Colorado is one of those places that just gets van life. Big open skies, alpine lakes, desert canyons, mountain towns, and endless public land make it a dream destination for RV and sprinter van travelers. Whether you’re rolling through for a weekend or planning a full summer loop, Colorado has no shortage of incredible places to park, unplug, and soak it all in.

If you’re looking for the best RV campsites in Colorado, this list is for you. These places pair jaw-dropping scenery with solid amenities.

Let’s dive in.

Why Colorado Is a Campers’ Dream

Colorado is full of different landscapes to explore. You could ski snowy peaks, paddle a crystal-clear alpine lake, hike through towering forests, or fall asleep under a sky full of stars (or do all of that in the same day if you’re really ambitious). Here at the Centennial State, every turn offers something new to discover.

Many campgrounds here are RV & sprinter van-friendly, and if your rig is built for off-grid living (solar, water storage, good insulation), you’ll have even more freedom to explore lesser-known spots.

This state rewards anyone who’s ready to roam.

Cherry Creek State Park (Denver Area)

If you want nature without completely disappearing from civilization, Cherry Creek State Park is a solid choice. Just outside of Denver, this campground offers full hookups, paved sites, clean bathrooms, and easy access to the city.

You’ll still get wide-open views, walking trails, and a huge reservoir for paddleboarding or kayaking. It’s a great stop if you’re easing into your Colorado trip or need a reset before heading deeper into the mountains.

Campsites here are paid and the fees vary by site but typically run around $28 per night for basic sites and about $41 per night for full-hookup sites. You’ll also pay a daily vehicle entrance fee (about $10-$11) to get into the park. It’s a good idea to consider an annual state parks pass if you’ll be visiting multiple parks within the year.

Because of its proximity to Denver and year-round popularity, reservations are required and often need to be made weeks or months in advance, especially for summer weekends. If you’re flexible with weekdays or off-season dates, it’s usually easier to secure a spot.

Best for: Convenience, city access, and smooth RV setups.

Moraine Park (Rocky Mountain National Park)

This one’s a classic (and for good reason). Moraine Park sits inside Rocky Mountain National Park and delivers those postcard-worthy mountain views you (probably) came for.

While there are no hookups, the sites are spacious and well-maintained, making it perfect for self-sufficient vans. Wake up to elk wandering through the meadow, sip your coffee with snow-capped peaks in the distance, and hit nearby hiking trails straight from camp.

Campsites here do have a fee; typically around $35 per night for a standard non-electric site and about $55 per night for sites with electric hookups. Be aware that you’ll also need to pay the park's entrance fee when you arrive. Because this campground is inside a very popular national park, reservations are made through Recreation.gov and usually open up to six months in advance and fill up quickly for prime summer dates. Booking early is strongly recommended if you want to secure the dates you want.

Best for: Mountain lovers and off-grid rigs.

Ridgway State Park (Southwest Colorado)

Tucked between Ouray and Telluride, Ridgway State Park is a favorite spot for RV and sprinter van travelers who want stunning scenery and modern amenities. Many sites offer electric hookups, and the views of the San Juan Mountains are beautiful.

There’s fishing, paddleboarding, biking trails, and easy access to some of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns. This is one of those campgrounds where you plan to stay for one night and then end up staying for three.

In terms of campsite fees, basic sites start around $28 per night, electric hookup sites around $36, and full-hookup sites roughly $41. Plus, you’ll need a daily vehicle park pass (around $10-$11) to enter the park each day. Because camping is by reservation only, spots can fill up quickly during the on-season (late spring through early fall). You can reserve campsites up to six months in advance through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife reservation system. Planning ahead makes it much easier to lock in a prime site with water, hookups, and those incredible mountain views.

Best for: Scenic comfort and longer stays.

Great Sand Dunes Oasis RV Park

Camping next to the tallest sand dunes in North America? Yep, that’s a thing (and it’s awesome).

Located just outside Great Sand Dunes National Park, this RV and sprinter van camping park offers full hookups, showers, laundry, and wide-open skies perfect for stargazing. Spend the day hiking the dunes, sandboarding, or cooling off in Medano Creek, then roll back to camp for a quiet desert night.

Sites here come with a cost. Full hookup RV sites typically run around $45-$50 per night for two people (with small additional fees per extra person). The park is open seasonally, generally from spring through fall. Since this is a popular base for Great Sand Dunes adventures, reservations are recommended and often fill up quickly in summer months, so it’s wise to book ahead rather than rely on walk-in availability.

Also keep in mind that Great Sand Dunes National Park itself charges a separate entrance fee to visit the dunes (typically around $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass) which is not included in the campground rate.

Best for: Unique landscapes and full-service camping.

Rifle Falls State Park

If waterfalls are your thing, Rifle Falls State Park needs to be on your list. This smaller campground packs a big punch with triple waterfalls, lush greenery, and limestone caves nearby.

Sites are shaded and peaceful, making it a great stop if you want something quieter than the big-name national parks. It’s also conveniently located if you’re traveling along I-70.

Basic sites and those with electric hookups typically run around $28-$36 per night depending on the season (winter rates are slightly lower), and you’ll also need a daily vehicle park pass (about $10) to enter the park each day once you stay. Because camping at Rifle Falls is reservation only, it’s wise to book ahead. You can reserve sites up to six months in advance through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife reservation system, and spots often fill up quickly on warm weekends and holidays.

Best for: Relaxed vibes and natural beauty.

Blue Mesa Reservoir (Curecanti National Recreation Area)

For wide-open water views and serious space, Blue Mesa Reservoir delivers. As Colorado’s largest body of water, this area offers several campgrounds with vehicle access and plenty of room to breathe.

Fishing, kayaking, and sunset views over the water are daily activities here. It’s a fantastic place to slow down and actually stay put for a bit.

All developed campsites around the reservoir charge a fee. Standard non-electric sites are typically around $16 per night, while sites with electric hookups run around $22 per night/ Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months and holiday weekends, and can be made through Recreation.gov for campgrounds such as Elk Creek, Lake Fork, and Stevens Creek. While there may be some dispersed camping options on nearby public lands, those spots offer no facilities or hookups, so booking a developed site is the easiest way to guarantee a comfortable stay while traveling in your sprinter van.

Best for: Peace, water activities, and big-sky camping.

Tips for RV & Sprinter Van Camping in Colorado

A few things to keep in mind before your roll in:

Attitude matters: Nights get cold, even in the summer. Good insulation, heating, and warm clothing layers go a long way.
Book early: Popular campgrounds (especially in the National Parks) fill up fast, especially from June to September.
Be flexible: Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Always have a backup plan.

Built for Colorado Adventures

Colorado camping is best enjoyed when your rig is ready for anything—long stretches, off-grid adventures, sudden weather changes, and winding mountain roads.

At Earth Ship Vans, we build adventure-ready vans designed for places exactly like this. Solar power, efficient layouts, smart storage, and off-grid systems mean you can park in incredible locations without sacrificing comfort.

Ready to build something that can take you there? Let’s get your Earth Ship on the road.

Best RV Campsites in Colorado