Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in Colorado with campfires

United States
—
Colorado

94% (3351 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

93%

(147)

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross (fka Holy Cross Refugio), is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)

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.

Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

1 site · Lodging160 acres · Alma, CO

Campgrounds, people, noises, regulations, things you won't find here. You will find happiness, peace, the sound of the winds in 3000 year old trees, alpine streams tricking through ancient untouched forests, great horned owls and moose calling into the night, coyote echoing at sunset signaling night approaching, the warm smell of pine and summer grasses, touching the warm rocks next to the stream while you listen to the birds and crickets. I could go on and on, these are the things I see when I close my eyes and think of this place. This site sits at the base of (2) 14ers. in thee middle of a sunken meadow. This is the most beautiful and secluded camping experience you will experience in Colorado. There are miles of 4x4 and atv trails. There are countless hiking trails for day and short nature hikes. Above the site sits bristlecone pines that have appeared in ansel adams prints and are absolutely amazing. The sites sit on 160 private acres which borders national forest. There is a small a-frame tent that's insulated with big windows, locking door, skylight, solar for charging electronics, and a full size bed. The cabin is roughly the size of the full size mattress but seems bigger because of the a-frame roof. Its warm and cozy and keeps the critters and animals out, so you feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of amenities on site. There is a picnic table, 10'x12' waterproof awning and wood deck. There is a bbq, bear box, huge stone fire pit and bucket toilet. The road into the site was graded last year but still has small potholes typical of a Colorado county road, most low-profile cars will do fine. If you have a rv or camper, the turn around is limited, no tow behind campers or vehicles over 20'

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.

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.

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Colorado with campfires

96%

(56)

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.

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.

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross (fka Holy Cross Refugio), is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)

Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

1 site · Lodging160 acres · Alma, CO

Campgrounds, people, noises, regulations, things you won't find here. You will find happiness, peace, the sound of the winds in 3000 year old trees, alpine streams tricking through ancient untouched forests, great horned owls and moose calling into the night, coyote echoing at sunset signaling night approaching, the warm smell of pine and summer grasses, touching the warm rocks next to the stream while you listen to the birds and crickets. I could go on and on, these are the things I see when I close my eyes and think of this place. This site sits at the base of (2) 14ers. in thee middle of a sunken meadow. This is the most beautiful and secluded camping experience you will experience in Colorado. There are miles of 4x4 and atv trails. There are countless hiking trails for day and short nature hikes. Above the site sits bristlecone pines that have appeared in ansel adams prints and are absolutely amazing. The sites sit on 160 private acres which borders national forest. There is a small a-frame tent that's insulated with big windows, locking door, skylight, solar for charging electronics, and a full size bed. The cabin is roughly the size of the full size mattress but seems bigger because of the a-frame roof. Its warm and cozy and keeps the critters and animals out, so you feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of amenities on site. There is a picnic table, 10'x12' waterproof awning and wood deck. There is a bbq, bear box, huge stone fire pit and bucket toilet. The road into the site was graded last year but still has small potholes typical of a Colorado county road, most low-profile cars will do fine. If you have a rv or camper, the turn around is limited, no tow behind campers or vehicles over 20'

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.

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

94%

(601)

Lakeside Camping, Water Time :)

7 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Clifton, CO

We moved here in 1997 The home has had major remodels done on it. The lake is an old gravel pit to make road base for local road construction. The buoys in the lake are scuba projects from the local college CMU, and hold lots of fish. Other nesting platforms are for our local Geese and they hatch out in April-June. We airbnb 2 rooms in our home as a shared facility and have airbnbs in Northern Ca and Baja. Our home is off limits for campers as we need to respect the space for our other airbnb guests. But in an emergence please call, cell service works fine. port-a potty is gone for the winter November-April. port-a potty is clean and works great, May- Oct. If you are here in the winter you may use the trees or Mavericks gas station in 1.5 miles away.

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.

98%

(25)

Gordon Creek RV Park

23 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Livermore, CO

Enjoy peace and tranquility on 80 acres of private land. Hook into one of our RV sites with full hookups or stay in one of our beautiful cabins with close access to the nightlife of Ft. Collins as well as the gorgeous Red Feather Lakes area and all it has to offer. Visit Rigby's roadhouse for dinner and drinks right here on the property or take the family on a trail ride with Tattered Saddle. Wildlife is abundant in the area and you might see deer, elk, fox, bear, hawks, and bald eagles. Close to many trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, fishing, backcountry skiing, hunting, and even a golf course close by.

100%

(97)

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

100%

(122)

Marble Mountain Yurt

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Marble, CO

NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 SEASON (May-October)! A little about our reservation process. We accept two group reservations per week: 1) A discounted mid-week booking (Checking-in Tuesday or Wednesday) for 1-2 nights minimum (depending on the season) 2) A weekend booking starting Thursday, Friday, or Saturday weekly with a 2-3 night minimum. Enjoy hut-style glamping at its finest in our modern mountain yurt. Bask in the sun and take in the stunning panoramic mountain views on our one-acre property above the quirky town of Marble, CO. With immediate access to public lands and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, rivers, and BBQ in Colorado, there is truly something for everyone to love! The heated bathhouse features a toilet and foot pump sink. Purified drinking water is available from May - September. You must bring your own water from October - April. The kitchen features an oven/range and basic cooking and serving supplies. There is no refrigerator, so please bring your own cooler and ice. Campfires are allowed, but it is your responsibility to determine if there is a fire ban in effect. Firewood may be available or dead wood can be collected on the property. There is a picnic table nestled in the scrub oaks. We only rent one side and the entire property is private to you! We do have neighbors, but the property is pretty well tucked away. You may see the occasional vehicle or hiker on the road or hear someone doing some yard work, but it is generally very quiet and secluded at the yurt. Our neighbors have chosen to live in Marble for its privacy and tranquillity. Please show them respect by keeping the noise down and leaving them be. If you have questions or need help, call us from the yurt landline. Winter camping experience/equipment and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with severe snow-rated tires and chains may be required to access the yurt Oct-April. During large snow events, driving to the yurt may be impossible in any vehicle. Skiing to the yurt may be an option Dec - Feb. Gear sleds are available at the yurt for your use.

82%

(11)

High Mountain Lodging and camping

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Hartsel, CO

We offer an off-grid tent and RV campground and Tiny house. We are Cannabis friendly. We also have high-speed Starlink Internet included with the pricing! Rustic Tiny Cabin- Everything you need in a 8x16 rustic tiny cabin including water, outlets, heat, fridge, shower, shampoo, conditioner, and utensils. 1 bed that could potentially fit two people like a small couple or a kid and parent. It also has a propane fireplace out front and outdoor seating for the amazing stars out here. please note we must turn the power and internet off at 9:30 pm - 7 am

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(56)

White River National Forest

Fulford, Colorado

84%

(25)

Rio Grande National Forest

Alpine, Colorado

89%

(72)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

97%

(35)

San Juan National Forest

Rico, Colorado

83%

(41)

Roosevelt National Forest

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

97%

(33)

Gunnison National Forest

Crested Butte, Colorado

94%

(36)

Arapaho National Forest

Tabernash, Colorado

88%

(20)

Uncompahgre National Forest

Ophir, Colorado

One of the Snowbird campsites, along the Timber Lake trail. It was very well maintained. A bull moose walked through my campsite, twice! This is the closest campground to Timber Lake (1/4 mile up the trail) and is very convenient for a dayhike up Mount Ida.

97%

(150)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Grand Lake, Colorado

100%

(6)

Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek, Colorado

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside 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.