Guide to Camping Near Rifle, Colorado
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Discover waterfalls, caves, lakes, and rivers while camping near Rifle, Colorado. Whether you are planning a camping trip to Rifle or stopping through on your way along I70, you can find fun places to camp perfect for your family with this guide.
As locals to the area, we wanted to give you a list of camping near Rifle, Colorado and help you decide which option is best for your family. (Spoiler Alert- Rifle Falls State Park is the best camping in the area for families. Fortunately, we have a complete guide to visiting Rifle Falls here. )
Visitors love renting out our 35-ft travel trailer with a bunkhouse! It’s perfect for a family so we have been sharing it with our Family Travel Fever community for a discount! Check out our trailer listing number 167545. Just for our blog, we created a 10% discount for you, just use the code TravelFever during booking. Oh, and use this link for a big discount for any RV in the area: $50 off Outdoorsy at checkout
As part of our series on Northwestern Colorado, we created this guide to camping near Rifle, Colorado. You will enjoy our other resources for visiting Rifle and the surrounding Colorado River Valley.
- 16 Fun Things to do in Rifle
- Visiting Rifle Falls State Park
- Hike Hanging Lake
- Complete Guide to Visiting Glenwood Springs
Rifle Gap State Park Campground
Rifle Gap is a 350-acre reservoir that the locals boast of the best boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, and windsurfing in Colorado. Nestled behind the Grand Hogback, and below the White River National Forest, Rifle Gap State Park is a great place to camp. Rifle Gap State Park has 5 campgrounds; Cottonwood, Lakeview, Cedar, Sage, and Pinion. There are 89 sites divided among the campgrounds. The campground is open year-round and some campsites have electric hookups and water available.
We stayed at Cottonwood Campground one night in a 5th wheel we were fixing up and flipping. The camp hosts were super friendly and the kids, and dog enjoyed direct access to the water.
- Website
- Location: 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650
- RV Length: unlimited
Rifle Falls State Park Camping
The campground at Rifle Falls State Park is very popular among locals and tourists because this is an oasis in the middle of the arider Colorado River Valley. With a triple waterfall, hiking trails and caves to explore, what’s not to love about this campground.
We have a complete guide to visiting Rifle Falls State Park.
This campground has 13 RV/tent sites with 30Amp electrical and 7 walk-in tent sites. The tent-only sites are situated off the road and along the creek.
Read more on our article about Rifle Falls State Park here.
- Website and Reservations
- Location: 5775 Highway 325, Rifle, CO 81650
- RV Length: unlimited
Rifle Falls State Park Camping
Rifle Mountain Park winds through a narrow limestone box canyon just north of Rifle Falls State Park. The road follows the creek through a canyon with almost vertical walls that are popular for world-class rock and ice climbing opportunities.
Three campgrounds are spread along the road, shaded by the evergreen forest. Sawmill campground has 5 sites (3 are walk-in) and Huffman Gulch has 9 sites. Rifle Creek campground has 15 sites and are the most desirable. Rifle Creek Campground has the best medium-sized RV spots.
We love to drive through the area, look straight up the cliffs and watch the rock climbers. Unless you are an avid rock climbing family, you may want to camp either below at Rifle Falls State Park or up the Road on White River National Forest. The kids will likely have a little more fun at Rifle Falls State Park.
- Website
- Location: 13885 Co Rd 217, Rifle, CO 81650
- RV Length: medium size
White River National Forest Camping
Continue driving through Rifle Mountain Park north and you arrive at the White River National Forest boundary. Dispersed camping is allowed on US Forest lands in the Rifle Range District. You can stop for a picnic at the Spruce Picnic area or head towards Coulter Mesa.
Before heading out for dispersed camping stop at the Rifle Range District office (970) 625-2371 for maps and information. The local rangers can point you to the best camping spots and give you trail and road information.
I can say that we practically slid down the road from Coulter Mesa one year when we tried to leave in the rain. The road is easily navigated even with a medium-size trailer in dry weather. We slid down that road in wet weather one time though, so that is not advisable.
- Website
- Location
BLM Colorado River Valley Camping
Another option for free camping near Rifle is dispersed camping on BLM lands. The BLM manages lands along the Colorado River Valley, on the mountains, and atop the Road Plateau. This plateau is the prominent land feature between Rifle and Parachute. The ecosystem is unique and has special areas designed for endangered species.
Many of the BLM lands are of interest for the OHV recreational opportunities. If your family enjoys OHVs like four-wheelers and side by sides, its worth a look. These are very primitive but free camping options.
Your best option is to call or stop by the local Colorado River Valley BLM field office located off the Silt exit. They will give you maps and advice on the best campsites for you.
- website
- Location: 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt CO
- Phone: 970-876-9000
Coulter Mesa Guest Ranch
If you would like more of a glamping experience, Coulter Mesa Guest Ranch is located on the White River National Forest north of Rifle. The road past Rifle falls and through Rifle Mountain Park leads to this full-service guest ranch.
This may be an option for your family to enjoy horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking or snow activities. Staying in a cozy cabin in the winter a
- Website
- Location: 80 CO Rd 273, Rifle Co 81652
Colorado River KOA
Many RV campers enjoy the amenities of the Colorado River KOA for a night stay for their camping vacation. Located just a few miles east of Rifle, the campground offers riverfront tent campsites, RV sites, teepees, and cabins.
Kids can enjoy the playground, pool and splash pad. The Colorado River just steps away for throwing rocks or more serious fishing.
This is likely best for families with RVs that would like to stay in a full-service campground near RIfle. The RV sites offer full hookups for RV up to 95 ft. And 30/50 Amp electric hookups.
- Website
- Location: 629 River Frontage Rd, Silt, CO 81652
Sopris Alpaca Farm
Another unique and free option for camping near Rifle is on Sopris Alpaca Farm. As a member of Harvest Hosts, you can stay for free at different farms and vineyards throughout the country including this place.
This little farm is a charming mix of a working Alpaca farm, boutique, and educational opportunity. The owners are very friendly and accommodating. They will show you where to pull up a piece of pasture and get settled in.
Even if you don’t want to camp, the Alpaca Farm is worth a stop. Our whole family toddlers, kids grandparents, love feeding these cute animals and running around the farm. They even have activities for kids on the weekends.
- Facebook Page
- Location: 35795 US-6, Silt, CO 81652
Final Thoughts on Camping near Rifle, CO
Rifle Colorado is known for the many year-round outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Although many people think of this little town as a place to stay near Glenwood Springs, you will find many things to do in Rifle.
Rifle has a wide variety for camping options including Rifle Gap State Park, Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle Mountain Park, White River National Forest dispersed camping, BLM camping, Coulter Mesa Guest Ranch and a full-service KOA campground.
Each of the camping areas has different amenities for tent camping and RVs.
You don’t need to own an RV to enjoy RV camping. You can rent one and even have it delivered to one of these campsites. We rent out 35-foot travel trailer in this area which you can find on Outdoorsy and RVShare.
More Help Planning your Trip to Rifle Colorado:
Whether you are just making a stop off I70 or planning a longer trip to Rifle we have more resources to help you plan your trip:
- 16 Things to do in Rifle, Colorado (by local experts)
- Why You will Love Rifle Falls State Park
- Ultimate Visitors Guide to Glenwood Springs
- 16 Things to do in Glenwood Springs
Where to Stay in a Hotel
If you decide that you do not want to camp but want a hotel to stay in, our family’s go-to place is the Hampton Inn. It has easy access to I70, clean rooms, hot breakfast, and a warm pool. Plus, it is within walking distance from BBQ or fast food and close to Walmart. Downton Rifle is just a short drive across the bridge. Check Booking.com for rates and reservations at the Hampton Inn
Please ask in the comments if you have any questions about camping near Rifle – we will answer or get a local answer for you.
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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