Colorado Camping Guide: Top Campgrounds for Family Adventures

Escape the ordinary and dive into the breathtaking beauty of Colorado! Imagine waking up to crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Camping in Colorado is more than just pitching a tent; it's an invitation to adventure, a chance to reconnect with nature, and an opportunity to create lasting memories with your family. This isn't your average list of campgrounds. This is your ultimate guide to unlocking the Centennial State's best outdoor havens, complete with insider tips, family-friendly activities, and everything you need to plan a viral-worthy camping trip.

Your Colorado Camping Playbook: Know Before You Go

Before we delve into Colorado's stunning landscapes, let's cover the essentials for a smooth and successful camping adventure.

How to Book Your Trip: Conquering the Reservation Rush

Colorado's most sought-after campsites can book up months in advance, especially during peak season. Here's how to snag your perfect spot: CPWShop.com (Colorado Parks & Wildlife): Your primary resource for Colorado State Park campgrounds. Reservations open six months in advance, and popular locations fill up quickly. Be ready to book exactly at the six-month mark for the best chances. Recreation.gov: This website covers national park and national forest campgrounds in Colorado. Similar to the state parks, reservations often become available on a rolling six-month window. Hipcamp.com: Discover unique camping experiences on private land, from secluded tent sites to glamping options. Hipcamp can be a lifesaver for finding last-minute availability or a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Understanding the Cost: Camping fees vary significantly based on location and amenities.

Primitive/Dispersed Camping (National Forests & BLM Land): Free to low cost (permits may be required). Offers minimal to no amenities. Standard Campsites (State & National Parks): Typically range from $20 to $45 per night. These usually include a picnic table, fire ring, and access to restrooms and water. Campsites with Hookups (State Parks & Private Campgrounds): Expect to pay more, generally $30 to $60+ per night, for sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Cabins & Yurts (State Parks & Private Campgrounds): Prices can range from $60 to $150+ per night, offering more comfort and amenities.

Colorado's Most Epic Camping Hotspots, County by County

We've curated a list of exceptional campgrounds across Colorado's diverse regions, highlighting family- friendly adventures in each area.

1. The Front Range: Boulder & Larimer Counties

Easy access from Denver and Fort Collins makes this region a popular choice, offering stunning mountain views and outdoor recreation.

Best Campground: Brainard Lake Recreation Area (Boulder County)

Why it's a family favorite: Nestled in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake offers breathtaking alpine scenery, excellent hiking opportunities, and the chance to spot wildlife like moose. What to do in the area: The hike around Brainard Lake is relatively flat and great for all ages. Keep an eye out for moose, deer, and various bird species.

Best Campground: Moraine Park Campground (Larimer County - Rocky Mountain National Park)

Why it's a family favorite: Located within Rocky Mountain National Park, Moraine Park offers stunning views of the Continental Divide and easy access to popular hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas. What to do in the area: Drive the scenic Bear Lake Road, stopping at various overlooks. Engage kids with the park's excellent Junior Ranger program, or go wildlife spotting for elk and coyotes.

2. The Rocky Mountains: Eagle & Summit Counties

Home to world-class ski resorts in the winter, this region transforms into a summer paradise for hiking, biking, and camping.

Best Campground: Piney Lake Campground (Eagle County)

Why it's a family favorite: The stunning backdrop of the Gore Range reflected in Piney Lake makes this a truly unforgettable camping spot. What to do in the area: Capture the iconic views of the Gore Range mirrored in the lake. Explore the trails around the lake, or go for a guided horseback ride.

Best Campground: Dillon Reservoir Campgrounds (Summit County)

Why it's a family favorite: With multiple campgrounds surrounding the beautiful Dillon Reservoir, this area offers a plethora of water-based activities and stunning mountain vistas. What to do in the area: Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard on Dillon Reservoir. Enjoy the paved bike path that circles the reservoir, or explore the charming towns of Frisco and Dillon.

3. The Western Slope: Mesa & Montrose Counties

Discover a landscape of dramatic canyons, fertile valleys, and outdoor adventures in western Colorado.

Best Campground: James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park (Mesa County)

Why it's a family favorite: This park is actually five distinct sections along the Colorado River, offering diverse camping experiences, from riverside sites to lakefront spots. What to do in the area: Fish, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the Colorado River. Explore the park's trails and visit the nearby Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita.

Best Campground: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Campgrounds (Montrose County)

Why it's a family favorite: Camping on the rim of this incredibly steep and dramatic canyon is an awe-inspiring experience. South Rim Campground offers stunning views and easy access to overlooks. What to do in the area: Take short, paved walks to overlooks like Painted Wall View. The dark night skies above the canyon offer incredible stargazing opportunities.

4. Southwestern Colorado: Montezuma & La Plata Counties

Explore ancient cliff dwellings, stunning mountain scenery, and charming historic towns in this captivating region.

Best Campground: Morefield Campground (Montezuma County - Mesa Verde National Park)

Why it's a family favorite: Camping within Mesa Verde National Park offers unparalleled access to the park's incredible ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. What to do in the area: Take ranger-led or self-guided tours of the park's fascinating cliff dwellings, like Cliff Palace and Balcony House.

Best Campground: Junction Creek Campground (La Plata County - near Durango)

Why it's a family favorite: Located in the San Juan National Forest near the adventure hub of Durango, this campground offers a classic mountain camping experience with access to hiking, fishing, and the scenic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

5. South Central Colorado: Chaffee & Gunnison Counties

Known for its towering "Fourteeners" (mountains over 14,000 feet), this region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Campground: Collegiate Peaks Campground (Chaffee County)

Why it's a family favorite: Situated along the scenic Arkansas River with stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, this campground is perfect for families who love hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. What to do in the area: Raft on the Arkansas River, hike a Fourteener, or relax at one of the nearby hot springs resorts.

Best Campground: Ohman Lake Campground (Gunnison County - near Crested Butte)

Why it's a family favorite: Located in the heart of Colorado's wildflower capital, this campground offers stunning scenery and access to incredible hiking and mountain biking trails during the summer months.

6. The Southern Rockies: Costilla County

Experience the unique landscapes of southern Colorado, where the mighty Sangre de Cristo Mountains meet the vast, otherworldly dunes.

Best Campground: Pinon Flats Campground (Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve)

Why it's a family favorite: Camping at the base of North America's tallest dunes is a one-of-a-kind experience. The campground offers incredible views and a chance to explore the dunes at sunrise or sunset. What to do in the area: Go sand sledding or sandboarding down the massive dunes. Wade in Medano Creek during the spring and early summer. Stay up late for some of the best stargazing in the country, as the park is an International Dark Sky Park.

7. Eastern Plains: Lincoln County

For a different kind of Colorado adventure, head east to the high plains. This region offers wide-open skies, unique wildlife, and a peaceful, uncrowded camping experience.

Best Campground: Bonny Lake State Park (near the Kansas border)

Why it's a family favorite: This is an oasis on the plains, offering boating, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. The campground provides a welcome respite with views of the lake. What to do in the area: Go fishing for walleye, bass, and catfish. Look for migratory birds. The park offers a great space for family games and relaxing by the water.

8. Northwest Colorado: Routt & Moffat Counties

This remote and rugged region is a paradise for those seeking solitude, with vast wilderness areas, hot springs, and ancient history.

Best Campground: Steamboat Lake State Park (Routt County)

Why it's a family favorite: With stunning views of Hahn's Peak and a clear mountain lake, this park offers a pristine camping experience. The lake is perfect for boating and fishing. What to do in the area: Rent a boat or go paddleboarding on Steamboat Lake. Go fly fishing in the nearby Elk River. A short drive will take you to Steamboat Springs for a relaxing soak in the hot springs or to explore the charming downtown.

Best Campground: Dinosaur National Monument (Moffat County)

Why it's a family favorite: This is a trip back in time! The monument's campgrounds offer a unique experience with stunning canyons and a chance to see incredible dinosaur fossils. What to do in the area: Visit the Quarry Exhibit Hall to see the wall of dinosaur bones. Drive the scenic Tour of the Tilted Rocks or go rafting on the Green or Yampa rivers.

Ready to Go On Your Own Colorado Adventure?

Camping in Colorado is more than just a vacation; it's an investment in family memories, a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other and the natural world. The stunning photos, the hilarious campfire stories, and the shared sense of accomplishment after a challenging hike are the ingredients for viral-worthy social media posts and, more importantly, cherished moments. So, gather your loved ones, pack your gear, and prepare to be amazed by the unparalleled beauty and adventure that awaits you in Colorado's great outdoors!

Camping Gear & Supplies Store

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Fishing Guides and Charter Boats

There are many different fishing guides that offer guided fishing trips on your favorite fishing lake or other location. FishingBooker is a service of local guides that you can choose from and schedule your next guided fishing trip. Book a Fishing Guide today on Fishing Booker to catch some quality fish and learn about this excellent fishery.

Cottages and Vacation Home Rentals

Looking for place to stay on your favorite lake or any destination you wish to go? Expedia has vacation homes, hotels, motels, cabins, and cottages for many locations that would be great for your next family vacation, all at really great prices. Start your adventures today.

About The Author

Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Lunker Hunter. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.