Top 10 Best Van Camping and Campground Locations Near Telluride

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sight of towering mountains and the sound of rushing rivers, Telluride, Colorado, should be right at the top of your list for your next adventure. And, of course, there’s no better way to experience everything this beautiful part of the U.S. has to offer than by campervan.

But when it comes to finding a suitable place to stay, it’s easy to spend hours researching and deciding which is the best campsite for your travel style. That’s where we come in to help. So you can spend more time planning your excursions and less time worrying about where you can call home for your road trip, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best van campgrounds Telluride has to offer. You’ll find details on their amenities and what you can do in the surrounding areas, too, making it easier than ever to start planning your vacation.

Are you ready? Let’s hit the open road and start exploring!

Telluride Town Park Campground

Starting right in the heart of the action, Telluride Town Park Campground is located about a 10-minute walk from downtown Telluride and is one of the most accessible campgrounds in the area. It’s open seasonally from May to October, and while it’s closer to town than some of the other options we’ll look at, it still offers incredible views and a peaceful atmosphere.

This campground is based right along the San Miguel River and is open to both tent and RV camping. There aren’t any electrical hookups or dump stations, but you will find vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings, so there are still plenty of amenities on offer to create a comfortable base for your adventures. And, since you’re within walking distance of downtown Telluride, you’re perfectly positioned to explore local shops, restaurants, and more.

When it comes to nearby activities, you’re also in a prime location. The famous Bear Creek Trail is less than 10 minutes away on foot and takes you through beautiful forests and waterfalls before ending with some amazing views of the surrounding mountains. And, of course, the San Miguel River (which is right on your doorstep) provides you with opportunities for some excellent trout fishing or simply a place to kick back and relax while the sound of the water rushes over you.

Matterhorn Campground

Located about 20 minutes south of Telluride along Highway 145, Matterhorn Campground is a fantastic choice for campers who want more amenities and space to spread out. There’s something for everyone on offer here, and it’s also one of the few campgrounds near Telluride that offers full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewer, making it a great place to stay if you want the comforts of home while camping.

Matterhorn Campground is open from May to October, and there are 28 campsites on offer, so there’s no need to worry about feeling cramped next to your fellow campers. Along with its full hookups, the campground has flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills that all guests are welcome to use. There are also hot showers available, which is a major perk after a long day of hiking and biking.

While these amenities are undeniably good, the real draw of staying here is the number of outdoor activities on offer in the area. Priest Lakes is a short drive away (approximately 6 minutes) and is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, making it an ideal spot to spend a day on the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, a 30-minute drive will also take you to the Lizard Head Wilderness, where you can find several awesome hiking trails leading you through wildflower meadows and past alpine lakes.

Alta Lakes Dispersed Campground

If you prefer a more off-the-grid camping experience, Alta Lakes Dispersed Campground is a very good option. It’s about 45 minutes from the south of Telluride, and its high altitude gives you some of the best views for miles around. One important thing to note, however, is that this is a dispersed camping area, and as such, there are no designated campsites. There is a distinct advantage to this, though – it’s completely free to stay at!

Now, don’t expect to find any amenities like running water or restrooms. This is dispersed camping, after all. What you will have is a few fire rings scattered around the area and portable toilets near the entrance. Other than that, you’ll need to be prepared for self-sufficient camping, so plan ahead and bring everything you need for your stay in your campervan, including drinking water and plenty of layers to keep warm at night.

This is the campsite to stay at if you’re a wildlife lover, as the area is rich in birdlife, and there are several hiking trails that offer the perfect opportunity to spot animals in their natural habitat. If you’re happy to jump in your campervan and head further afield, an 80-minute drive will take you to the Lizard Head Wilderness, where you can enjoy even more hiking trails, including the Rock of Ages Trail, which ends at an elevation of 13,400 feet at the Rock of Ages Saddle.

Ouray Riverside Resort RV Park

While Ouray Riverside Resort RV Park is about an hour away from Telluride, it’s a very popular destination for families and campers looking for a riverside escape without sacrificing the comforts of home. It’s also located along the Uncompahgre River, so you’ll be surrounded by scenic views of the mountains and cliffs while enjoying the tranquillity of the running water.

This campground offers you a variety of amenities, including full hookups for RVs, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a general store (ideal for when you’re running low on supplies). There’s also a swimming pool, hot tub, and a playground for the kids, so it really lives up to its name and offers a resort-like experience without being too far away from Telluride. Also, since it’s open all year round, you can enjoy staying here in all seasons, and it’s an ideal choice if you’ve been craving a winter getaway.

There’s no shortage of things to do near Ouray Riverside Resort. The town of Ouray itself is a very short drive away and is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to learn about the area. You can explore the famous Ouray Hot Springs, hike up to Box Canyon Falls, or if you’re into jeeping, you can rent a jeep from a few nearby companies and hit the off-road trails. In fact, Ouray is known as the “Jeeping Capital of the World”, so it only makes sense to add this to your to-do list while you’re here!

Sunshine Campground

Moving back closer to Telluride, Sunshine Campground is just 8.6 miles away and is a quiet, secluded spot set among aspen trees and wildflowers. It’s also one of the smallest campgrounds on our list, with just 15 sites, making it a very good option for anyone who wants a more intimate option without any crowds to worry about.

This is another dispersed camping area and is owned by the National Forest Service. So, while it may be smaller and quieter, the sites here are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and it can only accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. Also, it doesn’t have many facilities itself (just fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets), but that’s all a part of the rustic camping experience on offer here!

You will need to head a little further out to enjoy some of the activities in the area, including the Overlook Trail, which is a 50-minute drive away but promises breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. If that’s a bit far, you can also spend the day at Alta Lakes (just 30 minutes away) and relax by the water, spending the afternoon fishing or birdwatching. And, when you head back to your site for the evening, the lack of light pollution puts you in a great position for some of the best stargazing opportunities in the area.

Cayton Campground

Cayton Campground is about 20 miles away from Telluride and is part of the San Juan National Forest. Here, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and thick vegetation, making it a must-visit for any campers who want the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and spot wildlife. This is another dispersed camping area and it is open from May to September. You can’t reserve a spot, but you will find some basic amenities on offer, such as vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables.

One of the best things about camping at Cayton is that it’s completely free. However, you are restricted to an RV size of no more than 50 feet, and the standard single occupancy is 8 people. So, if you’re traveling with family or as part of a large group, it’s not the best choice, but for solo campers and small groups trying to stick to a budget, it’s definitely a campsite that’s worth considering.

Once you’re parked up, you’ll find some fantastic walking trails in the immediate vicinity. Many of these take you to viewing areas where you can spot deer, elk, wild turkeys, and countless species of birdlife. And, since you’re not too far away from Telluride, you’re in a good position to pick up some supplies or enjoy a cultural day out.

Amphitheater Campground

Heading further out, Amphitheater Campground is about 80 minutes from Telluride and is another campsite located along the beautiful Uncompahgre River. This is a very peaceful spot to unwind for a few days, with surrounding cliffs and meadows providing the perfect backdrop for your stay.

There is a mix of tent and RV sites here, and the amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are no hookups, but since there are only 35 sites, you are given a relaxing spot to enjoy the great outdoors without the hustle and bustle of larger, more developed campgrounds.

When you’re ready to leave the campsite and explore the area, the Uncompahgre River provides you with the perfect place for swimming, fishing, and tubing. There are also some wonderful hiking trails i the area, including the Uncompahgre River Trail, which is around 45 minutes away and takes you to some of the most amazing views of the river and the surrounding mountains.

Ouray KOA Holiday

About an hour away from Telluride, Ouray KOA Holiday is perfectly situated for anyone who wants to explore both Telluride and Ouray, which is commonly referred to as the “Switzerland of America”. This campground has tent sites, full hookup RV sites, and even a variety of cabin options, giving you the opportunity to change things up a bit throughout your road trip.

Along with the electricity, water, and sewer hookups, campers here can enjoy access to restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is also WiFi, a hot tub, a camp store, and a small on-site cafe – perfect for fuelling up before heading out on the trails! It’s a dog-friendly campground, too, so your furry friends can join in on the adventure.

If you can bear to part with these fantastic amenities for a while, Ouray KOA Holiday is conveniently located near many of Ouray’s popular outdoor activities. Off-roading and jeeping are very popular here, and you can hire a jeep to explore the designated trails. The Yankee Boy Basin is a particular favorite and is worth the 40-minute drive for the chance to go off-road surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

Prefer to take things a bit slower? A 9-minute drive will take you to the town of Ouray, where you can explore shops, enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant, or even relax in the Ouray Hot Springs.

Woods Lake Campground

Located about 40 minutes from Telluride, Woods Lake Campground is perfect for campers who want to enjoy the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness while still having easy access to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, it is a seasonal campground and is only open from May through October, so you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly if you want to stay here.

There are 41 sites spread across three loops here, and they are suitable for both RV and tent camping. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, and there are vault toilets that all guests can use, but there aren’t any hookups or drinking water, so you’ll need to prepare for this. Don’t let this put you off staying here, though. This campground really does offer you a place to disconnect and enjoy the surroundings, and since the sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, you’ll be able to choose a site that suits you best if you arrive early enough!

One of the best things about staying here is how close you are to the popular Woods Lake Loop, which has an entry point right at the campground and gets you straight on the 6.8km trail. Woods Lake is also just 3 minutes away on foot and is the go-to place for anglers keen to catch a few rainbow trout or brook trout for the freshest campfire dinner imaginable.

Basecamp 550

Less than an hour from Telluride, you’ll find Basecamp 550. This is the place to go if you want amazing views of the San Juan Mountains paired with some fantastic amenities, opportunities for adventures, and the chance to unwind in comfort at the end of the day.

There is a variety of accommodations on offer at Basecamp 550, including glamping tents, tiny homes, and RV sites. Full hookups are available at RV sites (water, sewer, and electricity), but that’s just part of the luxurious experience you’ll have here. There are also flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, WiFi, and a clubhouse stocked with complimentary tea and coffee. Ideal for sharing stories of your adventures with fellow travelers before hitting the trails.

In terms of activities, you’re just 10 minutes away from Ridgeway State Park, where you can boat, fish, and hike. Or, if you’re happy to head a little further out, you can explore the towns of Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Montrose, all of which are less than an hour’s drive away. No matter what you feel like doing, Basecamp 550 is perfectly positioned for day after day of fun and adventure!

Final Thoughts

From rustic, dispersed campsites to luxurious RV parks, there’s a campground for every kind of traveler near Telluride. Naturally, you’ll need to reach these places to enjoy staying at them, though. So, if you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient way to explore this part of America, renting a campervan from Travellers Autobarn gives you the freedom to do so with unlimited miles. This means that no matter where you choose to camp, you can enjoy the beauty of a Colorado road trip at your own pace and create some truly unforgettable memories.