Free Camping Colorado

If there’s one thing Colorado knows how to do, it’s to provide some of the most amazing landscapes in the United States and endless opportunities for adventure! But what makes it even more special is that you can camp here totally free! Imagine setting up camp under a sky full of stars and waking up surrounded by wilderness, all without spending a dime. Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s find out more!

Free & Low Budget Colorado Camping Spots

• San Luis Lakes Campground
• Burning Bear Campground
• Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground & Cabins

One of the most important things to note before we start looking at this site is more detail is that Colorado has an extremely limited number of RV-friendly free campgrounds, so we’ve also included a couple of budget-friendly options to make the most of your road trip while keeping your budget in check. And when it comes to campervan hire, with an RV from Travellers Autobarn you’ll have a safe place to call home throughout your trip and be able to explore everything Colorado has to offer in comfort and style. Contact us today to learn more about hiring a campervan.

San Luis Lakes Campground

Mosca, Colorado

Located just a 15-minute drive from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Lakes Campground is great for dispersed camping, surrounded by incredible scenery and plenty of opportunities to explore! Also, there are some basic amenities here that make camping a little more comfortable.

These include partial hookups (50-amp, 30-amp, and 20-amp), flush toilets, showers, trash cans, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station. Not too bad for a campsite that’s totally free to stay at! The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you’re only allowed to camp in the designated areas, and while there are 51, sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early if you’re hoping to snag a spot.

Given its location, it won’t come as a huge surprise that one of the biggest draws here is how close the campground is to Great Dunes National Park, where you can hike or try your hand at sandboarding. Or, if you’re willing to travel a little further out, an hour’s drive will take you to Medano Creek, which is ideal for cooling off on a hot day and spotting some local wildlife, including elk, deer, and a variety of bird species. Also, if you’re a stargazing enthusiast, San Luis Lakes Campground is a designated dark-sky area, so you’ll be camping in one of the best places in the state for spotting stars and planets!

FEATURED AMENITIES 

• Partial Hookups
• Flush Toilets
• Showers
• Trash Cans
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Dump Station

Burning Bear Campground

Near Grant, Colorado

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway that’s just you, the trees, and maybe a few curious critters, Burning Bear Campground should be on your list. While it isn’t a free option, it is very budget-friendly, with rates averaging $23 – $25 per night.

The facilities here aren’t particularly luxurious, but you will have access to vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. There aren’t any hookups or showers, but that gives you the opportunity to really reconnect with nature, and since the campsites are nicely spread out, you won’t feel like you’re on top of your neighbors. Just note that like many campgrounds and RV parks in Colorado, Burning Bear operates seasonally and opens between May and August each year.

The Burning Bear Trail is the main attraction here, which is a beautiful hike through aspen groves and pine forests with views that will have you reaching for your camera. It’s also the ideal spot for wildlife viewing, with the chance to spot moose, deer, or even a black bear.

FEATURED AMENITIES 

• Vault Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Drinking Water

Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground & Cabins

Leadville, Colorado

Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground & Cabins is the perfect spot for anyone who wants a bit of comfort without missing out on Colorado’s epic scenery. It’s located just outside Leadville and, as you might expect from an RV park, it isn’t free, but at around $45 per night, it’s a great option if you fancy a break from roughing it but still want to keep your expenses low.

It also has some pretty good facilities, including full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, and even WiFi. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that this is also a seasonal campsite and is shut annually from October through May. You’ll also need to make a reservation to stay here, and the drive-thru sites can accommodate RVs up to 100 feet in length.

When you’re parked up and ready to venture out, Leadville’s historic downtown is only 11 minutes away and is full of interesting shops and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re also 50 minutes from Mount Elbert and just 40 minutes from Mount Massive, two of Colorado’s highest peaks that are begging to be explored. Or, if you prefer to stay closer to the ground, Twin Lakes is only 20 minutes away and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water.

FEATURED AMENITIES 

• Full Hookups
• Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• WiFi

While Colorado doesn’t have a huge amount of options available when it comes to free camping, it’s still a great destination if you’re trying to keep your vacation budget in check or you’re a proud, thrifty camper!

If you’re looking for the most reliable way to do that, get in touch with Travellers Autobarn. We have a huge selection of campervans for rental, with options for solo explorers and families alike, and with unlimited miles, you’ll be able to hop from one amazing campground to the next and travel at your own pace, even if you want to extend the fun and visit some other Colorado campgrounds. All that’s left to do is pack your bags and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Interested in more? Some other articles you may enjoy:

• Guide to Free Camping in the USA
• Top US National Park Campgrounds & RV Part to Visit
• Denver Road Trips
• Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.