Camping in Colorado with wildlife watching

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

95% (15739 reviews)
95% (15739 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Colorado

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Colorado with wildlife watching

89%
(209)

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
96%
(28)

Penitente Canyon Tin Can Camp

5 sites · Lodging200 acres · Center, CO
Nestled in the heart of the San Luis Valley at the entrance to Penitente Canyon and Special Recreation Management Area and 50 minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors welcomes all guests to come and enjoy their cabins at Tin Can Camp. Tin Can Camp is located within 200 acres of Colorado State Trust Land at roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. The landscape is arid high desert with scattered groves of piñon and juniper trees. The camp serves as a convenient home base for launching adventures across the San Luis Valley to various local Hot Springs, archeological sites, and other small town local attractions. For the more adventurous guests, there is recreation right from Tin Can Camp with The Valleys largest trail system and climbing area less than a mile away and access to the vast expanse of the Rio Grande National Forest. The cabins are "micro homes" outfitted with modern conveniences. Each cabin has solar power, a propane heater, a compact kitchen with a sink, water jugs, and pump, two full size loft beds, a small table with chairs, an incinerator toilet, and a covered porch. Incinerating toilets are self-contained waste management systems that burn human waste instead of flushing it into a sewer or septic system. These toilets use propane gas to incinerate waste at high temperatures, reducing it to a small amount of sterile ash. Incinerating toilets are commonly used in locations where traditional plumbing is impractical, such as remote cabins and environmentally sensitive areas. They are valued for their efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and the elimination of the need for water or chemical treatments. There is odor associated with the incineration process. Guests should know there is no water available on the property. You will need to bring water for all your needs. This includes cooking, washing, drinking, and for putting out fires. Guest should plan 2 gallons of water per person per day. A public well/pumphouse is at the intersection of County Road 38A and Road 40G (37.836363, -106.271551)(inoperable as of 7/11/2024- BLM working to fix it). Tin Can Camp is adjacent to the future Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve, and the property has spectacular views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Each cabin has a fire ring for guests to relax and enjoy the dark nighttime sky. Wood collecting on the property is not permitted, so guests must bring their own firewood. As mentioned, the property is located at the entrance to Penitente Canyon. Penitente Canyon is a Nationally-renowned climbing destination with more than 400 climbing routes. Penitente Canyon also has 30+ miles of non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities and guest have direct trail access from camp! Guests can ride mountain bikes directly from the property. There are numerous recreation, sightseeing, historical and cultural, and agricultural tourism opportunities in the nearby Rio Grande National Forest, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Gas, ice, water, and some groceries can be found nearby at the La Garita Trading Post, which has operated since 1913. The La Garita Trading Post is in a historic log cabin and serves the best local-beef burgers in the San Luis Valley.
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from 
$60
 / night
94%
(208)

Monument Creek Glamping

11 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Monument, CO
Welcome to Monument Glamping! Nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs, we're thrilled to be your hosts on this enchanting glamping journey. Chris and Wendy your hosts here, and since 2019, we've been sharing our slice of paradise with fellow adventurers like you. We're dedicated to providing a safe and relaxing semi-outdoor experience on our beautiful creekside property. The 2024 season offers your choice of 8 unique units with the option of a renting the main house for large events. Most of our units are perfect for a romantic getaway for two, and we offer a few venues with room for kids, dogs, or some friends. Allow us to introduce you to our offerings: 1. The Classic - A container home that marries modern convenience with natural splendor. 2. Big Red - A cozy tiny home equipped with all the amenities, including a deck overlooking stunning vistas. 3. Sunshine - Discover paradise within a safari tent, featuring a private back room and grill for your indulgence. 4. Stargazer - Immerse yourself in nature's beauty within a safari tent beneath a canopy of pine and scrub oak. 5. The Family Glamper - With queen and bunk beds, a family of 4 fits nicely, and maybe 6 can squeeze in. The creek is a stone's throw away. 6. Braveheart - Find solace beside the creek in a bell tent or yurt, your off-grid hideaway featuring a camp toilet and creekside porch. 7. Beauty - Delight in the tranquility of a bell tent or yurt, your secluded sanctuary with an off-grid camp toilet and creekside porch. 8. Butterfly - Unplug and unwind in a safari tent, complete with off-grid privacy and a grill, a stone's throw away from the flowing creek. NEW for 2024: The house has been remodeled and is available for group outings. The 3/2 home has full kitchen and spacious living area with front and back decks for gatherings. Available for rent only with complimentary rentals of our glamping venues. Perfect for reunions, wedding parties, church or office retreats, and other large-group gatherings. Our standard extras include a second vehicle, extra guests, propane service, early arrival or late check out, and pets. But consider additional enhancements like our Romantic Surprise, Colorado Cookout, Private Hot Tub, and Homemade Wine Tastings. With advance notice, we can have quite the experience set up for you when you and your loved one arrives. Your comfort and privacy are our top priorities. We'll always respect your space, ensuring that your sanctuary remains undisturbed throughout your stay. Drop us a line anytime with your questions or concerns – communication is key, and we're all ears. So, dear Hipcampers, get ready to write your chapter of Monument Glamping's story. Nature's embrace and luxurious comforts await, and we can't wait to be a part of your extraordinary journey.
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$59
 / night
100%
(119)

Williams Fork Lodging

5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Parshall, CO
Plan a self care weekend with our Luxury spa amenities away from the crowds and immersed in wilderness. Close enough to visit Rocky Mountain national Park Hot Springs in winter park ski area perfect for the couples and their dog. Hot tub, sauna, ropes, slippers and herbal teas. Hike, bike or snowshoe our 80 acres of trails abundant with wildflowers hummingbirds and wildlife beautiful fall colors to dark sky nights great for stargazing, fresh farm eggs and cinnamon rolls are available to pre-order. We are located at the end of a private road, we value or peace and serenity here and hope you do as well Adjacent to state national public lands, just for miles to the Williams fork reservoir a few more miles will take it to the Colorado river and many other lakes and reservoirs to fish in recreate Ask Dale for references a fun things to do in the area, such as rafting, horseback, riding or zip lining All wheel drive, or 4 x 4 with high clearance is recommended for the best experience We are approximately a half hour to kremmling Hot Sulphur Springs and the closest restaurant We are a little over an hour to Granby in Rocky Mountain national Park. Two hours to any summit county, ski areas, and steamboat. The lodge is basically a triplex building with a common area and three condos within. Bill’s cabin is our fourth lodging option that sits out on our Ridge about a half mile from the lodge building. Bill‘s cabin is off grid and has an out house. It also requires all wheel drive. The common area, houses the sauna, games, washer and dryer, and it’s just basically extra room to spread out. It also includes Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, for bills cabin guests to use. The lodge can be rented as one unit to sleep up to 10 guests. Please note: rates are for two guests only additional guests will be charged Per person per night Or The lodge can also be rented as individual units: Each unit is individually named, has private entrances, and is completely private. There is the Copper Peak, which is a studio. The Williams Peak. and The Byers Peak. The shared areas include the hot tub and sauna which are located in common area. Each unit is filled with luxury and everyday amenities you need for a complete stay. We allow dogs too! Williams Peak and Copper Peak unit has a doggie door leading to a six-foot tall kennel run! NOTE: dogs cannot be left alone when you leave. Bills Cabin is our separate off grid, rental cabin, which offers luxury camping in a forested environment with numerous foot and bike trails right out your door! The total darkness provides a spectacular night time sky full of stars and constellations perfect for viewing from the deck. Expect to see wild life in our exclusive off grid cabin, while you enjoy an Ecco friendly vacation! Bill’s cabin has a primitive road to it and therefore some foresight is required for travel, a 4x4 vehicle is required in any seasonal weather. We recommend a conversation about your means of travel. Alternative methods such as Bike or hike, we just highly recommend that no one hikes at night. Bills cabin is built out of concrete including the "log" siding. The power comes from solar panels and propane to cook and heat. Your kitchen and bathroom include instant hot water and are just outside the door..enjoy an alfresco shower out side! Alternatively the lodge office guest bathroom/shower is also provided for Bill’s Cabin Guests. This unique lodging experience is an opportunity to enjoy a camping vacation with a loved one or a friend without all the cost and hassle of setting up camp. Enjoy a deck complete with a gas grill and fire place. Water is provided for washing dishes, hands and drinking. You need to bring food, ice cubes. Bill’s cabin is available for the summer and fall beginning Memorial Day weekend or earlier as weather permits. All lodging includes bed linens as well as towels, dishes, coffee pot, coffee, grill, within the lodge, all rooms have full kitchens, including microwaves Bills cabin provides a cooler including ice blocks, everything you need to cook with, including a grill burners, and a camp oven! We provide split wood and propane for all guests. bathrooms are supplied with shampoo, lotion, hair dryers and other small necessities! The common area as well as the buyers peak offer a Washer/dryer for guests to use Wifi, smart TV with Netflix, Hulu and pandora various crafts, games, puzzles and corn hole. A large deck for yoga, gathering with other guests or just relaxing over looks the valley and is perfect for wildlife viewing is also located at the lodge. Sorry but our zoning does not allow for any camping of any sort on our property. Come experience the Old West as it was and still is as you meander along the road through working ranches that were homesteaded back in the early 1900’s...their weathered log cabins still standing and often still occupied...others are close enough for a great “back in time” photo opportunity. As Colorado's open range law permits ranchers to graze their cattle without borders, you will often find them on the roadways or you may even get caught up in a cattle drive as the ranchers move their cattle from one pasture or paddock to another. Springtime brings all the calves and branding time! Observing the rancher, his horse, and dog working together is a genuine treat. Look along the roadside for sage grouse, in the open fields for pronghorn, down in the willows and streams for the bull moose, in the trees for the mule deer, and on top of the ridge lines for the elk. There are also bald eagle and osprey nests, alpacas, horses, sheep, and goats. All this just on the ride into Williams Fork Lodging! Our residence sits above this scenic panorama at the end of the road and adjacent to public lands tucked beneath Copper Peak on the Williams Fork Range. The elevation is roughly 8,500 feet and the 180 degree view is breathtaking...encompassing three mountain ranges, many peaks, pastures/meadows, forest, and ponds. Soak in everything from the glorious sunrises to enchanting full moons to brilliant stars that truly seem closer than they are…the view of the Milky Way is unobstructed by light pollution for outstanding celestial shows…and meteor showers are spectacular from the hot tub! We live on the same property as the Lodge and are quite self sustainable: hunting, fishing, gardening, gathering wild berries, and raising our own poultry meat. The Lodge and cabin are constructed of concrete and rock as well as high efficiency windows and takes full advantage of passive solar heat; backup heat and the hot water are provided by wood via an outside boiler maintained by us. if interested, Dale offers fresh baked caramel rolls and other enticing breads and/or meals. Every season has its own special beauty: Spring brings abundant wild flowers, contrasting greens of pine, aspen and sage. Newborn livestock and wildlife. Thunderstorms and brilliant double rainbows. Birds singing, chickens crowing and warm, quiet evenings are welcomed in summer. Our view of the fall colors are hard to match ~ the changing yellow, gold and reds quaking in the valley are quite beautiful. Winter brings diamond-sparkling white snow untouched by humans and cobalt blue skies and picture-perfect post card and right out your
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$115
 / night
98%
(255)

Tranquility @ The Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Hesperus, CO
5th generation, 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife; Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few. Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.
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from 
$27
 / night
94%
(27)

Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

1 site · RV1 acre · Gypsum, CO
Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours
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from 
$25
 / night
98%
(61)

Baker’s Acres CO

2 sites · RVs26 acres · CO
This 26 acre ranch has rolling hills, flat pasture land, corrals, an historic red barn, sage brush and a family of rescue animals that currently includes chickens, alpacas, and 3 mini donkeys. A safe place to sleep is what we are all about. We know how hard it is to find an affordable, safe, convenient place to park your RV or van overnight, since camping is not allowed in Steamboat Springs! Where are you supposed to park your RV when the campgrounds are full? We are offering a large, flat parking area in front of our big red barn, conveniently located off Hwy 131, just 10 paved miles from the ski area. The views are beautiful! The animals, which will be roaming freely around the ranch. Feel free to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunsets, in your safe spot by the barn, away from the house. You MUST have your own toilet facilities. Our property borders Highway 131 on the north for easy access year-round. From this site you can hear Oak Creek flowing and you may occasionally see a coal train which runs along the creek. Due to the easy highway access, you will hear traffic when cars go by. We are surrounded by gravel roads, great for gravel bikes. Our animals free-roam in the summer and hang out by the barn in the winter. You may smell animal poo. You may hear chickens cluck. You are welcome to feed the alpacas grain if you wish. We will leave some out for you. The spotted donkey loves kids and loves to be pet, but they shouldn't be fed grain because they'll get too fat. If the animals are out in the pasture, you may venture out there to say hello. Please use common sense and don't scream, chase or tease the animals in any way. And for Pete's sake, close the gate behind you! We don't want animals running away! The stars at night are amazing and on any clear night you can see the milky way! The driveway and site has a dirt/gravel mixture and is snow covered from October - April. May is muddy! Access to Steamboat is extremely easy and about 10 minutes away. Stagecoach Reservoir is about 10 minutes away, too. Baker's Acres really is a great location. You will not be disappointed. NOTE: Dogs and alpacas typically don't mix and a loose dog may get stomped if an alpaca feels threatened. Also note that wild animals such as coyotes, fox, mountain lions, wolves, bears, hawks, eagles, elk, deer, skunk and others also live in this area. FIRE: There are no fires allowed at Baker’s Acres. All cigarettes must be disposed of properly. Prevent forest fires!
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$30
 / night
94%
(157)

Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Nederland, CO
This forested and open meadow property is located on a seasonal creek 2 miles from the quaint mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. A short drive to both Boulder & Denver and situated in the picturesque Front Range, Nederland has convenient access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking & camping, including many points of access to the Continental Divide. The property is within walking distance of Boulder County Open Space and Indian Peaks Wilderness trails for endless biking and hiking adventures. Sites are private and secluded. There is a 20-foot tipi, a quaint treehouse, and a tent site camp that can be rented separately or together for larger groups. Toilet, picnic table, and potable water all available onsite. We have endless hiking, biking, and mountain fun activities onsite and nearby! Space for camper vans as well! We look forward to hosting you soon.
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$58
 / night
99%
(60)

Fisherman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bailey, CO
Cozy, small, one room cabin and an outhouse with a sink, solar bag shower, and composting toilet. Propane heat and single burner for heating up some coffee or a snack. Large beautiful deck with fire-pit and grill and peaceful river sounds. forest views sits on 4 acres. Park right next to the cabin with a 4x4/AWD or 50ft away with any vehicle. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a wild and unique history. Originally it was built by two professors from Berkeley College as an annual mountain campsite. They used to make the pilgrimage every year from California to Colorado to come relax in the wonderful forest of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the Denver Wheel Club used to have their headquarters right next to the river just down Insmont Dr. and hosted a big bike race every year. This was before there was even a road to the mountains, and the only real public access to these lands were via the train from Denver! Today the Fisherman's Cabin is just a hop, skip and a jump outside downtown Bailey, Colorado and close to many mountain passes like Guanella and Kenosha. There are local hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and animal watching activities waiting to be experienced. Sleeps 2 plus invite up to 6 friends for camping and goodtimes! Please see the Fisherman's cabin site description for more information! * PROPANE FIRE PIT ONLY, NO FIRES ALLOWED  * THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER but there is a provided water bag for the sink / shower and at this time of year you must bring your own water! * THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY
Potable water
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from 
$68
 / night

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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 wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience that combines the great outdoors with wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp in Colorado. With over 3800 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in Colorado, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect spot. Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or something more luxurious, Hipcamp has you covered. And with campsites starting as low as $5 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Be sure to check out top campsites like Glen Isle Resort (461 reviews), Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), and Serenity in the Foothills (295 reviews) for tried and true options. Plus, popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly sites, and trash disposal make your stay even more convenient. And if you're looking to mix up your wildlife watching with some other activities, you'll find historic sites, paddling, and boating options nearby as well. Start planning your wildlife adventure today!

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