Top Camping Destinations Near Thistledown, CO: Explore Nature's Best Retreats
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Rocky Mountains, Thistledown, CO, offers a diverse range of camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. For RV lovers, the nearby Thousand Lakes RV Park provides spacious sites equipped with modern amenities, allowing for a comfortable stay amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. Tent campers can seek out the beautiful East Fork Campground, where sites are surrounded by lush forests and the soothing sounds of streams, ideal for families and solo adventurers alike. For those looking for a more rugged experience, dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Arapaho National Forest, where you can set up camp under the stars and enjoy true solitude amidst breathtaking mountain vistas. The area's unique geography features a blend of rolling hills, dense pine forests, and panoramic views of the Continental Divide, making it a picturesque backdrop for any camping adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of an RV, the simplicity of tent camping, or the freedom of dispersed sites, Thistledown provides a perfect launching point for exploring Colorado's natural wonders.
Amphitheater Campground is located in the Ouray Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (2 hrs 1 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO) with an elevation of 8,450 feet. There are a total of 35 campsites including 18 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of June to the end of September. 17 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $28.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Matterhorn Campground is located in the Norwood Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (2 hrs 23 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,476 feet. There are a total of 28 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of June to the end of September. 25 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 4 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $40.00. Some amenities include shower. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Matterhorn Cabin is located in the Norwood Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (2 hrs 22 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,490 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $240.00 per night.
Ridgway Campground is part of Ridgway State Park in Colorado (1 hr 38 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO) with an elevation of 7,050 feet. There are a total of 260 campsites including 3 cabins. The campground is open all year. 232 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 38 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 70 sites have full hookups (electric, water and sewer). 162 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $28.00 to $90.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, laundry facility, playground, boat ramp, swimming, picnic table, restroom, ramada, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing, floating sports.
Jackson Guard Station is located in the Ouray Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (2 hrs 25 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO) with an elevation of 9,044 feet. The site is open all year. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include boating, ohv trails nearby, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Cayton Campground is located in the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (2 hrs 16 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,360 feet. There are a total of 16 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 42 and 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 11 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $32.00. Some amenities include dump station. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Lone Cone Cabin is located in the Norwood Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (3 hrs 12 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,226 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of June to mid October. Prices start at $120.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
Thirty Mile Campground is located in the Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 58 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,322 feet. There are a total of 35 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 90 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $29.00 to $58.00. Activities include fishing.
River Hill Campground is located in the Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 54 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,288 feet. There are a total of 18 campsites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 125 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $29.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports, rock climbing.
Haviland Lake Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 30 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 8,191 feet. There are a total of 26 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 48 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 17 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $82.00. Activities include boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Silesca Cabin is located in the Ouray Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (1 hr 43 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO) with an elevation of 9,121 feet. The site is normally open from mid June to the end of October. Prices start at $120.00 per night. Activities include biking, ohv trails nearby, horseback riding, hiking trails.
Chris Park Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 32 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,858 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 2 sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 1 site has electric hookups. Fees range from $115.00 to $240.00. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Vallecito Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 43 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,924 feet. There are a total of 36 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 55 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 4 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $34.00. Activities include boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Florida Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 45 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 9,280 feet. The site is normally open from mid May to mid September. Prices start at $140.00 per night. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Lake Fork (Gunnison) Campground in Gunnison County is located 1 hr 52 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO with an elevation of 7,549 feet. There are a total of 82 campsites including 6 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 76 sites can accommodate RVs between 22 and 52 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $16.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, restroom, trash dumpster, amphitheater. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
South Rim Campground is part of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado (1 hr 30 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO) with an elevation of 8,250 feet. There are a total of 85 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 16 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 1 site has electric and water hookups. 22 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $16.00 to $22.00. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom, amphitheater, pay telephone. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
West Dolores Campground is located in the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 52 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,743 feet. There are a total of 10 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 35 and 65 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 3 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $35.00. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Mavreeso Campground is located in the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 49 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,686 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 21 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. 4 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $100.00. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Palisades Horse Camp is located in the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (2 hrs 42 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 8,759 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of June to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 36 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $26.00 to $52.00. Activities include hiking trails.
Marshall Park Campground is located in the Divide Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest (3 hrs 17 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 8,796 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is normally open from the end of May to the end of August. 14 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 40 and 103 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $26.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Pine Point Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 40 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,715 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $24.00 to $28.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Red Creek Group Site in Gunnison County is located 3 hrs 2 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO with an elevation of 8,123 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of June to mid September. Prices start at $28.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
North Canyon Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 38 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,712 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. 10 sites can accommodate RVs between 30 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $22.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, floating sports.
Graham Creek Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 37 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,732 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $24.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Williams Creek Campground is located in the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (2 hrs 32 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 8,172 feet. There are a total of 59 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 35 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 7 sites have water hookups. Fees range from $28.00 to $100.00. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Elk Creek Campground in Gunnison County is located 2 hrs 57 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO with an elevation of 7,533 feet. There are a total of 145 campsites including 16 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 129 sites can accommodate RVs between 21 and 62 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 28 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $16.00 to $22.00. Some amenities include drinking water, dump station, general store, boat ramp, swimming, marina, restroom, trash dumpster, amphitheater, gasoline pump, flush toilets, water sports rental. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
East Elk Creek Group Campsite in Gunnison County is located 2 hrs 58 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO with an elevation of 7,618 feet. The site is normally open from mid August to mid October. Prices start at $53.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Transfer Group is located in the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 25 min north of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 8,924 feet. The site is normally open from mid May to the end of September. Prices start at $75.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
Junction Creek Campground is located in the Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest (1 hr 16 min northeast of Farmington, NM) with an elevation of 7,212 feet. There are a total of 31 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of September. 29 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 65 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 14 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $26.00 to $140.00. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Iron Creek Campground is part of Crawford State Park in Colorado (1 hr 24 min southeast of Grand Junction, CO) with an elevation of 6,573 feet. There are a total of 45 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 35 and 120 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, water skiing.
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