Lake Camping in Buena Vista, Colorado, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

United States
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Colorado
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Buena Vista

88% (542 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Buena Vista

Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Buena Vista

98%

(62)

Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

7 sites · Lodging20 acres · Salida, CO

The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.

100%

(35)

Blue Mountain Ranch

1 site · RV80 acres · Florissant, CO

Learn more about this land: Blue Mountain Ranch is a summer camp for kids and is a Park County Land-marked Historic District. We are in a little valley at the base of Blue Mountain. We are currently offering one dry camping location next to our lake. You are asked to stay away from our buildings, equipment and other camp facilities. No tent campers.

99%

(41)

Camp Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent38 acres · Guffey, CO

Learn more about this land:This camp site is directly across the road from Eleven Mile Reservoir. With this site being around 3000 feet from the reservoir you will be able to enjoy all the amazing views and amenities the reservoir has to offer without the crowded camp grounds. You will need a park pass to access the reservoir but not to camp on the land. A 1/4 mile down the road is access to nation forest for going off road or get a parks pass and fish at one of the many amazing fisheries in the area like Eleven mile, Spinney and Eleven mile canyon. The south shore boat ramp is less than 4 miles away. This area does get windy so be careful setting up awnings and pop up tents or anything the wind likes to blow away. The site has a slight pitch but leveling out your camper should be relatively easy. No trees on the land to block your 360 degree mountain views.

100%

(64)

Green Acres Herbal Retreat

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Florissant, CO

Learn more about this land: Private room fully furnished, kitchen & bath, attached to large greenhouse with organic vegetables (seasonal), with access to herb shop, enclosed communal courtyard sitting area with fire pit, water features and mountainous views. Close to tourist attractions and outdoor activities. Guided hikes and herbal workshop available upon request as time allows. This listing is not suitable for children under 10 years of age.

12 top lakeside campgrounds near Buena Vista

94%

(61)

Yeti Sanctuary

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Florissant, CO

Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small lake, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country sking in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.

94%

(26)

Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

1 site · Lodging100 acres · Alma, CO

The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors. Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer. During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer it can be accessed by car. Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort. No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.

93%

(147)

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross (fka Holy Cross Refugio), is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)

82%

(11)

High Mountain Lodging and Camping

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Hartsel, CO

We offer an off-grid tent and RV campground and Tiny house. We are Cannabis friendly. We also have high-speed Starlink Internet included with the pricing! Rustic Tiny Cabin- Everything you need in a 8x16 rustic tiny cabin including water, outlets, heat, fridge, shower, shampoo, conditioner, and utensils. 1 bed that could potentially fit two people like a small couple or a kid and parent. It also has a propane fireplace out front and outdoor seating for the amazing stars out here. please note we must turn the power and internet off at 9:30 pm - 7 am

95%

(69)

Twin Bridges Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO

Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, 20 amp in the "upper campground," and dry camping (full facilities) along the Arkansas River (Gold Medal fishing) with access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.

94%

(80)

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

Lodge pole forest

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Fairplay, CO

This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes

Camp Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent38 acres · Guffey, CO

Learn more about this land:This camp site is directly across the road from Eleven Mile Reservoir. With this site being around 3000 feet from the reservoir you will be able to enjoy all the amazing views and amenities the reservoir has to offer without the crowded camp grounds. You will need a park pass to access the reservoir but not to camp on the land. A 1/4 mile down the road is access to nation forest for going off road or get a parks pass and fish at one of the many amazing fisheries in the area like Eleven mile, Spinney and Eleven mile canyon. The south shore boat ramp is less than 4 miles away. This area does get windy so be careful setting up awnings and pop up tents or anything the wind likes to blow away. The site has a slight pitch but leveling out your camper should be relatively easy. No trees on the land to block your 360 degree mountain views.

Mountain Goat Lodge Tipis

7 sites · Lodging20 acres · Salida, CO

The Mountain Goat Lodge is set within 20 acres of rolling pastures at the foot of the famous Sawatch Mountain Range. Our resident goats roam the meadows, providing us with the milk, cheese, and yogurt for our tasty homecooked breakfasts and our cheese-making classes. We are located in central Colorado in pristine wilderness, yet just 6 miles from the historic town of Salida. In addition to the tipis, we are a full service Bed and Breakfast lodge. We have campers and a vintage trailer available to rent. The tipis have a full-sized bathhouse for use by our tipi guests. Guests need to provide their own toiletries and towels. New in 2022: We have added a queen sized bed and mattress to each of the tipis.. Campers still should bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) or if need be, can rent bedding from us.

94%

(32)

Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

1 site · Lodging160 acres · Alma, CO

Campgrounds, people, noises, regulations, things you won't find here. You will find happiness, peace, the sound of the winds in 3000 year old trees, alpine streams tricking through ancient untouched forests, great horned owls and moose calling into the night, coyote echoing at sunset signaling night approaching, the warm smell of pine and summer grasses, touching the warm rocks next to the stream while you listen to the birds and crickets. I could go on and on, these are the things I see when I close my eyes and think of this place. This site sits at the base of (2) 14ers. in thee middle of a sunken meadow. This is the most beautiful and secluded camping experience you will experience in Colorado. There are miles of 4x4 and atv trails. There are countless hiking trails for day and short nature hikes. Above the site sits bristlecone pines that have appeared in ansel adams prints and are absolutely amazing. The sites sit on 160 private acres which borders national forest. There is a small a-frame tent that's insulated with big windows, locking door, skylight, solar for charging electronics, and a full size bed. The cabin is roughly the size of the full size mattress but seems bigger because of the a-frame roof. Its warm and cozy and keeps the critters and animals out, so you feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of amenities on site. There is a picnic table, 10'x12' waterproof awning and wood deck. There is a bbq, bear box, huge stone fire pit and bucket toilet. The road into the site was graded last year but still has small potholes typical of a Colorado county road, most low-profile cars will do fine. If you have a rv or camper, the turn around is limited, no tow behind campers or vehicles over 20'

Blue Mountain Ranch

1 site · RV80 acres · Florissant, CO

Learn more about this land: Blue Mountain Ranch is a summer camp for kids and is a Park County Land-marked Historic District. We are in a little valley at the base of Blue Mountain. We are currently offering one dry camping location next to our lake. You are asked to stay away from our buildings, equipment and other camp facilities. No tent campers.

Open 40 Acres Near The Dream Stream

80 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake George, CO

40 acre property overlooking 11-mile reservoir. This property currently has a well drilled and a fire pit installed. More being added regularly. Wildlife in the area are Antelope, Cattle, Elk, Deer, and a large herd of Big Horn Sheep live in the hills to the north of the property. Surrounded by Stoll Mountain, Pulver Mountain, and Puma ridge this is a great open location for RV, Bus, Sprinter, Van, or Tent camping. This area is a 10 minute drive to multiple reservoirs and the Dream Stream which is some of the best fishing in Colorado. Boats, rafts, etc are allowed on different reservoirs. Hiking, ATV trails, fossils, gems, rafting, skiing are all very close to this location. Come enjoy the great outdoors!

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(61)

Yeti Sanctuary

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Florissant, CO

Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small lake, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country sking in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.

Twin Bridges Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO

Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, 20 amp in the "upper campground," and dry camping (full facilities) along the Arkansas River (Gold Medal fishing) with access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.

High Mountain Lodging and Camping

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Hartsel, CO

We offer an off-grid tent and RV campground and Tiny house. We are Cannabis friendly. We also have high-speed Starlink Internet included with the pricing! Rustic Tiny Cabin- Everything you need in a 8x16 rustic tiny cabin including water, outlets, heat, fridge, shower, shampoo, conditioner, and utensils. 1 bed that could potentially fit two people like a small couple or a kid and parent. It also has a propane fireplace out front and outdoor seating for the amazing stars out here. please note we must turn the power and internet off at 9:30 pm - 7 am

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

1 site · Lodging100 acres · Alma, CO

The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors. Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer. During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer it can be accessed by car. Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort. No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.

Under $50

94%

(80)

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

Yeti Sanctuary

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Florissant, CO

Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small lake, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country sking in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.

Gondola Village at Holy Cross

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross (fka Holy Cross Refugio), is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)

Camp Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent38 acres · Guffey, CO

Learn more about this land:This camp site is directly across the road from Eleven Mile Reservoir. With this site being around 3000 feet from the reservoir you will be able to enjoy all the amazing views and amenities the reservoir has to offer without the crowded camp grounds. You will need a park pass to access the reservoir but not to camp on the land. A 1/4 mile down the road is access to nation forest for going off road or get a parks pass and fish at one of the many amazing fisheries in the area like Eleven mile, Spinney and Eleven mile canyon. The south shore boat ramp is less than 4 miles away. This area does get windy so be careful setting up awnings and pop up tents or anything the wind likes to blow away. The site has a slight pitch but leveling out your camper should be relatively easy. No trees on the land to block your 360 degree mountain views.

Twin Bridges Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO

Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, 20 amp in the "upper campground," and dry camping (full facilities) along the Arkansas River (Gold Medal fishing) with access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(72)

San Isabel National Forest

Smeltertown, Colorado

97%

(33)

Gunnison National Forest

Crested Butte, Colorado

88%

(8)

Eleven Mile State Park

Florissant, Colorado

92%

(56)

White River National Forest

Fulford, Colorado

84%

(25)

Rio Grande National Forest

Alpine, Colorado

94%

(16)

Grand Mesa National Forest

Cedaredge, Colorado

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Buena Vista guide

Overview

Like a city skyline, the Collegiate Peaks dominate the horizon around Buena Vista and serve as the backdrop for camping adventures in the area. Speckled amid these hills and peaks, youll also find several lakes with waterside camping spots perfect for paddling, fishing, and boating. The San Isabel National Forests Twin Lakes capture everything thats magical about this region and offer campsites like those in Lakeview Campground, right near these bodies of water. Cottonwood Lake is another regional gem with dispersed campsites and developed campgrounds dotting the national forest. Waterfront sites are also available at Eleven Mile State Park, with both RV sites and tent camping. Even if you cant find waterfront camping, water is within easy reach at many spots around Buena Vista—options include RV parks in and near town with full hookups and pull-through sites that come with wifi and dump stations. Summer is the peak season for Buena Vista campers thanks to warm lake waters, while spring and fall can be tricky due to plentiful snow.