Colorado is a favorite destination for campers, and it’s easy to see why. This state has everything from the towering peaks of the Rockies to vast open plains, lakes, and rivers. With such a diverse array of landscapes, campers have a wide selection of sites to choose from camping in Colorado, whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV. Sorting through all the options can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the legwork and gathered a list of Colorado’s top 10 campgrounds and RV parks. Each offers something unique: serene surroundings or a bustling adventure hub.
Our Picks for the Top 10 Campgrounds
Jellystone Park of Estes, Estes Park
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Jellystone Park of Estes is a family-friendly campground that’s ideal for campers of all ages. Located near the iconic Estes Park, which serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, this campground offers an excellent base for exploring one of Colorado’s most famous regions.
The amenities and activities geared toward family enjoyment make Jellystone Park stand out. From fishing in the on-site pond to hiking through forested trails, the park provides endless ways to explore the natural beauty around you. Mini golf courses, a water playground, and themed weekends ensure kids are entertained from morning until night. The proximity to Estes Park means you’re also just a short drive away from attractions like the historic Stanley Hotel and various restaurants and shops.
Available Activities:
While camping at Jellystone, families can enjoy water sports, go for a hike, or cast a fishing line in the park’s stocked pond. Beyond the campground, Estes Park offers scenic drives, mountain biking, and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Personally, I recall taking a leisurely morning walk near Sprague Lake—still one of my favorite peaceful spots for catching a stunning sunrise.
Local Attractions:
Estes Park is a bustling town filled with local charm, and Rocky Mountain National Park is a quick drive away, perfect for those who crave outdoor adventure. Visit Bear Lake, explore hiking trails like Alberta Falls, or challenge yourself with a trek up Longs Peak.
Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora
Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora offers the best of both worlds for campers looking for a blend of nature and easy access to city life. Spanning over 880 acres, this park provides plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy various outdoor activities. It’s just a short drive from Denver, making it a convenient escape from urban life.
Park Features:
Cherry Creek State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It features miles of hiking and biking trails, a well-maintained marina, and a sandy swimming beach perfect for warm summer days. Campers can choose from full hookup RV sites or traditional tent camping areas, ensuring there’s something for every type of camper. The campground is set back from the lake, providing a peaceful setting while keeping you close to all the action.
Available Activities:
Boating, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular water-based activities here. The park’s extensive trail system is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife is abundant, and if you’re lucky, you may spot deer or bald eagles during your stay.
Local Attractions:
With Denver just a short drive away, you can easily venture into the city for a day trip to visit museums, zoos, and the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Alternatively, enjoy the serene surroundings of the park and let the day melt away as you watch the sunset from your campsite.
Ridgway State Park, Ridgway
Ridgway State Park, tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offers a quiet escape with some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain views. This park is a perfect example of why camping in Colorado can be so rewarding: the rugged beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and recreational activities make it a favorite for those looking to connect with nature.
Park Features:
Ridgway’s large campground offers plenty of RV and tent camping space, with modern amenities like electrical hookups and well-maintained restrooms. If you’re seeking a more secluded spot, the park also offers a few primitive, walk-in campsites with stunning views of the San Juans.
Available Activities:
Thanks to the large Ridgway Reservoir, this park is a prime location for water-based activities. Kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding are popular on the calm waters, and the park offers boat rentals for convenience. Off the water, hiking trails weave through wildflower-filled meadows and provide panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Local Attractions:
The nearby town of Ridgway has a charming, laid-back vibe with local restaurants and shops. If you have time, a short drive to Ouray—known as the “Switzerland of America”—offers hot springs and more adventurous hiking trails.
Chatfield State Park, Littleton
Chatfield State Park in Littleton is an excellent choice for campers seeking outdoor adventure and proximity to city amenities. With a large reservoir perfect for boating and fishing, along with miles of hiking and biking trails, Chatfield has something for everyone.
Park Features:
The campground at Chatfield is spacious, with full-hookup RV sites and tent camping areas. The park is also home to various wildlife, and the nearby wetlands are ideal for birdwatching. Plus, with Denver just a short drive away, you can easily blend outdoor adventure with city exploration.
Available Activities:
The park’s large reservoir offers boating, fishing, and sailing. For those who prefer land-based activities, miles of scenic hiking and biking trails are available. In addition, Chatfield offers an off-leash dog area, making it a great destination for pet owners.
Local Attractions:
Nearby, Denver offers many attractions, such as the Denver Art Museum and Coors Field, for sports fans. Littleton also has a charming historic downtown with boutique shops and restaurants.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Golden
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers one of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain camping experiences. Located just outside of Golden, this park is a fantastic retreat for those who want to experience the beauty of the Rockies without traveling too far from the city.
Park Features:
The campground at Golden Gate Canyon is well-maintained, with sites for both RVs and tents. Several backcountry camping sites are also available for those seeking a more rugged experience. The park’s scenic vistas and well-kept trails make it a favorite among hikers.
Available Activities:
Hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular activities here. The park’s 36 miles of trails range from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs, offering something for all skill levels. The wildflower-filled meadows and panoramic mountain views provide incredible photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Local Attractions:
Golden, Colorado, is a short drive away and offers unique attractions like the Coors Brewery and the Colorado Railroad Museum. A stop at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a must for those interested in history.
Highline Lake State Park, Loma
Highline Lake State Park, located in Loma, is an excellent choice for those who enjoy water-based recreation and stunning natural views. Positioned near the Colorado River, this park offers a serene environment with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and simply relaxing by the lake.
Park Features:
The campground at Highline Lake is spacious, offering both tent and RV sites with easy access to the lake. The park is a popular spot for fishing, with the lake stocked with various fish species. Well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and showers, add to the comfort of this remote location.
Available Activities:
Boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular on Highline Lake, and there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and birdwatching in the surrounding area. The lake offers anglers the chance to catch bass, catfish, and perch.
Local Attractions:
Loma’s proximity to Grand Junction allows easy access to local wineries and restaurants. The Colorado National Monument is also just a short drive away, offering breathtaking views and additional hiking opportunities.
Eleven Mile State Park, Lake George
Eleven Mile State Park, located near Lake George, is a top destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park’s large reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, with plenty of campsites surrounding the water, making it a perfect place to settle in for a relaxing weekend.
Park Features:
The campground at Eleven Mile offers sites for both RVs and tents, with some sites located right along the shoreline for easy access to the water. The peaceful setting and well-maintained facilities make this a popular spot for those looking to escape the busier parks.
Available Activities:
Fishing is the main draw here, with the reservoir stocked with trout, kokanee salmon, and pike. Boating is also permitted, and kayakers will appreciate the calm waters. For hikers, the area offers several trails with beautiful lake views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Local Attractions:
The nearby town of Lake George offers basic amenities, but for a broader range of activities, head to the charming town of Woodland Park, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and scenic byways.
Lory State Park, Bellvue
Lory State Park, located near Bellvue, is known for its beautiful trails and scenic vistas, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. This park is a quieter alternative to some of the more crowded destinations in Colorado, offering a peaceful escape with stunning views.
Park Features:
Lory State Park’s campground is well-equipped for both tent and RV camping. Its setting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains provides a dramatic backdrop for a relaxing stay. The campsites offer plenty of shade and space, and the park’s peaceful atmosphere ensures you can unwind after a day of adventure.
Available Activities:
Hiking is the main attraction at Lory State Park. The park boasts over 26 miles of trails that wind through the hills and offer stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Mountain bikers will also enjoy the park’s trails, which range from easy to advanced. For those interested in water activities, the park provides access to the reservoir for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Local Attractions:
Nearby, Fort Collins offers numerous attractions, from craft breweries to local dining. Visitors can also explore Horsetooth Mountain, a short drive from the park, which offers additional hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Personally, I’ve found the view from the top of Horsetooth Rock after a morning hike to be nothing short of spectacular—a moment that genuinely encapsulates the beauty of Colorado.
Vega State Park, Collbran
Located near the Grand Mesa, Vega State Park is a gem for those who love the quiet beauty of nature. Surrounded by stunning views of Colorado’s mountains and forests, Vega offers a perfect retreat for campers seeking solitude and adventure.
Park Features:
Vega State Park’s campground is well-maintained and offers a range of options, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. The park sits on the shore of Vega Reservoir, offering waterfront views and a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to beat. The campground’s amenities, including clean restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups, make it a comfortable and convenient place to stay.
Available Activities:
Boating and fishing are popular activities at Vega Reservoir. The lake is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, making it a favorite angler spot. If you’re into hiking or wildlife watching, the surrounding forests and meadows are home to deer, elk, and various birds. Vega also becomes a hub for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
Local Attractions:
The nearby Grand Mesa National Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. The closest town, Collbran, has a quaint, small-town charm with a few local restaurants and shops. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is worth exploring for its breathtaking views of Colorado’s largest flat-top mountain.
St. Vrain State Park, Firestone
Located just outside of Firestone, St. Vrain State Park is an excellent destination for families, anglers, and those looking for a quick getaway from the Denver area. Its easy access to city amenities and a serene lakeside setting make it a popular choice for locals and visitors.
Park Features:
St. Vrain State Park offers a variety of camping options, from full hookup RV sites to more primitive tent sites. The campground is clean and well-maintained, and the park’s many ponds provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The park is an excellent choice for families, with easy walking paths and plenty of open space for kids to play.
Available Activities:
Fishing is a big draw at St. Vrain, with ponds stocked with bass, catfish, and trout. Kayakers and paddleboarders will also find plenty of water to explore, and the park’s flat trails are perfect for an easy hike or bike ride. For wildlife enthusiasts, St. Vrain is home to various birds, including great blue herons, bald eagles, and pelicans.
Local Attractions:
Firestone is a small town, but nearby Longmont and Boulder offer plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Boulder’s famous Pearl Street Mall is just a short drive away and is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring local shops and restaurants.
FAQs
Is camping free in Colorado?
Camping is not generally free in Colorado. Most campsites in Colorado require a fee to use, but there are some exceptions. See the video link below for some ideas for finding free campsites in Colorado
Is Colorado good for camping?
Colorado is excellent for camping. The Rocky Mountains offer diverse terrain, stunning scenery, and numerous campgrounds suitable for all skill levels.
Where can I camp in Colorado in the summer?
Some popular summer camping spots in Colorado include Rocky Mountain National Park, Gunnison National Forest, and San Isabel National Forest.
How much does it cost to camp in Colorado?
Camping fees in Colorado vary by location and amenities, but typically range from $10 to $30 per night.
Check out this video about FREE camping areas in Colorado
In Summary
Camping in Colorado offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside campsites to rugged mountain retreats. Each campground and RV park on this list provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Centennial State, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both.
Whether it’s the family-friendly Jellystone Park of Estes, the peaceful serenity of Ridgway State Park, or the convenience of Cherry Creek State Park, you’re bound to find the perfect spot for your next camping trip in Colorado. Each location offers its own unique blend of outdoor activities, local attractions, and natural beauty, ensuring that you’ll have an unforgettable experience no matter where you go.
As someone who has spent years exploring Colorado’s vast landscapes, I can say that no two trips are ever the same. Every campground has its own personality, shaped by the scenery, the wildlife, and the experiences you have. So pack your gear, hit the road, and discover the best that camping in Colorado offers.
