Cave camping in Colorado with campfires

Enjoy year-round recreation and a wild diversity of landscapes in this colorful state.

91% (1130 reviews)
91% (1130 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

Under $50

Available this weekend

12 top cave campgrounds in Colorado with campfires

96%
(28)

Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp

5 sites · Lodging200 acres · Center, CO
Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -106.271551)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood. As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp! Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.
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$60
 / night
97%
(145)

Ute Lodge - At the End of the Road

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Meeker, CO
The Ute Lodge was homesteaded in the 1930’s by Joe Fox who after leaving the military came west to settle in the White River valley. Joe was known for his friendliness, hospitality and wild stories. Today you might find much of the same. From Joe’s day to today it is a place where families come together to get away. The Ute Lodge is now owned by Karl and Mona Maser who celebrated 20 years of ownership summer of 2019! All summer our cabins are filled with guests from all over the US as well as international travelers. One of our favorite things about the summer is our weekly potlucks where we all share an outdoor meal. All of our visitors have a standing invitation to join us around the community campfire at night. From our beautiful private lake (where you can paddle-board, kayak and fish), to immediate access to the Papoose and Crooks Park Trails on National Forest land, as well as the vast variety of wildlife that roams around, you can find what you need here to unplug and get away from it all.
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$25
 / night
97%
(340)

CampCHERIshed-Camp for a Cause!

6 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Sedalia, CO
⭐️ *Tons of privacy!* ⭐️ Camp for a Cause! 🌲100% of every dollar in our camping fee is a donation for ShesCHERIshed. ☂️ Help us with this mission by camping with us! 🏕 You can expect tons of trees, privacy, peaceful, quiet land to relax, with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of pine trees, boulders, open hiking, fire pits, *Chatfield Reservoir views (in certain areas) and more! 🔥 Enjoy private camping, yet still close to Rampart Range, the town of Sedalia or Castle Rock for convenience. ⛰ Or head to Deckers, and the South Platte River for Fishing! 🎣 Only 10 minutes to the town of Sedalia, w/ a gas station, the famous cheeseburger at Bud's Bar, B'Mans BBQ & Wide Open Saloon, a cafe & more. Options available if you don't feel like cooking while camping. 👏🏼 This is a smoke, drug, and drunk free campsite. 🚫Thank you! 🙏🏼 Blessings! (ShesCHERIshed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.) ✝️
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$84.15
 / night
85%
(102)

Dreamweaver's Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Crestone, CO
Dreamweaver’s Sanctuary is an evolving artist collaborative project and homestead that focuses on sustainability, creativity, spiritual growth, with mindful community values. We host events and workshops, prepare meals, and we are now offering Usui-Tibetan/Holy Fire and Crystal Reiki for those looking to balance and replenish the Mind, Body and Soul. Expect surprises as we are always incorporating new and fun ideas to enhance your experience and bring unity to the locals of Crestone. In addition to this project, we invite you to join us for Hip Camp. A rustic camping experience in Crestone, Colorado with the most majestic views. About the land: Imagine setting up camp in the high desert of Colorado, resting in the quiet of nature, and awakening to birds singing to you as you lay nestled in an ancient Cottonwood Grove. Next you open your eyes to the Majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, overlooking the Great Sand Dunes. Enjoy a fresh and power packed smoothie to break your overnight fast or join us in our off-grid rustic zen community kitchen and prepare what you so choose. Find yourself a comfortable spot and spend some time in meditation or join others in our Meditation Tent, engage in a peaceful and mindful conversation with other campers, enjoy a garden walk or book a Crystal or Holy Fire Reiki Session. Did we mention the sunsets!? In the evening stargazing is a favorite, as Crestone is a Dark Sky Community. And all of that is just here at the sanctuary! Venture out and find hiking trails, take a short drive and enjoy your day at the sand dunes, enjoy local Hot Springs or visit one of Crestone’s many spiritual centers or temples. While we hope you will choose to stay with us, keep in mind that this is a family friendly environment and we welcome pets. Note that we are 4:20 friendly, but kindly discourage the use of non-recreational or illegal substances and the misuse of alcohol on the premises. We have outdoor solar shower amenities and composting toilets and outhouses. There is a water and tea station available. Wifi is available near our Tech Deck. - Cosmic Kids Yoga 11:30 am in Vimana - Sacred Fire Offering @ Sunset Daily in Vimana Crestone is a very special place and we look forward to meeting you here!
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$28
 / night
95%
(44)

Stephens Ranch

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Glade Park, CO
Jake Stephens Performance Horses is a working horse ranch. It's located in Glade Park, Colorado, which you have to travel through the Colorado National Monument and a Red Rock Tunnel to get to. The 70-acre ranch is located in the middle of the funnest and most beautiful places on the planet. Activities include horseback riding through the mountains, canoeing on one of the reservoirs, mountain biking one of the numerous trails, hiking to see some of the most awesome wildlife anywhere, or just camping in one of the cabins or tent camping on the side of a beautiful Red Rock canyon. There's not a cooler place to stay. Learn more about this land:Come stay in one of our two Colorado cozy cabins. They both have wood burning stoves, cable TV and microwaves, and are very unique. The larger cabin now has a  finished bathroom complete with a very unique all rock shower,  and kitchen,  We offer a sunset horseback ride in the mountains or a private horse riding lesson in our arena or round pen, or you can go on a mountain bike ride on Red Rock to Rattlesnake Arches (which is the largest collection of arches in the world, besides the Utah delicate arches), above the ranch on a beautiful aspen-covered alpine trail by the reservoirs, or go on a hike anywhere! Or just sleep in! In a very private cabin or a tent on the lower property that you can pitch by a beautiful 100 ft Red Rock canyon and seasonal waterfall!  
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$72
 / night
100%
(4)

Mountain View Cabin

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Ridgway, CO
This beautiful log home rental has spectacular views of the Cimarron and the San Juan Mountains. It provides free level II car charging. It is a fully furnished mountain retreat with everything you will need for a comfortable, affordable stay. Private road with lots of wildlife. Beautiful old Cottonwood trees with an old tire swing. A creek runs through the pasture keeping the grass lush and green. The cattle enjoy the panoramic mountain views. Far enough away from civilization, yet walking distance to town! Located on a working cattle farm with lots of wildlife. Only 26 miles from the nearest airport. 2 miles to the famous Ouray Hot springs. 9 miles to Ouray, an easy drive to the Ice Climbing Park off of Camp Bird Mine Rd. and Imogene Pass, renowned for Jeeping and 4x4s. 35 Miles from the Ski Lifts in Telluride. Join us at our beautiful Mountain View Cabin. Learn more about this land: This beautiful log home rental has spectacular views of the Cimarron and the San Juan Mountains. It is a fully furnished mountain retreat with everything you will need for a comfortable, affordable stay. Quiet, yet within walking distance to town.
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$350
 / night
98%
(128)

Redstone Ridge RV Ranch

9 sites · RVs800 acres · CO
Our place is private and vast! Beautiful mountains 360 views in every direction! The celestial activity is amazing without city lights too:) We have a nice bar only a mile away" The Forks Mercantile and Saloon!" We also offer farm-to-table items, so just ask! NO toilets or showers are provided! Self contained vehicles only. RV PARKING: 4 sites! Sites 1, 2 and 4 allow pets and kids. Water hook ups in site 4. Site 5 has shade from 6:30 pm on., but can only be booked without kids or pets. Yes, you can group 1-2 for larger bookings. All sites are 75 yards or more apart! Each site has a table, fire-pit, and chairs. All rigs welcome! (No showers or toilets.) We are strict on arrival time, please be here before 8:00PM no later. We will not place you after dark on our land. Check out is before 10 a.m. You can book a fishing tour with professional guides down the Poudre, or simply just set up on our property. You can also visit two horseback-riding stables close by if you want a trail ride. Yes, we have waterfalls 3 miles down the road. All info provided when you arrive and meet. We’ll have a packet with lots of info for you upon arrival. We love to share our land, the wildlife and birds are beautiful each day! Our hope is that at the end of the day, your hands and feet should be dirty, your hair a royal mess, and your soul singing!
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$55
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Colorado

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Cave camping in Colorado with campfires guide

Overview

With 42 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has long been a shining star among lovers of the great outdoors. This western state offers a wide variety of landscapes, with ancient mountains, massive canyons, ski resort towns that range from quaint to ultraluxe, many within easy access of the capital city of Denver. Camping areas abound throughout the state, ranging from simple backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with full hookups and dump stations, many managed by Colorado State Parks. Best of all, pretty much every outdoor activity under the sun is available, from biking and horseback riding to birding and stargazing.

Where to go

Western Colorado

Western Colorado shares quite a bit in common with neighboring Utah to the west, with massive sandstone rock formations—including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—plus fantastic opportunities for winter and summer recreation alike. Towns worth checking out include Steamboat Springs and Aspen—both popular ski resorts—as well as cute towns such as Montrose and Durango that make excellent bases for exploring the wilds of the San Juan Mountains. If you’re interested in history or archaeology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

Denver and North-Central Colorado

Stretching from Fort Collins near the Wyoming border all the way down just past Denver, this region is largely urban but still offers plenty for campers. You can take in fantastic views of the region from the Estes Park Aerial Tramway or by driving the Trail Ridge Road scenic byway through Rocky Mountain National Park. Or, pack up your tent and head out on a backcountry camping trip in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests.

South and South-Central Colorado

This part of the state offers a mix of wide-open plains and towering massifs, including Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, a scenic mountaintop that served as the inspiration for the patriotic tune America the Beautiful. Popular area activities include fishing and whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande and sledding down the sands at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. If you want to soothe tired muscles after a weekend of adventure, head to the hot springs towns of Buena Vista and Salida—both just outside the Pike and San Isabel national forests.

Eastern Colorado

Quiet Eastern Colorado features a mix of grasslands and canyons, with massive expanses of grazing lands and farms that give way to charming small towns. You can learn about life in the 19th century at the Old Fort National Historic Site and the Boggsville Historic Site, or head down to the John Martin Reservoir, a great place for birdwatching and boating.

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