5 of the Best Campgrounds in Colorado
The best campgrounds in Colorado offer more than just a place to sleep. They give you access to mountain views, alpine lakes, hiking trails, and unforgettable road trip scenery.
Colorado is one of the best states for camping because every region feels different. Some campgrounds sit beside high-altitude lakes. Others place you near sand dunes, forests, or mountain peaks.
If you are planning a road trip this season, these are some of the best campgrounds in Colorado to add to your list.
Mountain Views:
Glacier Basin Campground
Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier Basin Campground is one of the most scenic places to camp in the state.
The campground sits surrounded by massive peaks and quick access to popular hiking trails like Dream Lake and Sky Pond.
This area is perfect for:
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Scenic photography
• Mountain road trips
There are no electric hookups here, so plan ahead if you rely on powered gear.
Clear Lake Campground
Clear Lake Campground offers classic Colorado mountain camping.
Located near Guanella Pass, the campground sits close to alpine lakes, hiking trails, and scenic mountain drives.
Nearby activities include:
• Trout fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Whitewater rafting nearby
The surrounding peaks create incredible sunrise and sunset views throughout the camping season.
Lakeside Camping:
Tabor Campground
Set beside Turquoise Lake near Leadville, Tabor Campground is ideal for slower-paced camping trips.
The lake gives campers easy access to kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and shoreline walks.
This campground works especially well for:
• Family camping
• Vehicle camping
• Fishing trips
• Relaxing weekends outdoors
The calm mornings and mountain reflections make this one of the most photogenic and best campgrounds in Colorado.
Unique Landscapes:
Piñon Flats Campground
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve feels completely different from most Colorado camping destinations.
Piñon Flats Campground sits beside the tallest sand dunes in North America with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising behind them.
Popular activities include:
• Sandboarding
• Hiking the dunes
• Scenic photography
• Stargazing
The dunes are much harder to climb than they look, especially during warmer afternoons. Bring extra water and lightweight layers.
Morefield Campground
Located inside Mesa Verde National Park, Morefield Campground combines camping with history and sightseeing.
The campground gives visitors access to ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites that are some of the best preserved in North America.
Highlights nearby include:
• Cliff Palace
• Balcony House
• Canyon viewpoints
• Scenic hiking trails
This is one of the best campgrounds in Colorado for campers looking for something beyond mountain scenery alone.
Tips for Camping in Colorado
Colorado weather changes quickly, especially at higher elevations.
Bring:
• Warm layers
• Rain gear
• Extra socks
• Plenty of water
• Cold-weather sleeping gear
Many mountain campgrounds also have limited services nearby, so planning ahead helps avoid problems later in the trip.
Vehicle camping setups make Colorado road trips much easier since your gear stays organized and accessible throughout the drive.
Why the Best Campgrounds in Colorado Stand Out
The best campgrounds in Colorado give campers a mix of scenery, flexibility, and adventure.
You can spend one weekend camping beside alpine lakes and the next exploring sand dunes or mountain forests.
That variety is what makes Colorado one of the best camping destinations in North America.