Ultimate Colorado Camping Spots to Visit in Late August 2025

Late August in Colorado is a magical time for camping.

The summer crowds begin to thin, the wildflowers still bloom across alpine meadows, and the crisp mountain nights promise cozy evenings by the fire.

Here’s a guide to the best-of-the-best camping destinations in Colorado for late August 2025.

Rocky Mountain National Park – Iconic Alpine Camping

Moraine Park Campground

Nestled in a wide valley surrounded by jagged peaks, Moraine Park is a favorite for campers seeking classic Colorado scenery.

Wildlife is abundant here, so early mornings often bring sightings of elk grazing in the meadows.

Camping Fees: Standard Non-Electric Campsites (Summer): $35 per night; Standard Electric Campsites (Summer): $55 per night.

Glacier Basin Campground

A hub for adventure seekers, Glacier Basin offers easy access to trails like Flattop Mountain and Bear Lake.

The campground is spacious with plenty of shaded sites, making it ideal for families or groups.

Camping Fees: Standard Non-Electric Campsites (Summer): $35 per night; Small Group Sites: $50 per night; Medium Group Sites: $60 per night; Large Group Sites: $70 per night.

Aspenglen, Timber Creek, and Brainard Lake

Each of these campgrounds brings something unique: Aspenglen sits near the park’s northern lakes, Timber Creek offers a quieter, forested experience, and Brainard Lake delivers high-altitude serenity.

Camping Fees:

• Aspenglen Campground: Tent & RV sites $30 per night (plus park entry fee)
• Timber Creek Campground: Standard Non-Electric Campsites (Summer) $35 per night
• Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Entry fee required; specific camping fees likely in addition to entry fee

Pro Tips: Arrive early to snag riverside or meadow-view spots.

Late August evenings can be chilly, so pack layers and a warm sleeping bag.

Maroon Bells Amphitheatre – The Photographers’ Paradise

The Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in Colorado, and camping nearby is a chance to wake up to reflections of twin peaks in Maroon Lake.

Trails here are moderate, making them perfect for day hikes, and fall colors can start appearing even in late August.

Camping Fees & Permits: A permit is required for the amphitheatre, costing $200 (for events).

Nearby Silver Queen Campground does not have specific camping prices listed, so check ahead.

Pro Tips: Sunrise is magical for photography, and securing a campsite in advance is crucial due to high demand.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve – Desert Meets Mountains

Imagine camping where towering sand dunes meet snow-capped peaks. Great Sand Dunes offers this rare combination.

Bring a sand-friendly tent setup and enjoy early morning hikes before the midday heat.

The night sky here is unmatched for stargazing because of the desert’s clear air.

Camping Fees:

• Backcountry camping with a permit: $6
• Park Entrance Fee (Private Vehicle): $25
• Piñon Flats Campground: Fees not explicitly listed, verify before visiting

Insider Tip: Try sandboarding down the dunes at sunrise.

Water sources are limited, so plan accordingly.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Rugged Adventure

For campers who love dramatic landscapes, Black Canyon delivers sheer cliffs and deep, narrow canyons.

Campgrounds are smaller and more rustic, giving a sense of isolation and adventure.

Camping Fees:

• North Rim Campground: $16 per night
• South Rim Campground: Peak Season $22 per night; Off-Season $16 per night
• Park Entrance Fee (Private Vehicle): $30

Pro Tips: Bring sturdy hiking boots and be cautious near edges.

Late August temperatures can still be warm, but mornings and evenings are crisp.

Colorado State Parks – Accessible & Scenic Camping

Mueller State Park

Set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, Mueller State Park is a mix of forested trails and open meadows.

Campers can explore abundant wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of birds.

Camping Fees: $18 to $36 per night; Equestrian sites $36 plus $10 per animal; Cabins $150-$270. Daily park pass $10-$12; annual $80.

Cherry Creek State Park

Near Denver, Cherry Creek offers lakefront camping and recreational activities like kayaking and fishing.

It’s perfect for those seeking convenience without sacrificing scenic beauty.

Camping Fees: $28-$41 per night; basic tent sites $22, full hookup $36; Daily park pass $11 per vehicle.

Chatfield State Park

Another reservoir-side park, Chatfield combines water sports with forested campsites.

Trails for hiking and biking are well maintained, making it ideal for active campers.

Camping Fees: Tent sites around $28, full hookup RV sites $36-$45; Daily entrance fee $10 per vehicle.

Painted Rocks Campground

Secluded and scenic, Painted Rocks offers a quieter experience for those wanting solitude in nature.

The area is known for its colorful rock formations and excellent photography opportunities.

Camping Fees: $25 per night; extra vehicle $7 per night; no hookups. Reservations required.

Pro Tip: State parks fill up fast in late August. Reserve early and consider weekdays for the most peaceful experience.

National Forests & Grasslands – Hidden Gems

San Isabel National Forest

This forest offers a variety of campgrounds with alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildflower-filled meadows.

It’s a true escape into nature, away from the crowds.

Camping Fees: $5-$35 per night for developed campgrounds; dispersed camping is free but has no amenities.

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest / Pawnee National Grasslands

For wide-open spaces and starry skies, these forests and grasslands provide remote camping experiences.

Camping Fees: Developed sites $5-$35 per night; some free tent camping areas exist.

Guanella Pass Campground

A high mountain pass with panoramic views, Guanella Pass is perfect for camping and day hikes.

Alpine lakes and wildflowers abound in late August.

Camping Fees: First-come, first-served $21; Reservations $29.

Mesa Campground – Gunnison

Lakeside camping surrounded by mountains. A peaceful retreat for those wanting water access without the tourist crowds.

Camping Fees: Full hookup patio site $65; tent camping fees not explicitly listed; pay showers $7.

Timber Creek & McClure Campgrounds

Both offer forested escapes with nearby hiking trails and abundant wildlife.
Camping Fees:

• Timber Creek Campground: $35 per night
• McClure Campground: Basic site $38 ($35 for Military/Disabled/Senior), RV w/ hookups $48 ($45 for Military/Disabled/Senior), second vehicle $12

Echo Lake Park

High-altitude camping with reflective lakes and stunning sunset views over Mount Blue Sky.

Camping Fees: Single site $18/night; group site $30/night; Mount Blue Sky Wilderness campground $26/night; some dispersed sites free.

Insider Tips: Check for forest service permits where required, carry bear-proof containers for food, and be prepared for sudden weather changes at higher altitudes.

Conclusion

Colorado in late August is a camper’s dream. From alpine lakes to desert dunes, every destination promises unique landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and nights under some of the clearest skies in the country.

Read More: 13 Best Colorado Hikes to Conquer in Late August & September