest
Travelers who want to get away from it all will definitely want to explore and camp at the hidden gem of the Angel of Shavano campgrounds. Tucked within the San Isabel National Forest, this hidden campground has just 20 individual campsites but is rarely crowded. Thats partly due to the remote nature of this place its a three-hour drive from Denver just to get here! The upside is that its very easy to reserve a spot, even during the busy summer months.
During summers, vault toilets and drinking water make it a haven for camping in solitude and peace. The best bit? You can bring Fido along, but they must remain leashed at all times. So, you might want to invest in Best Camping Dog Tie Outs or the Best Camping Dog Cages, depending on the season youre camping in.
The thickly wooded national forest is a beautiful retreat and perfect for those looking for tranquility. Since it lies along the 486-mi Colorado Trail, Angel of Shavano also offers excellent mountain biking and hiking opportunities. Whats more, anglers will have a whale of a time fishing in the North Fork Reservoir. So, you might want to pack one of the Best Waterproof Fishing Backpacks and Best Fishing Sunglasses to enjoy a day of fishing out in the sun. Its no wonder that this is one of the best camping spots in Colorado.
James M Robb Colorado River State Park
The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is split into five various sections Fruita, Connected Lakes, Colorado River Wildlife Area, Corn Lake, and Island Acres, each offering interesting lake and river experiences. Camping is offered at the Island Acres and Fruita sections.
Island Acres offers access to four lakes, as well as two playgrounds, showers, and laundry facilities. There are both full hook-up sites as well as tent camping. The website notes for new visitors to the area, that the campground is located near train tracks and the Interstate.
There are five various sections with different locations and phone numbers. The Island Acres section is located at:
1055 Interstate 70, Palisade | 970-464-0548 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/JamesMRobbColoradoRiver
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When To Camp At Turquoise Lake
Turquoise Lake sits at 10,000 feet above sea-level meaning a camping trip here is most enjoyable during the summer months from May September. In fact, all of the developed campgrounds at Turquoise Lake are open seasonally, generally from late-May through early-September.
Of course it is possible to camp at Turquoise Lake outside of those dates, but you wont have the amenities of the developed campgrounds and will instead have to find dispersed camping in the area. If you plan to do so, be sure to come prepared to be self-sufficient in freezing temperatures and snow.
South Mineral Campground San Juan Mountains
Nestled 9,800 feet up in the San Juan Mountains is the South Mineral Campground, one of the best camping places in Colorado. Think lush green forests, sheer rock walls, and brilliant turquoise lakes, which is what makes this campground one of the best camping lakes in Colorado too. The incredible scenery is perfect for travelers who want to get away from the bustle and hectic pace of everyday life. What makes the South Mineral compound special is that its the last developed camping area along US highway 550, a.k.a. the famous Million Dollar Highway.
The first-come, first-serve campground is fairly busy, but it certainly gets difficult to find a spot here in the peak season. If you dont find a spot right in the campground, then youll also find designated dispersed camping areas along South Mineral Road. Moreover, the campground is even accessible to 2WD vehicles, while the road behind the site is 4WD only. But, please note that no one can camp anywhere except the marked sites, and you cannot drive off the said roads.
Hikers will especially love this place since its the gateway to the trail to the Ice Lakes, which is a picturesque seven-mile hike through the San Juan National Forest. If you want to avoid crowds, then traveling here in the off-season is a great idea. However, despite the campground being open in the off-season, no services are available.
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Angel Of Shavano Campground
Angel of Shavano is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the country not just Colorado.
We like it because its something of a secret. It has just 20 campsites so it never feels very busy and is almost always peaceful.
The campground is nestled in between two stunning ridges. The famous Colorado Trail passes nearby for biking.
If you have the stamina, take in the hike along Mount Shavano trail .
For fishing, North Forks reservoir is the spot to be but it usually requires 4×4 to reach.
Learn more about Angel of Shavano Campground.
State Forest State Park
Known for frequent moose sightings, State Forest State Park is 71,000 acres of forest, trails, and lakes. There is access to bike-friendly trails along with opportunities for birding, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.
The North Michigan Campground is beside North Michigan Reservoir, and Bockman Campground is one mile north of that. Ranger Lakes Campground has an accessible nature trail. Keep in mind The Crags isnt recommended for trailers or motor homes. There is also backcountry camping available in specific areas, and its recommended to check with a ranger on this.
56750 Highway 14, Walden | 970-723-8366 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/StateForest
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Best Dispersed Camping In Colorado
At the Grizzly Rose, we pride ourselves on offering the best Country music the state of Colorado has to offer. But beyond our walls, the state has plenty to love, with most of them being natural wonders. And if you want to experience the natural beauty of Colorado fully, you need to go camping.
Campsites are fine, but if youre going to get to truly know Colorado while saving money, you should look into dispersed camping. Dispersed camping means taking on extra responsibility, but the rewards can be great. To help you get the most out of your experience, weve looked far and wide for some of the best dispersed camping in Colorado.
Flagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Location: Near Flagler
* Flagler Reservoir now requires a Colorado hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass for day use and camping.
Flagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area is an excellent free overnight stop along I-70 just after crossing from Kansas into Colorado.
Its nothing fancy and its not particularly scenic , but its conveniently located, accessible to all vehicles, and usually pretty quiet .
Although its far from the mountains, Flagler Reservoir does have its own unique beauty. The reservoir is often dry or nearly dry, but wildlife, especially birds, are abundant. Plus, the area is surrounded with trees, shrubs, cacti, and, even, wildflowers at the right time of the year.
This is a great spot for boondocking in RVs and trailers, even big rigs. Although passenger vehicles and tent campers can find more private sites around the dry lake bed, most RVs and trailers stick to the large main gravel lot.
As mentioned above, Flagler Reservoir is no longer completely free. A Colorado hunting or fishing license or SWA pass is now required for camping. Luckily, a 1-day SWA pass is just $9.00 while an annual SWA pass is currently $36.71.
What I Like:
This free campsite is just off I-70. The access road is well-maintained and theres space at the reservoir for all vehicles, even the biggest RVs and trailers. Its typically very quiet and peaceful here. The scenery might not be as stunning as the mountains, but its beautiful in its own right.
What I Dont Like:
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Best Places To Camp Near Lakes In Colorado
Except for the occasional thunderstorm, Colorado summers have a reputation for being some of the sunniest, hottest, and driest. So, its no surprise that we flock to bodies of water to camp on in these warmer months.
Whether youre into fishing, paddling, swimming, or just want the view and a chance to splash around when it gets too hot, lake camping in Colorado is hard to beat. But in a state that is home to over 4,000 lakes, there are many lakeside campgrounds out there.
So weve compiled a list of some of the coolest waterfront campgrounds as well as some unbelievable hidden gems to help narrow down your options.
While camping and recreating near any lake in Colorado, please follow Leave No Trace principles. Fresh water is one of the most valuable and disputed-over commodities in Colorado so please do your part to keep these waters clean so we can all continue to enjoy them!
Why you should camp here: Northern Colorados go-to spot in Poudre Canyon offers world class trout fishing and relaxation.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
Chambers Lake is a reservoir situated at 9,200 feet above sea level and 60 miles from Fort Collins. Arapaho National Forest, which surrounds the lake, is well known for its epic hiking trails.
Some of which, you can access right from the Chambers Lake campground. If you do hike around the area, be bear-aware as bears are often seen in the area. The campground provides bear-boxes for safe food storage.
Angel Of Shavano Campground Salida
Angel of Shavano Campground is located close to Salida.
This is the ideal setting for those who want to get back to nature and escape the crowds when camping in Colorado. The campgrounds are located right inside the San Isabel National Forest. The national forest is densely-wooded, offering a truly memorable retreat where you can enjoy moments of precious solitude and tranquillity.
You can enjoy mountain biking or hiking along the 486-mile Colorado Trail, which runs right alongside the campground, and theres some excellent fishing to be had in the North Fork Reservoir.
There are 20 individual campsites, and, largely thanks to its remote location around three hours drive from Denver, the first-come-first-served campgrounds are very rarely crowded. That makes it relatively straightforward to reserve a spot. Drinking water and vault toilets are available during the summer months, and dogs are permitted, although Fido must remain leashed at all times.
Charges are $20 per site for overnight camping for two vehicles, plus a further $6 for a third vehicle. Day camping is charged at a rate of $7.
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