Best Camping in Colorado

Camping in Colorado

By Nathan Swartz

From RV Parks across the Centennial State to an abundance of free and beautiful camping in the Rocky Mountains, the state holds some of the most gorgeous spots you'll find in the US. If you're looking for the best places to camp in Colorado, you can easily filter through hundreds of camping spots to find your perfect spot, whether that be a secluded national forest, scenic state park, or luxury RV resort.

See a map of all camping in Colorado.

Colorado State Parks

The state parks scattered across this stretch of the Rockies require a day pass - which can be purchased for $80 annually or around $10 per day and give you access to the best of both worlds when it comes to RV and tent camping. State park campsites are often spacious, near recreational activities such as alpine lakes or trailheads, and comforts like showers, hookups, flushing toilets, and even laundry in some cases.

State parks in Colorado can be found from Steamboat Springs to Buena Vista, Grand Lake to Grand Junction, and nearly all points in between.

See all Colorado State Park Campgrounds.

Colorado National Parks

Home to four national parks, the state's rugged mountain terrain, and dramatic climate changes as the elevation wavers, making places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado National Monument some of the best camping in Colorado.

Looking for Black Canyon of the Gunnison camping? Or Mesa Verde camping? Want to know exactly where you can find tent camping in Colorado national parks? Don't forget about Curecanti National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Curious if there are any year-round national parks where you can camp? We've got you covered!

RV Parks in Colorado

When you'd prefer the Life of Riley to the rough and tumble, private RV parks offer convenience in a community setting in towns across the state. From camping near Colorado Springs to Estes Park, Colorado RV parks make for some of the most comfortable campsites to get you plugged in and ready to explore.

See the Best RV Parks in Colorado.

Free Camping in Colorado

This is where the state truly shines, as the multitude of national forests and BLM land host the lion's share of free campsites. From free camping near the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to Red Feather Lakes and along the edges of just about every mountain, forest and lake, you'll find pristine places to camp for the whopping price of absolutely zilch.

The only problem you'll have is getting used to paying for camping when you finally leave the state.

See The Best Free Camping in Colorado.

Colorado National Forests

Whether you're dead set on finding free camping or can't get enough of tall pines and plenty of shade, the 13 national forests in Colorado have more than enough room for any type of camper. In some places, like Twin Lakes, Colorado, camping will be bare bones and with dramatic views. Other campgrounds, such as those you'll find near the Arkansas River, will offer amenities like fire rings, vault toilets, and picnic tables in exchange for a few bucks.

• Arapaho National Forest
• Arapaho National Recreation Area
• Comanche National Grassland
• Grand Mesa National Forest
• Gunnison National Forest
• Manti-La Sal National Forest
• Medicine Bow - Routt National Forest
• Pawnee National Grassland
• Pike National Forest
• Pike & San Isabel National Forest
• Rio Grande National Forest
• Roosevelt National Forest
• Routt National Forest
• San Juan National Forest
• Uncompahgre National Forest
• White River National Forest

Regardless of the size of your rig, finding a spot to call home in Colorado is guaranteed not to disappoint!