Camping near San Isabel National Forest

89% (72 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Isabel National Forest adventure.

Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near San Isabel National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in San Isabel National Forest

Tabor Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$20

/ night

May Queen Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Cascade Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

94%

(8)

Collegiate Peaks Campground

56 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

La Vista Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Southside Campground

8 sites In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(3)

Belle of Colorado Campground

In San Isabel National Forest

Matchless Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Parry Peak Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Bootleg Campground

In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(5)

Cottonwood Lake Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Cordova Pass Picnic Area and Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$10

/ night

Bassam Guard Station

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Mingus Ranch Campground

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Ponderosa Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In San Isabel National Forest

Lakeview Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

North Fork Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Baby Doe Campground

48 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Printer Boy Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

Silver Dollar Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

The view from a campsite just up the road closer to the Elbert TH.

100%

(1)

White Star Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Angel of Shavano Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(3)

Chalk Lake Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Monarch Park Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(4)

Mount Princeton Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(4)

O'Haver Lake Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

Alvarado Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

Davenport Campground

12 sites In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

Purgatoire Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

St Charles Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Emerald Lake, just near the campground. Great place to catch trout and enjoy a breathtaking view!

67%

(3)

Elbert Creek Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Halfmoon East Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Halfmoon West Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Twin Peaks Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Angel of Shavano Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$18

/ night

Coaldale Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$15

/ night

Hayden Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$15

/ night

Iron City Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Blue Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$17

/ night

Lake Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Oak Creek Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(3)

Ophir Creek Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Molly Brown Campground

47 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

Bear Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Lake Isabel Cabin

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Father Dyer Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near San Isabel National Forest

91%

(144)

Sweetwater River Resort

67 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO

Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. Sweetwater River Resort is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!

95%

(52)

Yeti Sanctuary

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Florissant, CO

Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small lake, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country sking in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.

97%

(70)

Creekside Chalets

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, CO

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

100%

(9)

Rollin Boles RV Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent36 acres · Moffat, CO

36 Acres all to yourself below the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. Hotsprings right across the street, along with many others near by. Amazing hiking all around you! If you're into offroading, check out Marshall pass rd/Poncha creek Rd. Medano pass is another one of our favorites and is an amazing way to finish out a day in Sand Dunes National Park. Joyful Journey hot springs is 3 mins away and for $15 you can soak all day long and enjoy a hot shower before returning back to camp. An hour to Great Sand Dunes National Park. 3 hours from Durango, 3 hours to Denver, 2 hours from colorado springs. 30 mins from Salida. Mailbox available to get whatever packages you need!

94%

(80)

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

100%

(47)

New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Saguache, CO

New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history. New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth. We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.

94%

(25)

Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

1 site · Lodging100 acres · Alma, CO

The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors. Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer. During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer it can be accessed by car. Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort. No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.

100%

(21)

The Milky Way Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Florissant, CO

Disconnect and relax at our custom-built tiny house nestled against a grove of Aspen trees. This 100% solar-powered and self-sustaining cabin is situated on 2 acres at 9300 feet above sea level, accessible via a scenic 13-mile drive on dirt roads off Hwy 24 in Florissant, Colorado. * No running water October 15 through May 15 We are 100% OFF GRID and do not have a well or septic system. Visit our website at www.themilkywaycabin.com for details before making a booking request. There are two lofts. One has a queen bed and the other has two twin mattresses made of foam that fold in to chairs. Bring sheets and blankets. The kitchen table is flat against the wall and folds down when needed. Turn and pull out the lever on top release the table. There is a stool under the stairs and the box in the corner was designed to be used as a seat/ottoman. Lay out a blanket on the brand new deck and bring binoculars or use our telescope (available in the summer only) and stargaze! Lots of things to do including hiking, paddle boarding, fishing in the summer at 11 Mile Reservoir. Go snow shoeing, rent a Polaris in Woodland Park, or snow mobiling in Buena Vista. Eleven Mile Reservoir is just a few minutes away by car. Detailed arrival and departure instructions are on our website. You will receive a password to login to a private web page upon booking. This will help you with how to use the unique systems in the cabin. You must agree to read it thoroughly before your arrival. This is our family cabin, not an Airbnb. We do not charge a cleaning fee and kindly urge that you leave it cleaner than you found it. If we have to clean up after you in any way, you will be charged a $150 cleaning fee. We have security cameras for when the place is vacant. We turn them off when there are guests for your privacy. Contact Raemi for more details at 303-975-6746

M Lazy C Ranch

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Lake George, CO

Ranch bordering the National Forest offering Primitive camping with access to showers, rec center , playground , range and many other activities. RV sites , cabins with walking distance to fire pit , grilling and pavilions. Cabin guests have access to a jacuzzi. Family & Large groups welcome ! Horse back riding and off road vehicle available. Or bring your own off road and horses.

97%

(735)

High Peaks Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO

Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the highest Alpine Valley in the world! This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. You can also see the San Juan mountain range to the east in the distance. San Juans are part of the NW rim of the Continental Divide. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, Meteor showers!!! Previously known as High Desert Ranch Campground, this land was originally part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Accommodations for those with livestock, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!

100%

(7)

Salida RV Resort

81 sites · RVs10 acres · Salida, CO

Salida RV Resort is a brand new luxury RV park in Colorado with over 1,600 feet of Arkansas riverfrontage and is surrounded by the beautiful Collegiate Peak mountains. Book your spacious RV Site and be just 2.5 miles to shops and dining in Salida’s lovely and hip historic downtown district. With year-round full hookup RV Sites, Salida has four seasons of outdoor adventure awaiting you! Perfect for year-round guests, we offer access to all of the wonderful river activities, including our private river access ramp for non-motorized rafts and floats. Visitors can explore wonderful mountain biking and hiking trails for all skill levels in the nearby Sawatch Range, or participate in the town of Salida’s many great summer festivities! In the winter, Monarch Ski Resort is just 23 miles away. Don’t forget to take a dip in one of the local hot springs while you’re here any time of year! Salida’s mild year-round climate caused by the “banana belt” is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets!

Booked 2 times

Navi's Sage Run

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Hartsel, CO

**Navi's Sage Run** is a serene escape located in the Old South Park Ranch area of Hartsel, Colorado. Our property is surrounded by the invigorating scent of sage and dotted with native cacti, offering a true taste of Colorado's rugged beauty. Named after our adventurous dog, Navi, who loves to roam and explore, this spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Visitors to Navi's Sage Run can enjoy the stunning view of Sulphate Mountain, an ancient volcano that adds a unique touch to the landscape. The area is also home to wild pronghorn, often spotted grazing nearby. For those who love to fish, the Antero Reservoir and Eleven Mile Canyon offer some of the best fishing in Colorado, with opportunities for ice fishing and catching various species of trout. Whether you're here to fish, hike, or simply relax and soak in the panoramic views, Navi's Sage Run is your gateway to the natural wonders of Hartsel. Come experience the tranquility and beauty that Navi enjoys every day, and create your own adventures in this breathtaking landscape.

The best camping near San Isabel National Forest guide

Overview

About

This park's location in the Rocky Mountains makes it a magnet for mountain climbers. You've got 19 14'ers to choose from! The big one is Mount Elbert, the highest summit in all the Rockies at 14,440 feet. You can also hit the second-highest, Mount Massive, and the fifth-highest, La Plata.

If you've got kids with you on your adventure, definitely hit the Picketwire Canyon Trail. This trail takes you to the largest known sample of dinosaur tracks in the country! Getting all the way through this 10.6-mile haul is a serious undertaking, so pack plenty of water.

Prefer a less strenuous, more relaxing San Isabel experience? High-altitude fishing at Chalk Creek or Cottonwood Creek is great for landing trout. Be sure to come between July and September. These alpine lakes often ice over during the colder months of the year.

With over 300 days of sunshine, we're sure you'll be baggin' peaks and takin' names in no time!