The following is a directory of bicycle camping resources in the state of Colorado, including both free and pay sites, concentrating on tent (primitive) campsites most appropriate for bicycle touring.
Note that most of these are not exclusively for bicycle camping; most are described as "tent camping", "primitive camping", or "backpacker camping". But all of these will accept campers traveling by bicycle, and offer a minimum of a place to pitch a tent. Other common amenities include restrooms, water, showers, picnic tables, etc.
Colorado Camping Destinations
Colorado is unique among Kansas' neighboring states in its wealth of camping opportunities. With more than a third of Colorado's land area owned by the public and available for public use, much of it at no cost and with few restrictions, the possibilities for bicycle camping are essentially limitless.
- Colorado State Parks Camping – Learn about camping opportunities at Colorado State Parks. "Breathtaking natural beauty, few bugs and the abundance of outdoor activities at your fingertips make the Centennial State one of the nation's most popular places to camp. Colorado State Parks manage more than 4,000 campsites throughout the state. We have everything from backcountry sites for those who desire seclusion to full-hookup sites with individual pressurized water, sewer and electrical connections." A fee is charged for most campsites; dispersed camping, where allowed, may or may not be free – check the local regulations.
- Colorado National Parks – There are four national parks in Colorado: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. All offer both campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. Check out the Rocky Mountain National Park Backcountry Wilderness Camping Guide for details.
- Colorado National Forests – There are thirteen national forests and national grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the state of Colorado. Most offer both established campgrounds and dispersed camping. See: Rocky Mountain Region Camping Information.
- Colorado Bureau of Land Management – There are 8.3 million acres of BLM public lands in Colorado. "You can camp within a vehicle, trailer, tent, under the stars, enjoy a developed campground or any number of dispersed (undeveloped) sites. Visitors can camp on a remote trail or boat to a dispersed site along the river." More information
You'll need to research each destination to verify what services and amenities it may offer, and how much it may cost – many are free, but some require a minimal payment.
Colorado Camping Resources
- CampColorado.com – A guide to commercial campgrounds in Colorado, focused on RV-ing, though some campgrounds accept tenters as well.
- CampgroundsOnTheWeb.com – A guide to commercial campgrounds, cabins, and RV parks in Colorado.
- ColoradoDirectory.com – A directory of Colorado tent camping sites in campgrounds, listed by town and area.
- FreeCampsites.net – A directory of free and low-cost campsites in Colorado, primarily aimed at car camping and RV parking.
- FreeCampgrounds.net – A directory of free and low-cost campsites in Colorado, primarily aimed at RV'ers.
- MotorcycleColorado.com – A listing of motorcycle-accessible campgrounds in Colorado. Motorcyclists and bicyclists appreciate many of the same characteristics in campsite selection, so this is a useful list.
Bicycle Camping Elsewhere in the Region
- Arkansas Bicycle Camping
- Iowa Bicycle Camping
- Kansas Bicycle Camping
- Missouri Bicycle Camping
- Nebraska Bicycle Camping
- Oklahoma Bicycle Camping
See Also: Bicycle Camping Resources By State – A nationwide directory of places for bicyclists to camp, in every state.
