Camping near Copper Mountain with wildlife watching
Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.
94% (4154 reviews)
- Copper Mountain
94% (4154 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Copper Mountain with wildlife watching
92%
(103)
Prospector’s Rush
7 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 is necessary to access our property!!!
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 is mandatory!!
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$49
/ night
98%
(764)
Clear Creek Getaway
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · CO
Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway!
NOTE: Absolutely no smoking in the A-frames
Bedding:
A-Frame-3 and 7 provide a bed and bedding only all others you will need to bring your own
For the glam dome:
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Roads :
This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt.
If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type
We are available all year round.
No power in units.
All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck. All A-frames have heat for the winter months (propane heaters).
Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs.
River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing.
Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s)
Hot springs within miles.
We have portable toilets located close to the units
Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures!
Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70
Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills
Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70
St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70
Hot Springs 2 miles east I70
All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky.
( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road.
When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).
Pets
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from
$40
/ night
98%
(764)
Glen Isle Resort
20 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Bailey, CO
(If you book with us, please don’t follow your GPS if it tries to make you turn at the Coney Island hot dog stand. Glen Isle is .5 miles past the hot dog stand.)
Due to the ongoing issues with forest fires in our area and insurance issues at this time, we will no longer have open wood-burning fires. Propane fires are permitted if you have a portable campfire ring, please feel free to bring your own. We do have a couple available for rent onsite.
For your safety and ours: absolutely no check in/arrival after dark sets in; Around 5:15pm during winter months. 7:30pm summer
There are many reasons why you would want to camp at Glen Isle Resort!
Glen Isle is located in Bailey, Colorado which is the perfect vacation spot for friends, family, reunions, or a private get away.
Glen Isle was originally built for an escape from hectic Denver. Once you cross the bridge into the resort, you’ll understand why it has served as a peaceful getaway for over a century. The Platte River welcomes you and divides the property from Highway 285. If you love to fish, you have a mile of the river to use at your disposal. If hiking is your forte and you desire to explore nature, Glen Isle is surrounded by the National Forest,
Lost Creek Wilderness, Payne Gulch Trailhead, the Colorado Trail
and many private acres for you to explore.
You will find history narrates the Native American’s story where Glen Isle was once used as an Indian encampment, and numerous trees still stand today that were culturally modified to mark sacred treasures. If you seek tranquility, you will find hummingbirds and chipmunks always seeking an audience to entertain.
Starting June 1st, we will offer evening activities, and campers are welcome to come to the lodge, shop in our gift shop.
We also have snacks for purchase, and popcorn for our guests to enjoy.
(Glorious Glen Isle was unoccupied for six years.
We are in the process of renovating hundred year old
cabins, and the 8,000 square foot lodge.
Our camping areas have a river setting, glorious valley views, and a private setting surrounded by the National Forest.
However, there is renovation and construction going on around some areas of
the property.
Additionally, as you can see from the map and read in a few reviews, we are just on the other side of
the beautiful Platte River from Highway 285.
About 75% of our guests are not bothered by the busyness
of the this highway but others can be more sensitive to the noise.
We want Glen-Isle campers to enjoy their experience as much as possible, so if you would like
more information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Our goal is to share the property with others, and to
have the "happiest" campers in Colorado!)
Glen Isle Resort was opened in 1901, by five original investors.
In 1923, the property was bought by the Baldwin's and in the 1940's it was given to the Baldwin's granddaughter,
Barbara and her husband
Gordon Tripp.
The Tripp family owned and operated the resort until Barbara's death in November 2012.
Mary Ruth grew up coming to Glen Isle Resort as a child in the 1970's.
Her favorite memories are the chuckwagon dinners, horseback riding, evening dances, movie nights, and the endless activities that never grew old.
Mary Ruth grew up, married Greg, and they started bringing their five boys to Glen Isle Resort.
Mary Ruth and Greg were both professionals in education, and visited Glen Isle in the summer of 2016 after an Adele concert.
They found their beloved Glen
Isle was being sold.
After much consideration, they found the idea of not pursuing a dream to be more terrifying than looking back and wondering "why" they didn't...so they began the magical
journey to purchase, restore, and bring historical Glen Isle back to life.
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from
$40
/ night
98%
(852)
Rustic Creek Ranch
32 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 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, art gallery, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
Pets
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$30
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99%
(784)
Resort Vallley Ranch
7 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
Historic Ranch
Resort Valley Ranch was homesteaded mainly by the Corbin family starting.in 1884
They had moved their cattle here from nearby Pleasent Park during a particularly hard winter, as a "last resort", leading to the creeks being named Last Resort and West Resort.
Hard times in the 1930's and drought conditions, convinced the Corbin's to sell out and move to lusher climes.
Tom’s father, Dr. O.J. Butterfield was another doctor that invested his spare money in cattle ranching.
Purchased mainly before. 1945, Tom's older brother Rupert tried to make a living raising trout on the Resort Creek property in the late '40's.
Otherwise, the place was occupied by various old-timers who caretook the place until 1955, when Barbara and Tom moved here to oversee the cattle business.
The second slope of the driveway frequently had to be dug out by hand for access.
The years of drought had left the place overgrazed and barren.
Times were hard, and the horses needed to work the cattle ate plenty.
The opportunity arose to lease them out in nearby Foxton--Foxton Stables was born.
An old livery and other outbuildings provided the facilities needed.
Mutual benefit was derived from the business as customers to the general store also would take advantage of the riding horses just across the bridge.
Workers and helpers came from off-duty air force boys, as well as volunteer children from the local summer cabins.
Guided rides were offered, as well as moonlight rides when appropriate and by appointment.
There were also "Chuck Wagon" cookouts which included a horse-drawn hay ride to and from.
Tom and Barbara also put on a Trail Horse Trials which was an annual competition over obstacles, judged, set up to simulate obstacles a horse might encounter while out riding.
This became more widely attended the second year, coming to the notice of horse breeders like Mary Woolverton, who competed in it for the first time in 1963.
(That's when Nan first fell in love with Prince of Pride, a golden palomino Morgan stallion who always looked like the perfect horse showing how to do it perfectly.)
1963 is the last year this event, and the stable business, was held in Foxton.
From then on, the stable was run from the barn at the ranch, and the Trail Horse Trials was not put on again until 1966, when it was sponsored by the 4-H Trail Dusters and put on in conjunction with the first annual Top of the World Competitive Trail ride which was head-quartered on the west end of the property.
As the stable became busier, more horses were purchased or leased to meet the need.
Many of these horse were grade individuals from known breeds.
The better mares did double duty by raising foals each year, that would be sold or auctioned off.
Some of the mares were bred to our Shetland pony stallion, Tarzan, he was called a chocolate-dapple.
Several years we had Appaloosa offspring from a friend's stallion.
For a short time, a Moroccan Paint stallion was used, but he tended to throw the lethal white gene, as well as breaking Tom Butterfield's knee with his bad behavior.
He soon found his way back to auction!
A couple of the leased mares were Morgans.
They proved to be easy to work with as well as hardy individuals that kept well, and the foals proved easier to halter break than the other horses.
They made a good enough impression that a young gelding was purchased, and one nice mare was bred to the Morgan stallion Julio--descended from Juzan.
The resulting colt, Julian, was kept as stallion until age eight, before being gelded and living out his years as a family favorite.
Julian did a lovely running walk.
Unfortunately, none of his offspring were kept, including the two from the half Shetland mares kept for the family.
It may seem that the cattle operation got dropped by the wayside.
In actuality, that's not far from the truth.
The fact that the registered Herefords purchased by Tom and Barbara, turned out to carry dwarf genes, which soon became apparent each calving season.
This rather limited the value and productivity of the herd.
Financial concerns brought on by Dr. Butterfield's death in 1967, subsequently led to the dispersal of the cattle herd.
It was fortunate that the Stable had become established enough to become one of the mainstays of the family fortunes.
Diversification was always a necessity.
Horses were leased to the Forest Service when they needed them.
The entire string would be utilized for company picnics, with the horses being brought to the site.
Churches were sent flyers promoting group rides and hayrides.
Boy Scout troops were welcomed to camp, ride and work on both Horsemanship and Conservation Merit Badges--which benefited in valuable erosion control work.
Many times, ranch hands were obtained from these sources, both for fencing and Christmas tree cutting.
There were many winters that the place carried over a hundred head of horses, as several camps in the area would winter their horses here.
Dad would haul them back and forth, pull their shoes, etc.
Our pinto line originated with Barbara's mare Calico, a pinto mare of unknown breeding, though Tennessee Walker was suspected due to her gaits.
Having been diagnosed with Navicular disease, she was bred to the Shetland, Tarzan, a chocolate-dapple--producing the mare Feather (Nan's pony).
This line has been bred only to Morgans since '66, when Feather was bred to General James, producing the mare Calico Doll, granddam to our stallion RV Eagle Feather.
Doll was only 14.2, but she had heart, stamina and intelligence.
Having learned much at the knee of the Shetland, Feather, Nan began training Doll in 1970.
This mare was just four years old when she took the High Point Champion in the '71 Trail Horse Trials, over some tough competition, including Mary Woolverton's Prince of Pride.
She could side-pass, two track, drag a log, pull a cart without blinders, open gates, work livestock and run all day.
She also would gait occasionally, a trait that skipped a generation.
Calico Doll was bred to Prince of Pride five different times, prior to his death in 1973(?).
She would get in foal but never carried to term.
Nan did some riding for Mary in exchange for these breedings, working Victory Vagabond.
Finally the arrangement was settled by getting Calico Doll in foal to her stallion, Great Hills Richmond.
Calico Doll's brown colt from this cross was sold on to the Tumbling River Ranch for cattle work.
In the 1970's, a local breeder came to our attention with her stallion, Topside Midnight, when she competed him in the Top of the World Competitive Trail Ride.
The crossing of Calico Doll with Midnight produced the black 3/4 Morgan stallion, Jaspar, in 1974.
He was used for breeding four or five years, overlapping the transition to pureblooded Morgans in 1977. I always thought it unfortunate that he wasn't pure-blooded as he had wonderful manners, was very solid and typey and a generous sire.
We sold his offspring until 1985 and still have a great-granddaughter.
He was gelded in '81, and sold in '82.
A few of the solid colored part-bloods come down from this line of the family.
One of his daughters has competed as a grade horse in Competitive Trail riding for the past ten years.
Three major land sales were required for operating expenses during the late '60's and early '70's.
The Indian Park Ranch was decreased to 280 acres, Resort Valley Ranch decreased from 5,000 acres to its present 4,000.
The Camp Fire Girls purchased the property adjacent to the driveway, leading to their utilizing horses from our string for their horse program.
As the Camp increased its horse program, the public stables was gradually phased out.
This freed up the Butterfield's lifestyle enough for them to focus on starting raising the pure-blooded Morgans, beginning with their purchase of SH Crescent in 1976.
Pets
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from
$30
/ night
100%
(126)
Frenchman's Creek Ranch
4 sites · Lodging, RVs100 acres · Buena Vista, CO
We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.
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$55
/ night
93%
(234)
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 main 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 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 cots 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 and wood. Don't forget to take some water with you. 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.
We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin.
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.
Pets
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from
$55
/ night
99%
(947)
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!**
Pets
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$40
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92%
(18)
Zen Garden
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Evergreen, CO
My husband and I bought this property in 2010 after selling our beach house in California. We have adapted to mountain life with the change of seasons and so much wildlife here in Colorado. I even had a close encounter with a bear! It was about twelve feet away from me; we looked at one another and I said, "Oh, hello." After several seconds it simply turned around and walked away. I was surprisingly calm and so was the bear. We frequently have deer and elk visiting our property along with squirrels and chipmunks. We especially enjoy the hummingbirds that show up in May. I created a garden with their favorite flowers so they have their own little sanctuary here. We have a seven-year-old chocolate lab names Yogi who loves people and friendly dogs. He loves to go on hikes and swim in lakes.
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from
$33
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100%
(3)
Peaceful Ranch, South Park
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Alma, CO
Camp in peace, surrounded by wildlife. Guests love the amenities of South Park, Colorado. A recreational area is located 10 minutes away, offering a pool ($10 for locals, $14 for visitors) with showers, a gym, and yoga classes. Check their website for more information.
Downtown South Park is just 10 minutes away and offers stores for fishing gear, restaurants, wine bars, and excellent Mexican food. The market is right on 285 Highway, which leads to Denver or Buena Vista. The scenic ride is beautiful.
South Park hosts many carnivals with food trucks that serve amazing dishes. Fall in love with South Park, known for gold medal fishing and hot springs within 40 minutes away.
Sleep in your RV with the soothing sound of silence to recharge and find peace. There are great hiking trails nearby and a quiet country road for biking.
The ski resort in Breckenridge is just 25 minutes away. The towns of Alma and Fairplay have a history of gold dredging, with some placer gold operations still active. This land was part of a mining project, and some mine entrances were closed by my husband when we first moved here.
Learn more about this land and Fairplay at the Visitor's Welcome Center in Downtown South Park. There are lots of historic places to explore.
Please be aware that this campsite is full of trees and set in a park-like setting, and wildlife is active here 24/7. We only rent two spots and are located near several national forests.
Campsite #1 comes with electricity and water. Please bring your own extensions and hoses; if needed, contact me in advance, and they will be in the blue box.
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from
$45
/ night
85%
(26)
Mountaintop Serenity
6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Conifer, CO
500 acres of mountaintop land, aspen and evergreen forests, rocky outcroppings, 180deg views, serenity, room to roam, all this just an easy 35min drive from downtown Denver!
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$27
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94%
(39)
Clear Creek Glamping
1 site · Lodging26 acres · Downieville Lawson Dumont, CO
Welcome to Clear Creek Glamping! A glamping dome surrounded by mountains.
We are located on the same property as the Clear Creek Getaway Hipcamp.
Clear Creek Glamping offers a beautiful glamping dome less than 1 hour from Denver, CO.
Our site includes a queen bed, picnic table, and gas BBQ for all of your cooking needs.
There is a porta potty available for campers to use (about 70ft away from the dome). No water provided, campers must bring their own!
There is cell service, but no wifi.
Idaho Springs, CO is a 15 minute drive where you can find plenty of hiking trails, rafting, hot springs, and more.
Keystone and Breckenridge are both under one hour away.
River rafting closeby when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing.
Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, hots springs, and great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s).
We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
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from
$109
/ night
Star Hosts in Copper Mountain
Under $50
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Copper Mountain with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for an unforgettable camping experience near Copper Mountain, Colorado, with a focus on wildlife watching, you're in luck. We have over 2000 options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, our top campsites like Glen Isle Resort (461 reviews), Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), and Serenity in the Foothills (295 reviews) are sure to exceed your expectations. With popular amenities like pets, campfires, and showers, and exciting activities such as snow sports, biking, and surfing, you'll have everything you need for a memorable trip. Plus, our average price per night is $75, with options as low as $15, so you can find a campsite that fits your budget. Start planning your wildlife watching adventure today!
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