When I was living in my car, Colorado quickly became one of my favorite states to roam. Between the towering peaks, high desert plateaus, and endless outdoor adventures, it felt like a giant backyard built for freedom. But navigating vanlife here takes more than a love of the open road — it takes knowing where you can stay, how to stay legal (and comfortable), and when to visit to get the most out of this mountain-lover’s paradise.

Here’s everything I wish I knew when I started camping and vanlifing across Colorado — from Walmart parking lots to epic campsites deep in the Rockies.

Let’s start with the reality: when you’re working, passing through, or just need to stay close to a major hub like Denver, stealth camping becomes a game of strategy.

• Walmart rotation is key. I used to bounce between several locations around the Denver metro area. Most don’t bother you if you park in the far end of the lot and keep a low profile. Home Depot and Lowe’s are decent backups.
• Industrial zones and residential edges: These areas can work in a pinch. Choose quiet blocks near highways where overnight parking won’t raise suspicion.
• Use stealth camping apps: Apps like iOverlander and FreeCampsites.net are your best friends. Green dots = free spots. Look for reviews that mention how “stealth-friendly” a location is or if local businesses like Cracker Barrel or truck stops allow overnight stays.
• Scout before dark: A spot that looks perfect in daylight may feel sketchy at night. Always have a backup option just in case.

Colorado is blessed with public land, BLM areas, and vast stretches of national forest. If you’re willing to leave the pavement behind, your camping options expand massively.

🌲 San Juan Mountains (Southwest Colorado)

• Around Ouray, Silverton, and Durango, you’ll find insane views and plenty of dispersed sites.
• Try Forest Roads like Mineral Creek or Kendall Mountain for secluded mountain camps.
• Snow can linger into May or even June, so check elevation before heading up.

🏕️ Leadville to Buena Vista

• A perfect mix of access to town amenities and pristine wilderness.
• Clear Creek Reservoir has free lakeside camping, and Cottonwood Pass (summer only) has stunning spots above the tree line.
• Great area for fishing, hiking, and soaking in nearby hot springs.

🌼 Grand Junction and the Western Slope

• Lower elevation means better access during spring and winter.
• Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area offers red rock solitude and sweeping desert views.
• Less crowded than the Rockies and excellent for off-season camping.

Bonus: Front Range Foothills

• Areas like Nederland and Pinecliffe have forest roads and pullouts not far from Boulder or Denver.
• Great for quick weekend escapes while staying relatively close to civilization.

Colorado is a four-season playground, but each season offers vastly different experiences for vanlifers.

Best Time for Vanlife

• June through September: Peak season for high-altitude camping. All the alpine passes are open, wildflowers bloom, and skies are clear.
• Ideal for access to places like Independence Pass, Maroon Bells, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Shoulder Season (April-May & October)

• Spring (April-May): Many roads are still closed, and snow melt causes muddy trails. Campgrounds are quiet but access can be tricky.
• Fall (late September-October): Gorgeous foliage in places like Aspen and Kebler Pass, but nights can get icy fast.

Winter (November–March)

• Only for the prepared. Snow and ice limit access to high elevations.
• Lower regions like Pueblo, Canon City, and the Western Slope remain somewhat accessible.
• Insulation, a heater, and good tires are essential.

• Water is gold. Fill up whenever you find a spigot — they’re rarer than you think. Many gas stations and some city parks offer free water.
• Altitude sickness is real. Ascend slowly if you’re coming from sea level. Sleep at lower elevations the first few nights.
• Check fire bans and camping restrictions. Conditions change rapidly. Visit local ranger stations or check websites for updated info.
• Be bear aware. Store food properly, especially in areas like Gunnison and Durango.
• Snow can fall anytime after Labor Day. Don’t get caught off-guard at 10,000 feet.

• iOverlander: Best for stealth city spots and user-generated info on legality and safety.
• FreeCampsites.net: Nature-focused free camping with user reviews.
• Campendium: Great for finding sites with amenities like dump stations and potable water.
• COTrip.org: Colorado Department of Transportation’s site for road conditions, weather alerts, and pass closures.
• AllTrails: For finding hikes near your campsites.
• GasBuddy: Track fuel prices across Colorado — it matters when climbing mountain roads.

Vanlife in Colorado isn’t just about #vanlifeGoals and dreamy sunset shots. It’s waking up in a Walmart parking lot, braving freak snowstorms in July, and rationing water miles from the nearest town. It’s learning to read the land, respect its risks, and enjoy its endless rewards.

But it’s also wildflowers at 10,000 feet, soaking in a backcountry hot spring, and watching stars blaze above an alpine lake with no one else around.

If you’re willing to plan ahead, embrace flexibility, and respect the wild, Colorado might just be the best place in America to live life on four wheels.