Camping by the water offers a uniquely scenic and serene experience, as it often provides opportunities for activities like hiking and paddleboarding with the convenience of being close to each. Plus, when it comes to finding campsites near water in Colorado, they often come with that classic view of a lake backdropped by a mountain scene.

Here are some of the best places to camp near the water in Colorado:

Editor’s Note: Given the drought situation, don’t expect water to be available at all campgrounds even if they’re close to water. Check ahead of time and still plan to bring drinking water in the event there’s a amenity interruption.

1. Prospector Campground

This campground is located in Summit County and overlooks the stunning Dillon Reservoir. The campground has 105 sites that are able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. It’s also near a trail that allows hikers to enjoy a walk around the lake. The campground is only a short drive away from Keystone, Breckenridge, Frisco Dillon, and Silverthorne as well.

2. Stillwater RV and Campground

Stillwater RV and Campground is located on Lake Granby, and features great boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. According to Recreation.gov, it’s the largest campground available in the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest, with 129 sites, 21 of which have electric hookups. There are also flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking, and a dump station available.

3. Elk Creek Campground

Set on the north shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, this campground is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, and serves as a great spot for plenty of water based activities. Anglers will enjoy fishing for salmon and rainbow trout, there’s chances for windsurfing and water skiing, and guests are also permitted to swim through the 20-mile reservoir.

4. Rifle Gap State Park

Rifle Gap State Park feature five campgrounds that provide 89 campsites along the north shore of the reservoir. The campsites can accommodate tents, motorhomes, and RVs. Campgrounds also have restrooms, and most have coin-operated showers.

5. Bear Lake Campground

In the San Isabel National Forest, this rustic campground offers scenic views of the surrounding Culebra Range Mountains. The campground includes 14 campsites, with each including a table and fire ring. The on-site camp host provides firewood bundles for sale, and vault toilets and drinking water are available. A tributary of the Cuchara River also runs through the campground. Bear Lake is 1/8 mile from the campground and Blue Lake is one mile away.

6. Pawnee Campground

Located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Pawnee Campground includes several campsites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The campground sits at the foot of the Continental Divide and is next to 25-acre Brainard Lake. The lake is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Long Lake, Red Rock Lake, and Left Hand Reservoir are also nearby.

7. Chatfield State Park

Located in the Denver metro area, Chatfield State Park offers a camping experience amid the city. The park features 197 campsites, including 146 with full hook-ups. The campsites offer picnic tables and grills, and are also within walking distance of the lake.

8. Collegiate Peaks

This campground is located 11 miles west of Buena Vista along Middle Cottonwood Creek, and is perfect for those looking for a high-alpine creek adventure. It offers several single-family sites on three loops, and each site has a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are also provided. Fishing in Middle Cottonwood Creek is a popular activity at the campground.

9. Twin Peaks Campground

This first-come, first-served campground has 35 sites and is located west of Twin Lakes Reservoir and above the whitewater of Lake Creek. It also provides incredible views of the Sawatch Mountain Range.

10. Molas Lake Campground

Located near Silverton, this 137-acre campground sits along the “Million Dollar Highway” among the San Juan Mountains, and also offers campers access to a stocked 25-acre lake. There are over 50 campsites for tents, small RVs, pop-ups, and a few for larger RVs.

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