Camping near Rifle, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale

Garfield County is home to some amazing natural wonders that make it perfect for the Colorado camper looking to explore. The  towns of Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Rifle all make a great camping base, with a myriad of interesting campsites to choose from.

The White River National Forest surrounds much of Garfield County, providing camping and other outdoor recreation. We’ll cover a bit of Pitkin County too at Redstone, just south of Carbondale, and Marble, which is Gunnison County’s most remote town, and coincidentally just south of Redstone. From hot springs to waterfalls, get ready to take on this amazing region of western Colorado!

The following region covers the best campgrounds near the towns of:

• Rifle (Garfield County)
• Silt (Garfield County)
• New Castle (Garfield County)
• Glenwood Springs (Garfield County)
• Carbondale (Garfield County)
• Redstone (Pitkin County)
• Marble (Gunnison County)

List of camping by Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Redstone and Marble, by proximity:

Camping near Rifle, Silt and New Castle

Less than thirty minutes west of Glenwood Springs leads you to the western town of Rifle. On the way you’ll pass by New Castle then Silt, a couple of tiny towns with some unique treasures. There’s camping located between all three towns, with something suitable for every type of camper, from recreational vehicles to tents. Probably the best known is Rifle Gap State Park, which is centered around a reservoir of the same name. If you want something a little more away from the crowds, opt for neighbor park, Rifle Falls. In town, Rifle has all the amenities and facilities you’ll need, be it a fishing license or a fresh cooked meal.

Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River KOA Holiday

If you want to be as close as you can get to the town of Rifle, the Glenwood Springs West KOA is one of the best campgrounds around. With a large amount of full hookup RV sites and tent camping sites to choose from right on the Colorado River, you’ll be right in the heart of Rifle’s recreation area when you stay here.

• Closest Town: Silt (1mi), Rifle (8mi) Glenwood Springs (20mi)
• Specs: 100+ full hookup RV, tent, and cabin camping sites on the Colorado River
• Amenities: 2 bath houses, camp store, dump station, propane refills, playground, swimming pool, dog park
• Recreation: Boat ramp access to the Colorado River, close to Rifle recreation
• Reservations: Yes, at KOA.com
• Address: 629 River Frontage Rd, Silt, CO 81652 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Rifle, take I-70 E for about 7 miles, then get off on exit 97 towards 9th St. Turn right on 9th St, then turn right onto River Frontage Rd. From there, the campground will be located on your left.

Rifle Gap State Park Camping

There are five campgrounds located within Rifle Gap State Park, all of which offer unique amenities and views of the gorgeous landscapes just north of Rifle. The most popular types of recreation in this area are hiking, boating, fishing (including world-famous ice fishing in the wintertime), and other water sports.

Cottonwood Campground

• Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (14mi)
• Specs: 7 lakeside pull-thru campsites with electric hookups, 1 group pavilion
• Amenities: Bathrooms w/ flush toilets and coin operated showers
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Rifle, take CO-13 N/Government Rd for a little over a mile. Turn right onto CO-325 N and follow this road for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Rifle Gap Rd and after about a half-mile, turn left. The campground will be on your left.

Sage Campground

• Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
• Specs: 13 pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs and tent camping
• Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Rifle, follow CO-13 N/Government Rd for about a mile. Turn right to get onto CO-325 N and keep going for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Rifle Gap Rd and continue for a little over a mile. Turn right and you will see the campground on your left.

Pinion Campground

• Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
• Specs: 5 pull-thru and back-in campsites for RVs and tent camping
• Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pit
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO, 81650 (Map)
  
• Directions: Coming from Rifle, take CO-13 N/Government Rd for around a mile. Take a right onto CO-325 and head north for about 6 miles. From there, make a left onto Rifle Gap Rd and after about a mile turn left. Take another slight left and the campground will be located on your right.

Cedar Campground

• Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
• Specs: 15 pull-thru and back-in sites
• Amenities: Restrooms, vault toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire ring
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address:  CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
  
• Directions: Driving from Rifle, follow CO-13/Government Rd north for about a mile until you reach CO-325. Take this exit and head north for another 6 miles. Turn left onto Rifle Gap Rd and follow this road for about a mile. Turn left and then make a right and the campground will be on your left.

Lakeview Campground

• Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
• Specs: 32 full-hookup pull-thru RV and tent campsites, 10 walk-in sites (short distance from parking lot)
• Amenities: Paved and level campsites, restrooms, coin-operated showers
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Rifle, take CO-13/Government Rd north for a mile. Take the exit onto CO-325 N and head down this road for about 6 miles. Take the left onto Rifle Gap Rd and after around a mile, make right. The campground will be on your right.

Rifle Falls State Park Camping

Rifle Falls is famous all across Colorado for its incredible scenic beauty, but most travelers may not be aware that Rife Falls State Park also offers a handful of campsites for park visitors. Be sure to plan your trip well in advance if you’re planning on a weekend or holiday excursion–these campsites go quick due to high demand and limited number. While in the stake park, check out its unique caves and of course, waterfalls.

• Closest Town: Rifle (13mi), New Castle (15mi)
• Specs: 13 pull-thru campsites and 7 walk-in tent campsites on Rifle Creek
• Amenities: 30amp electrical outlets, fire pits, picnic tables
• Recreation: Hike to Rifle Falls and in the greater area, fishing in Rifle Creek, mountain climbing, mountain biking
• Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
• Address: 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Rifle, take CO-13 N/Government Rd for about a mile. Turn left onto CO-325, then continue along this road for almost 10 miles. Take a slight right and you will arrive at the park.

Elk Creek Campground

Elk Creek Campground is located near New Castle, featuring a large amount of full-hookup sites for RVs as well as tent camping and cabins. Elk Creek is right next door, so fishing and swimming are an easy walk from your campsite.

• Closest Town: New Castle (3mi), Rifle (16mi)
• Specs: 67 total sites with hookups for RVs (up to 42′) and tent camping, cabins available as well
• Amenities: Restrooms w/ showers, picnic tables, fire pits, WiFi
• Recreation: Fishing, swimming in Elk Creek, close to Rifle recreation
• Reservations: Yes, at ElkCreekCamping.com
• Address: 581 Co Rd 241, New Castle, CO 81647 (Map)
• Directions: From Rifle, take I-70 E for about 7 miles, then take exit 97 towards 9th St. Follow signs for US-6 E/Main St and continue on this road for about 7 miles. Turn left onto N 7th St, which becomes Midland Ave,  then follow this towards Co Rd 245/Buford Rd. After around a half mile, turn left to stay on this road. Take a slight right onto E Elk Creek Rd/Spring Creek and after another half-mile, the campground will be on your left.

Camping near Glenwood Springs

This year round resort town attracts tourists from around the world. With a trio of in-town hot springs resorts to choose from, plus an adventure park, Glenwood Springs will both keep your adrenaline going and keep you relaxed. The Colorado River flows through town, and there’s a whitewater park if you’ll looking to kayak or spend a half day whitewater rafting. Explore the local ski area, Sunlight Mountain Resorts in the summertime for a myriad of alpine activities. At only three hours of easy, highway driving, Glenwood Springs is easy to reach to from Denver.

Ami’s Acres Campground

Looking to stay close to Glenwood Springs but not give up the beautiful outdoor views? Ami’s Acres Campground offers a host of amenities for RV and tent campers just minutes from the town of Glenwood Springs.

• Closest Town: Glenwood Springs (3mi), Chacra (7mi), Cabondale (16mi)
• Specs: Full hookup RV, tent, and group campsites close to Glenwood Springs
• Amenities: Bath house, picnic tables at each site, level campsites
• Recreation: Hiking, biking, mountain climbing, hot springs, close to Glenwood Springs recreation
• Reservations: Yes, call 910-987-4805
• Address: 50235 US-6, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Glenwood Springs, take Hwy 6 east for about 2 miles. Once you reach the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Hwy 6, then drive for another hundred feet or so and you will see the campground on your right.

The Hideout at Glenwood Springs

The Hideout is a unique campground located just a few minutes down the road from famous Glenwood Springs. Featuring tiny homes available for lease in addition to traditional RV and tent camping rentals, you won’t want to miss this hidden gem of a campground.

• Closest Town: Glenwood Springs (3mi), Carbondale (12mi)
• Specs: Short-term and long-term RV and tent camping in a tiny home neighborhood
• Amenities: Electric hookups, WiFi, laundry
• Recreation: Close to hot springs, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, call (970) 235-0059
• Address: 1293 Co Rd 117, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Glenwood Springs, take Grand Ave south for about a mile and a half. Once you reach the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Midland Ave. Follow this for about another mile and a half, then the campground will be on your right.

Camping near Carbondale

If you can’t decide between basing your Colorado camping vacation in Glenwood Springs or Aspen, compromise and go Carbondale. You’ll be delighted to stay here at the junction of the Roaring Fork and Crystal rivers, as this town located at the base of Mount Sopris is its own destination. Carbondale has a nifty little downtown area, lined with creative artwork, colorful shops and choice restaurants. You’ll reap the benefits of its convenient location surrounded by world class recreation in all directions.

Gateway RV Park

A unique RV park that was created with funds from Garfield County as well as the division of Parks and Wildlife for the city of Carbondale, Gateway RV Park is open to short-term RV campers visiting the area. With gorgeous views and level pull-thru sites, this RV park is the closest camping to the town of Carbondale.

• Closest Town: Carbondale (4mi), Glenwood Springs (12mi)
• Specs: 15 RV sites with electric hookups
• Amenities: Dump station, WiFi, fire rings, picnic tables, pet-friendly
• Recreation: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, access to Glenwood Springs for hot springs
• Address: 640 Co Rd 106, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Carbondale, take Co-82 west for about 2 miles until you reach Satank Rd. Take a left onto Satank Rd, then follow this road for another mile to arrive at the RV park.

Carbondale/Crystal River KOA Holiday

A serene locale on the gorgeous Crystal River, the Carbondale KOA is a medium-sized campground that’s great for RV and tent campers alike. KOA campgrounds always come with a variety of amenities, and you’ll find unique ones like a sculpture garden at this spot.

• Closest Town: Carbondale (6mi), El Jebel (14mi), Glenwood Springs (19mi)
• Specs: 24 back-in and pull-thru RV sites, 14 tent camping sites, 13 cabins on the Crystal River
• Amenities: Restrooms, dump station, dog park, swimming pool, playground
• Recreation: Fishing in the Crystal River, sculpture garden, close to Carbondale recreation
• Reservations: Yes, at KOA.com
• Address: 7202 CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Carbondale, take CO-133 south for a little over 5 miles. Turn left at Bill Creek Rd, then make a slight right to arrive at the KOA campground.

Camping near Redstone

This cool community lies just twenty minutes south of Carbondale on CO-133, which happens to be along the West Elk Loop, a national scenic byway. You can spot the town by the Coke Ovens, which appear alongside Highway 133. There’s not too many commercial businesses in Redstone, a historic inn, castle, museum, and hot springs resort. All worth checking out after you stroll its little historic district, Redstone Boulevard.

Redstone Campground

Want to get away from it all? Redstone Campground is your next home away from home. At Redstone you will find luxuries like electric hookups, flush toilets, and a playground, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Crystal River, which provides plenty of opportunities for fly fishing and water recreation.

• Closest Town: Redstone (1mi), Marble (12mi), Carbondale (15mi), Glenwood Springs (28mi)
• Specs: 37 tent camping and pull-thru RV sites, 17 electrical hookup sites
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, playground, horseshoe pits
• Recreation: Fly fishing in Crystal River, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing
• Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov
• Address: CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Carbondale, take CO-133 south for about 14 miles. Make a left onto Redstone Rd, then turn right to stay on that road. Take a left toward Avalanche Creek Rd, then turn right. Turn left, then right again, and you will arrive at the campground.

Avalanche Campground

If your idea of fun is camping near the top of a mountain, Avalanche Campground is an aptly-named spot for you to spend a night. Located far from civilization, Avalanche is a small and lightly-used campground that is light on the amenities but big on mountain views. Be sure to arrive early–this campground is first come, first serve and run by donation, so drop a few dollars in the box if you spend the night.

• Closest Town: Redstone (7mi), Carbondale (13mi), Marble (19mi), Glenwood Springs (26mi)
• Specs: 6 campsites adjacent to Avalanche Creek (AWD/4WD recommended)
• Amenities: Composting toilet, water, bear boxes, fire pits
• Recreation: Hiking, mountain climbing, fishing
• Reservations: No, first come, first serve
• Address: Avalanche Creek Rd, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Carbondale, take CO-133 south for about 10 miles. Take a left onto Avalanche Creek Rd and follow it for a little over 2 miles. The campground is at the end of the road.

Camping near Marble

The little town of Marble is a gem that lies hidden from CO-133 via County Road 3, about forty minutes south of Carbondale. If you’re looking to truly escape from the crowds and experience an authentic Colorado mountain town, consider camping by Marble. There is one campground right in town, as well as another within a five miles drive. While in town, grab a bite to eat at Slow Groovin BBQ, for some delicious, slow cooked barbeque.

Marble Campground

If you’re itching to visit Marble, Marble Campground is located right in the center of town and offers easy access to recreation as well as other tourist stops. Visit the famous Crystal Mill near Marble and the old Crystal ghost town on your next visit to this historic area.

• Closest Town: Marble (>1mi), Redstone (11mi), Carbondale (27mi)
• Specs: 16 campsites for tent camping and small RVs located in the heart of Marble
• Amenities: Electric hookups, showers, dump station
• Recreation: Town of Marble, hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing
• Reservations: Yes, at MarbleCampground.com
• Address: 220 W Park St, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Carbondale, take CO-133 south for about 21 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 3, then continue for around 6 more miles. There, Co Rd 3 turns slightly right and become Park St–a half-mile later, the campground will be on your right.

Bogan Flats Campground

Crystal River is overflowing with well-known campgrounds, but one that might be a bit off the beaten path is Bogan Flats. This campground is a great jumping off point for your recreational adventures in the greater Carbondale area, with access to the river and hiking trails for nature lovers.

• Closest Town: Marble (5mi), Redstone (6mi), Carbondale (23mi)
• Specs: 35 RV (40ft max) and tent campsites near the Crystal River
• Amenities: 2 composting toilets, 1 vault toilet, water, fire pits, picnic tables
• Recreation: Fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding
• Reservations: Yes, at Recreation.gov
• Address: Co Rd 3, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
  
• Directions: From Carbondale, take CO-133 south for 21 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 3 and continue for another mile and a half. Turn left here and Bogan Flats will be on your left.

Consider Aspen or Eagle

A little more than thirty minutes drive southeast of Carbondale on Highway 82 leads you to the iconic ski town of Aspen. About halfway there you’ll pass by the mountain town of Basalt and the exit for Ruedi Reservoir. There are three lakeside campgrounds here managed by the Forest Service. Or opt for another trio of lovely campgrounds at the pictured above, Maroon Bells. Either way, the camping near Basalt and Aspen is sensational!

A little more than thirty minutes east of Glenwood Springs on I-70 leads you back to the Eagle County seat and town of Eagle, passing by Gypsum and plenty of camping opportunities close by. There are some opportunities for riverside camping near Gypsum and Eagle, right on the banks of the Eagle River. These put you within a good day trip to enjoy Glenwood’s hot springs and other attractions, as well as closer to the front range.

That’s a roundup of the top places to camp nearby Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Redstone and Marble. Make the most of your camping trip to this wonderful region of western Colorado!