How Colorado PeakPlan Works
Tell us your region and dates
Front Range, San Juans, Rocky Mountain NP, Maroon Bells, Arkansas Valley — or let us recommend based on your priorities.
Set your preferences
Group size, camping style (developed vs. dispersed), budget, pets, accessibility needs, and activities you want to add (hiking, fishing, 4WD).
Get your complete itinerary
Day-by-day plan with specific campsite names, reservation links, permit requirements, access road conditions, and a gear list.
Best Camping Regions in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
5 developed campgrounds, backcountry permits required for wilderness sites. Timed entry permits June–October. Book 6 months early for Moraine Park and Glacier Basin.
Maroon Bells / Aspen Area
Maroon Lake requires a shuttle or early-morning permit entry in summer. Silver Bell, Maroon Lake, and Difficult campgrounds are nearby. Book via recreation.gov.
San Juan Mountains
Million Dollar Highway corridor. Extensive dispersed camping on Uncompahgre and San Juan NF. No reservation needed — first-come sites and open BLM land throughout.
Arkansas River Valley
Hecla Junction, Rincon, and Chalk Lake campgrounds near Salida. Mix of reservable and first-come sites. Whitewater rafting and 14er access nearby.
Weminuche Wilderness
Colorado's largest wilderness (499,000 acres). No permits for overnight backpacking. Access via Durango & Silverton Railroad or Silverton trailheads. Spectacular but remote.
Grand Mesa / Western Slope
World's largest flat-top mountain with 300 lakes. Far less crowded than the Front Range. Excellent fishing camping. Collbran and Powderhorn access points.
Colorado Camping Permits & Reservations
What Requires a Reservation
- All National Park campgrounds — Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes (6 months advance at recreation.gov)
- Popular National Forest campgrounds — Maroon Bells-area sites, popular Front Range spots
- Wilderness overnight permits — Rocky Mountain NP backcountry, Indian Peaks Wilderness (May–Sept)
Free Dispersed Camping Rules
- Allowed on most National Forest and BLM land — no fee, no permit for stays under 14 days
- Stay 300 ft from streams, lakes, and trails; 100 ft from roads
- Campfire restrictions vary by season — always check inciweb.nwcg.gov before traveling
- Pack out all waste; no digging fire rings in designated wilderness areas
Booking Tip: When to Reserve Colorado Campgrounds
Rocky Mountain NP and Maroon Bells campgrounds sell out 5–6 months in advance for July–August weekends. Book at recreation.gov the day reservations open. For flexibility, target weekday stays or use first-come sites in less-trafficked areas like the San Juans or Grand Mesa.
Plan Your Colorado Camping Trip Now
Tell us your region, dates, and group — we'll build a complete itinerary with campsite options, permits, gear list, and day-by-day activities.
Build My Camping Itinerary →