Camping in Colorado
Best campgrounds in Colorado — Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juans, and beyond. Season info, reservations, and cold-weather gear tips.
Colorado campgrounds sit mostly at altitude. Even summer nights can drop below freezing above 10,000 feet, which covers most of the state’s best camping. Pack warmer than you think you need.
The Front Range campgrounds near Denver and Boulder fill fast on weekends. Head west or south for more solitude and better scenery.
Best Campgrounds in Colorado
Moraine Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
Classic mountain camping with elk wandering through most mornings. Reservations required May through October. Stunning views of the Mummy Range.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
High alpine camping near Denver with easy access to 13ers and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Short drive from Boulder, feels like a different world.
Ridgway State Park
Reservoir camping with views of the Cimarron Range. Underrated and less crowded than the national park alternatives. Good fishing and kayaking.
Purgatory Campground, San Juan Mountains
Deep forest camping in one of Colorado's most spectacular mountain ranges. Remote feel, excellent trail access, genuine solitude.
When to Camp in Colorado
- Best season: June through September
- Late summer thunderstorms are common above treeline; plan afternoon hikes accordingly
- Fall (Sept-Oct) offers aspen color and noticeably thinner crowds
Gear for Colorado
High altitude camping requires a sleeping bag rated colder than you think you need. See our sleeping bag guide for cold-weather picks and our camping stoves guide for options that perform well at elevation.