Discover the best waterside campgrounds in Colorado with campfires

United States
—
Colorado

94% (8173 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

Dog-friendly getaways

6 top waterside campgrounds in Colorado with campfires

94%

(600)

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.

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)

96%

(57)

Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · CO

One of a kind property on the Colorado River in the middle of wine country. Animal sanctuary w Alpaca, Goats, Pigs, mini Horses, Peacocks, Chickens, Dogs, That all free range the property. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Western Colorado the views, stars secluded quietness in nature yet 5 miles from all the city conveniences Electric 30 amp; water hookups & along the Colorado River on a private animal sanctuary. We allow tents, vans, small rvs & small campers. This is a very exclusive property and location. There is also a large lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding for our guest use. This spot is on a private beach shared w our family friends and guest on the Colorado river Sorry no dogs allowed

Campe Diem!

49 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · CO

Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!

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.

Fruita By The Lake

5 sites · RVs10 acres · Fruita, CO

The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are 2 minutes from downtown Fruita for those who would enjoy good restaurants, great coffee shops, or a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the lake between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard YOU ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE OF YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU HAVE SOME on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots of shade in the summer. This site has no fire pit and no picnic table. Camp #2 / 50amps + water + sewage. WINTERIZED. YOU ONLY NEED A HEATED WATER HOSE. This site is on compact gravel and will need some leveling. This site is very close to the main shop and the owner's apartment. You will see and maybe hear some action on weekdays. We accept vans, small campers, and motorhomes class A, B, and C. It's a pull-through site and easy to park. This site could accommodate two or three campers (extra $). This site is in the sun with no shade. This site has no fire pit and no picnic table. Camp #3 / 50amps + water. WINTERIZED. YOU ONLY NEED A HEATED WATER HOSE. This site is long and wide on compact gravel and might need some leveling. On this site, your camper/van will be facing the pond. You can drink your coffee with the birds singing. We accept vans, small campers, and motorhomes class A, B, and C. It's a back-in site with plenty of space to do it. This site could accommodate two or three campers (extra $). This site has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a private dock.

Available this weekend

92%

(280)

Campe Diem!

49 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · CO

Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!

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.

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)

Colorado River Animal Sanctuary

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · CO

One of a kind property on the Colorado River in the middle of wine country. Animal sanctuary w Alpaca, Goats, Pigs, mini Horses, Peacocks, Chickens, Dogs, That all free range the property. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Western Colorado the views, stars secluded quietness in nature yet 5 miles from all the city conveniences Electric 30 amp; water hookups & along the Colorado River on a private animal sanctuary. We allow tents, vans, small rvs & small campers. This is a very exclusive property and location. There is also a large lake for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding for our guest use. This spot is on a private beach shared w our family friends and guest on the Colorado river Sorry no dogs allowed

Under $50

96%

(71)

Fruita By The Lake

5 sites · RVs10 acres · Fruita, CO

The property is a mix of living quarters and a business with a beautiful 2-acre lake accessible in the summer. Hipcampers will be camping on a 10-acre property mixed-used and will have their own little piece of land and privacy to enjoy. They will find endless activities surrounding our property while enjoying their stay. There are miles of mountain and road bike trails easily accessed from the campsite. Rafting, golf, swimming, fishing, hiking, off-roading, dirt bike/ATV trails, Colorado National Monument, and the list goes on and on within a short distance. The campsites are 2 minutes from downtown Fruita for those who would enjoy good restaurants, great coffee shops, or a drink. You will find a grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station in the same area. To consider: Our place is great but not for everyone. We have three convenient sites, all with electricity and water and one with sewage. They all have great views and are very close to the town of Fruita. Every hipcampers can enjoy the beach and the lake between mid-May and October when its full. Swimming not recommended! The property is used by THE GONDOLA SHOP, which restores ski gondolas. Monday to Friday, you might hear some light noise and see employees walking around. For that reason and the potential hazard YOU ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE OF YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU HAVE SOME on our property. We ask that all vehicles drive no faster than 10 miles per hour for the same reason. We will consider a group of campers or mix camper/tents roof tents as long as you have your own bathroom to share. Please email us with any requests you might have. We are open to discussing any inquiries. Between May and October, when our lake is full and usable, our place is great for gatherings and a big BBQ. Camp #1 / 30amps + 110V (NO WATER). We have a spot on the property for you to fill in your water tank, but there is no water directly at the site. This site is on an old concrete pad and will need some leveling. This site is close to the tenant's house. You might see some chickens running around, but your camper will face the opposite way, and you will get your privacy. We accept campers class B and C ONLY, max 27 feet for this camp. NO TRAVEL TRAILERS. It would be best to park nose 1st to access the electric post and back up to get out. This site has lots of shade in the summer. This site has no fire pit and no picnic table. Camp #2 / 50amps + water + sewage. WINTERIZED. YOU ONLY NEED A HEATED WATER HOSE. This site is on compact gravel and will need some leveling. This site is very close to the main shop and the owner's apartment. You will see and maybe hear some action on weekdays. We accept vans, small campers, and motorhomes class A, B, and C. It's a pull-through site and easy to park. This site could accommodate two or three campers (extra $). This site is in the sun with no shade. This site has no fire pit and no picnic table. Camp #3 / 50amps + water. WINTERIZED. YOU ONLY NEED A HEATED WATER HOSE. This site is long and wide on compact gravel and might need some leveling. On this site, your camper/van will be facing the pond. You can drink your coffee with the birds singing. We accept vans, small campers, and motorhomes class A, B, and C. It's a back-in site with plenty of space to do it. This site could accommodate two or three campers (extra $). This site has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a private dock.

Campe Diem!

49 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · CO

Do you want a large, private, uniquely situated, pet friendly CampSpot™ to yourselves or family with a BATHHOUSE where it can be so quiet and some days there are stars for as deep as you can see? We have about 300 of those days and nights. Usually can stay longer on Sundays! We are 72 acres of piñon trees, some small animal life and crickets tucked against a mesa just a few minutes from town. Bring your shoe prints! We have sandboards! $15 per day! We are approximately a 35 minute beautiful drive from the National Sand Dunes around Mt. Blanca. (14'r). 5 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. Pet friendly!

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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

This was taken (with a 400mm lens) in the parking lot at the store below the campground. The sand dunes sit on the west edge of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and so see some pretty awesome sunsets.

98%

(62)

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Crestone, Colorado

100%

(2)

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Gunnison, Colorado

63%

(8)

Lake Pueblo State Park

Pueblo, Colorado

North Sterling State Park

Stagecoach State Park

Oak Creek, Colorado

Yampa River State Park

Hayden, Colorado

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterside 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.