The 10 Best Campgrounds for Colorado Leaf Peeping
- Elon Jones
Colorado leaf peeping is a breathtaking experience. Imagine sitting back on a bend of the Platte River and admiring the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of the aspen trees with a mug of hot cider in your hand.
If you want an memorable Colorado leaf peeping adventure that your family won’t forget, then imagine horseback riding, mountain biking, and climbing up the wild, remote heights of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain range.
Here are four activities your whole family will enjoy while leaf peeping in Colorado, along with the best campgrounds to stay at for each type of experience.
Relax While Leaf Peeping in Colorado
Leaf peeping in Colorado wows you with the full range of majestic yellows, oranges, and even reds. But because temperatures get colder faster, fall in Colorado is a short season.
The aspens will be at peak brilliance for only 7 to 10 days, but you’ll be able to see their shifting shades from September 15 to October 15.
Enjoy leisurely strolls through the fall foliage. Relax in a heated pool. Or cast a line in the river as you watch the stunning colors.
For those who have relaxation at the top of their list (but are still game for fun activities), these campgrounds have hundreds of acres to explore on foot and enjoy with your family.
1. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur – Larkspur, CO
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur
Whether you’re looking for camping near Denver or RV parks near Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Colorado when you stay at the award-winning Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur. This spacious 100-acre RV resort offers a wide selection of lodging options. Bring your RV, relax in your tent, or experience a fully-appointed cottage. Beyond the stunning surroundings, w
'23- Waterpark
- Pool
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Basketball
- Jumping Pillow
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Garbage
- Laundry
Nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur is an all-inclusive experience that has a little something for everyone. It’s 100 acres of Rocky Mountain relaxation.
If you’re up for a treasure hunt, you can go geocaching with the kids and even take them gem mining.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Denver International Airport
Where to Go: Spruce Mountain Trail, Colorado Renaissance Festival
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Hiking, geocaching, gem mining, playground, outdoor theater
2. Aspen Acres Campground – Rye, CO
Aspen Acres Campground
Aspen Acres is a small, quiet RV campground located in the less traveled San Isabel mountain range, only 25 minutes from I-25 at 9200 ft. The R.V. sites all provide standard hook ups and are gravel and grass. They don't believe in asphalt and concrete pads up here in the mountains. Each site has water, electric (30 amp), and all but 7 have sewer. Wifi is available for those who want to connect. Oh
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Ice Cream
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Pavilion
Enjoy hiking the Greenhorn Mountain Trail through the Rockies without having to traverse mountain passes to get to your campground.
Conveniently located close to I-25, Aspen Acres Campground is easy to get to and close to boating, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking locations like Greenhorn Mountain Trail.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Gunnison Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)
Where to Go: Greenhorn Mountain Trail
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking
3. Platte River Fort Resort and Event Center – Greely, CO
For a unique retreat into the relaxing fall foliage of Colorado, check out these Lotus Belle Glamping Yurts at Platte River Fort Resort and Event Center.
If you’ve never been glamping as a family before, then you’re in for a treat. It’s basically like staying in a hotel—except you have a whole lot of space for your kids to run around! These beautiful yurts are circular and furnished to sleep up to four people.
Explore 235 acres with your pets and fish from the banks of the Platte River.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Greeley Weld County Airport
Where to Go: South Platte River
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Fishing, hiking, boating, tubing
4. The Campground at Big B’s Delicious Orchard – Hotchkiss, CO
The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards, Hotchkiss, Colorado
Delicious Orchards in Colorado's North Fork Valley offers a unique blend of outdoor camping in an organic orchard. The picturesque surroundings create a perfect backdrop for camping. You can stay in a cabin, tent, R.V, or a glamp tent with views of Mt. Lamborn. The scenery provides visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. We are home to Big B’s Apple
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Ice Cream
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Special Events
Want to really get in the fall spirit during your Colorado leaf peeping adventures? Pitch your tent under the trees of Big B’s Delicious Orchard.
In the morning, you can pick your own apples, then go on a little wine tour of Hotchkiss, Colorado. Wind down your day with some award-winning cider at the Big B’s Delicious Orchard Cafe, while you let nature take your breath away as you enjoy the live music.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
Where to Go: The Storm Cellar, Mesa Winds Farm and Winery
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: U-pick apples, wine tasting, hiking, live music
Ride the Trails While Colorado Leaf Peeping
If you like to imagine what it was like in the days of the Old West, then the hurricane deck of a horse is a great way to go Colorado leaf peeping.
Riding horseback can take you deep under the leaves of Gunnison National Forest and surround you with the sights and sounds that the old cowboys must have heard as well.
Colorado is also known for its adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails. But take the time to enjoy your surroundings on the way up because coming down is not the time to look around.
5. Campfire Ranch on the Taylor – Almont, CO
Campfire Ranch on the Taylor
Located alongside the famed Taylor River in Gunnison County, CO is the home of the newly added campground, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. Their location is outstanding, positioned on County Road 742, down the road from the freshly paved Cottonwood Pass, which is just 18 minutes to Crested Butte and 18 minutes to Gunnison. Get ready to camp in rustic comfort at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor. All of t
- Waterfront
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Bathrooms
- Garbage
- Pavilion
If you’re looking for a base camp in the quiet of Colorado’s backcountry, then Campfire Ranch has what you need.
Or rather, it doesn’t have what you don’t need.
Campfire Ranch on the Taylor is a tent-only campground. That means no noisy generators, no idling vehicles, and no slamming car doors in the middle of the night.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Gunnison Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)
Where to Go: Gunnison National Forest, Crested Butte
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Hiking, horseback riding, climbing, mountain biking, fishing
6. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Estes Park – Estes Park, CO
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Estes Park
Located just minutes from the beautiful valley town of Estes Park in Colorado is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Estes. Situated in the midst of the Colorado Rockies and the Roosevelt National Forest, this is the perfect Campground and RV Park for your family to explore nature at its best! Your family is sure to enjoy nature at its best. Book your spot today for the best view of the stars, being surr
- Pool
- Hiking
- Dog Park
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Playground
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
When you stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Estes Park, you don’t need to leave the park to go on your next leaf peeping adventure. This campground sits right in Roosevelt National Forest. With a playground, Gaga ball, mini-golf, and more, there are plenty of ways to experience the fall foliage with the family.
That being said, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are a short drive from the campground, and these boast exciting mountain biking, rock climbing, and bouldering opportunities.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Where to Go: Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Mountain biking, rock climbing, bouldering, mini-golf
Take Colorado Leaf Peeping to the Peaks
It’s no secret that the Rockies are a rock climber’s dream come true. With peaks soaring over over 9,000 feet, your Colorado leaf peeping trip will gain a new perspective.
Climb to the heights and look back out across the sea of orange and red foliage. Black Canyon, the Garden of the Gods, and Rocky Mountain National Park all have guided tours for rock climbers.
7. Mountainside RV Park – Somerset, Colorado
Mountainside RV Park
Tucked along Highway 133, Mountainside RV Park offers a convenient and comfortable place to pull off with your RV. You'll be surrounded by rugged terrain and beautiful pine trees with a mountain-scape peeking through. Apart from the beautiful nature, enjoy fishing the North Fork Gunnison River, or hiking the surrounding area. When you're ready for a peaceful getaway in the Colorado, let Mountainsi
In the North Fork of the Gunnison River, the perfect rugged mountain getaway rests among the aspens. Quick access to Gunnison National Forest means pristine leaf peeping destinations are just a hike, ride, or climb away.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
Where to Go: Gunnison National Park, Black Canyon, Crested Butte
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Mountain biking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing
8. Riverbend RV Park and Cabins – Montrose, CO
Riverbend RV Park & Cabins
Riverbend RV Park and Cabins is centrally located between the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the majestic San Juan Mountains and the beautiful Grand Mesa. It’s the perfect location for you and your family to stay and play every month of the year! Recently purchased and currently under new management, the Park offers shaded sites, walk in river access for fly fishing and floating and
- Waterfront
- Dog Park
- Sports Field
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Laundry
Here’s another restful Colorado campground where you can bring your RV or stay in a cabin during your Colorado leaf peeping trip. The park is on the bend of the Uncompahgre River, perfectly situated for fly fishing.
Riverbend is also between Gunnison National Forest and Black Canyon for daily excursions.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ)
Where to Go: Black Canyon, Gunnison National Forest
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, bouldering
Go Colorado Leaf Peeping Through Ghost Towns
Seriously, what better way to prepare for Halloween than leaf peeping through Colorado’s ghost towns?
Deep in the San Juans lie several ghost towns from the old mining days of the Colorado silver strike. Explore Animas Forks, Alta, Carson, Eureka, and more on foot, bike, or ATV, and teach your kids some history at the same time.
9. River Fork RV Park Campground – Lake City, CO
River Fork RV Park is the perfect base camp to explore the San Juans. You can access ATV trails directly from camp. Wade in the Uncompahgre River and cast a line surrounded by the foliage. Or enjoy a round of golf at a course off-site.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Montrose Regional Airport
Where to Go: Animas Fork, Alta, Carson, Eureka
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: ATV trails, hiking, fishing, golfing
10. San Isabel Lodging – Rye, CO
San Isabel Lodging
A cozy mountain resort with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. San Isabel Lodging is the perfect place to get away from the busyness of life and experience the beauty and serenity of nature in San Isabel. Located at an Altitude of 8600' in the lush National Forest lands of the Rocky Mountains. Nature, public land and wildlife are abundant. San Isabel Lodging is located within a short walk
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Fishing
- Ice Cream
- Internet Access
- General Store
A peaceful getaway in the San Juans, San Isabel is high in the Rockies. Take a short walk to Lake Isabel where you can do some Colorado leaf peeping while paddling leisurely across the alpine lake. Or take a short drive to Bishop’s Castle, which was built entirely by one man over 60 years.
The Run-Down:
Airport: Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)
Where to Go: Lake Isabel, Bishop’s Castle, San Isabel National Forest
What to Do While Leaf Peeping: Paddling, hiking, fishing, sight-seeing
Make Your Colorado Leaf Peeping Road Trip Your Own
So what kind of leaf peeper are you? Do you prefer to relax and slowly absorb fall in Colorado with a mug of hot cider in hand? Or would you rather get your blood pumping as you look out from the heights of Colorado’s remote peaks?
The choice is yours. The possibilities are endless. Go make the memories!
Elon Jones believes the world would be a better place if we all got outside more. Native to Tampa, Florida, she enjoys sailing—preferably to Cayo Costa—and exploring new trails with her three daughters.
Image credit in order of appearance: Adobe Stock – Joshua, Adobe Stock – Dean Pannala, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Larkspur, Aspen Acres Campground, Platte River Fort Resort and Event Center, The Campground at Big B’s Delicious Orchard, Adobe Stock JDRoss75, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Estes Park, Adobe Stock – Scott Book, Mountainside RV Park, Riverbend RV Park and Cabins, Adobe Stock – Jon Camrud, River Fork RV Park Campground, San Isabel Lodging