Camping near Dillon

Boating, paddle boarding, and lakeside camping, Dillon, Colorado is a summer water sports haven.

94% (6726 reviews)
94% (6726 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Dillon

98%
(1112)

Rustic Creek Ranch

37 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer. The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather. Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer. Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs. I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover. Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler. About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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$27
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94%
(655)

Little Scraggy Camp

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Pine, CO
Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, yet has easy access from a paved road. We offer several accommodations and glamping sites, as well as sites for moderate sized RVs, travel trailers, truck campers, vans, tents, and hammocks. Additionally, we have sites for small groups (up to 14 people) and large groups (35-200 people). NEW FOR 2024: All campers can take advantage of our Hipcamper golf discounts at Little Scraggy Disc Golf Course. Across the road from Camp is our newly constructed 18 hole course with PDGA regulation baskets, a pro shop with LSDG discs available for purchase and loaner discs available for those wanting to try out disc golf. Potable drinking water is available from onsite 270-gallon water tanks. Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites. Friendly dogs are welcome to enjoy YOUR campsite off leash, but please clean up after your dog. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, it must be leashed. The camp has a 4 basket disc golf putting course with loaner discs provided. We also have a cornhole toss game at both the glamping/rv camp area and tent/rv area. We are an ideal basecamp for the casual or dedicated trail enthusiast. The ranch itself has several trails and easy trail loops to explore within and just outside of the ranch’s fence lines, with direct access to the 9.5-mile Little Scraggy Trail and Segment #3 of the Colorado Trail. Just 3.5 miles away is the Little Scraggy Trailhead, where you will find easy access for biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the many other trails of the Buffalo Creek area. Additionally, we have an extensive network of hiking and horse trails that avoid conflicts with mountain bikers. You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy or fishing the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam and the waters near Deckers. For a day trip, Wellington Lake is only 30 minutes away for no-wake water sports. Many people enjoy kayaking on the North Fork of the South Platte downstream from nearby Buffalo Creek. This is a working ranch where we raise and train horses and ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request. Our site called Mountain Horse Camp, provides 3 individual porta-panel horse corrals. There is limited cell service.
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$25
 / night
98%
(854)

Glen Isle Resort

20 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Bailey, CO
(If you book with us, please don’t follow your GPS if it tries to make you turn at the Coney Island hot dog stand. Glen Isle is .5 miles past the hot dog stand.) Due to the ongoing issues with forest fires in our area and insurance issues at this time, we will no longer have open wood-burning fires. Propane fires are permitted if you have a portable campfire ring, please feel free to bring your own. We do have a couple available for rent onsite. For your safety and ours: absolutely no check in/arrival after dark sets in; Around 5:15pm during winter months. 7:30pm summer There are many reasons why you would want to camp at Glen Isle Resort! Glen Isle is located in Bailey, Colorado which is the perfect vacation spot for friends, family, reunions, or a private get away. Glen Isle was originally built for an escape from hectic Denver. Once you cross the bridge into the resort, you’ll understand why it has served as a peaceful getaway for over a century. The Platte River welcomes you and divides the property from Highway 285. If you love to fish, you have a mile of the river to use at your disposal. If hiking is your forte and you desire to explore nature, Glen Isle is surrounded by the National Forest, Lost Creek Wilderness, Payne Gulch Trailhead, the Colorado Trail and many private acres for you to explore. You will find history narrates the Native American’s story where Glen Isle was once used as an Indian encampment, and numerous trees still stand today that were culturally modified to mark sacred treasures. If you seek tranquility, you will find hummingbirds and chipmunks always seeking an audience to entertain. Starting June 1st, we will offer evening activities, and campers are welcome to come to the lodge, shop in our gift shop. We also have snacks for purchase, and popcorn for our guests to enjoy. (Glorious Glen Isle was unoccupied for six years. We are in the process of renovating hundred year old cabins, and the 8,000 square foot lodge. Our camping areas have a river setting, glorious valley views, and a private setting surrounded by the National Forest. However, there is renovation and construction going on around some areas of the property. Additionally, as you can see from the map and read in a few reviews, we are just on the other side of the beautiful Platte River from Highway 285. About 75% of our guests are not bothered by the busyness of the this highway but others can be more sensitive to the noise. We want Glen-Isle campers to enjoy their experience as much as possible, so if you would like more information, please do not hesitate to ask. Our goal is to share the property with others, and to have the "happiest" campers in Colorado!) Glen Isle Resort was opened in 1901, by five original investors. In 1923, the property was bought by the Baldwin's and in the 1940's it was given to the Baldwin's granddaughter, Barbara and her husband Gordon Tripp. The Tripp family owned and operated the resort until Barbara's death in November 2012. Mary Ruth grew up coming to Glen Isle Resort as a child in the 1970's. Her favorite memories are the chuckwagon dinners, horseback riding, evening dances, movie nights, and the endless activities that never grew old. Mary Ruth grew up, married Greg, and they started bringing their five boys to Glen Isle Resort. Mary Ruth and Greg were both professionals in education, and visited Glen Isle in the summer of 2016 after an Adele concert. They found their beloved Glen Isle was being sold. After much consideration, they found the idea of not pursuing a dream to be more terrifying than looking back and wondering "why" they didn't...so they began the magical journey to purchase, restore, and bring historical Glen Isle back to life.
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$36
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92%
(227)

A-Lodge Boulder

11 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Boulder, CO
A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp. We have a BRAND NEW barrel sauna, hot tub, grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from your campsite. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion! Walk-in sites are just a short hike, about 100 feet, on an unmanicured trail to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc. Our guests love us too! Check out what a fellow camper had to say: "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."
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$53.30
 / night
90%
(266)

Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO
Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.
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$65
 / night
89%
(210)

Prospector’s Rush

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD or AWD is necessary to access our property!!! Accessing the campsite is an off-road adventure. Please only book if you are comfortable with off-road driving. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature. As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky. At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature. 4WD / AWD is mandatory!!
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$29
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96%
(935)

Clear Creek Getaway.

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Dumont, CO
Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway Please understand that Please note these Mountains are home to a lot of people therefore I do not allow any open burning wood burning no one wants start a forest fire even though the county will say it’s OK for open burn. Please respect The neighbors they request that we do not have open flame. I’m sure you can understand. Beds : you will need to bring your own For the glam dome: file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/cd/13/3781DC46-F036-428E-BFC5-447B16E14D54/Image-1.jpeg Roads : This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt. If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type We are available all year round. No power in units. All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck.. Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs. River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing. Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s) Hot springs within miles. We have portable toilets located close to the units Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures! Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70 Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70 St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70 Hot Springs 2 miles east I70 All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky. ( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road. When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).
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$20
 / night
99%
(169)

Gold Nugget Tree House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Gold Hill, CO
Come visit our sweet little treehouse in the woods. Our property is just steps away from the bustling historic town of Gold Hill, a destination for tourists and road bikers alike. The treehouse is a glamping experience with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable. Food - Bring your cooler with food supplies or take out in Boulder before you head up the mountain. Or grab a coffee, pizza, snack or a glass of wine at the Gold Hill store. If you'd like a full service dining experience, make a reservation for a 5 course meal at the Gold Hill Inn. What To Do: Walk around the historic town of Gold Hill. We promise you will be entertained. Ask a local about the museum, the cemetery, or the historic two room school house, or any other favorite spots they have around the area. Love the woods and nature, but would like a little action? Attend a local live music concert at the Gold Hill Store or the Gold Hill Inn on a beautiful summers night. Drive to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park to explore for the day. Boulder - 20 minutes Nederland - 35 minutes Estes Park - 45 minutes The Treehouse is furnished with Queen size bed and plenty of blankets to keep you warm, but feel free to bring your sleeping bag if you prefer. A roll out twin size feather bed for the floor is available upon request if you have a few more folks joining. We provide a portable toilet with WagBags. Please always pack out all human solid human waste. Gold Hill Store offers a toilet for a minimal fee and the Gold Hill Inn has a toilet for customers. A camp stove is available for outdoor use. The camp stove and the propane heater both use 1 lb propane canisters, so feel free to bring your own fuel to cook and keep you warm. A can of propane is always available for your use of the stove. * A note to novice campers and regular hotel patrons: Though you are in a shelter, you are still exposed to the elements. The treehouse is not insulated. Wind, bugs, and critters may all be a part of the variable treehouse experience mother nature has planned for you. If you are not comfortable camping, getting dirty, swatting flies, being too hot, being too cold, hearing the noises of animals at night, waking up to the sound of magpies, and who knows what else, this experience may not be for you.
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$139
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Camping near Dillon guide

Overview

Situated near the shores of the pristine Dillon Reservoir and surrounded by world-renowned ski resorts, Dillon is an excellent basecamp for forays into the high country. In summer, visitors flock to the Dillon Reservoir to paddleboard, kayak, or simply hike around the lake. In winter, the Dillon Reservoir becomes a huge snow-kiting destination with rentals and lessons available at the lake. Dillon is one of the few towns in Summit County that offers camping close to town so it’s a great option if you’re also hoping to explore nearby mountain towns like Breckenridge and Copper Mountain.   

Where to go

Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area

Also known as Lake Dillon, this spot sits between the towns of Dillon and Frisco as one of the area’s most popular destinations. With several campgrounds, boat and kayak rentals, and nearly 27 miles of shoreline to explore, the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area is a top choice for camping close to town. Hikers will find several great trails in the area that offer stellar views of the Ten Mile Range and cyclists will enjoy the paved trail that runs over the Dillon Dam.  

White River National Forest

The 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest offers unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities in the Rocky Mountains between Dillon and Aspen. It’s the most visited national forest in the country and offers incredibly scenic terrain from crystal clear mountain lakes and trout streams to wildflower-filled meadows and jagged fourteen thousand foot peaks. Numerous campgrounds are scattered throughout the national forest and there’s no shortage of places to pitch a tent in the backcountry.

Green Mountain Reservoir

Heading north from Dillon on Highway 9 takes you quickly to another large reservoir. Green Mountain Reservoir is only a 30-minute drive from Dillon and boating, fishing, and hiking are popular activities on the water. Campers will find seven campgrounds along the shore of the lake, nearly all with beautiful views of the lake.   

When to go

The best time for camping, hiking, and water sports in Dillon, Colorado is when the weather warms, typically June through early September. Summer is definitely the busiest time; the Dillon Amphitheatre hosts dozens of free shows in summer and the Dillon Saturday Farmer’s Market draws in quite the crowds. Dillon sits at 9,111 feet so come prepared for chilly nights even in the middle of summer. Fall is also a lovely time to visit Dillon. Thanks to its high elevation, the mountains around Dillon are one of the first places in Colorado to see fall colors. 

Know before you go

  1. Camping at the Dillon Reservoir is extremely popular so book sites as soon as you know your travel dates. Reservations can be made at the Heaton Bay Campground and Peak One Campground up to six months in advance. 
  2. Campsites at the Dillon Reservoir’s Pine Cove Campground are available first-come, first-served only.  
  3. Early morning, before the afternoon winds pick up, is the best time to kayak or paddleboard on Lake Dillon. 
  4. Swimming is prohibited in Lake Dillon due to safety reasons but is allowed at the Green Mountain Reservoir. There’s even a designated swimming area at Green Mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

The popular activities at the Dillon Reservoir in Dillon, Colorado include paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and snow-kiting in winter. Visitors can also explore nearby mountain towns like Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. Summer is the best time for these activities, typically June through early September. Fall is also a lovely time to visit Dillon due to the early fall colors. Dillon sits at 9,111 feet so come prepared for chilly nights even in the middle of summer.

Camping options near Dillon, Colorado include the Heaton Bay Campground, Peak One Campground, and Pine Cove Campground at the Dillon Reservoir. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance for the first two campgrounds, while the Pine Cove Campground is available first-come, first-served only. There are also numerous campgrounds scattered throughout the White River National Forest between Dillon and Aspen. You can also explore different options for camping near Dillon on Hipcamp.

The White River National Forest near Dillon, Colorado offers unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities including crystal clear mountain lakes, trout streams, wildflower-filled meadows, and jagged fourteen thousand foot peaks. Numerous campgrounds are scattered throughout the national forest and there’s no shortage of places to pitch a tent in the backcountry. You can also explore different options for camping near Dillon on Hipcamp.

The Green Mountain Reservoir near Dillon, Colorado offers boating, fishing, and hiking as popular activities on the water. Campers will find seven campgrounds along the shore of the lake, nearly all with beautiful views of the lake. Swimming is allowed at the Green Mountain Reservoir, unlike the Dillon Reservoir. You can also explore different options for camping near Dillon on Hipcamp.

The best time for camping, hiking, and water sports in Dillon, Colorado is when the weather warms, typically June through early September. Summer is definitely the busiest time; the Dillon Amphitheatre hosts dozens of free shows in summer and the Dillon Saturday Farmer’s Market draws in quite the crowds. Fall is also a lovely time to visit Dillon. Thanks to its high elevation, the mountains around Dillon are one of the first places in Colorado to see fall colors. You can also explore different options for camping near Dillon on Hipcamp.

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