Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Rifle are terrific places to camp, with a myriad of interesting campsites to choose from. This region of Western Colorado is home to some amazing natural wonders that make it perfect for the camper looking to explore.
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; reservable
- 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
- Address: 629 River Frontage Rd, Silt, CO 81652 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Bathrooms w/ flush toilets and coin operated showers
- Address: 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
Sage Campground
- Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
- Specs: 13 pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs and tent camping; reservable
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
- Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
Pinion Campground
- Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
- Specs: 5 pull-thru and back-in campsites for RVs and tent camping; reservable
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pit
- Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO, 81650 (Map)
Cedar Campground
- Closest Town: Rifle (10mi), New Castle (15mi)
- Specs: 15 pull-thru and back-in sites; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, vault toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire ring
- Address: CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
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); reservable
- Amenities: Paved and level campsites, restrooms, coin-operated showers
- Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
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; reservable
- 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
- Address: 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO 81650 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms w/ showers, picnic tables, fire pits, WiFi
- Recreation: Fishing, swimming in Elk Creek, close to Rifle recreation
- Address: 581 Co Rd 241, New Castle, CO 81647 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Bath house, picnic tables at each site, level campsites
- Recreation: Hiking, biking, mountain climbing, hot springs, close to Glenwood Springs recreation
- Address: 50235 US-6, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Electric hookups, WiFi, laundry
- Recreation: Close to hot springs, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing
- Address: 1293 Co Rd 117, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (Map)
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; open May 1 to October 1; 2-week max stay for RVs
- 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)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, dump station, dog park, swimming pool, playground
- Recreation: Fishing in the Crystal River, sculpture garden, close to Carbondale recreation
- Address: 7202 CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, playground, horseshoe pits
- Recreation: Fly fishing in Crystal River, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing
- Address: CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
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); first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Composting toilet, water, bear boxes, fire pits
- Recreation: Hiking, mountain climbing, fishing
- Address: Avalanche Creek Rd, Redstone Historic District, CO 81623 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: Electric hookups, showers, dump station
- Recreation: Town of Marble, hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing
- Address: 220 W Park St, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
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; reservable
- Amenities: 2 composting toilets, 1 vault toilet, water, fire pits, picnic tables
- Recreation: Fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding
- Address: Co Rd 3, Carbondale, CO 81623 (Map)
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!
Camping near Gunnison and the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado
