Not only does Vail have some of the best skiing in Colorado, but also unique campgrounds. There are great campgrounds spread out around Vail, and they are perfect for anyone looking to relax, take in nature while they camp, or have fun with friends or family. In this blog, Ptarmigan Sports goes over our favorite five campground spots in Vail with information on each of them for you to decide which one will fit your needs best.
Gore Creek Campground In The White River National Wilderness
This campground comes with many caveats. It’s only open from June through October, so winter adventurers need not apply. You also can’t drive or take an RV or trailer here. But if you want to get away from it all, this is your best bet. Nestled along Gore Creek at 9,000 feet above sea level, this is one of the most secluded campgrounds on our list — and for a good reason. To reach this campground, you must hike about two miles from the trailhead at East Vail on U.S. Highway 24 and past Booth Falls Trailhead. One bonus? You can also bring your dog!
Gold Park Campground In Homestake Valley
The Gold Park Campground is not only one of the most popular campgrounds in Vail; it’s also one of the top sites in all of Eagle County. Located at an elevation of 8,500 feet, it offers easy access to the Colorado Trail and White River National Forest. There are 60 drive-in sites available and eight walk-in sites that are perfect for backpackers and tent campers who want to spend several days exploring the surrounding wilderness. The campground provides drinking water (although you should bring your own filter), restrooms, and a dump station. There’s no electrical hookup available; however, you can use your generator from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. While there is no shower facility at Gold Park Campground, there is one at nearby Gore Creek Campground that guests can use for a small fee during specific hours each day.
Piney Lake Campground In The Back Country North of Vail, CO
If you go north on I-70 and hang a right towards Red Cliff, you’ll find yourself amid pristine backcountry in the Colorado Rockies. Several trails cater to hikers and bikers alike that follow the river through dense forests and open meadows. On your way up, stop at Piney River Ranch, one of the most picturesque spots in all of Colorado. They have a great restaurant, camping areas, and cabins for rent. Piney Lake Campground is a first-come, first-served campground just above Piney Lake. The campsite is small but surprisingly well-maintained by the US Forest Service, which offers guided hikes around the lake for kids. Pack a lunch or dinner and spend an afternoon fishing or canoeing on this high alpine lake.
Hornsilver Campground Near Minturn, CO
Hornsilver Campground is located just outside Minturn, Colorado, and provides easy access to Vail, Beaver Creek, and the rest of the Vail Valley. The campground has seven campsites and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Activities near Hornsilver Campground include biking, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The campground provides direct access to Grouse Creek Trail, which leads to the nearby Sawatch Range. There are also several trailheads in the area that lead into White River National Forest.
Camp Hale Memorial Campground: A Historic Setting At Over 9000 Feet
Head to the Camp Hale Memorial Campground just outside of Leadville for a campground with history. Tent sites at this campground sit at an elevation of over 9000 feet. Be prepared for chilly nights, even if you’re camping in the summer. There are six campsites here that can accommodate small RVs located near Vail, CO. Bear lockers are provided at each site to store your food safely overnight. This campground sits on top of Camp Hale itself, where the U.S. Army trained troops during World War II and later built training facilities for the 10th Mountain Division, an elite unit that fought in Italy during World War II. This division became the foundation for today’s U.S. Ski Team and was instrumental in developing Aspen as a ski destination after the war ended.
Prepare Yourself for Camping and Adventure in Vail!
The campgrounds surrounding Vail, CO, are some of the most scenic and well-maintained in the country. With a backdrop of towering peaks, rushing rivers, and wildflower-covered meadows, it’s no wonder that Colorado boasts one of the highest camper-to-acreage ratios in the nation. Vail is a popular year-round destination for everything from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, biking, and more. With so much to do, visitors to the area often find themselves wishing they had spent more than a weekend camping in Vail! There are so many different campgrounds around Vail, and they each offer something unique and different; you can be sure you can find one to fit your needs. Vail, Colorado, is home to some of the best campgrounds available, whether you are going with friends, family, or yourself. For a successful camping trip, you need access to high-quality camping gear. Ptarmigan Sports in Vail, CO carries a selection of hiking and camping gear for you to make the most of your time when visiting Vail, Colorado.
Shutterstock Image Credit: Simoly