Colorado’s crowning glory is its natural beauty, with stunning snow-capped peaks and clear, glistening mountain lakes. What better way to enjoy our great outdoors than camping right in the middle of the great Colorado wilderness? These 10 campgrounds provide Instagram-worthy views in a setting that will make you want to unplug and get back to nature.
This gorgeous state park is home to over 5,000 acres of wildflower meadows, beautiful views of the Continental Divide, and a diverse range of wildlife including black bears, deer, elk, fox, coyotes and bighorn sheep.
The Silver Bell Campground is located just southwest of the city of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road, which makes it the perfect home base for visiting Colorado’s famous Maroon Bells. Pitch a tent here to hike to Colorado’s most photographed destination.
Found in the Gunnison National Forest, this campsite allows tent camping only and is a popular destination for fishing, rafting and rock climbing. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by the spruce trees of Taylor Canyon.
This spot is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in visiting the charming mountain town of Steamboat Springs. Bask in the natural hot springs, take a float down the Yampa River or hike to the majestic Fish Creek Falls.
Stay at Pinyon Flats to explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which boasts the tallest dunes in North America. Bring along sleds, skis or snowboards to carve down the dunes, or take a float in Medano Creek when the weather’s warm.
Located near the dazzling Twin Lakes and the base of the 14,439-foot peak of Mt. Elbert, camping at the White Star campground provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating.
Arapaho Bay Campground:
Located on the edge of Monarch Lake, this secluded spot is a fisher’s paradise. In nearby Granby or Grand Lake, there’s also time for biking, hiking and even horseback riding.
At Dunton Hot Springs, camping is all about relaxation. You can visit the hot-spring bath house, spend time in the old west saloon or simply unwind on the banks of the Dolores River. This “glamping” experience is perfect for the people who don’t want to sacrifice all of your modern amenities, but still want a taste of the outdoors.
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area:
If you’re looking for privacy, look to Turquoise Lake—there are eight campgrounds shrouded in thick evergreen in this remote area of the San Isabel National Forest. Spend the day on the 1,800-acre lake, or tackle the 12-mile Mineral Belt bike loop.
If you’re looking to stay a bit closer to civilization, this spot on the Cache La Poudre Scenic Byway is close to Fort Collins but offers tranquil campsites near the Poudre River. It’s also a great jumping off point for whitewater rafting through the canyon.
These ten campgrounds will ensure you get your healthy dose of nature this summer—and those Instagram likes, too.
