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At A Glance

Summer
Season:

Summer

Months:

June - September

Camping Near Vail, Colorado

From meadows filled with a kaleidoscope of colorful wildflowers to breathtaking Rocky Mountain views, Vail is known for its incredible natural beauty. Enjoy more of it with a camping trip near Vail. Try glamorous glamping accommodations with modern-day perks, primitive Colorado campgrounds with the bare necessities or rustic huts and cabins if you’re not fully ready to rough it.

Check out different Colorado camping opportunities near Vail, along with beginner tips and ways to incorporate some time in the villages. Whenever you choose to camp, minimize campfire impacts by making sure all hot embers are fully out before bedtime and, that if there are active fire restrictions in place, you forgo a fire completely.

Campgrounds

Ready to reconnect with loved ones? Snag a spot at Gore Creek Campground — just 6 miles outside Vail in the lush White River National Forest. You’ll love roasting marshmallows on sticks and telling spooky stories around a crackling fire. This location boasts an accessible campsite (site 18), accessible toilets and creekside locales for drifting off to the sounds of rushing water.

History buffs will love sleeping outside at Camp Hale Memorial Campground near Minturn, located near the historic World War II training grounds of Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. Dive into local lore with a trek along the self-guided history trail loop or take in the panoramic views in hopes of catching glimpses of roaming moose, elk and other critters.

Or set up your tent between majestic, forested peaks at the intimately sized Hornsilver Campground near Red Cliff. Spend your days across the road fishing for speckled trout at Homestake Creek and return to camp in the evenings to watch sherbet-hued sunsets. 

Looking to bag a fourteener? Stay at Halfmoon Campground near Minturn where — along with bluebird skies, stands of pine and the babbling Notch Mountain Creek — you’ll find several trailheads, including one that ascends Mount of the Holy Cross. 

Glamping

Imagine waking up in a plush bed piled with soft blankets with the sweet trills of birdsong outside your tent flap. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you stay in the glamping tents at Piney River Ranch. During the day, you can horseback ride across the rugged landscape, chase waterfalls on alpine trails or SUP along the massive lake.

At Collective Retreats on the 4 Eagle Ranch, luxury tents offer you a cozy bed along with a bounty of extra amenities. Freshen up in a private attached bathroom and savor cooked-to-order gourmet breakfasts, like smoked-trout bagels and breakfast sandwiches topped with garlic aioli. Chow down on your private deck and watch horses romp in pastures beneath towering mountains. Plus, you can participate in bespoke activities, like branding your own cutting board or celebrating a special occasion with a picnic amid spectacular mountain vistas.

Cabins & Huts

Though not traditionally thought of as camping in Colorado, cabins and huts provide a combination of secluded nature and homey comforts, like a working kitchen and a soft mattress. Near Vail, you’ll find charming digs like Shrine Mountain Inn’s log cabins. Book Jay’s Cabin, a lodge-style wood-heated abode with large windows for looking out onto the stunning Rockies backcountry. 

Eiseman Hut offers a more rustic experience — think hand-pumped water and outhouse-style toilets — along with solar-powered lights and trail routes right outside the door. Here, you’ll see jaw-dropping views of Vail’s ski slopes from its wide, wraparound deck. 

Piney River Ranch has its own set of wood cabins, complete with kitchenettes, private porches and stylish cowhide rugs. You can opt for family lodging with built-in bunk beds or a cozy lakefront cabin to share with your partner.

Be aware that some more remote huts and cabins in Colorado may require four-wheel drive or alternative routes for access depending on the season.

Tips for Beginners Camping in Colorado

  • Find out ahead of time if reservations are required for each Colorado campground and, if so, book your site in advance. If you’re camping in an RV or trailer, check that there is room to park at your chosen site.
  • Always review campground amenities as some locations may not provide running water or toilet paper.
  • Please respect wildlife, and do not feed them, as this could alter their natural behaviors. Store all food items in secure, sealed containers (examples: bear-proof lockers or your locked vehicle). 
  • At higher elevations, temperatures and weather conditions can shift quickly, so pack your bags with lots of clothing layers.
  • Keep Colorado’s natural spaces beautiful and clean for future trips by following Leave No Trace Principles.

Make Time for Fun in Vail, Colorado

Camping near Vail? Be sure to plan some time exploring the villages. Take a break from your tent and indulge in creature comforts — aka hot showers and refreshing swimming pools — with Vail hotel options like The Antlers at Vail, The Hythe Vail or Evergreen Lodge. Nearby, you’ll discover plenty of local boutiques and art galleries for precious Vail mementos, plus scenic gondola rides to the mountaintop Epic Discovery for thrill-seeking adventures.

Partake in Vail’s thriving culinary scene at MICHELIN-recommended restaurants, like Sweet Basil and Osaki’s, or sample a Colorado-sourced menu at Mountain Standard and craft beer at Vail Brewing Co. In the evening, attend special events or jam out at free Tuesday-night concerts at The Amp.

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