Forest camping in Colorado with hiking

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

96% (11372 reviews)
96% (11372 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

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Star Hosts in Colorado

12 top forest campgrounds in Colorado with hiking

90%
(262)

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%
(206)

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
 / night
99%
(1121)

Serenity in the Foothills

12 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED*** Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads. If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event! YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed. Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent. Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property, we are very conservation minded with the history as well as the natural beauty of the area. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado! We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer. -NO fifth wheels (ALL sites). -Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites) -Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing. -Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max) -Site 3 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only -Sites 4-12(excluding site 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max) -Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only. If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp) **When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**
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$32
 / night
99%
(289)

Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** September 2024 Uodate: Fall is around the corner! During this time of year Nature provides spectacular entertainment! Wildflowers are still blooming in the High Country. We can recommend many rewarding hikes. Experience the Elk Rut! The world famous, spectacular Elk Rut often starts the second week of September. This is one of the most glorious dances of the animal world. One of the best places in Colorado to experience the Elk Rut is nearby Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The Aspens are already starting their transformation to gold and orange. The "experts" forecast is for splendid, vibrant colors this Fall and we are already observing hints of change. Famous aspen color drives are only a few miles from Bliss Camp: Peak to Peak highway and Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildlife is easier to spot while migrating from elevation to lower wintering habitats. Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind. The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas. The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elk Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park. During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings. Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we now have internet at all camps. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!
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$55
 / night
99%
(162)

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
 / night
92%
(224)

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 hot tub [CURRENTLY DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE 05/02-05/15], 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 our property. 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! Tent sites are just a short walk, about 100 feet, up 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! "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
93%
(286)

Neverland/Camp Wilder

5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO
Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.
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$49.50
 / night
99%
(343)

Riverwalk Yurt, luxury on river

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Hotchkiss, CO
The House where we live is the corner stone of the Bruce Property and is on the Colorado Register of Historic Houses.The residence was constructed between 1905 and 1912, using red bricks made on the site. John and Sophia Bruce, early pioneers in the North Fork Valley, were first involved in cattle raising. The family later became successful fruit growers. Located along the West Elk Loop, a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, the large two-story residence features a steeply pitched hipped roof with prominent attic dormers.As a guest of Riverwalk you will have full access to the river during your stay. In addition, there is the Riverwalk Trail System that skirts the North Fork of the Gunnison River from the top of the property, by the Riverwalk Yurt, (available on this site) meandering downstream past the Riverwalk TIPI (available on the site) passing  the Grove Yurt (available on this site) and terminating at the bottom of the property with the sandy Riverwalk Beach. There is a trial that zigs through the Cottonwood Grove and zags back along the gentle Monitor Ditch skirting a newly planted grove of young trees.For RV Campers we provide 2- 30amp,1-50 amp and 1- 110-amp electrical services and potable water. There is a dump station available. There is also access to our heated shower house with running water and bathroom amenities (<3 min. walk, may be shared with other guests). The property is perfectly geared to groups of friends gathering in a central location between the onset of the Rockies and the termination high desert to the west. Friends or family will reserve both Yurts and the RV Site for a perfect reunion setting!
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$35
 / night
97%
(69)

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.
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$50
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Forest camping in Colorado with hiking 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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