9 Wild Camping Spots Perfect for Adventurous Families

Colorado’s high-altitude campgrounds offer adventurous families unforgettable wilderness experiences at elevations from 6,600 to 9,800 feet. You’ll find Mountain Park Campground along Cache la Poudre River, Green Mountain Reservoir‘s seven campgrounds with water sports, and Twin Lakes’ stunning sunrise views over Mount Elbert. Rocky Mountain National Park’s Moraine Park brings wildlife encounters, while remote Portal and Cataract Creek campgrounds provide true backcountry experiences. Each destination combines safety with adventure, creating memories that’ll last generations.

Mountain Park Campground: Gateway to Rocky Mountain Adventure

Where can adventurous families find pristine wilderness camping without sacrificing essential amenities? Mountain Park Campground delivers the perfect balance, nestled at 6,600 feet along the Cache la Poudre River in Roosevelt National Forest.

You’ll access this gateway through winding canyon roads—exercise caution with large RVs on the challenging terrain.

Choose from 55 sites, with reservable electric hookups on sites 1-32 or first-come options without hookups.

Your family can safely explore Colorado’s first National Wild and Scenic River through fishing and rafting. The campground’s strategic location provides direct access to multiple hiking trails including Mount McConnel Trail, which leads straight from camp to the summit for breathtaking mountain views.

Kids will love the playground and volleyball courts while you appreciate coin-operated hot showers after outdoor adventures.

Warning: there’s zero cellular coverage, so plan accordingly.

Emergency services are 40 miles away in Fort Collins, making preparation essential for your mountain adventure.

Green Mountain Reservoir: Seven Campgrounds, Endless Water Fun

When you’re seeking expansive water recreation with your family, Green Mountain Reservoir delivers seven distinct campgrounds spanning 208 sites throughout White River National Forest.

You’ll find options from reservable Cow Creek South with 44 sites to first-come-first-served locations like Prairie Point’s 33 spots. The 2,125-acre reservoir supports safe boating, fishing for trout and salmon, plus water skiing activities.

Your family will appreciate spacious sites with mountain views, clean vault toilets, and shoreline access at select campgrounds. Remember that all motorized watercraft require mandatory Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections for environmental protection.

Located along Highway 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling, you’re just 90 minutes from Denver. Book through Recreation.gov up to six months ahead, and prepare for no hookups or potable water at most sites. The surrounding wilderness features eight wilderness areas and towering peaks that create a stunning backdrop for your camping adventure.

Turquoise Lake: Historic Mining Country With World-Class Fishing

How does camping at 10,000 feet elevation sound for your next family adventure? Turquoise Lake, located five miles west of Leadville, offers eight Forest Service campgrounds with over 300 tree-lined sites.

You’ll camp in historic mining country within San Isabel National Forest, where the reservoir spans 1,800 acres. The lake gets its name from nearby turquoise mines, reflecting the area’s rich mining heritage rather than the water’s appearance.

Your family can enjoy world-class fishing for kokanee, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout year-round.

The flat, easy Turquoise Lake Trail stretches 6-14 miles along the north shore, perfect for families.

You’ll find picnic areas at Lady of the Lake and Maid of Erin, plus two boat launches for water activities.

The season runs June through September before winter closure.

Access via Turquoise Lake Road from Highway 24, with day use fees required.

Moraine Park Campground: Wildlife Watching in Rocky Mountain National Park

Why settle for distant wildlife sightings when you can camp where elk and deer roam right through your campsite? Moraine Park Campground delivers unmatched wildlife encounters at 8,160 feet elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll spot mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk daily in the glacial-carved meadows, while black bears, coyotes, and occasional moose add excitement to your stay.

With 244 campsites near the Beaver Meadows entrance, you’re perfectly positioned for Bear Lake hikes and Fern Falls adventures. The campground provides bear boxes, vault toilets, and drinking water, but no electric hookups. Always secure food properly and maintain safe distances from wildlife—especially elk during rutting season.

Book through recreation.gov, though winter camping offers first-come, first-served options in Loop A for the truly adventurous. The campground features a shuttle stop for free park buses that transport you to popular trailheads and scenic destinations without the hassle of finding parking.

Twin Lakes: High-Altitude Lakeside Camping With Stunning Sunrises

Moving from wildlife encounters to breathtaking alpine vistas, Twin Lakes offers high-altitude camping at 9,200 feet where you’ll wake up to spectacular sunrises over Colorado’s tallest peak.

You’ll find five campground options, from reservable Whitestar and Lakeview campgrounds to first-come Dexter Campground closest to the shoreline.

The thin air at this elevation requires extra hydration and sun protection.

Your family can enjoy gentle 2-mile lakeside hikes to abandoned Interlaken resort or challenge older kids with Mount Elbert’s 10.4-mile summit trail.

Lake activities include trout fishing and stand-up paddleboarding rentals. After a day of adventures, treat your family to craft coffee and soft-serve ice cream at the on-site amenities.

Pack warm layers since temperatures drop markedly at night.

The dramatic setting beneath 14,440-foot Mount Elbert creates unforgettable sunrise moments that’ll inspire your adventurous family for years.

Portal Campground: Remote Alpine Paradise at Grizzly Reservoir

When you’re ready to escape civilization completely, Portal Campground delivers true wilderness camping at 9,400 feet beside pristine Grizzly Reservoir. This remote White River National Forest gem requires serious preparation—you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle or 4×4 to navigate the narrow, rocky Lincoln Creek Road.

The journey’s worth it for families seeking authentic backcountry adventure.

With only five first-come, first-serve sites, you’ll enjoy intimate camping with fire rings and picnic tables. Bring all your water since none’s available on-site. Your family can explore hiking trails, try fishing, or mountain bike nearby terrain. Basic restrooms are provided at the campground for essential facilities.

The five-day maximum stay gives you time to disconnect completely—there’s no cell coverage here. Located just 10 miles from Aspen, it’s surprisingly accessible for such a wild experience.

Cataract Creek: Waterfall Views and Mountain Streams

Cataract Creek Campground sits even higher than Portal at 9,800 feet, offering your family a spectacular alpine setting where rushing mountain streams create natural waterfall features throughout the area.

You’ll need AWD for the final approach up Caribou Road, plus a short 0.4-mile walk to reach camp.

Only five tent sites mean you’ll book 2-3 months ahead for summer visits. The intimate setup lacks privacy but creates a community atmosphere perfect for families.

Your kids will love exploring nearby hiking trails and spotting wildlife along the creek. Each site includes firepits available for cozy evening gatherings around the fire.

Operating June through October, expect $13-18 nightly rates with vault toilets and no hookups.

Pack warm layers—even summer evenings turn chilly at this elevation. The crystal-clear skies provide incredible stargazing opportunities your family won’t forget.

Elliott Creek: Trailhead Access to High Country Adventures

While Elliott Creek Campground sits at a more moderate 7,950 feet elevation, it delivers exceptional trailhead access that’ll launch your family into spectacular high country adventures.

You’ll find Elliott Creek/Goat Lake Trail 647 right from your campsite, offering a manageable loop hike to a stunning alpine lake with dramatic Cadet Peak views.

The 20 first-come, first-served sites at $18 nightly provide essential amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage—crucial for safe family camping.

Remember to bring water, as none’s available on-site.

Beyond hiking, Green Mountain Reservoir offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, plus boating and water sports to keep adventurous kids engaged throughout your stay. The area lies within the vast White River National Forest, encompassing 2.3 million acres of diverse wilderness perfect for extended exploration.

Prairie Point: Panoramic Views and Open Sky Camping

Positioned at the upper end of Green Mountain Reservoir‘s east side, Prairie Point Campground offers your family sweeping panoramic views of the Williams Fork and Gore mountain ranges without the crowds you’ll find at lower-elevation spots.

Located 17 miles north of I-70 along Highway 9, you’ll discover two loops featuring walk-in sites with picnic tables and fire rings, though no drinking water’s available.

Your kids will love spotting bighorn sheep on rocky ridges while you fish for cutthroat and rainbow trout. The reservoir provides excellent boating and swimming opportunities. This pristine location sits within the 2.3 million acres of White River National Forest, where diverse wilderness and towering peaks create an unparalleled backdrop for your family adventure.

Since most sites accommodate tents only with limited trailer spaces, plan accordingly. Remember to follow fire restrictions and never transport firewood to protect surrounding forests from tree-killing organisms that threaten this pristine wilderness environment.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible options for creating lasting family memories in Colorado’s wilderness. Before you head out, check weather conditions and pack extra layers—mountain weather changes quickly. Don’t forget bear-proof containers, first aid supplies, and plenty of water. Test your gear at home first, and always let someone know your plans. These spots offer adventure, but preparation keeps your family safe. Pick your destination, pack smart, and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience.