5 Affordable State Parks in Colorado with RV Sites

Thrill-seekers looking for budget-friendly accommodations in the Centennial State should look no further than Colorado State Parks.

These world-class destinations offer plenty of amenities at a reasonable price. But with nearly 40 options, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.

Join us as we highlight five of Colorado’s best cheap camping destinations.

Let’s hit it!

Dawn breaks over the mountains in Colorado, where you can see sights like this in many state parks.

Why Add Colorado State Parks to Your Bucket List?

It’s no secret that Colorado is an outdoor playground for adventure seekers. From grasslands and semi-desert shrublands to dense forests and alpine tundras, the state is home to diverse ecosystems and unusual geologic formations.

Colorado’s 38 state parks feature all of these habitats and more. You might spend your days fishing, hiking, or rock climbing and then stay up late to see the incredible night sky. Wildlife is plentiful, so bring your binoculars and your birding book!

These sites also offer cheap camping for RVers and tent campers alike. While they don’t all have hookups, they still provide excellent accommodations for any budget.

Here are five fantastic options to consider.

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#1 Pearl Lake State Park

Pearl Lake State Park is about 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, but you’ll feel like you’ve ventured deep into the Colorado backcountry. Only wakeless boats are allowed on the pristine waters here, so you can enjoy a peaceful day of fly fishing or paddleboarding.

Other warm-weather activities include hiking the short Pearl Lake Connection Trail and taking in the scenery during an alpine picnic. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are the norm in winter. Throughout the year, you can spot tons of wildlife, such as elk, mountain bluebirds, black bears, and bobcats.

The campground at Pearl Lake doesn’t have serviced sites, but many spots offer unimpeded views of the water. You’ll have a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to vault toilets. Water taps are available throughout the campground.

Towable trailers and smaller motorhomes should be able to fit, but call the office for more information. Be aware that the campground is only open seasonally. If you want to explore the park over the winter, you can book one of the on-site yurts!

#2 Rifle Falls State Park

Located in Western Colorado, Rifle Falls State Park offers lush riparian zones, deciduous forests, and mysterious limestone caves tucked away behind the gushing waterfalls that give the area its name. The natural splendors draw visitors year-round for a range of recreational activities.

In summer, visitors come to hike, soak in the scenery, and peek behind the falls. Some even hunt for big game in the adjacent White River National Forest. Of course, when winter hits, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Despite this park’s popularity, the campground only has 13 RV sites. You’ll want to make reservations well in advance. Each spot includes electrical hookups, a fire ring, and a picnic table, and you’ll find water taps and vault toilets throughout the area.

We know sites can accommodate 22’ setups, but call to see if your larger rig can fit.

Eager for more? Check out the 11 Best Trails for Hiking in Colorado!

#3 Sylvan Lake State Park

Sylvan Lake State Park is about one hour west of Vail, Colorado, making it an ideal base camp for high-alpine exploration. Anglers will enjoy fishing for several trout species, including rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat. Others can take in the majestic 42-acre lake by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The park even rents out these vessels if you don’t want to haul your own.

Over seven miles of hiking trails traverse the property and form the backbone of the park’s active geocaching scene. Mountain bikers can cruise the trail around the lake or venture into the surrounding White River National Forest. Alternatively, you can ice skate, sled, snowshoe, or cross-country ski in winter.

The Elk Run Campground offers dry camping with plenty of sites overlooking the lake or Brush Creek Valley. In summer, drinking water, flush toilets, and coin showers are available. In winter, you’ll only have access to vault toilets. Sites can hold RVs up to 30’.

Before you pack your bags, check out the Most Dangerous Creatures in the Rocky Mountains!

#4 Ridgeway State Park

Ridgeway is about 15 miles north of Ouray, Colorado, the town known as Switzerland of America. This destination features striking mountain scenery, tons of wildlife, and plenty of recreational activities.

Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy over 14 miles of trails with easy access to the Ridgeway Area Trail System. The area is also popular among bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl are familiar sights, and you’ll occasionally see elk, moose, and other large animals.

The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground is a big-rig-friendly destination with many amenities, including full hookups, modern restrooms, and laundry facilities. This cheap camping location is open year-round, but sites are limited in the cold Colorado winters, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.

A yellow tent glows under a vast night sky. This is a common occurrence in Colorado's many state parks.

#5 Mueller State Park

Mueller State Park is less than one hour from Colorado Springs and offers a serene respite from city life. The property comprises over 5,000 acres of grassy meadows, jagged granite cliffs, and aspen forests.

Visitors can explore over 50 miles of multi-use trails on foot, cycle, or horseback. You might spend the day scouting the land and geocaching before capturing photos of the local wildlife during the golden hour. In winter, all the usual activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, take over the landscape.

The campground has over 130 sites with full-spectrum electrical hookups. Year-round comfort stations include flush toilets and showers. You’ll also have access to laundry facilities, potable water, and a dump station.

Most big rigs should be able to fit into the spacious pull-through spots without an issue.

Ready to plan your road trip? Grab a Colorado Bucket List Adventure Guide!

Colorado is Waiting for You!

While you might expect a trip through Colorado to be expensive, many cheap camping options can help defray the costs.

Colorado State Parks offer unbeatable scenery, plentiful activities, and first-class amenities for a relatively small price tag. Whether you’re eager to hike through the Rocky Mountains, fish for a fresh-caught meal, or look at the local wildlife, there’s a place for you here!