Rocky Mountains: 18 best campgrounds

COLORADO

1. Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
Elk, mule deer, and coyotes often wander through the meadow near this campground, which has a backcountry feel despite its proximity to the road. The 2.3-mile Cub Lake Trail leads to a lily pad–covered pond. Insider tip: Leave your car behind; starting on Memorial Day (May 25), summer park shuttles provide easy access to trails. Best for: Hiking Info: $20 (plus $20 park entrance fee per vehicle) Book it:  recreation.gov

2. Pinyon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes National Park
In this park, sand dunes of up to 750 feet ― the tallest in North America ― are dwarfed by the 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Insider tip: During May runoff, Medano Creek becomes a virtual water park, with gentle, kid-friendly flows. Best for: Families Info: $14 (plus $3 park entrance fee for adults 16 and up); no reservations; 719/378-6300

3. Big Creek Lakes Campground, Routt National Forest, Northwest of Walden
This remote 9,000-foot haven near the Wyoming border boasts beyond-blue lakes and spiky summits near the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. Insider tip: Hike the moderate Seven Lakes Trail 2 miles in; you’ll reach Big Creek Falls, where moose sightings are routine. Best for: Boating and fishing Info: $10; 970/723-8204 Book it:  recreation.gov

4. Elk Run and Fisherman’s Paradise Campgrounds, Sylvan Lake State Park, Southeast of Eagle
An 8,500-foot alpine park with aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, a 42-acre lake, and big, big mountains. Insider tip: Canoes, sea kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent here from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Best for: Fishing (though no motorboats) Info: $14 (plus $6 daily per vehicle); 970/328-2021 Book it: reserveamerica.com

5. Hall Valley and Handcart Campgrounds, Pike National Forest, Northwest of Bailey
These high-country campsites are tucked into a densely forested valley punctuated with wild-flowers and aspens. The North Fork of the South Platte River is within earshot. Insider tip: Walk 1.4 miles to access the super-scenic 2.4-mile Gibson Lake Trail, which climbs a moderate 1,544 feet to its namesake lake. Best for: Hiking Info: $14; 303/275-5610 Book it: recreation.gov

6. Rosy Lane Campground, Gunnison National Forest, Northeast of Almont
Campsites are tucked beneath tree canopies at Taylor River’s edge. Insider tip: Whitewater-rafting outfitters run the river daily. Best for: Fishing Info: From $18; 970/641-0471 Book it:  recreation.gov

7. Saddlehorn Campground, Colorado National Monument
From your campsite, spot steep-walled canyons and crimson-colored rocks. Insider tip: Hike the 6-mile Monument Canyon Trail to see signature rock formations. Best for: Hiking Info: $10 (plus $7 park entrance fee per vehicle); no reservations; 970/858-3617 ext. 360

8. Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, San Isabel National Forest, West of Leadville
Thick evergreen forest, mountains, and an 1,800-acre lake surround the eight campgrounds here, all at a cool 10,000-foot elevation. Insider tip: Bike the easy 12-mile paved Mineral Belt Trail loop; it starts in downtown Leadville, 4 miles east of the lake. Best for: Beating the heat Info: From $14; 719/486-0749 Book it:  recreation.gov

MONTANA

9. Apgar Campground, Glacier National Park
Campsites sit in a pine forest beside glacier-fed Lake McDonald, with Continental Divide peaks at the head of the lake. Insider tip: The famously precipitous Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass isn’t open to cars until June (and free public bus tours start July 1), but a portion opens to bikes and pedestrians in May. Best for: First-timers Info: $20 (plus $25 park entrance fee per vehicle); no reservations; 406/888-7800

10. Kintla Lake Campground, Glacier National Park
The quiet, rarely crowded campground sits by a tree-encircled lake with gorgeous mountain views, 40 miles from the Canadian border. Insider tip: Visit nearby Polebridge Mercantile (406/888-5105) to meet locals and try homemade huckleberry macaroons. Best for: Intimate, RV-free escapes Info: $15 (plus $25 park entrance fee per vehicle); no reservations; 406/888-7800

UTAH

11. Colorado Riverway, Moab
The Colorado flows more gently just south of Arches National Park, making this area perfect for low-key kayaking or float trips. Campsites string out along State 128, with cliffs on all sides. Insider tip: At Hal Canyon Campground, nab site 2 or 11 for secluded riverfront. Best for: Rafting Info: $12; no reservations; 435/259-2100

12. Dead Horse Point State Park, Northwest of Canyonlands National Park
Perch your tent atop a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. Trails and views of Canyonlands National Park are just 20 minutes away. Insider tip: Rise early for the sunrise over the 12,721-foot La Sal Mountains. Best for: Sunrises and sunsets Info: $20; 435/259-2614 Book it:  reserveamerica.com

13. Devils Garden Campground, Arches National Park, North of Moab
Juniper-studded, red sandstone–carpeted sites at the only campground in 76,519-acre Arches. Insider tip: Snag site 53 ― behind a “fin,” a slickrock boulder ― for privacy. Best for: Groups Info: $20 (plus $10 park entrance fee per vehicle); 435/719-2299 Book it:  recreation.gov

14. Watchman Campground, Zion National Park
Towering sandstone formations make up this gateway to Zion Canyon. Wade in the Virgin River; watch for grazing deer at dusk and dawn. Insider tip: Bring an awning for shade in summertime. Best for: Families Info: From $16 (plus $25 park entrance fee per vehicle); 435/772-3256 Book it:  recreation.gov

15. Tanner’s Flat Campground, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Southeast of Salt Lake City
It’s only 10 miles from Salt Lake City yet a world away, with thick stands of aspen and pine at a 7,250-foot elevation. Insider tip: On Sunday morning, head up the canyon to the Alta Lodge for its legendary brunch (Sun brunch $22; 801/742-3500). Best for: Hiking and fishing Info: $18; 801/236-3400 Book it: 
 recreation.gov

16. The Wedge Overlook, San Rafael Swell Recreation Area
Virtually unobstructed views of red rock country are the reward for camping above the Little Grand Canyon. Insider tip: Follow informal trails along the canyon rim for your own sunset lightshow. BYO water. Best for: Vistas Info: Free; no reservations; 435/636-3600

WYOMING

17. Jenny Lake Campground, Grand Teton National Park
Pitch a tent near the lake at the base of the Teton Range and close to Yellowstone National Park. Insider tip: Take the short, shaded uphill hike to 200-foot Hidden Falls. Best for: First-timers Info: $19 (plus $25 park entrance fee per vehicle); no reservations; gtlc.com or nps.gov/grte

18. Curtis Canyon Campground, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Northeast of Jackson
This little-known, bare-bones campground perches atop a 6,600-foot butte between the National Elk Refuge and the Gros Ventre Wilderness; sites look out at the snow-covered Tetons. Insider tip: Before leaving Jackson, grab a cup of locally roasted coffee at Jackson Hole Roasters ($; 307/699-3984). Best for: Wildlife-watching Info: $12; no reservations; 307/739-5400

More: 90 best places to camp