DENVER (KDVR) — The Rocky Mountains are home to stunning camping areas across multiple states, but Colorado is home to a hidden gem that was named the best in the region on a new list.
Two spots in the Centennial State were awarded among the best places to camp in the mountain region for 2025 by the dyrt, a website and app that helps campers find public and private campgrounds, RV parks and free camping spots.
Colorado dominated the top three of the 10 Best Places to Camp in the Mountain Region, made based on reviews and ratings, with Lost Lake Campground in Gunnison National Forest at No. 1 and White Star Campground in Pike-San Isabel National Forest at No. 3.
“Colorado is arguably the top state in the country for outdoors enthusiasts, and Lost Lake Campground is inarguably No. 1 on the 2025 Best Places to Camp in the Mountain Region list,” the website said.
Located in Paonia, Lost Lake Campground has sites for various kinds of camping and amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, potable water, vault toilets and trash.
The dyrt said a lakefront campsite on a clear day with mountains reflecting on the lake is “a postcard come to life.” Reviewers described it as a hidden gem that is beautiful and peaceful, and has plenty of hiking and adventure opportunities.
At No. 3, White Star Campground in Twin Lakes sits at the foot of Mount Elbert in Twin Lakes. The area offers stunning views of the landscape, wildlife and stars as well as easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, boating, paddleboarding and more.
There are over 60 campsites available for tents or RVs, and each has a picnic table and a fire ring, but there are no hookups or showers. Reviewers noted that the host and campers were kind and the views never got old.
Coloradans don’t have to travel far to camp at one of the best sites in the mountain region, but there are plenty of options for those looking for a road trip.
- Lost Lake Campground — Gunnison National Forest — Colorado
- North Rim Campground — Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona
- White Star Campground — Pike-San Isabel National Forest — Colorado
- Valley of the Gods — Utah
- Arch Rock Campground — Valley of Fire State Park — Nevada
- Many Glacier Campground — Glacier National Park — Montana
- Cody BLM — Wyoming
- Dark Sky RV Park & Campground — Utah
- Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park — Lincoln National Forest — New Mexico
- Navajo National Monument Canyon View Campground — Arizona
More information about the campsites can be found in the full report online.
