12 Best Colorado Campgrounds to Enjoy Camping with Families (2024)

Colorado’s landscape has it all, from scenery to history, and there’s nothing more “Colorado” than gathering up the family and heading out for a night of camping under the stars. You’ll find everything from existing campgrounds to scattered backcountry campsites. Thankfully, “remote” doesn’t always imply that bringing the whole family is impossible – quite the contrary. Many Coloradans recall spontaneously loading their cars and driving to the mountains to camp in any available location. It was all part of the fun! However, the addition of tiny humans, combined with the state’s ever-increasing population, means that families who take the attitude of “We’ll just take whatever’s available” often end up with no campsite at all. Therefore, here is a list of some of the best campgrounds in Colorado where you can enjoy yourself with your families and loved ones.

12 Best Colorado Campgrounds to Enjoy Camping with Families

1. Dolores River Campground

Yeah, the waggons, the Airstream, and the yurts! Suppose you don’t have a go-anywhere camping vehicle or tent, no need to worry. Dolores River Campground has a variety of unique accommodation options to keep you and the kids comfortable. Traditionalists can choose from simple to glamping, as well as tents and RV sites. One can take a short trip to Mesa Verde National Park or the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument or spend the day fishing and paddling in the Dolores River. You can also join the on-site ice cream social for a cool treat on Saturday evenings. Families can take a break from campfire cooking in the evenings by ordering on-site made-to-order wood-fired pizza.

2. Camp Dick Campground

This is the place to go if you want a nice mid-summer getaway in the high country with access to some of the best fishing, hiking, and four-wheeling in the country. Middle Saint Vrain Creek flows alongside the shaded campsites and through historic Allenspark only a few miles south. The campground is just 25 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. There are no hook-ups, dump stations, or toilets, and there is no electricity, so plan accordingly.

3. James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Fruita Section

The Fruita Section of James M. Robb’s network of state parks is nestled between Fruita, Colorado National Monument, and the Colorado River. With RV sites and walk-in tent sites, this entire campground provides easy camping options for families. Two playgrounds, a fishing pond, a small swim beach, showers, and access to the Colorado River are all available on site. Families can also walk outside the park to the fantastic Dinosaur Journey Museum to behold everything from fossils to robotic dinosaur reconstructions and then finish their visit with a stroll to one of several ice cream options. There are mountain biking trails just a short distance away. People from all over the world visit these trails for their excellent construction and authentic ambiance.

4. Arrowhead Point Campground

There are yurts, cabins, tent and RV sites, and a range of on-site facilities at this campground, but it’s all about the place, location, location. One of the most popular activities in the valley is white-water rafting on the Arkansas River. Moreover, Arrowhead Point campground offers shuttle service to their partner outfitters. You can also reserve zip-line and high ropes trips, horseback rides, ATV tours, and hot springs reservations from the campground office. They also offer kennel boarding for dogs while the rest of the family participates in planned adventures.

5. Ridgeway State Park

Ridgway State Park is open all year for family camping. During the summer, campers can enjoy fishing and boating on the 1,000-acre reservoir. They can also experience hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Ridgway’s yurts are a favorite among winter explorers, with space for six people, food, electricity, and a microwave. 

6. State Forest State Park

The state park is Colorado’s largest park, covering about 71,000 acres. It is home to high alpine lakes, jagged ridgelines, deep woods, and moose. Tents and RVs will camp in campgrounds and scattered camping in the park. There are tent sites as well as basic cabins for rent near North Michigan Reservoir. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and all-terrain vehicle riding are only a few of the activities available.

7. Carbondale River KOA

The Crystal River KOA, located just 10 minutes outside of Carbondale, has a beautiful setting along its namesake river, plenty of shade, and an on-site pool. RV, tent, and teepee sites are available from May 1 to November 1. There is an airstream and cabins available all year. This place is ideal for families deciding to visit Aspen, go rafting in Glenwood Springs, hike to the Crystal Mill in Marble, or attend Mountain Fair.

8. Lone Duck Campground

Lone Duck is an excellent way to relish the mountain scenery without having to drive into them. It is located at the Pikes Peak base. I-25 is also about 12 miles away from this campground. There’s plenty to do on-site, with a heated pool, splash pad, fishing pond, basketball court, and old-school arcade games. The tenting areas are shaded, and the cabins will sleep up to five people. The Pike National Forest is just a few miles away. The family is set for an active day with a $5 on-site pancake breakfast with bacon, orange juice, and coffee.

9. Cub Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park

Cub Lake is a good choice for family camping because it’s a short walk in, and the terrain is mild. The Cub Lake Trailhead is located on Moraine Park Road, and the Cub Creek Backcountry Campsite is located 2.25 miles away. Camping with your family here tends to be a great option to spend the weekend. There are loads of camping opportunities within the Rocky Mountain National Forest, but Cub Lake is the best choice.

10. Green Mountain Reservoir Campgrounds

Green Mountain Reservoir is the perfect campground for pioneers to try camping while keeping their calm. If your kids love to play in the water, this is the campground for them. At Green Mountain, you can mix traditional camp activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking with water activities like boating, SUP, and beach swimming. Around Green Mountain Reservoir, there are seven different campsites to choose from, offering your family plenty of choices. And almost all of the campsites have convenient access to water sports, so you won’t have to compete for guaranteed shore space. Most of the grounds are first-come, first-served, so make sure you bring sunscreen and life jackets along for the kids and arrive early.

11. Turquoise Lake

You can only imagine the pristine scenery and awe-inspiring views that await you and your family at this campground with a name like Turquoise Lake. Turquoise Lake is located in the forest just west of Leadville and takes its name from the famous Turquoise mines that have created the beautiful stones throughout Leadville’s history. You can go for the Beer Lake Trail, the Midland Trail, or the Highline Trail for hiking. One will find the true essence of peace and tranquillity here. The Turquoise Lake has it all: breathtaking views, world-class fishing, and a plethora of family-friendly hikes.

12. Moraine Park Campground

Rocky Mountain National Park has a wide range of camping options, from remote backcountry sites to well-established full-service campgrounds. The Moraine Park campsite gives your family the best of both worlds. You’ll feel like you’re out in the woods, with green meadows, majestic Lodgepole and Ponderosa pines, and breathtaking views of craggy peaks that reach over 14,000 feet without having to risk your access to the road and other facilities. Moraine Park offers scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Make sure you have your camera by your side to capture the alluring flora and fauna there. The park is home to moose, bighorn sheep, and grazing elk.