Best Camping Colorado

Are you looking for some fun outdoor activities to do with your family or friends? If yes, then Colorado has got you covered. From hiking to fishing, skiing to rafting, Colorado offers a wide range of outdoor activities.

Colorado is home to over 100 national parks and monuments, making it a great place to enjoy nature. The state also boasts some of the best ski resorts in the country. Colorado is often called the Ski Capital of America.

But what about if you fancied a camping weekend in the heart of nature? There are plenty of places to camp in Colorado. Whether you want to go camping at a National Park or simply enjoy a night under the stars, there’s no shortage of options. Here are some of the best camping areas in the whole of Colorado.

Camping In Colorado

Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in America. There are many places where you can go camping in Colorado and have an amazing time and each area offers its own unique sites and array of activities.

There are certain places that not only offer the best campsites but offer the best experience. Here are the top few places to camp in the state.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place to camp in Colorado, from its stunning scenery to its abundance of wildlife. It’s one of the most visited parks in the US, attracting around 4 million people each year.

The park is famous for its alpine lakes, which are perfect for swimming and boating and there are plenty of campsites to choose from.

The park is located on the Continental Divide, so expect to see lots of snow during the winter months, and if you plan to camp during these months, pack accordingly.

Campsites include Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake, Moraine Park Campground, Glacier Basin Campground, and more.

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is another popular destination for camping in Colorado. This park attracts around 2 million visitors every year.

It was once home to the Anasazi people, and their cliff dwellings can still be seen today. You can stay in them too, as they’re open to the public.

Campsites include Morefield Campground, Dolores River Campground, and Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping. There are plenty of campgrounds to explore surrounding the park too with only a short journey to the center.

3. Glenwood Canyon State Park

Glenwood Canyon State Park is an excellent option for camping in Colorado. Located near Boulder, this park is surrounded by mountains and forests and provides a peaceful setting.

There are many different types of accommodation in the surrounding grounds available including cabins, yurts, and even tepees!

4. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great place to visit if you love dunes. The park is located just south of Alamosa and is made up of more than 300 miles of dunes.

You can hike along the dunes, play volleyball, ride horses, take part in guided tours, or even learn how to make sand sculptures. Campsites are aplenty to choose from and there are miles of dunes and surrounding land to explore.

5. Lake Granby State Park

Lake Granby State Park is a beautiful location for camping in Colorado. With its crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife, it makes for a wonderful spot to spend time outdoors.

Stillwater Campground is often the most popular ground to camp in and is found six miles southeast of Grand Lake.

6. Pikes Peak State Park

Pikes Peak State Park is a great option for camping in Colorado because it’s close to Denver so you can also take a stroll into the city. The park has two main sections: the high altitude section and the low altitude section.

It is a treasured national landmark and Pike Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains found in North America. This state park provides visitors with a chance to hike, bike, fish, horseback ride, and wildlife watch.

7. Dinosaur Ridge State Park

Dinosaur Ridge State Park is located in southwestern Colorado. This state park provides visitors with a chance to explore dinosaur footprints, fossilized bones, and other geological wonders.

It’s something different from your average national park and is a great educational trip for children.

8. Lake City

Lake City in Colorado is a small town located about 30 minutes west of Colorado Springs. There are many things to do here such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and much more.

There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from when camping in Lake City, from Castle Lakes Campground & Cabins to Alpine Village, Deer Lakes Campground, and Mill Creek Campground

9. Black Hawk State Park

Black Hawk State Park is a beautiful state park that offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature at its best. It is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in eastern Colorado. The park features over 100 campsites that provide visitors with a quiet retreat away from civilization.

10. Red Rocks State Park

Red Rocks State Park is one of the best places to camp in Colorado. It is located on the edge of the San Juan Mountains in southeastern Colorado.

There are many activities to participate in at this state park including rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and much more. There are also four main campgrounds to choose from but plenty more in the surrounding area.

11. Indian Peaks Wilderness Area

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is a large wilderness area that is home to some of the most stunning views in all of Colorado.

Camping in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area allows visitors to experience the beauty of the mountains while still being able to see the stars at night.

It is located in North Central Colorado and is managed by both the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, as well as small parts of the southern area of Rocky Mountain National Park.

12. San Isabel National Forest

San Isabel National Forest is located in central Colorado. This forest offers visitors a chance to hike, mountain bike, fish, and view lots of wildlife. It has 19 of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners and peaks that measure over 14, 000 feet, including the famous Mount Elbert which is the highest point in the whole state.

Campsites include Collegiate Peaks Campground, Coaldale Campground, Iron City Campground, and plenty more.

13. Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine Historic District

Cripple Creek & Victor gold mine historic district is located in southeastern Colorado. This area offers visitors a chance to see mining artifacts, historical buildings, and wildlife.

There are many places to stay in Cripple Creek & Victor gold mine historic district, and if you do not want to camp, you can also stay in a hotel very nearby.

14. Boulder City

Boulder City in Colorado is a great place to camp. The city is located near the base of Pikes Peak. This city is known for its hot springs and waterfalls. It is the backbone of the South Boulder Trail System and is a great place to explore nature at its best.

There are three different campgrounds in Boulder City: Boulder City Municipal Campground, Boulder City RV Park, and Boulder City Public Works Campground.

Final Thoughts

We hope after reading this article you have learned all about the beautiful camping areas you can find in Colorado.

The suggested sites above all make for great family trips, whether you want to spend the weekend hiking, swimming in lakes, go for something a little more educational, or simply relax in the sun and take a few family strolls in nature. Happy Camping from us!