Since Colorado is known for its outdoor recreation, it’s no surprise that the colorful state is home to hundreds of incredible places to camp. Whether you are car camping, backpacking or in an RV, there is a camping spot for you in Colorado. From national parks and lesser-known forests, Colorado will provide you with a wilderness to escape to. Here are the 10 best camping spots in the state.
Camping near Guanella Pass boasts beautiful views and offers some great fishing at Clear Lake. Near Georgetown, there are campgrounds on either side of the pass, but the most popular camp spots are Guanella Pass Campground and Clear Lake Campground. The area is even close to Mount Bierstadt, a 14,000-foot mountain with a relatively easy trail to the top.
Enjoy panoramic views from Saddlehorn Campground in the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. Being the only campsite in the monument, it has 80 sites situated in the view of steep canyons and red-colored rocks. Some sites are first come first serve, while others you can reserve up to six months in advance.
Piñon Flats Campground is in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is home to the largest sand dunes in the United States. Since this campground is located in desert region, prepare for hot days during the summer yet mild and enjoyable temperatures during the fall months. Piñon Flats, also written as Piñon, offers restaurants, flush toilets and a sink for dish washing.
San Isabel National Forest is a popular camping destination. This camping area features a variety of campgrounds in the southcentral Colorado region. San Isabel National Forest is a large region with 43 developed campgrounds, but some of the most popular campgrounds are Twin Lakes, Turquoise Lake and Angel of Shavano. No matter where you decide to camp in the San Isabel National Forest, it is sure to boast incredible views of high alpine lakes, spruce trees and 14,000-foot mountains.
Pike National Forest, west of Colorado Springs, features some great campgrounds including Mueller State Park Campground, Hall Valley Campground and Manitou Park. Hike up to Pikes Peak or fish for trout in Four Mile Creek. No matter where you go in Pike National Forest, it is a great spot for camping in this colorful state.
Gunnison National Forest not only offers great camping areas but also places to raft, boat, fish and hike. When it comes to camping however, Lakeview Gunnison Campground offers not only tent camping but also hook ups for RVs. Rosy Lane Campground and Granite Tent Campground are both popular camping spots within the national forest.
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most popular national parks in the state and the nation, Rocky Mountain National Park. The two most popular campgrounds in the park are Glacier Basin and Moraine Park. However, there are numerous backcountry campsites for backpackers too. Located west of Loveland, this national park does get very busy in the summer months, so reservations are necessary.
Located in Colorado State Forest, camping at the Crags offers incredible scenery because the campsites are situated among rocky peaks. Since this campsite is located near the more popular Rocky Mountain National Park, it is a less crowded alternative for tent campers or campers with small trailers. Hiking, climbing and fishing are popular activities in the area.
Routt National Forest is near the Wyoming border. There are a variety of campgrounds that offer access to hiking and fishing. Enjoy peaceful lakes at the Big Creek Lakes Campground or more of a solitary experience at Cold Springs Campground. The sites at the Hahns Peak Lake Recreation Area is known as one of the best camping spots on the state.
A list of the best camping spots wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Maroon Bells. Near Aspen, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area is home to the Maroon Bells, which are two 14,000-foot mountains. One of the most photographed sceneries in the state, Maroon Lake is a must-see in Colorado. Pick among three campgrounds in the area, Silver Queen, Silver Bar and Silver Bell, perfect for both tents and RVs.
