If there’s one thing Colorado knows how to do, it’s to provide some of the most amazing landscapes in the United States and endless opportunities for adventure! But what makes it even more special is that you can camp here totally free! Imagine setting up camp under a sky full of stars and waking up surrounded by wilderness, all without spending a dime. Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s find out more!
Free & Low Budget Colorado Camping Spots
One of the most important things to note before we start looking at this site is more detail is that Colorado has an extremely limited number of RV-friendly free campgrounds, so we’ve also included a couple of budget-friendly options to make the most of your road trip while keeping your budget in check. And when it comes to campervan hire, with an RV from Travellers Autobarn you’ll have a safe place to call home throughout your trip and be able to explore everything Colorado has to offer in comfort and style. Contact us today to learn more about hiring a campervan.
San Luis Lakes Campground
Mosca, Colorado
Located just a 15-minute drive from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Lakes Campground is great for dispersed camping, surrounded by incredible scenery and plenty of opportunities to explore! Also, there are some basic amenities here that make camping a little more comfortable.
These include partial hookups (50-amp, 30-amp, and 20-amp), flush toilets, showers, trash cans, picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station. Not too bad for a campsite that’s totally free to stay at! The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you’re only allowed to camp in the designated areas, and while there are 51, sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early if you’re hoping to snag a spot.
Given its location, it won’t come as a huge surprise that one of the biggest draws here is how close the campground is to Great Dunes National Park, where you can hike or try your hand at sandboarding. Or, if you’re willing to travel a little further out, an hour’s drive will take you to Medano Creek, which is ideal for cooling off on a hot day and spotting some local wildlife, including elk, deer, and a variety of bird species. Also, if you’re a stargazing enthusiast, San Luis Lakes Campground is a designated dark-sky area, so you’ll be camping in one of the best places in the state for spotting stars and planets!
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Partial Hookups
- Flush Toilets
- Showers
- Trash Cans
- Picnic Tables
- Fire Rings
- Dump Station
Burning Bear Campground
Near Grant, Colorado
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway that’s just you, the trees, and maybe a few curious critters, Burning Bear Campground should be on your list. While it isn’t a free option, it is very budget-friendly, with rates averaging $23 – $25 per night.
The facilities here aren’t particularly luxurious, but you will have access to vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. There aren’t any hookups or showers, but that gives you the opportunity to really reconnect with nature, and since the campsites are nicely spread out, you won’t feel like you’re on top of your neighbors. Just note that like many campgrounds and RV parks in Colorado, Burning Bear operates seasonally and opens between May and August each year.
The Burning Bear Trail is the main attraction here, which is a beautiful hike through aspen groves and pine forests with views that will have you reaching for your camera. It’s also the ideal spot for wildlife viewing, with the chance to spot moose, deer, or even a black bear.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Vault Toilets
- Picnic Tables
- Fire Rings
- Drinking Water
Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground & Cabins
Leadville, Colorado
Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground & Cabins is the perfect spot for anyone who wants a bit of comfort without missing out on Colorado’s epic scenery. It’s located just outside Leadville and, as you might expect from an RV park, it isn’t free, but at around $45 per night, it’s a great option if you fancy a break from roughing it but still want to keep your expenses low.
It also has some pretty good facilities, including full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, and even WiFi. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that this is also a seasonal campsite and is shut annually from October through May. You’ll also need to make a reservation to stay here, and the drive-thru sites can accommodate RVs up to 100 feet in length.
When you’re parked up and ready to venture out, Leadville’s historic downtown is only 11 minutes away and is full of interesting shops and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re also 50 minutes from Mount Elbert and just 40 minutes from Mount Massive, two of Colorado’s highest peaks that are begging to be explored. Or, if you prefer to stay closer to the ground, Twin Lakes is only 20 minutes away and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Full Hookups
- Showers
- Laundry Facilities
- Picnic Tables
- Fire Rings
- WiFi
Find popular road trips across Denver
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Once you know where you’re headed, find your next free USA camping location and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Also, check out best Colorado RV camping & campgrounds and our full list of recommended campgrounds across the US.
Get the best rates on campervan rentals across Denver
A road trip through Colorado is even better when you know you got a great deal on your vehicle. Choosing a budget campervan rental in Denver lets you focus on making memories, not on stretching your budget.
FAQs about free camping in Colorado
There are some fantastic freedom camping and low-budget sites you can stop at on your road trip around Colorado. San Luis Lakes Campground is a great place with some basic facilities, and it’s only 15 minutes from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you can go sandboarding or hiking. A bonus is that this spot also has power points!
Burning Bear Campground may not be free, but for only $23 to $25, you can book a site in this beautiful area. The main attraction here is the Burning Bear Trail, a stunning hike through the aspen groves and pine forests. Sugar Loafin RV Campground & Cabins is another paid campground, around $45 a night. There are some great attractions to see here and some interesting little shops and restaurants to visit.
Most of the campgrounds in Colorado require you to have a self-contained vehicle. That means your campervan would need to have its own toilet, shower, and washing facilities. Sites like Burning Bear only have the basics when it comes to amenities like vault toilets, while other sites like San Luis Lakes and Sugar Loafin have showers, running water, power, and toilets. So, playing it safe and having a self-contained campervan is best.
At most public sites in Colorado, including San Luis Lakes Campground, the general rule is you can stay up to 14 days in one location within 28 days. After that, you’ll need to move to a different area. Campgrounds like Burning Bear and Sugar Loafin’ operate on a nightly basis with a limit based on availability and season. Always check local signage or ask a ranger to be sure.
This depends on each site. San Luis Lakes Campground is free and works on a first-come, first-served basis, so no booking is needed. But for Burning Bear Campground and especially Sugar Loafin’ RV Campground, it’s a smart idea to reserve your spot early, especially during peak travel months. Sugar Loafin’ does require reservations and closes from October through May.
Yes. If you’re caught camping in the wrong area in Colorado, you could be fined between $100 and $1000, depending on where you were camping. To avoid this, we recommend doing your research before heading out. Also, keep an eye out for regulatory signs near campgrounds that indicate whether they are freedom campsites or not.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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