The 5 Best Places To Camp

Camping in Northwest Colorado offers opportunities to experience mountain scenery, alpine lakes and the quiet of the surrounding forests. Whether pitching a tent beside a lake, parking an RV at a developed campground or backpacking into remote wilderness, outdoor enthusiasts can find settings suited to different camping styles. The Best of the Boat 2026 highlights camping destinations that showcase the natural beauty and recreational opportunities surrounding Steamboat Springs.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness

Mount Zirkel Wilderness encompasses more than 160,000 acres of protected mountain terrain within the Routt National Forest, offering primitive backcountry camping for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Backpackers can explore alpine landscapes, glacial lakes and extensive trail networks while camping away from developed facilities. Visitors must follow wilderness regulations, Leave No Trace practices and appropriate food storage requirements, with motorized travel prohibited within the wilderness.

Pearl Lake State Park

Pearl Lake State Park provides a peaceful lakeside camping experience surrounded by forests and mountain scenery near Clark. The park features 36 campsites with tent pads, fire rings and vault toilets, along with yurts available for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy nonmotorized boating, paddleboarding, fishing and nearby hiking opportunities, making the park an appealing choice for campers seeking a quieter outdoor setting.

Steamboat Lake State Park

Steamboat Lake State Park offers a developed camping experience with scenic views of Hahn's Peak and access to a variety of outdoor activities. Its campgrounds accommodate tents, trailers and RVs, with amenities that include electric hookups, showers and camper service facilities. Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and marina services, providing recreational options for families and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the camping season.

Buffalo Pass

Buffalo Pass provides mountain camping opportunities northeast of Steamboat Springs, with both developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas. Summit Park and Dry Lake campgrounds offer basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets, while dispersed sites provide a more rustic experience. The surrounding forest offers access to hiking, mountain biking, alpine scenery and outdoor exploration, with camping regulations varying by location.

Rabbit Ears Pass

Rabbit Ears Pass offers high-elevation camping amid forests, mountain meadows and scenic recreation areas east of Steamboat Springs. Developed campgrounds in the surrounding national forest provide basic facilities, while designated dispersed camping areas offer additional options for visitors seeking a more secluded experience. Campers can explore nearby hiking trails, enjoy seasonal wildflowers, fish mountain lakes and access designated off-highway vehicle routes.

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