Where to camp in Colorado
Understanding where to camp in Colorado can be tricky. From the State Parks to the National Forests, we are here to help you find the perfect location for your next outdoor adventure.
Colorado is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning natural beauty. The state’s diverse landscapes, favorable climate, and abundance of recreational activities attract campers from across the nation. To fully appreciate the camping opportunities available, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between the various land management types that offer these experiences.
This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of camping options in Colorado across four primary categories: State Parks, National Forests, private campgrounds, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. By examining factors such as cost, level of development, privacy, reservation procedures, and permitted activities, this analysis aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to select the most suitable camping environment for your specific needs and preferences.
Colorado State Parks: A Perfect Blend of Nature and Amenities
Colorado’s State Parks system manages over 4,000 campsites across its diverse landscapes, offering a mix of natural immersion and convenient amenities.
Key Features:
- Reservations: All campsites require advance reservations, which can be made up to six months prior to arrival via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) online platform or by phone.
- Cost: Camping fees vary depending on the amenities, ranging from $13 to $41 per night. Additionally, visitors must pay a daily park entrance fee or display a valid park pass.
- Popular Parks:
- State Forest State Park: Offers a rugged mountain environment with over 228 campsites.
- Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park: Popular for their proximity to Denver and large reservoirs, both featuring over 300 campsites.
- Ridgway State Park: Known for its scenic beauty and the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk campground with full hook-up sites.
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park: Provides stunning views and offers cabins for rent.
- Eleven Mile State Park: Famous for its large reservoir and year-round camping.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Features mountain vistas and various camping options, including yurts.
- Regulations:
- Maximum stay of 14 days per park within a 28-day period.
- Each campsite accommodates one camping unit and a maximum of six people.
- Leashed dogs are allowed in designated campsites, but restricted from certain trails.
- Campfires are permitted with local firewood, and fire bans may be in effect.
- Additional Lodging: Many parks offer cabins and yurts for a more comfortable experience.
National Forests: Wilderness and Dispersed Camping
Colorado’s National Forests offer diverse camping opportunities, from developed campgrounds with amenities to the primitive experience of dispersed camping.
Key Features:
- Developed vs. Dispersed Camping: Developed campgrounds offer designated sites with amenities, while dispersed camping (free camping outside designated campgrounds) provides a more secluded experience with minimal or no facilities.
- Permits: Permit requirements vary; dispersed camping in most areas does not require a permit, but certain wilderness areas do.
- Reservations: Developed campgrounds often require reservations via Recreation.gov, while dispersed camping is typically first-come, first-served.
- Dispersed Camping Guidelines:
- Adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
- Campsites must be at least 100 feet from trails and roads, and 200 feet from water sources.
- Stay limits often apply (e.g., 14 days within a 30-day period).
- Check for local fire restrictions and use Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) to identify permitted areas.
- Popular Forests:
- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests: Near Denver, with developed campgrounds like Camp Dick and dispersed camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
- White River National Forest: Home to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, offering campgrounds like Difficult and Bogan Flats.
- San Isabel National Forest: Features the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and campgrounds near Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.
- San Juan National Forest: Offers remote wilderness camping in southwestern Colorado.
- Cost: Developed campgrounds charge fees ($16 to $30+ per night), while dispersed camping is free. Interagency passes (e.g., America the Beautiful Pass) are often accepted.
- Regulations:
- Dogs are generally allowed on leashes.
- Campfire regulations are strict; check for local fire bans and gather local firewood.
Private Campgrounds: Amenities and Convenience
Private campgrounds in Colorado offer a wide array of amenities and conveniences, catering to tent and RV campers, as well as those seeking cabin or yurt rentals.
Key Features:
- Amenities:
- Full RV hookups, tent pads, cabins, and yurts.
- Restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access.
- Recreational amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, arcades, and fishing ponds.
- Camp stores and community kitchens.
- Reservations: More flexible than State Parks, with many campgrounds allowing direct booking online or by phone.
- Cost: Generally higher than public lands, ranging from $35 to over $125 per night.
- Popular Campgrounds:
- KOA Campgrounds: Offer consistent amenities across various locations.
- Jellystone Park Campgrounds: Known for family-friendly activities.
- Aspen Acres Campground: Provides a peaceful setting in the San Isabel mountains.
- Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park: Conveniently located near Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
- Sugar Loafin Campground: Offers a high-mountain camping experience near Turquoise Lake.
- Extended Seasons: Many private campgrounds operate year-round or offer extended camping seasons with off-season rates.
- Regulations: Pet policies are generally accommodating, and campfire policies vary, so it is important to check the specific rules of each campground.
BLM Land: Freedom and Backcountry Camping
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Colorado offers vast public land for camping, particularly for those seeking freedom and a backcountry experience.
Key Features:
- Dispersed Camping: BLM land is known for its widespread availability of dispersed camping, allowing camping outside designated campgrounds with minimal restrictions.
- Regulations:
- Camping is limited to 14 days within a 28 or 30-day period, and campers must move a significant distance away afterward.
- Leave No Trace principles are essential.
- Proper disposal of human waste is required.
- Stay on existing roads to avoid resource damage, and do not build new fire rings or cut down trees.
- Cost: Dispersed camping is typically free, while developed campgrounds may have fees.
- Reservations & Permits: Reservations for developed campgrounds can be made through Recreation.gov. Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping, but it is always wise to check local regulations.
- Popular BLM Camping Areas:
- Colorado River Headwaters Byway: Offers free dispersed camping.
- Halfmoon Creek Road: Near Leadville, with numerous free dispersed campsites.
- Guanella Pass and Willow Creek Trailhead: Provide designated pull-off campsites.
- Pawnee National Grassland: Allows year-round dispersed camping.
- Gross Reservoir/Winiger Ridge: Offers free dispersed camping (4WD vehicle recommended).
- Campsite Selection: Choose areas with existing campsites to minimize environmental impact.
- Regulations:
- Pet-friendly, but pets must be under control.
- Check local fire restrictions and bring your own firewood.
Choosing Where to Camp
| Feature | State Parks | National Forests | Private Campgrounds | BLM Land |
| Cost | $13-$41/night + $10-$11 daily entrance fee | Developed: $16-$30+/night; Dispersed: Free | $35-$125+/night | Developed: Fee may apply; Dispersed: Free |
| Level of Development | Moderate to High | Low to Moderate | High | Low |
| Privacy | Moderate | Varies | Varies | High |
| Reservations | Required (up to 6 months in advance) | Developed: Recommended (via Recreation.gov); Dispersed: Not typically required | Recommended/Required (varies by campground) | Developed: May be reservable; Dispersed: Not typically required |
| Permitted Activities | Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, campfires (restricted), pets (on leash in designated areas) | Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, OHV, climbing, campfires (restricted), pets (on leash in most areas) | Varies (often includes recreational amenities); campfires, pets (check rules) | Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, OHV, climbing, campfires (restricted), pets (generally allowed) |
| Popularity/Crowds | Can be crowded, especially on weekends/holidays | Developed: Can be popular; Dispersed: Generally less crowded | Varies (some can be very popular) | Dispersed: Generally less crowded |
Seasonal Considerations
- State Parks: Open year-round, with peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day (and into mid-October for fall colors).
- National Forests: Developed campgrounds typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day (or mid-October), while dispersed camping is generally allowed year-round (but limited by snow in winter).
- Private Campgrounds: Often offer extended camping seasons or year-round availability.
- BLM Land: Peak season is early May to late September, but many developed campgrounds and dispersed camping are allowed year-round (weather permitting).
General Regulations and Responsible Camping
- Regulations: Vary by land management type but often include permits, fees, stay limits, fire restrictions, and pet policies.
- Leave No Trace Principles: Essential for all campers to minimize environmental impact.
- Responsible Camping Practices: Include following specific rules for each area, proper waste disposal, respecting wildlife and other campers, and being cautious with campfires.
Colorado offers diverse camping opportunities to suit nearly every style and preference. By considering your desired level of cost, amenities, privacy, and activities, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure. Remember to research specific locations, make reservations, check regulations, pack appropriately, and practice responsible camping ethics to ensure a memorable and environmentally conscious experience in Colorado’s stunning landscapes.
What is dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping, also known as “boondocking” or “wild camping,” is camping outside of designated campgrounds with minimal or no facilities. It is common in National Forests and on BLM land.
What are Leave No Trace principles?
Leave No Trace principles are guidelines to minimize your impact on the environment while camping. They include packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and leaving the campsite as you found it.
Is camping free on BLM land?
Dispersed camping on BLM land is typically free.
Camping during fire season is whole other challenge. Check our some of our tips to help during the all too common season.
