REVIEWED: The 7 Best Telluride Camping Spots

Telluride, Colorado—a mountain town so picturesque it could make a postcard jealous. Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, it’s the kind of place where the air is thin, but the atmosphere is thick with adventure.

As someone who’s traded city skylines for starry nights more times than I can count, I set out to find the crème de la crème of Telluride camping.

Here are seven spots that promise to elevate your outdoor experience, whether you’re a seasoned camper or just someone who thinks sleeping outdoors might be “neat.”

Telluride, Colorado USA - Summer View Telluride - View of town and mountains. — Telluride, Colorado USA – Summer View Telluride

1. Telluride Town Park Campground

Address: 500 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435
Approximate Price: $25–$30 per night
Distance to Downtown Telluride: Zero miles (you’re already in the thick of it)
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 9/10

Perched at the edge of town, Telluride Town Park Campground is the epitome of convenience meets nature. Imagine pitching your tent within earshot of live music and within smelling distance of gourmet coffee. It’s like roughing it, but with a safety net.

Surrounded by towering peaks and bordered by a river that’s as cold as your ex’s heart, the campground offers amenities like restrooms, showers, and bear-proof food storage—because nothing spices up a camping trip like the possibility of a wildlife encounter.

Pros:

Unparalleled access to both nature and nightlife.
Facilities that make you question why you ever considered backpacking.

Cons:

First-come, first-served basis; it’s a Thunderdome for campsites.
Can get rowdy during festivals; tranquility not guaranteed.

Would We Stay Again? Absolutely, if only to feel superior to those staying in hotels.

2. Sunshine Campground

Address: State Highway 145, Telluride, CO 81435
Approximate Price: $22 per night
Distance to Downtown Telluride: 8 miles
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 8/10

Sunshine Campground is aptly named—assuming the sun decides to grace you with its presence. Situated at an elevation that makes oxygen optional, this campground offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains that are worth every wheezy breath.

With just 15 sites tucked among aspen trees, it’s intimate in that “hope you like your neighbors” kind of way. Amenities are basic: vault toilets and potable water. Wi-Fi? Cell service? Ha! That’s cute.

Pros:

Stunning vistas that make forgetting your camera a cardinal sin.
A quieter alternative to in-town camping.

Cons:

No showers; embrace your natural musk.
Altitude sickness is a real possibility; pack Advil and humility.

Would We Stay Again? Yes, with a side of altitude acclimation.

3. Matterhorn Campground

Address: 12355 CO-145, Telluride, CO 81435
Approximate Price: $24–$28 per night
Distance to Downtown Telluride: 12 miles
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 7/10

Matterhorn Campground is the practical choice for those who believe camping should include electricity and a hot shower. It’s like staying at a motel, but you have to supply the walls.

The campground offers 28 sites, some with electrical hookups, making it a magnet for RVs and those who can’t part with their Keurig machines. Nestled among spruce and fir trees, it offers shade and the soothing sounds of nature—or your neighbor’s generator.

Pros:

Amenities that border on luxurious for a campground.
Proximity to hiking trails for all your “I’m outdoorsy” Instagram posts.

Cons:

Close to the highway; the ambiance includes occasional traffic noise.
Sites can feel cramped; personal space is a social construct anyway.

Would We Stay Again? Sure, when we need to recharge—literally and figuratively.

4. Alta Lakes Campground

Address: Alta Lakes Rd, Telluride, CO 81435
Approximate Price: Free (yes, you read that right)
Distance to Downtown Telluride: 13 miles (and a lifetime away from paved roads)
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 9/10

Alta Lakes Campground is the reward at the end of a rough, unpaved road that tests both your driving skills and your patience. Accessible by 4WD vehicles, it’s the place to go when you want to truly disconnect—or when you’ve been banned from Wi-Fi for overusing GIFs.

Set beside three alpine lakes, the campground offers no amenities aside from views that could make a minimalist weep. It’s dispersed camping at its finest, or worst, depending on your tolerance for “roughing it.”

Pros:

Jaw-dropping scenery that’s worth the potential car damage.
Zero fees; your budget will thank you.

Cons:

No facilities whatsoever; nature is your restroom.
The road up is a test of endurance and suspension.

Would We Stay Again? Yes, but maybe after a chiropractic adjustment.

5. Priest Lake Campground

Address: Forest Road 628, Telluride, CO 81435
Approximate Price: $14 per night
Distance to Downtown Telluride: 10 miles
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 6/10

Priest Lake Campground is the strong, silent type of camping spots. It doesn’t boast flashy amenities or Instagrammable moments, but it offers a peaceful retreat among the trees. If solitude is your jam, welcome home.

Amenities include vault toilets and not much else. The nearby Priest Lake provides a serene backdrop, perfect for meditation or wondering why you thought camping was a good idea.

Pros:

Secluded setting ideal for introspection or witness protection.
Budget-friendly pricing.

Cons:

No potable water; bring your own or embrace dehydration.
Limited recreational activities unless staring into the void counts.

Would We Stay Again? Maybe, if we decide to write a novel or avoid humanity.

6. Woods Lake Campground

Address: Forest Road 642, Placerville, CO 81430
Approximate Price: $18 per night
Distance to Downtown Telluride: 16 miles
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 7/10

Woods Lake Campground is the place to be if you enjoy the idea of being “away from it all” but still want a picnic table. Located near the Lizard Head Wilderness, it’s a gateway to trails that make your Fitbit weep with joy.

The campground offers 41 sites, vault toilets, and potable water. It’s family-friendly, which is great unless you prefer your nature without the soundtrack of giggling children.

Pros:

Access to extensive hiking trails; earn those trail mix calories.
Less crowded than in-town options.

Cons:

Gravel roads can be a bit of a roller coaster; hold onto your fillings.
No cell service; hope you like your own company.

Would We Stay Again? Yes, if only to remember what silence sounds like.

7. Cayton Campground

Address: 20973 CO-145, Dolores, CO 81323
Approximate Price: $22 per night
Distance to Downtown Telluride: 30 miles (but who’s counting when you have gas money)
Telluride Camping Vibes Rating: 5/10

Cayton Campground is the overachiever that doesn’t quite fit in with the cool kids. Located along the Dolores River, it offers electric hookups and a pleasant setting—just not in Telluride proper.

With 27 sites and amenities like vault toilets and potable water, it’s a solid choice for those who don’t mind being a bit removed from the action. It’s the kind of place where you can fish, hike, or contemplate the inefficacy of bug spray.

Pros:

Riverside camping for your auditory pleasure.
Electrical hookups for those who can’t part with modern conveniences.

Cons:

A significant drive from Telluride; say goodbye to spontaneous trips to town.
Can get crowded; serenity is a hot commodity.

Would We Stay Again? Probably not, unless Telluride spontaneously moves closer.

Overall Rating Chart Comparison

Campground	Distance to Downtown	Price Range	Vibes Rating
Telluride Town Park	0 miles	$25–$30	9/10
Sunshine Campground	8 miles	$22	8/10
Matterhorn Campground	12 miles	$24–$28	7/10
Alta Lakes Campground	13 miles	Free	9/10
Priest Lake Campground	10 miles	$14	6/10
Woods Lake Campground	16 miles	$18	7/10
Cayton Campground	30 miles	$22	5/10

What Telluride Campground Calls Your Name?

Telluride offers a diverse array of camping experiences, from the “Did I really pay to sleep on the ground?” luxury of Town Park to the “I might be lost, but at least the stars are pretty” seclusion of Alta Lakes.

A word to the wise: altitude is not your friend. Between the thin air and the temperature swings, prepare for Mother Nature to humble you. Pack layers, drink water like it’s your part-time job, and maybe reconsider that third cup of coffee.

As for me, I’ll keep chasing those mountain sunsets and campfire stories, ever in search of the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Or at least a campsite where the squirrels respect personal boundaries.

PRO TIP: The 7 Most Dangerous Creatures in Telluride, Colorado