Hiking Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs Colorado - rules, permits, reservations

Amazing Places to Camp in Glenwood Springs, CO

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Glenwood Springs in northwestern Colorado is an amazing place to camp. Not only that, there are tons of great places to do around the area making these campgrounds a good base camp too. Whether you want to pitch a tent, park your RV, or retreat indoors in a rustic cabin, you can do it all in the Glenwood area.

As locals t the area, we want to help you out with planning your camping trip here. We’ve made it easy with this list of the most interesting and scenic camping locations in the area, including amenities, nearby activities, and even a word of caution or two.

Pro Tip: Do you want to a little more comfort but don’t have an RV? Rent one! You could rent one for a Colorado road trip or just rent one locally from Outdoorsy or RVShare

Camping Spots We Love

KOA Glenwood Springs

A campground list is not complete without a KOA campground. With over 500 campsites in North America alone, you are sure to find a close branch to where you are going. KOA’s branch in Silt, Glenwood Springs West / Colorado River is situated right on the confluence of Little River and Colorado River.

What’s unique about this park is the hiking trails with bridges that connect the park to the river islands which are across the Little River.

  • Website
  • Nearby nature: Aspen
  • RVs:
    • Max length: 95 ft
    • Full hook-up (electric, water, and sewage)
  • Amenities:
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • Pool
    • Snack Bar
    • Fishing

White River National Forest Redstone Campground

The Redstone Campground in the White River National Forest is one of the most modern facilities you will find on USFS. It is specially designed to accommodate big RVs up to 40 ft. in length.

There are 37 campsites and 2 host sites. There is water available in the hookups for sites 1-19, those who will use 21-38 can use the hydrant. For an extra fee, 1-19 users can have electrical hookups and cold running water.

  • Website
  • Nearby towns: Carbondale, Redstone
  • RVs:
    • Max length: 40 ft
    • Full hook-up (electric, water, and sewage) for sites 1-19
  • Amenities:
    • Tables
    • Firerings
    • Lantern hooks
    • Parking Spurs

Rifle Falls State Park

We are regulars in Rifle Falls State Park, and we love the adventures that we have from there. This just goes to show how popular it is that locals and tourists flock to spend their weekend, or any other day with their family in the park.

In fact, we wrote a whole article about what you will love at Rifle Falls State Park.

Rifle Falls Campground has a mix of tent and RV sites. There are 13 drive-in RV/tent campsites with 30 Amp electrical outlets and both back-in and pull-through options. 

You’ll enjoy the view as the campground is situated in the green and lush area along the creek. If you are thinking of staying here, book early, this popular place fills to capacity all summer long.

  • Website
  • Nearby towns: Rifle
  • RVs:
    • Max length: 40 ft
  • Amenities:
    • BBQ Grills
    • Comfort Station

Ami’s Acres Campground

If you’re looking for a campsite that offers both nature and a little bit of urban adventure, Ami’s Acres could be the place. This family-owned and operated park is surrounded on all sides by mountains, offering stunning views of the river and eagles flying overhead. 

It is also just a few miles away from downtown Glenwood Springs, where you can shop, eat, and soak in world-famous hot springs.

Ami’s Acres offers a variety of sites for campers. The large sites can accommodate up to a 40’ RV with enough room for another vehicle. They also offer arrangements for small RVs, tents, and groups. Pets are welcome.

Note that campfires are prohibited at their full hook-up sites, except for approved propane devices. The staff is friendly and reliable, so be sure to check with them if you have any questions about what is permitted.

  • Website
  • Nearby nature: Storm King Mountain
  • Gear: Campers need to bring their own gear, tents, food, clothing, and other equipment. They do not provide gear for campers.
  • RVs:
    • Max length: 40 ft
    • Full hook-up (electric, water, and sewage)
  • Amenities:
    • Free Wi-Fi

Riverside Rest for RVs

If you’re rolling in an RV, Riverside Rest is a nice place to spend some downtime. There are only two spots, so it’s really quiet. As a bonus, the spots are nice and flat. During the day you can drink in the rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Then, drift off to sleep to the sound of the river rushing by outside. 

Pets are not allowed, but resident horses and Scottish Highland cows are happy to receive treats and attention from visitors.

  • Website
  • Gear: You are within easy shopping distance, so food and a lot of supplies can be bought. Just be sure to bring your clothes and personal effects.
  • Things to do: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, whitewater paddling, wildlife watching
  • RV:
    • Max length: 30ft
    • Hook-up (water, electricity)
    • Generators allowed
  • Amenities:
    • Internet access
    • Picnic tables for use
    • Kitchen
    • Potable water
    • Bins
    • Water
    • Generators allowed

Glenwood Canyon Resort

The wondrous Glenwood Canyon Resort offers comfortable lodgings and accommodations, no matter what “camping” means to you. Onsite are Canyon Club suites, family cabins, deluxe resort cabins, camper cabins, RV sites, and comfortable tent sites right by the river.

You can certainly come prepared to make your own meals, but this location also features the No Name Bar and Grill for delicious food and drinks you don’t have to pack in or wash up after.

Most reviewers have left glowing reviews about the cleanliness and the serene campgrounds surrounded by lush greenery. However, some guests have complained about customer service and the cancellation policy. So we suggest good communication with the management before booking here.

  • Website
  • Nearby nature: Hanging Lake, Colorado River, Rifle Gap Reservoir
  • Gear: Most of what you need, like camping supplies, is provided. Just bring your food, clothing, your personal effects, and yourself.
  • Things to do: Whitewater rafting trips, zipline tours, high ropes challenge course, climbing walls, self-guided and guided biking tours, fishing, hot springs, shopping, horseback riding
  • RV:
    • Max length: 40ft
    • Full hookup: water, sewer, and 50amp electricity
  • Amenities:
    • Free parking
    • Wi-Fi
    • Picnic areas
    • Fit for families
    • Pets are allowed
    • Laundry is self-serve
    • Kitchenettes

Raven Tipi

Another beautiful tipi park provides a calming and spiritually invigorating atmosphere. This place has heart and soul poured into it as anyone who visits has commented. Everywhere you look is evidence of human craftsmanship blending with natural splendor. Even the private composting toilets have artwork hung inside the surround.

There are many large-high-quality tipis – also created by Colorado Yurt Company – with comfortable mattresses laid out inside for guests. The outdoor kitchen is well appointed and the newly installed solar showers are a real treat.

Many have sung praises of how beautiful the night sky looks from the comfort of the tipis and how delicious is the hot tea and coffee provided as each new day dawns. This place sells the experience, alright.

  • Website– Plus here is my $10 discount
  • Nearby nature: Crawford State Park, Grand Mesa National Forest
  • Gear: A lot of the required gear is available. No tent needed.
  • Things to do: Boating, horseback riding, paddling, wildlife watching, fishing, biking, climbing, hiking, swimming, and hot springs
  • Amenities:
    • Potable water
    • Kitchen
    • Showers
    • Wi-Fi
    • Picnic tables

Sun Tipi

For a unique, even spiritual, camping experience – sleep in a tipi. The accommodations at this location were locally designed and constructed by the Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose, Colorado. Each tipi features unique paintings of the animal spirits that frequent the land.

Tradition states to walk to the left, in a clockwise direction, as you enter your tipi home. Once inside, you’ll find that tradition meets modern comfort with a full-size memory foam mattress, make sure to bring your own bedding.

Your helpful host will make you feel welcome in this gorgeous area. Peace of mind is a common side effect when one is surrounded by nature that is so well-kept. 

We have enjoyed grilling up a storm in the outdoor kitchen and our dogs love that off-leash pets are allowed on the grounds. One magical night saw our family cuddling up together in our waterproof tipi as rain poured down and lanterns illuminated the scene.

  • Website– Use my code to get $10 off 🙂 SHAUNA-K733398
  • Nearby nature: Crawford State Park, Grand Mesa National Forest
  • Gear: A lot of the required gear is available on-site. No tent needed.
  • Things to do: Boating, horseback riding, paddling, biking, fishing, hiking, off-roading, climbing, swimming, wildlife watching
  • Amenities:
    • Potable water
    • Compostable toilets
    • Kitchen
    • Showers
    • Wi-Fi
    • Picnic tables

Tent Camping Near a Bubbling Brook

Bring your tents and set them up right here next to Papoose Creek. When you’re not enjoying the stunning vistas from the comfort of your campsite, you can explore the area and find an experience beyond expectation. 

The lake is stocked for fishing, barnyard animals eagerly await your food scraps, and kids will love playing at the playground. Pets are allowed at this location.

Campfires are also permitted and are a truly spectacular place to sit at night and stargaze to your heart’s content.

  • Website – Use my code to get $10 off 🙂 SHAUNA-K733398
  • Nearby nature: Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle Gap State Park
  • Gear: Bring your own gear, tents, food, clothing, and other equipment.
  • Things to do: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, horseback riding, off-roading, wildlife watching
  • RV:
    • Max length: 30ft
    • Full hook-up (electric, water, and sewage)
  • Amenities:
    • Toilet
    • Potable water
    • Shower
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bins
    • Picnic tables

The Hideout Cabins & Campground

If history is your passion, don’t miss the Hideout Cabins and Campground. Originally settled by a pioneer fur trader in the late 1800s, this historic location has been active for over a century and still rents out the original 1928 log cabins!

There are cabins, RV accommodations, and secluded campsites with picnic tables. Most reviewers enjoyed their stay here, though some complained about the lack of maintenance in bathrooms and other common areas.

  • Website
  • Nearby nature: Red Mountain, Grizzly Creek, Flat Tops Wilderness
  • Gear: Bring your own gear, tents, food, clothing, and other equipment.
  • Things to do: Hiking, fishing, skiing, biking, rafting, kayaking
  • RV:
    • Max length: 40ft
    • Full hook-up (electric, water, and sewage)
  • Amenities:
    • High-speed internet access
    • fit for family vacations
    • Laundry is self-serve
    • Free parking
    • Lodgings have kitchenettes
    • Pets are allowed

Please be aware! – Black bears roam some parts of Glenwood. They don’t often attack humans, but it is still important for campers to travel in pairs and practice caution when out hiking.

Final Thoughts on Amazing Places to Camp in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a wonderful vacation destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and luxury buffs alike. You can choose campsites far enough off the beaten path that civilization becomes a distant memory, or book a fully appointed high-end cabin. Tent camping, RVing, and so-called “glamping” options are plentiful.

Pro Tip: Do you want to a little more comfort but don’t have an RV? Rent one! You could rent one for a Colorado road trip or just rent one locally from Outdoorsy or RVShare

Nearby natural hot springs, state parks, lakes, and the mighty Colorado River provide plenty of opportunities to explore nature, while the quaint downtown area is full of incredible shopping and dining opportunities.

We’d like to end by repeating just one word of warning. Wildlife is abundant in the area, including black bears. Wildlife spotting is an excellent part of any vacation in Glenwood, but you must be respectful of the animals’ space. Always hike in pairs and stay aware of your surroundings. 

Whether you are just making a stop off I70 or planning a longer trip to Glenwood Springs, we have more resources to help you plan your trip:

That said, lovely Glenwood Springs awaits your visit!

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    Shauna Kocman founder Family Travel Fever
    Shauna Kocman founder of Family Travel Fever

    Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

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