Whether you are visiting the Vail area for the first time or if you have a second home in Colorado, there are plenty of camping areas nearby for any outdoor enthusiast to enjoy old favorites and find something new. Colorado has something for everyone, from hiking or biking to your campsite to RV camping.
Ptarmigan Sports is conveniently located near the best camping in Colorado, which makes us the perfect choice for picking up some last-minute gear.
Arapaho National Forest
The Arapaho National Forest covers approximately 1,100 square miles of land across north-central Colorado. Its proximity to Denver makes it a favorite camping and outdoor recreation area among locals and Colorado’s visitors. It can also be an ideal option for campers searching for a versatile option that is a short drive from several nearby towns.
This forest is home to several mountains that provide picturesque views for campers, especially near sunrise and sunset. It also provides hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails at many difficulty levels, giving outdoor enthusiasts plenty of options for reaching their campsites on multi-day trips. Some beautiful trails include the Bakerville-Loveland Trail, the Jones Pass Road, and the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway.
Several options for camping are available. Some of the most popular choices are in the Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Granby, Grand Lake, Kremmling, Parshall, and Hot Sulphur Springs areas.
Bear Creek Lake Park
Camping in Bear Creek Lake Park treats bikers and boaters to the scenic Little Soda Lake, Big Soda Lake, and Bear Creek Lake. Big Soda Lake is reserved for nonmotorized boats, while owners of motorized boats can take advantage of Bear Creek Lake, and several canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and paddleboard rentals are available. Although the park’s lakes are its most popular feature, there is also plenty of year-round activities to choose from. Bear Creek Lake Park’s proximity to Red Rocks makes it a top choice among visitors interested in turning a concert into a camping trip, and campers can choose from cabins, yurts, and traditional campsites.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
The Curecanti National Recreation Area is home to the Blue Mesa, Crystal, and Morrow Point Reservoirs. This area’s striking canyons surround the largest lake in Colorado, which creates one of the most unique and breathtaking views for campers, hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. This area is filled with ten distinct campgrounds, including two specifically designated group campgrounds.
Many of the Curecanti National Recreation Area’s 400 campsites can be reserved, while others are available on a first-come-first-served basis to simplify your spontaneous outdoor adventure. Some options provide electrical hookups, while some more primitive options can only be accessed by hiking or boating. Most campgrounds are seasonal, but the Elk Creek campground is open year-round.
Best Camping Near Vail
Although most of Colorado is home to scenic campgrounds, the Vail area is among the most popular choices for visitors and part-time residents. Some of the top camping options near Vail include:
- Gore Creek Campground
- Hornsilver Campground
- Blodgett Campground
- Wolcott BLM Campground
- Sylvan Lake State Park
- Yeoman Park
- Fulford Cave Campground
- Gypsum Campground
- Aunt Sara’s Riverdance RV Resort
- Sweetwater Lake
Get Ready for Outdoor Adventures in Vail!
Packing the right clothing is a must when it comes to enjoying the best camping in Colorado at any time of year, and Ptarmigan Sports has everything you need to dress stylishly for the weather. From jackets and hiking boots to basic layers to stay comfortable in nearly any temperature, visiting us before heading to your favorite park or national forest is a convenient way to make sure you have everything you need.
Although clothing is our primary focus, we also carry backpacks, lightweight sleeping packs, compact tents, water bottles, cooking supplies, and other small camping items. Stop in today to browse our collection before visiting the best campgrounds in CO, or contact us to learn more about what sets us apart!
Image Credit to Shutterstock users: Francisco Blanco, Joe Farah, Bernadette Heath, simoly, Brian Wolski, & Brian Wolski