Camping near San Isabel National Forest

89% (72 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Isabel National Forest adventure.

Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near San Isabel National Forest

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in San Isabel National Forest

Bassam Guard Station

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(4)

O'Haver Lake Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(3)

Chalk Lake Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

Davenport Campground

12 sites In San Isabel National Forest

Coaldale Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$15

/ night

Hayden Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Cordova Pass Picnic Area and Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$10

/ night

Lake Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Baby Doe Campground

48 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Father Dyer Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Lakeview Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Printer Boy Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

Silver Dollar Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

The view from a campsite just up the road closer to the Elbert TH.

100%

(1)

White Star Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Cascade Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

Purgatoire Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

St Charles Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Emerald Lake, just near the campground. Great place to catch trout and enjoy a breathtaking view!

67%

(3)

Elbert Creek Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Halfmoon East Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Halfmoon West Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$17

/ night

Matchless Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Parry Peak Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$19

/ night

Tabor Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Twin Peaks Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Angel of Shavano Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Bootleg Campground

In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

North Fork Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$18

/ night

Blue Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Oak Creek Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(3)

Ophir Creek Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Lake Isabel Cabin

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Mingus Ranch Campground

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Monarch Park Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(1)

Bear Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Collegiate Peaks Campground

56 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(5)

Cottonwood Lake Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$20

/ night

May Queen Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

(3)

Molly Brown Campground

47 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Angel of Shavano Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(4)

Mount Princeton Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

Alvarado Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(2)

La Vista Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Southside Campground

8 sites In San Isabel National Forest

100%

(3)

Belle of Colorado Campground

In San Isabel National Forest

Iron City Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Ponderosa Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In San Isabel National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near San Isabel National Forest

91%

(151)

Sweetwater River Resort

67 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO

Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. Sweetwater River Resort is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!

96%

(56)

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.

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'

94%

(80)

Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

100%

(120)

Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.

98%

(63)

Sawatch Base Camp

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Leadville, CO

Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind property at the site of an old turquoise mine with accessible yet private backcountry lodging. Located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake, Sawatch Base Camp is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters, Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies, while also being removed enough to provide solitude and quality time with friends and family. In summer and fall (May through November), the property has vehicle access by Forest Service Road 103- known by many other names depending on mapping service including County Road 9A, Turquoise Chief Rd, and St. Kevin Rd. This segment of road is part of the famous Leadville 100 MTB race, lying at roughly Mile 8/Mile 95. In winter months (December through April), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe on groomed multi-use winter trails open to the public. The trek in is approximately 4.4 miles from the Leadville Junction Parking Lot, with an elevation gain of roughly 800 feet. The terrain around the yurt provides backcountry skiing through trees with occasional glades. Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather. Firewood and propane for the camp stove are provided. The restroom is an outhouse a few yards from the yurt stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Sawatch Base Camp operates under Lake County CUPs 21-10 and 23-33.

98%

(22)

K-Bar Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Guffey, CO

K-Bar Ranch is a small hobby farm situated on over 20 acres of beautiful, rolling grassland sprinkled with pine trees and offering breathtaking views in every direction. Just off of CR102, we are conveniently located to the little town of Guffey and are only 3 miles from the wildly popular Guffey Gorge. Additionally, Eleven Mile Reservoir, The Royal Gorge, gambling at Cripple Creek, the Colorado Wolf Sanctuary, the Florissant Fossil Beds and many more areas of interest and recreation are within an easy drive. You can open camp here and be completely off-grid or you can park near our barn and have access to electricity and wifi. We also offer Glamping Overnights in Gypsy, an adorable tiny camper with a double bed, sofa, 2 burner cooktop and everything you need to have a comfortable stay while still having a camping experience! Glamping stays are still largely off-grid with a "Luggable Loo" and an outdoor Joolca shower (upon request). Our large 5m Bell Tent offers plenty of room whether you just want to stretch out or if you're traveling with family or friends. If you want to upgrade your experience, we offer Romance Packages with charcuterie boards, a bottle of bubbly, chocolate covered strawberries and can create unforgettable special occasions since we are in the wedding/events industry! Wanting to get engaged? Looking to elope? We can do that! Ask us for details! We will be adding more off-grid accommodations in the future so stay tuned for updates! We have Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Mini Donkeys, Chickens and 2 Livestock Guardian Dogs. *Please be aware that the dogs are working dogs and you WILL hear them bark at night as they are doing their job in deterring predators. We are excited to share our beautiful property with Happy Campers from everywhere!

89%

(9)

Secluded property close to town

3 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Leadville, CO

Experience serene seclusion with breathtaking mountain views at our property, perfectly nestled in nature yet just a short walk from town. The property is 8 acres and includes a primary residence. There are many amazing locations to park a camper or van or even pitch a tent. Property is surrounded by empty land and BLM so feel like very secluded. Adjacent to the Mineral Belt Trail and easy access to East Side trail system.

100%

(14)

Little Buffalo Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Hartsel, CO

Experience the charm of our historic 1800s cabin, the Little Buffalo Cabin, in Hartsel, Colorado. Explore Colorado's attractions from this central location, including fishing in nearby Gold Medal waters. The property boasts endless mountain views and the site of the town’s original post office. Nearby local amenities include a quick mart, cafe, saloon, and pizza place. Enjoy the spacious living areas, a cozy queen bedroom, and the versatile office/bedroom space with a futon and desk. The perfect home base for exploring the central Colorado mountains! We're Super Hosts, excited to be able to offer this unique experience to the HipCamp community!

100%

(1)

Navi's Sage Run

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Hartsel, CO

**Navi's Sage Run** is a serene escape located in the Old South Park Ranch area of Hartsel, Colorado. Our property is surrounded by the invigorating scent of sage and dotted with native cacti, offering a true taste of Colorado's rugged beauty. Named after our adventurous dog, Navi, who loves to roam and explore, this spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Visitors to Navi's Sage Run can enjoy the stunning view of Sulphate Mountain, an ancient volcano that adds a unique touch to the landscape. The area is also home to wild pronghorn, often spotted grazing nearby. For those who love to fish, the Antero Reservoir and Eleven Mile Canyon offer some of the best fishing in Colorado, with opportunities for ice fishing and catching various species of trout. Whether you're here to fish, hike, or simply relax and soak in the panoramic views, Navi's Sage Run is your gateway to the natural wonders of Hartsel. Come experience the tranquility and beauty that Navi enjoys every day, and create your own adventures in this breathtaking landscape.

93%

(14)

Camp Knock Out: Has ELECTRIC

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Como, CO

Views, Views and more Views! Electric Hookup! Welcome to your private getaway nestled on a picturesque 5-acre mountain property, just 65 miles southwest of Denver. Located off the scenic 285 freeway, this hidden gem is conveniently situated 20 minutes beyond Bailey and 20 minutes before reaching Fairplay. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking mountain and meadow views that surround this tranquil haven Come and experience these outstanding Mountain Views with a nice mix of evergreen trees and Aspens as well. Although steep, (14 degree grade in spots) the driveway allows for large trucks and travel trailers. It’s all setup for you to show up with your camping rig, plug in and have the comforts of home! Although secluded, the vibrant town of Fairplay is only a scenic 30-minute drive away. Indulge in the convenience of a nearby grocery store, discount stores, restaurants, banking services, charming shops, and even a fascinating museum. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and create lasting memories. Book your stay at this enchanting mountain retreat today!

The best camping near San Isabel National Forest guide

Overview

About

This park's location in the Rocky Mountains makes it a magnet for mountain climbers. You've got 19 14'ers to choose from! The big one is Mount Elbert, the highest summit in all the Rockies at 14,440 feet. You can also hit the second-highest, Mount Massive, and the fifth-highest, La Plata.

If you've got kids with you on your adventure, definitely hit the Picketwire Canyon Trail. This trail takes you to the largest known sample of dinosaur tracks in the country! Getting all the way through this 10.6-mile haul is a serious undertaking, so pack plenty of water.

Prefer a less strenuous, more relaxing San Isabel experience? High-altitude fishing at Chalk Creek or Cottonwood Creek is great for landing trout. Be sure to come between July and September. These alpine lakes often ice over during the colder months of the year.

With over 300 days of sunshine, we're sure you'll be baggin' peaks and takin' names in no time!