Forest camping in Colorado with swimming
Enjoy year-round recreation and a wild diversity of landscapes in this colorful state.
96% (4450 reviews)
- Colorado
96% (4450 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Colorado
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12 top forest campgrounds in Colorado with swimming
95%
(326)
Creekside Paradise
6 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO
Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.
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$32.40
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99%
(277)
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
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96%
(203)
Tater's Black Canyon Campground
4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Crawford, CO
Hot showers and toilets are now available! Tater's was voted a 2024 top runner up as 'Best Hipcamp in Colorado'. 35 acres of bliss shared with 2 humans, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses and 4 chickens [Eggs may be available upon request]. Black Canyon National Park is a short drive to the west. Conveniently located to Crawford and the North Fork Valley to wineries, music fests and local eateries.
Incredible views and dark skies make the perfect respite for just hanging out, climbing in the Black, foodie time in the North Fork Valley or pretty much whatever you like to do. Hunters are welcome as this is a perfect base camp to Unit 63.
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$55
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98%
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Rustic Creek Ranch
34 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer.
The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather.
Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer.
Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs.
I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover.
Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler.
About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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$27
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93%
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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)
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$3.50
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RICO RIVER RANCH
6 sites · Lodging26 acres · Dolores, CO
This secluded riverfront property is located 35 miles South of Main street Telluride, Colorado. This private "campground" can host up to 16 guests, features a wood-fired sauna, 2 Rv spots with full hook-ups, two sheep wagons, two 900sq foot luxury lavvu tipi tents, a Finnish grillhouse, a santa maria grill and a large campfire ring with plenty of seating. Surrounded on both sides by National forest - you will be able to enjoy the land with no other campers nearby.
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$75
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97%
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The Views at Gateway
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2000 acres · Gateway, CO
Located on the Dolores river, this property is perfect for hikers, fishing, rafting, or just camping! There is a natural spring just a few miles from the location with drinking water as well. When you stay here you are located right on the river with nothing but places to hike, climb and have fun and
there are several options for you to choose from. There is a cabin, an onsite RV, a canvas tent, and BYO tent or RV camping on the land - you can pick whatever suits you best!
No matter what, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river after a great night of star gazing!
Nearby outdoor points of interest include the
Dolores River on property, Hanging Flume which is approx. 20 miles from site, Gateway Canyons Resort Auto museum 7 miles from site, Arches National Park 2 hour drive from site, Colorado national monument 1 hour drive. The Grand Mesa 2 hour drive, Telluride ski resort 2 hour drive! You can find hiking, biking, swimming, paddle board, kayaks, rafting, fishing, tubing, bird watching, star gazing rock climbing, bouldering, all right from the property. All sites are accessible without 4wheel drive.
I love where I live and think everyone should be able to experience the peaceful quiet beautiful environment that it is!
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$50
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99%
(83)
Durango Placer
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hesperus, CO
Learn more about this land:
The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed .
Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers.
Enjoy !
The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th
There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !
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$40
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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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Rustic Glamorous Artist's Cabin
3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Bailey, CO
The first time I saw this beautiful heavily wooded 12-acre property, I immediately put in an offer. That was 18 years ago. I spent the next 11 years chasing corporate goals which I finally realized were inconsistent with my soul. I started a family and decided to sell this property. I brought my then 2 year old daughter here so she could see it once before I sold it. As we drove up highway 285 through vistas each more stunning than the last, I was moved to tears by the beauty. By the time we reached the property, I knew that we would be moving back here. Nearly 3 years later, we finally moved back with 3 dogs and 2 cats in tow. We love it here and truly belong in this place we call home. Part of the former Ute tribe summer hunting area, and backing to the Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness; this fascinating area is both beautiful and full of things to do. Fresh clean mountain air. No people. Get away to the quiet beauty of your private wooded cabin. Enjoy a campfire, amazing mountain views, and killer hiking right out your cabin door. Spend an amazing night with millions of stars overhead. Recharge your soul in silent mountain peace. A rare opportunity to stay tucked in private woods and steps from 1000s of acres of national forest. Featuring dual heaters, sleeping loft, outdoor cooking area, solar, and indoor camp toilet facilities, this is luxury glampingSpend an unforgettable night watching millions of stars in the crisp clean mountain air. Feel yourself relax and recharge as you enjoy the woods and the stunning mountain views. The cabin is furnished with many of the pieces from the Lost Creek Cabin Studio and features solar electricity and indoor camp toilet facilities. Fresh water is provided. The artist's retreat is a luxury glamping cabin.As long as there is no fire ban, you are welcome to enjoy a campfire in the outdoor fireplace. We require guests to diligently tend their fire and completely extinguish the campfire when guests are not near. There is firewood to gather on the property and we have firewood for purchase as well. We do not allow guests to bring in firewood as the area has begun to see invasive species of insects and we do not want to contribute to this potentially devastating situation.
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$145
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Vail Valley BackCounty Access
6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Eagle, CO
This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in of BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electiric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property.
Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $25 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games June 6-9, 2024, Eagle County Rodeo July 24-27, 2024,
Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is know for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.
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$63.36
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Hilltop view at Chavara Ranch
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents288 acres · Salida, CO
This historic ranch was settled in the 1880s in the upper Arkansas River Valley. You have hiking access to over 280 acres and the cows, sheep and horses grazing on the pastures. I have owned the ranch since 2005 and have spent my time re-vitalizing this amazing place. There are even several gravesites on the property from the 1880s. Your glamping/camping site is unequaled on top of a ridge that overlooks the Arkansas Valley and the Town of Salida. The other direction looks at the 14,000 ft Mt Shavano and the iconic Angel of Shavano.
Recently added is a central area for all Hipcamp guests that includes an area to play horse shoes and a fire pit. Additional amenities will be added throughout the season!
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$32
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Star Hosts in Colorado
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping in Colorado with swimming 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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