Best Campgrounds in Colorado: 2026 Guide

Colorado camping means one thing above all else: altitude. With over 50 peaks topping 14,000 feet and campgrounds routinely perched above 8,000 feet, pitching a tent here is a fundamentally different experience than anywhere else in the lower 48. The air is thinner, the sun is fiercer, and the afternoon thunderstorms roll in like clockwork. But for those who come prepared, the reward is unmatched — alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers, crystalline reservoirs reflecting snowcapped peaks, and night skies so clear you can trace the Milky Way with your finger.

Why Colorado Stands Out

Elevation defines everything about camping in Colorado. Nights can dip below freezing even in July at higher campgrounds, and the midday sun at altitude burns faster than newcomers expect. Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly guaranteed from June through August, making morning starts essential for any hike. But this same elevation delivers cool summer nights when the rest of the country swelters, plus access to pristine wilderness that feels genuinely remote even when Denver is just a few hours away. From the San Juan Mountains in the southwest to the Medicine Bow range in the north, every corner of the state offers a distinct mountain character.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Bear Lake Campground

At a staggering 10,480 feet in the San Isabel National Forest, Bear Lake is one of Colorado's highest drive-in campgrounds. Views of the Culebra Range with aspen and spruce forests make this a photographer's paradise, though acclimatization is essential before attempting any hikes from here.

Alvarado Campground

Sitting at 9,000 feet near Westcliffe, Alvarado serves as a launchpad for trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging scrambles into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. The campground's elevation means cool nights and spectacular star visibility.

Baby Doe Campground

Perched on the eastern shore of Turquoise Lake near Leadville, Baby Doe sits beneath lodgepole pine and subalpine fir. This family-friendly spot offers lakeside access, and the nearby town — America's highest incorporated city — adds historical charm to your mountain stay.

Amphitheater Campground

Near the mountain town of Ouray at 8,400 feet, Amphitheater delivers some of Colorado's most dramatic scenery. The surrounding San Juan Mountains provide world-class hiking and off-road trails, while Ouray's hot springs offer recovery after long days on the trail.

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground

Tucked in the San Juan Mountains about 11 miles west of South Fork, Big Meadows sits in a lightly wooded spruce forest. The reservoir offers fishing and non-motorized boating, and the surrounding area is a gateway to the Rio Grande National Forest.

Arapaho Bay Campground

Located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area on Lake Granby, Arapaho Bay combines lakeside camping with mountain grandeur. Boating, fishing, and hiking draw visitors throughout the summer season, with the Indian Peaks Wilderness nearby.

Angel of Shavano Group Campground

One of the area's best-kept secrets near Salida, this campground hugs the North Fork of the South Arkansas River. It offers a variety of recreation from trout fishing to mountain biking, with a quieter atmosphere than many of Colorado's more popular sites.

Aspen Glade Campground

Set along the Conejos River in southern Colorado, Aspen Glade is a premium destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The riverside setting and access to Forest Road 250 make this an ideal base for exploring the quieter side of the Rio Grande National Forest.

Big Creek Lakes Campground

In the heart of Routt National Forest in northern Colorado, Big Creek Lakes offers a peaceful, scenic setting surrounded by Rocky Mountain wilderness. The twin lakes provide excellent fishing and quiet paddling opportunities.

Bellaire Lake Campground

Near the Red Feather Lakes village northwest of Fort Collins, Bellaire offers canoeing, fishing, and access to trail systems in the Roosevelt National Forest. The relatively easy access from the Front Range makes it a popular weekend escape.

Planning Tips

Acclimatize first. If you are arriving from sea level, spend a night at a moderate elevation (6,000–7,000 ft) before camping above 9,000 feet. Headaches, nausea, and fatigue are common at altitude without adjustment. Layer everything. Temperature swings of 40°F in a single day are normal — mornings start cold, midday bakes, and evenings drop fast once the sun dips behind the peaks. Plan for storms. Get an early start on hikes and plan to be below treeline by noon, as lightning strikes are a real danger above timberline. Book early. Popular campgrounds fill months in advance, especially for July and August weekends. Shoulder season (late May, September) offers fewer crowds and often better weather.

Find More Colorado Campgrounds

Explore all Colorado camping options on our Colorado campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your next high-altitude adventure.