Top 10 Best Campgrounds in Colorado | 2026 Guide
Discover Colorado's best campgrounds across alpine lakes, red rock canyons, and mountain peaks. Expert picks for summer camping adventures in the Centennial State.
Colorado delivers some of the finest camping on the continent. With over 50 fourteeners, sprawling national forests, and landscapes that shift from red desert to alpine tundra, the Centennial State has something for every type of camper. We’ve scoured the state to bring you our ten favorite spots.
1. Maroon Bells - Aspen
Location: White River National Forest, near Aspen
Arguably the most photographed peaks in North America, and you can camp right at their base. The reflection of the Maroon Bells in Maroon Lake at sunrise is the kind of scene that makes you forget about everything else.
Best for: Photographers, day hikers, fall foliage chasers
Pro tip: The road closes to private vehicles during peak season. Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands and arrive early to snag a site.
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Location: San Luis Valley, southern Colorado
Camping beside the tallest sand dunes in North America feels like another planet. The dunes rise over 700 feet against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. At night, the Milky Way arches overhead in one of the darkest skies in Colorado.
Best for: Stargazers, families, sandboarders
Pro tip: Visit in late May or early June when Medano Creek flows at its peak. Splashing through the creek before climbing the dunes is pure joy.
3. Moraine Park - Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Estes Park
Our go-to basecamp for exploring RMNP. The campground sits in a gorgeous meadow where elk graze at dawn and dusk. Trail Ridge Road and dozens of trailheads are minutes away.
Best for: Wildlife watching, alpine hiking, first-time RMNP visitors
Pro tip: Book six months in advance for summer dates. This one fills fast, and for good reason.
4. Mueller State Park
Location: Near Divide, west of Colorado Springs
A hidden gem that locals love to keep quiet about. Over 50 miles of trails wind through aspen groves and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Pikes Peak looms to the east.
Best for: Mountain biking, wildflower hikes, escaping Denver crowds
Pro tip: Sites 81-95 offer the most privacy and the best views of the Sangre de Cristo Range.
5. Weston Pass
Location: Pike National Forest, near Fairplay
Dispersed camping at its finest. This high-altitude road leads to South Park views that stretch forever. No reservations, no fees, no crowds. Just you and the mountains.
Best for: Solitude seekers, high-clearance vehicle owners, stargazing
Pro tip: The road is rough. A truck or SUV with decent clearance is recommended, especially after snowmelt.
6. Piney River Ranch
Location: Vail area, White River National Forest
A backcountry feel without the backcountry hike. The campground sits at the end of a dirt road with views of a pristine alpine lake and the Gore Range. Rent a kayak, cast a line, or simply sit and absorb the silence.
Best for: Anglers, paddlers, couples seeking romance
Pro tip: Book one of the tent cabins if you want a roof overhead. They go quick during wildflower season.
7. Lost Man Campground
Location: Independence Pass, near Aspen
At 10,500 feet, this small campground puts you in the heart of high alpine terrain. The Lost Man Trail leads through some of the most stunning tundra we’ve encountered anywhere.
Best for: High-altitude acclimatization, wildflower hikes, avoiding crowds
Pro tip: Bring extra stakes and guy lines. Wind at this elevation can be relentless.
8. Ridgway State Park
Location: Ridgway, between Montrose and Ouray
The San Juan Mountains provide the backdrop here, and what a backdrop it is. The reservoir offers swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. The town of Ouray and its hot springs are just 10 miles south.
Best for: Families, hot springs enthusiasts, Jeep trail explorers
Pro tip: Combine this with a drive on the Million Dollar Highway for one of Colorado’s most scenic road trips.
9. State Forest State Park - North Park
Location: Walden, north-central Colorado
We call this the “Moose Capital of Colorado” for a reason. The Never Summer Range dominates the horizon, and moose sightings are almost guaranteed. The camping feels wild and remote, yet amenities are solid.
Best for: Moose viewing, fishing, getting off the beaten path
Pro tip: Stay at the Crags Campground for the best mountain views and morning moose encounters.
10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Location: Near Montrose
Dark, dramatic, and utterly mesmerizing. The canyon drops over 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. Camping on the South Rim means waking up to one of Colorado’s most awe-inspiring geological wonders.
Best for: Geology buffs, sunset chasers, photographers
Pro tip: Walk to Chasm View at sunset. The way the fading light plays on the canyon walls is unforgettable.
Start Planning
Colorado rewards those who venture beyond the obvious. Whether you want a developed campground with amenities or a dispersed site where the nearest human is miles away, this state has you covered. Pack your layers, check your altitude, and get out there.
Happy camping!