If you are looking for the best campgrounds in Colorado, you have come to the right place. There are campgrounds throughout the state, each providing a different experience. If you want to get into the wilderness or if you want to stay close to town, you will enjoy staying at one of these great campgrounds.
Many of the best campgrounds are close to rivers, state parks, forests, streams, or lakes, making for an enjoyable and relaxing getaway. I mean, Colorado is after all one of the top cities to visit in an RV. So get out and explore some of these unique and fabulous campgrounds in Colorado.
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Table of Contents
1. Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park has one of the popular campgrounds in Colorado.
Mueller State Park in Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Located just 30 miles from Colorado Springs, the park features more than 5,000 acres of open space and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors flock to Mueller State Park to enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, wildlife watching, and mountain biking.
If you’re camping in a tent, consider bringing an air mattress or a nice sleeping pad to make your stay more comfortable here. This is a great location, but the ground is not the most comfortable.
You will find 55 miles of trails, and many people enjoy horseback riding at this location. If you are looking for a highly-rated retreat, Mueller State Park is a great destination.
2. Aspen Ridge RV Park
Aspen Ridge RV Park is one of the coolest RV campgrounds in Colorado.
Aspen Ridge RV Park is a great option for those looking to ride ATVs. The campground is at the base of the Silver Spur ATV trail. The campground is a UTV, ATV, and campers paradise with legal access for your off-highway vehicles to and from the campground.
For those who want to camp and ride ATVs but don’t have their own or a lot of experience, you can check out the Mountain Skillz Guided RZR Tours.
For those who want to explore the campground, you can take advantage of their RV rentals. The RV rental provides an RV setup in its own campsite ready to go. You won’t need a large truck or trailer, just a car to get you there.
For those wanting to explore the mountains, Aspen Ridge RV Park is ideally situated near some incredible trails perfect for mountain biking, ATV riding, hiking, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery. This is a great place to relax and enjoy some great off-road trails.
The RV park also has a community propane firepit, a perfect place to gather after a fun day of adventures.
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
If you are looking for great campgrounds in Colorado, I would recommend the Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a popular destination for those looking for great campgrounds in Colorado. It is located 23 miles from Boulder, Colorado, and the park features over 11,000 acres of meadows, forests, and steep rocky cliffs. Visitors are drawn to both the rugged terrain and the peacefulness they feel while exploring this vast space.
The park’s stunning scenery entices visitors from all over to come to explore. Notable attractions include Raccoon Trail, Rocky Mountain High, and Panorama Point, with panoramic views of the canyon.
With thousands of 5-star reviews, this is one of the best places to camp in Colorado. It is a great place to relax around the fire and cook up a delicious meal in a Dutch oven, a great RV kitchen accessory.
4. Vallecito Lake Campground
Looking for great campgrounds in Colorado where you can fish? Think of Vallecito Lake Campground!
The Vallecito Lake Campground is located in the San Juan National Forest of Colorado, just a few miles away from Durango, and is a very popular place to camp. Its popularity comes from being the largest campground in the area and being surrounded by lush green mountains and stunning views of the lake, making it the perfect spot for an outdoor vacation.
Vallecito Lake Campground is a great place to stay as it offers a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. Fishing enthusiasts will love spending time on the Vallecito Reservoir and nearby lakes and rivers but make sure you are aware of the fishing regulations because you are inside of a regulated wilderness area.
Hikers will have plenty of trails to explore, with impressive views and wildlife sightings along the way. For those looking for some more adrenaline-pumping activities, there are numerous options, including kayaking, white-water rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
If you are looking for a campsite with electric hookups, you may want to make sure you get your camp spaced booked sooner than later. There is a limited number of sites with electricity available.
5. Lakeview Campground
Campgrounds in Colorado with a lake? You can’t go wrong with Lakeview campground!
Lakeview Campground is a great, family-friendly destination for camping in Colorado located in Rifle, Colorado. Some popular attractions are the Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle Falls, and the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery.
Those who enjoy fishing will find ample opportunities, and the fish hatchery is a great place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy feeding the fish and learning about the fish hatchery and the types of fish there. When staying at the Lakeview Campground, you will find the lake to be beautiful. On this lake, people enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.
The campground has 89 sites and is open year-round, unlike many of the other popular campgrounds in Colorado that are only open from May to October. In the winter, the Lakeview Campground is a great place to stay for those who enjoy ice fishing.
The Lakeview Campground is an inviting and highly-rated campground that is fun to visit in the winter and in the summer.
6. Chatfield Reservoir Campgrounds
When it comes to campgrounds in Colorado, you can’t go wrong with Chatfield Reservoir Campgrounds.
The Chatfield Reservoir Campground in Colorado is a beautiful and popular campground situated near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is located close to Denver and provides visitors with stunning views of the reservoir, making it perfect for those looking for a scenic retreat.
The campground is home to over 190 campsites. There are campsites with electric hookups and campsites with full hookups.
At Chatfield Reservoir Campground, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind through the area, offering an immersive experience of nature as well as great opportunities for wildlife watching. Swimming, boating, and other water sports are popular activities here, thanks to the reservoir’s calm waters.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you’ll also find numerous picnic areas around the lake where you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery with family or friends. Like many of the other campgrounds, Chatfield has amazing reviews. The campground is only 36 miles south of Denver, making it a great place to get away if you are in the city but do not want to travel a long distance.
Another great perk is that the campground is open year-round.
7. Ridgway State Park
Ridgway State Park is between Ridgway, Colorado and Vernal, Colorado. This state park is home to some of the best scenery and camping in Colorado. At Ridgway State Park, visitors can stay at one of the many campsites or cabins located on the edge of a reservoir. The campgrounds are serene, with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains all around.
Campers can enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking along scenic trails.
The Ridgway State Park Campground has been in the top places to camp for many years. In 2020 USA Today had it voted in the top 10 best RV parks and campgrounds in the United States, and in 2017 Campendium put it as voted campers’ choice. You don’t visit many campgrounds that have as many accolades as Ridgeway.
This is a year-round campground that the whole family will love.
8. Lathrop State Park
Lathrop State Park is another one of the cool campgrounds in Colorado.
Lathrop State Park is in the southern part of Colorado, not too far from the New Mexico and Colorado border. It is not far from Walsenburg, Colorado, so you won’t be far from food, water, or other necessities if you don’t like getting too far off the beaten path.
The park has showers, water, and restrooms and is big rig friendly for those who travel around in their large motorhomes or 5th wheels. Some cool aspects of Lathrop State Park is that it was Colorado’s first state park. The facilities are great, and there are two lakes that the campground surrounds.
There is a golf course for those who want to play a little golf on their relaxing camping trip. If you are in the area and looking for a nice trail to hike, make sure you check out the Hogback trail.
9. Aspenglen Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
You have to love the views when it comes to the campgrounds in Colorado.
Aspenglen Campground is located in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It offers stunning views of the park’s majestic peaks and lush forests, making it a great place to relax, explore and enjoy nature. The campground has 52 sites without electric hookups.
For those wanting to explore the park, Aspenglen Campground is an ideal base camp, as it provides access to over 350 miles of trails for hiking and backpacking. These trails range from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks with rugged terrain and spectacular mountain scenery along the way.
There are also many opportunities for wildlife viewing as Aspenglen Campground is home to black bears, elk, moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and other animals.
In addition to its outdoor activities, Aspenglen Campground also offers amenities such as flush toilets and drinking water. Make sure to check out the nearby Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to learn about the different geology, wildflowers, and wildlife that are in the area.
10. Sportsman’s Campground & Mountain Cabins
Sportsman’s Campground & Mountain Cabins is a great destination for campers located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The campground is a little more backcountry than some of the other campgrounds, so if you want to get off the beaten path a little, then this is a great campground in the San Juan Mountains.
The campground also has cabins available for rent that are equipped with all the comforts you need for a comfortable stay.
When visiting Sportsman’s Campground & Mountain Cabins, there is plenty to do in the area. Visitors can explore nearby national forests and parks to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding.
The onsite Crazy Horse Outfitters can take you into the Weminuche Wilderness to explore. They offer many different guided options making this one of the best backcountry campsites in Colorado. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the area which makes it ideal for bird watching or simply taking in the beautiful scenery.
For those wanting to stay active during their trip, there are several challenging trails nearby perfect for mountain biking or ATV riding.
While staying here, make sure to check out where John Wayne filmed most of the movie The Cowboys. If you don’t mind a little extra driving, you can also check out The Springs Resort and Spa. The resort is about 40 minutes away and is home to some beautiful geothermal pools and fantastic spa treatments.
11. Lake Pueblo State Park
Looking for fun campgrounds in Colorado? Lake Pueblo State Park is a great choice!
Lake Pueblo State Park is located in Pueblo, Colorado, and offers some of the best camping in the area. The Arkansas River flows through the park, making it ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking with scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Lake Pueblo has 393 campsites around the lake, and they are almost always full over the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so if you are interested in staying over a weekend, make sure you make your reservation in advance.
The Arkansas Point Campground is a great spot for camping with stunning views of Lake Pueblo. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as fishing from the shoreline or boat docks, kayaking on the lake, or exploring one of the many trails that are nearby.
All sites have a picnic table and fire ring with a grill where you can cook up some delicious meals while enjoying views of Lake Pueblo and its surrounding mountains. There’s something for everyone at Lake Pueblo State Park! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure-filled weekend, this campground is sure to provide an enjoyable experience!
12. The Views RV Park and Campground
If you love to camp and are looking for campgrounds in Colorado, you should check out the Views RV Park and Campground.
The Views RV Park and Campground is located in the tranquil town of Silverthorne, Colorado. This scenic campground offers breathtaking views of the mountains and nearby lake. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of nature without roughing it too much. This is a great place for an outdoor wedding or a family adventure.
The Views RV Park has a variety of camping options available, from traditional RV camping to glamping tents. The glamping tents are large canvas structures that offer all the comforts of home so you can stay comfortable.
In addition to the glamping tents, The Views also has plenty of other amenities onsite, which include an outdoor pool, clean showers, restrooms, and onsite trails. The Views is a great place for your camping adventures.
Campgrounds in Colorado FAQ
Does Colorado Have Free Camping?
Yes, Colorado has free camping throughout the state. The options vary depending on where you are going to be. Not all areas have free camping, so you will need to make sure you do a little research about the campgrounds in Colorado before you go.
How Much Does It Cost to Camp in Colorado?
Campgrounds in Colorado can vary. It can be anywhere between free if you are boondocking to around $100 dollars a night, but on average, you will be somewhere in the middle.
How Many Campgrounds Are There in Colorado?
Not including private campgrounds, there are more than 4,000 state park campsites. The exact number of campgrounds in Colorado is a bit elusive.
What Is the Best Season to Camp in Colorado?
The summer months are the best season for camping in Colorado. If you are camping in July and August, the weather will be hot, but if you are in the higher elevations, it is cooler than in the valley.
Colorado is a great area to go camping. There are many great campgrounds in Colorado. It does not matter if you are new to camping or if you are a seasoned veteran who has been camping your whole life.
Getting into the outdoors is a great experience that millions of people enjoy every year, and so will you.
