Ski Camping
What? Yes! Ski Camping! Let us explain.
Winter can get a little claustrophobic for the warm-weather outdoors person. Though a ski trip is a chance to get some rays and fresh air, it can involve a ton of driving, or a ton of money spent on lodging. This winter, consider saving on ski lodging and instead, having the ultimate ski bum experience! Go ski camping, and of course, we’ll help with the planning.
Where to Go
Many ski resorts are paying attention to illegal campers in and around their lots, so don’t think you can get away with it! There are a handful that allow—or even encourage—overnight camping. However, we’ve also assembled a list of overnight RV parks and campsites near a variety of Colorado ski areas.
Resorts:
Silverton Mountain Ski Area - Access to Silverton Mountain and Purgatory
You can park overnight for free at the side of the road on the way to the Silverton Mountain ski area, but you will need to move your campervan if it snows to make way for the snowplows.
6226 State Hwy 110, Silverton, CO 81433, (970) 387-5706; Free; No hook-ups, dump station, trash service, or amenities provided.
Winter Park Resort - Access to Winter Park
“Overnight self-contained RV parking/camping is generally not permitted; however, exceptions can be made on a limited basis for stays up to three days,” according to the Winter Park Resort website. You’ll need to use the G Lot and it is advisable to contact Security at (970) 726-1500 for more information and directions. The Security Department will file trespassing charges if the rules are violated.
85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, Colorado 80482, (970) 726-5514; Free; No hook-ups, dump station, trash service, or amenities provided.
Wolf Creek Ski Resort - Access to Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek allows overnight parking in their Snow Shed/Overflow Lot located a little east of the resort on US Hwy 160. If you have any questions, contact the Base Operations staff, they should be directing parking traffic.
E Hwy 160 E, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, (970) 264-5639; Free; No hook-ups, dump station, trash service, or amenities provided.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort - Access to Powderhorn
According to Curbed, “Camping is free in the parking lots of Powderhorn Resort. On weekdays, guests are welcome to camp overnight in the third parking lot. On weekends, overnight guests should use the overflow parking lots.” However, the Powderhorn Mountain Resort website says that “Overnight parking is prohibited at all times during the Winter Season due to snow removal.” We would recommend calling ahead to inquire before planning your trip.
48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa, CO 81643, (970) 268-5700; Free; No hook-ups, dump station, trash service, or amenities provided.
Campgrounds/RV Parks:
HipCamp - Multiple
Hipcamp is like Airbnb for land owners and you can find people who will allow you to camp on their land. Filter by RV or tent
Aunt Sara’s River Dance RV Resort and Campground - Access to Vail and Beaver Creek
Aunt Sara’s is an incredibly comfortable RV resort in Gypsum, CO. Located 33 miles west of Beaver Creek and 40 miles west of Vail, this gorgeous and cozy spot is a terrific place to park your RV. More of a ski “glamping” resort, it offers showers, restrooms, and free wifi! Make sure to call or email ahead to make your reservation.
6700 U.S. Highway 6 Gypsum, CO 81637, (720) 933-9212, Info@auntsarasriverdancerv.com; Minimum $45/night; Hook-ups, dump station, showers & restrooms, free wifi.
Crested Butte RV Resort - Access to Crested Butte Mountain
The Crested Butte RV Resort is only 5 miles from Crested Butte Mountain! Winter camping here will be a bit bare-bones as they have to shut down their water and bathroom facilities for the winter (they have suggestions for shower spots on their site). However, they still have power! Make sure to call ahead for a reservation so that they can plow a spot for you.
711 Riverland Dr North Crested Butte, CO 81224, (970) 349-6160, info@crestedbuttervresort.com; $75/night for 29’ and smaller; Hook-ups.
Lake Dillon Scenic Area - Access to Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain
This might not be a resort or a campground per se, but it sure is convenient! There are 16-29 “sites” available for overnight RV parking. This scenic pull-off is on both sides of I-70 and limits your stay to one night. There are absolutely no amenities, but its proximity to Breckenridge (12 mi.), Keystone (12 mi.), and Copper (9 mi.) make it a great place to rough it for the night.
Frisco, Colorado, GPS: 39.601864, -106.088576; Free; No hook-ups, dump station, trash service, or amenities provided.
Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday - Access to Steamboat
A fan favorite is the Steamboat KOA Holiday. Open all year long, KOA is only 6 miles from the slopes and offers a long list of practical and enjoyable amenities. This popular campground fills up fast, so be sure to make your reservation ASAP, 1(800) 562-7782.
3603 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, (970) 879-0273, steamboatspringskoa@racpack.com; $65-85/night depending on vehicle and day of the week (average $70/night); Hook-ups, dump station, trash service, laundry, bathrooms w/ showers, camp store, and free shuttle to town.
Westerly RV Park - Access to Purgatory
Westerly RV Park is open year round and located just 5 miles from Durango and 19 miles from Purgatory. This lovely park has landscaped spots with picnic tables and most have fire pits as well. Located across the street from hot springs and grocery and hardware stores. Reservations are recommended.
6440 County Road 203 Durango, CO 81301, (970) 247-1275, relax@westerlyrvpark.com; $48/night; Hook-ups, trash, laundry, and free wifi.
Pick a vehicle
The number one thing to know about ski camping is that you should NOT be trying to camp in a tent. You need protection from wind, snow, and low, low temps. That is where camper van’s and truck campers come in!
Denver Camper Van Rental:
Our camper vans offer mobility and luxury in one:
Heated interiors
Kitchens
Refrigerators
Maneuverability
Titus Adventure Company vans are loaded with all the camping gear you’ll need
Camper vans are terrific for parking lots and campsites and you can pack up and get going to the slopes in no time.
Overland Truck Camper:
Our Toyota Tundra truck camper (coming soon) is a beautiful beast. It features:
4WD and high clearance
Propane heater
Ample room to stand up when inside the camper
Ability to do more backcountry travel
Truck campers combine the versatility of a 4WD truck with the comfort of a heated camper, allowing you to survive even the most brutal elements.
What to pack
At Titus Adventure Company, we strive to provide you with everything you need to have a stellar trip. This includes:
Snow shovel
Chains
Car scraper
However, remember that conditions could get very cold! Be sure to bring:
Lots of warm clothes and layers
Extra bedding
Boots
Long underwear
Hand warmers
Hats, gloves
Extra socks
Suggested Accessories:
Propane firepit
Hot chocoloate!
Now get out there and enjoy your ski bum adventure!
If you’re looking for a 4x4 or camper van for rent in Denver, CO, Titus Adventure Co. has got what you’re looking for! Contact us today to reserve your rental vehicle and we’ll also help you plan and gear up. Your adventure, our gear—get out there!
