Camping in Colorado with swimming

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

94% (7366 reviews)
94% (7366 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

Under $50

Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds in Colorado with swimming

98%
(1112)

Rustic Creek Ranch

36 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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from 
$27
 / night
98%
(293)

Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Lyons, CO
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** November 2024 Update: Winter has arrived and after a very successful 2024 Glamping season, Bliss Camp is taking a break until April 2025. 2024 provided exceptional weather which enhanced all of our many Glampers' experiences. Temperatures were delightful all the way until October 30. Wildflowers were abundant most of the season, and autumn colors were spectacular for nearly two months. Bliss Camp is now accepting reservations for our 2025 Glamping season. We will be reopening April 25, weather permitting. Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations as much as six months in advance if you are that organized and especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Big news flash: Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Wall Tent in 2025. We have it in our possession now! This is larger than our Frontier Tent. It will have an early settler / gold miner theme which is fitting since Bliss Canyon may have been the northern most gold mines in Colorado. The tent will be placed uphill in a private location in the vicinity of the Frontier Tent. It will be situated about 300' from the Frontier Tent so privacy will be maintained for all accommodations. The view of rock formations is spectacular. It will have it's own well-stocked kitchen, private hot shower and propane fire pit for those romantic moments! Oh, did we mention there is flat parking within 30' ! Dot and Byron look forward to greeting our many returning guests and are eager to meet new Glamping adventurers. Happy Trails and towards the fun! Dot and Byron 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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from 
$55
 / night
97%
(70)

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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Potable water
Toilets
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Showers
from 
$50
 / night
97%
(400)

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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Potable water
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from 
$50
 / night
94%
(602)

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. The first two pets are included at no additional cost. For any additional pets beyond the first two, there is a fee of $10 per pet, per night. Please make sure to add the Pet fee extra accordingly.
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from 
$30
 / night
99%
(99)

Mono Loco Flats

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Fort Garland, CO
Mono Loco Flats sits on a Mesa nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Sangre De Cristo creek and La Veta Pass. Growing up in Southern Colorado I was fortunate to explore this zone as a kid and I feel fortunate that I can share Mono Loco Flats with others. Set up camp and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Blanca and the surrounding Sangre De Cristo mountain range. This 15 acre camp is situated just off highway 160 for easy access, approximately 25 minutes from The Great Sand Dunes Natianal park and Zapata Falls. Mono Loco Flats is an excellent home base for exploring the San Luis Valley. Sangre de Cristo Creek is a short hike or drive to the south. Fort Garland is a 10 minute drive. All three sites provide 360 panoramic views with epic sunrise and sunset views of Mount Blanca. Wild horses and prong horned antelope may wander the Mesa as you enjoy your camp. The natural beauty of these three campsites are worth protecting so please if you pack it in, pack it out. This is a dry camp with no toilet or garbage facilities. Please treat this land with respect so that future campers may enjoy the land free of rubbish. All three campsites are accessible with any type of vehicle and the long driveway and turnaround can accommodate any trailer or RV up to 20'. So please come and enjoy the Sangre De Cristo mountains at Mono Loco Flats:) @monkeypuzzlespace = Mono Loco Flats on Instagram
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$25.20
 / night
96%
(24)

Bear Family Ranch RV and Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Mack, CO
Bear Family Ranch gives you a feeling of remoteness, away from the hustle and bustle. The family here works hard, but we are all laid back in the country. We are less than 2 miles from I-70, easy off and onto I-70. We are just outside of the small really small town of Mack, Colorado. We are 20 miles west of Grand Junction. We are 2 miles from the Colorado River, Horse Thief Canyon, and many other outdoor activities. Mountain Biking all around the valley, and you can bike on our trails around the 150 acres. We are a farm and ranch sometimes we have cattle, sometimes we have horses. Bear Family Ranch is a secluded and hidden ranch, you cannot see the ranch from the roadway. You will see incredible views of the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, and Mount Garfield. When the sun sets, shinning it's sun rays on the Colorado Monument the monument comes to life. There are 3 full hook-up RV sites and 7 dry camping, walk-in sites. The Bear Family Ranch sits in a desert like valley with, trees in and around the property, there is a pond fed by an irrigation stream, the pond is not stocked at this time, there is a creek nearby, and a river 1 mile from camping and still on our property. Farm animals we have, most are in pins, but you are welcome to explore. Go for a walk around the pond, explore the property, hike a mile to the Mack Wash (which is a small river) and you get there by crossing 1st creek, and winding through the small hills, and down to the river. Along the upper small canyon there are naturally formed mini rapids. You can mountain bike around the property. It's quiet with birds flying and chirping. This is a very private and secluded location with lots of space! ARRIVAL: Please ask for directions, there is a red sign out front that says "Bear Family Ranch'. Also, a blue and white sign with our address on it. You will drive on a dirt road up and over a hill, less than 2-10ths of a mile off of 10 road you will then see the Bear Family Ranch. When you arrive, we will assist you to your spot, there are 3 back-in RV spots, on a gravel and road base pad, with 30A/50A, water, and limited sewer hook-up (see below). There are 7 dry camping sites, raised 8 x 8 pad, and the sites are a short walk from where you park. Roughly 400 feet. There is no parking at the dry camping sites. You will park on the gravel pad and enjoy the short walk into the camp sites. (See dry camping below). Bring your own camping toilet or use our outhouse with a camping toilet inside. This toilet would be shared by whomever else is camping. Because it's a working ranch, we prefer to familiarize you and your guests to the ranch and show you the route to the site as we have exposed irrigation, irrigation ditches, and a pond. We prefer not to fish you out of the pond. LOL. Someone is always here at the Ranch, and if you experience a problem, we can try our best to figure it out and 'get'Rr-dun!' The goats, Tom Brady and Darelene along with baby goats, Haas and Cinnamin, are very happy to see you, but you can't go inside with them, without a Ranch hand. We have ducks, Turkeys and chickens. Farm eggs, ice, and firewood are available for purchase as availability allows. Chickens have a say in the eggs, LOL. There is a small store in the Salon, between the main house and the RV parking. The Salon is available with an appointment made at the Bear Hair Salon with April. There are limited use of the washer and dryer, and what is being washed, if you need to wash bulky or excessively dirty laundry, we recommend the laundry machines in Fruita. Sewer goes into a leach field and can only handle so much water, thanks for your understanding and flexibility. The Bear Family Ranch crew are up early and usually busy in the field, or around the ranch, as there is always something to do! We are 30 minutes west of Grand Junction. A family water park 15 minutes away. 1/2 a mile from the Annual 3rd week of June Country Jam, 2 miles from Colorado river, World Class Mountain Biking in Loma, Kokopelli trail, Horse Thief Canyon, 18 Road into the Fruita Desert, and Mtn Bike lunch loops in Grand Junction. 10 min from the Colorado Monument. 1 hour to the Grand Mesa, 1 hour and 15 min from Moab. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: DRY CAMP SITES are a SHORT WALK. Roughly 200 feet. We have a pull wagon, if necessary one of our family ranch hands can use a quad with a trailer. This is because of periotic and seasonal wet rainy times causing incredible muddy conditions all over the Grand Valley. Because of this mud, at times, we must have vehicles stay off of areas not graveled. For this reason, we currently do not have a park next to thew dry camp sites. (**IF DRY CONDITIONS EXIST, and we are not currently watering grass in and around the dry camping sites, it may be possible to park closer, in a designated parking area, about 40-80 feet from dry camp sites. There is absolutely no parking at the dry camp sites. (This does not apply to the RV sites as they are on road base and gravel). DIRECTIONS: If needed we can provide specific directions to the property, upon contact through Hip-Camp, for peace of mind and due to some map apps don't give direct location. LIMIITED SEWER (If you need to dump grey or black from your tank, please help us keep our leach field from being saturated, If you need to dump grey or black water from your RV, we recommend the really nice rest area in Fruita. The Colorado Welcome Center Rest Area is off of I-70 at EXIT 19, which has a FREE dump station. We are on a leach field, no paper products including toilet paper into the sewer, please and thank you. CHECK-IN is between 1 pm-8 pm, any sooner or especially later please notify the Host through Hip-Camp, for possible arrangements to change the check-in time. It is really helpful, for you and us to show you in daylight hours. We are up early every day, and you may understand we turn-in early at the ranch. Check out is 11 am. We must check you in, to familiarize you and your guests to the location where you will stay and the many nuances with a ranch/farm. We need to know what vehicles are here and know about any guests that may be visiting. Ater check-in you are our guests; you may come and go as you need. We respect your privacy, but if you need anything please contact us or go to the main house. Being a family ranch, we are always working and vigilant of our animals and the security of the Bear Family Ranch. We just need to know who is coming and going. We are also keeping you safe here.
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from 
$24.30
 / night
98%
(689)

Bright Star Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO
We have COMPLIMENTARY Wifi, Drinking Water, Ice, Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Shade, and an equipped Camper's Kitchen for our guests to enjoy from April 15 - Oct 15! There are TIPIS, CAMPING CABINS, TENT and BOONDOCK SITES. WE ALSO HAVE A NAVAJO HOGAN (wood yurt) OPEN-YEAR ROUND. All of our sites are not listed here. We can also accommodate groups and small events but not public events. We have a private covered group site as well. Bright Star Campground: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy! We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables, ping pong, etc. Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are in an arid desert climate. Water is scarce, stored in cisterns for use in camp. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that Cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. There are museums and cultural centers in the area as well. Durango is 45 min, Telluride is 1.5 hrs away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks. The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Cortez has Denver Air (Key Lime Air) with connections to Denver and Phoenix. The nearest large international airport is in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
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Potable water
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Showers
from 
$38
 / night

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

Camping in Colorado with swimming guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for all your camping needs! If you're looking for a camping experience in Colorado that includes swimming, you're in luck. With over 1,300 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to cool off and relax. Whether you prefer a rustic ranch, a glamorous artist's cabin, or a cozy tipi haven, we've got you covered. Check out our top campsites like Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), Rustic Glamorous Artist's Cabin (258 reviews), and Old Moon Acres Tipi Haven (245 reviews) for some inspiration. And don't worry, popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly options, and campfires are available to make your stay even more enjoyable. So grab your bike, dive in for a swim, and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Colorado!

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