There's no doubt about it: Colorado is simply one of the very best places to go camping in the U.S. With lofty campsites boasting alpine views and hidden-away backcountry gems, there's no shortage of ways to experience a classic night under the stars. From the ever-popular Rocky Mountain National Park to lesser-known state parks, there's truly a campsite for every kind of camper.

We've even thrown in a few options for affordable and even free campgrounds in Colorado. (But don't worry, there are some extra-special sites for glamping in Colorado on here too!) The Centennial State is constantly inspiring us with its variety of landscapes and natural wonders, and we think camping is the best way to experience it all. Without further ado, we present to you the best campgrounds in Colorado.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Colorado

Colorado is home to some of the region's most stunning state parks. In fact, there are 42 of them, and many offer spectacular campsites. Browse our selection of some of the best campgrounds in Colorado. We've included helpful-to-known information, such as reservation requirements and fees so that you can plan an epic trip.

1. Rifle Falls State Park

• Location: Garfield County, Colorado
• Popularity: Very popular
• Park Info: Rifle Falls State Park is a popular destination, especially in the summer. There are 13 RV/drive-in sites and 7 campsites along Rifle Creek.
• Price: $25+

One of the most magical camping destinations in Colorado can be discovered at Rifle Falls State Park. Some have even described the atmosphere here as nearly tropical, which is totally unexpected for Colorado's climate! When you camp here, you can look forward to the possibility of hiking right up to the triple falls. How amazing is that?

2. Chatfield State Park

• Location: Littleton, Colorado
• Popularity: Very popular
• Park Info: Camping reservations are required in addition to a park pass. This large camping destination near Denver offers 200 tent sites and over 10 group camping sites to choose from.
• Price: Single campsites are $21–$30/night, and group camps are $132–$144/night

Welcome to Chatfield State Park! This 3,895-acre park has the best of both worlds: wide open spaces and beautiful mountain views. This park is famous for its proximity to Denver as well as its abundance of family-friendly recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. You'll quickly discover why the Chatfield State Park campground is such a local favorite.

3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

• Location: Golden, Colorado
• Popularity: Busy on Weekends
• Park Info: This amazing park offers everything from RV sites to cabins and yurts. It's just about 30 minutes from Denver, making it a great weekend escape.
• Price: $10 - $28.

Whether you're looking for solitude, lots of adventure, or something in between, you'll find it at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The park offers two campgrounds: Reverend's Ridge and Aspen Meadow. Reverend's Ridge is a great spot for RV campers, trailers, and tent campers alike, plus it offers amenities like flush toilets and showers. Aspen Meadow is best suited for tents. During the day, enjoy the park's beautiful hiking and biking trails.

Best State Park Camping in Colorado: Honorable Mentions

Of course, we couldn't narrow down the best state park camping in Colorado to just three parks without mentioning some other fantastic options. 

4) Sylvan Lake State Park: Sylvan Lake State Park is nothing short of a hotspot when it comes to fishing and kayaking. Neighboring the White River National Forest, this breathtaking park offers no shortage of recreational adventures for beginners and pros alike! Overnight options include simple campsites with no hookups to cabins and yurts. 5) Eleven Mile State Park: Eleven Mile State Park is home to one of Colorado's largest reservoirs and in the summer season, motorized boats are allowed on the water. There's plenty of room for everyone at this state park, with nine unique campgrounds and over 300 sites! 6) Mueller State Park: Nestled among 5,000 acres of pure wilderness, Mueller State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. From hiking trails in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter, there are endless adventures to be had year-round. Everything from walk-in campsites to RV sites is available here. Our personal recommendation? Check out Peak View!

Best Beach Camping in Colorado

You likely realize that Colorado is a landlocked state with no coast in sight. That being said, it's possible to feel as though you're camping on the beach in Colorado. Epic lakeside campgrounds in Colorado can be the perfect way to enjoy a cool breeze, water views, and even sand between your toes.

7. Wupperman Campground

• Location: Lake City, Colorado
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Park Info: This campground can be found on the eastern side of Lake San Cristobal. It's managed by the county and offers campers beautiful views of the water.
• Price: $20

Wupperman Campground is a public campground that features 31 sites that can accommodate both RVs and tents. Sites are first-come, first-serve.

8. Stagecoach State Park

• Location: Routt County, Colorado
• Popularity: Busy on weekends
• Park Info: There are two campgrounds at Stagecoach State Park: Junction City Campground and Pinnacle Campground. Sites are available for reservation between May 15th through September 30th. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-244-5613.
• Price: $18 - $36

Near Colorado's epic Flattops Wilderness, Sarvice Creek Wilderness, and Blacktail Mountain, Stagecoach State Park makes for an excellent home base for countless adventures.

9. Ridgway State Park

• Location: Ouray County, Colorado
• Popularity: Very popular
• Park Info: There are three campgrounds at Ridgway State Park, and sites range from traditional tent sites to RV sites.
• Price: $28 - $90 (highest price is for a yurt rental).

Welcome to Ridgway State Park! A breathtaking park surrounding a stunning reservoir, there's no shortage of incredible views here. For campers that wish to be close to the water, opt for the Dakota Terraces Campground or Elk Ridge Campground. And don't forget to pack your hiking boots - there are tons of trails within the park to enjoy!

Best Beach Camping in Colorado: Honorable Mentions

You've probably figured out by now that all of these beachfront campsites in Colorado are more lakefront. But that doesn't make them any less spectacular in our opinion! Here are some great runner-ups if you're looking for spectacular water views while you camp.

10) White Star Campground: White Star Campground is located in Twin Lakes, and it's incredibly convenient to some of Colorado's most popular destinations, such as Mount Elbert and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Campers will love the opportunity to camp right on the water at Twin Lakes Reservoir.

11) North Sterling State Park: North Serling State Park is simply beautiful. It's home to the 3,000-acre North Sterling Reservoir, which makes an incredible backdrop for all your camping adventures. This campground is located in northeastern Colorado, so you won't see mountain views, but instead, you'll be treated to picturesque grasslands.

Top Glamping in Colorado

Have you ever experienced glamping in Colorado? It's a great alternative to "roughing it," and it's a trend that's become increasingly popular over the past decade. From decked-out cabin rentals in Colorado to yurts, domes, and even treehouse cabins in Colorado, there is no shortage of unique options to choose from. We've outlined some of our favorites for you below.

12. Black Tree Resort

• Location: San Juan County, Colorado
• Popularity: Busy on weekends
• Park Info: Camping at Little Molas Lake isn't technically dispersed camping, since there are 10 designated sites. However, they're all free of charge, and no reservations are required.

• Location: Leadville, Colorado
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Park Info: Campers will take a gravel road to Weston Pass from Highway 285, but it's well-maintained. The dispersed campsites are found just off the road, and many are along the South Fork of the South Platte River. It's possible for small trailers and RVs to camp here as well.

• Location: Telluride, Colorado
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Park Info: Priest Lake Campground is a popular area among dispersed campers; however, it's also relatively undiscovered if you're looking for a true night in the wilderness. This primitive campground offers 9 designated campsites.

• Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
• Popularity: Very popular
• Park Info: From tent sites to full hook-up big-rig RV sites, Glenwood Canyon Resort can accommodate all kinds of campers at its impressive and gorgeous year-round facility.

• Location: Dolores, Colorado
• Popularity: Popular on weekends
• Park Info: This picturesque camp resort offers 50 RV sites and hookups.

• Location: South Fork, Colorado
• Popularity: Busy on weekends
• Park Info: Open year-round, this picturesque resort on the river features traditional tent sites as well as RV sites.

• Location: Dolores, Colorado
• Popularity: Hidden gem

• Location: Cañon City, Colorado
• Popularity: Busy on weekends
• Park Info: Glampers will choose from tents and cabins. The accommodations can accommodate between two and four guests. Linens, towels, lighting, seating, and radiant floor heating are provided.

• Location: Lake George, Colorado
• Popularity: Busy on weekends
• Park Info: Black Tree Resort can hardly qualify as a campground, given its emphasis on luxury. However, for those looking for a splurge and a truly unforgettable night under the stars -- with absolutely every detail taken care of -- it's second to none.