A-frames near Blue River with hiking

Just south of Breckenridge in the Ten Mile Range, Blue River is often considered an extension of the famous ski town, which draws adventurers year-round for outdoor recreation in the Rockies. Named for the river on whose banks the town is situated, there’s excellent trout fishing to be had. Several nearby alpine lakes also offer good fishing and scenic views, while hikers can tackle the 14er Quandary Peak or other area trails. Camping options can be found just outside Blue River.

Summit County

Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation here, where you can camp in an RV park near Breckenridge or pitch a tent near Lower Crystal Lake. In winter, campers can choose from heated cabins and yurts. Further north, find the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne around Dillon Reservoir, along with lakeside campgrounds for tents and RVs. Follow the river downstream to choose from several campgrounds around the Green Mountain Reservoir or backcountry options in the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness.

Vail and Eagle County

Head west over Vail Pass and camp with your tent or RV outside the resort town of Vail. Further south, find the quaint towns of Minturn and Red Cliff, plus several developed campground options within White River National Forest. Explore history in Leadville, then camp lakeside at Turquoise Lake or opt for camping and glamping options in Sylvan Lake State Park.

South Park

Head south to explore the South Park Basin. Near Alma, pitch your tent at Kite Lake. Near Como, find dispersed camping options near Boreas Pass and campgrounds in the Pike and San Isabel national forests. To the east, Jefferson offers easy access to the Colorado Trail, the Lost Creek Wilderness, and both developed and dispersed campsites. Further south, find the high basin hub of Fairplay, with both RV parks and US Forest Service campgrounds. 

Georgetown and Guanella Pass

Head northeast to the historic mining town of Georgetown and drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, where Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed sites offer overnight options for campers. Drive up to the summit of Mount Evans, then park at the base to camp with your tent or RV at the popular Echo Lake Campground in Arapaho National Forest. Or head north to St. Mary’s Glacier for trails, boulders, and wildflowers.

Given Blue River’s elevation above 10,000 feet, summer is the best time to go camping and hiking. Many high-elevation Forest Service campgrounds are only open seasonally, while rafting is popular on the Blue River in late spring and early summer. Parts of the Blue River remain fishable in winter, a nice time to visit Breckenridge and other area ski resorts. 

• Fishing licenses are required for anyone over age 16. Different fishing regulations apply to different parts of the Blue River.
• Permits are required for state and national wilderness areas. Motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited in designated wilderness areas.
• National forest campsites are often first-come, first-served, while campsites in Colorado state parks typically require advanced reservations.
• Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear-proof container away from your tent.