Why Colorado Rewards a Camper Van Road Trip
Colorado stacks serious elevation changes, red rock desert, alpine tundra, and ancient cliff dwellings into a state you could spend weeks exploring without doubling back. The distances between its best destinations make a camper van the most efficient way to travel: sleep near the trailhead, wake up early, and move on when you're ready.
OffGrid Campervans curates top-rated, well-reviewed Class B camper vans across Colorado, all booked on Outdoorsy.
Rental Cities in Colorado
Pick up a camper van in one of these 3 cities and start exploring Colorado
Denver
Colorado
The Mile High City is your gateway to Rocky Mountain adventures. National parks, hot springs, and alpine scenery.
Durango
Colorado
Southwestern Colorado's mountain town. Historic railroad, Mesa Verde, and San Juan wilderness.
Grand Junction
Colorado
Colorado's wine country and gateway to Colorado National Monument and the Grand Valley.
Where to Take Your Camper Van in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
Summer opens the high alpine road from mid June onward, and fall brings golden aspens and large elk herds before snow closes the road again by mid October. Plan your visit between mid June and mid October for the best combination of open roads and dramatic scenery.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to explore North America's tallest dunes, and the seasonal creek at the base of the dunes peaks from late May to early June, making that window especially rewarding. Summer temperatures can be extreme on the sand itself, so early mornings matter here.
Mesa Verde National Park
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for touring the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace. Ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings run from May through September, so plan accordingly if that experience is on your list.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The South Rim road opens in late April and closes by mid November, with May through September offering the most reliable access to the dramatic overlooks above the 2,000-foot gorge. Crowds stay manageable compared to Colorado's more famous parks, which makes it a strong addition to any western Colorado route.
Colorado National Monument
The red rock canyons and towering monoliths along the rim drive are best visited in spring and fall. Summer highs climb past 90 degrees, so if you're visiting in July or August, plan to drive the rim early and spend midday in the shade.
What to Look for in a Colorado Camper Van
Van types and features that suit Colorado's terrain and climate
High-Altitude Capable Drivetrain
Colorado's most compelling destinations sit at serious elevation, and several access roads climb well above 10,000 feet. A van with strong engine performance at altitude, ideally with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, gives you far more flexibility on unpaved or steep approach roads.
Strong Heating and Insulation
Even in summer, Colorado nights at elevation drop fast, sometimes into the 30s near alpine parks. A van with a reliable diesel heater or well-insulated build keeps you comfortable without relying on campground hookups.
Solar and Off-Grid Power
Many of Colorado's best camping spots sit well outside the reach of electrical hookups. A van equipped with rooftop solar and a capable house battery lets you camp at Great Sand Dunes backcountry sites or pull off near Black Canyon of the Gunnison without hunting for a powered site.
Compact Footprint for Rim and Mountain Roads
The winding rim drive at Colorado National Monument and the switchbacks leading into Mesa Verde are not built for large rigs. A Class B van fits these roads comfortably and parks at trailheads where larger vehicles cannot.
Available Rentals in Colorado
2021 Squatchy Camper Van Rental in Durango, Colorado
Rent Squatchy, a solar-powered camper van in Durango, CO , a professionally converted boondocking rig with a queen bed, full kitchen, and pet-friendly setup.
From
$185/night
2022 Storyteller Overland MODE 4x4 Camper Van Rental in Denver, Colorado
4x4 diesel Storyteller Overland MODE camper van with sleeping for two, indoor shower, toilet, induction cooktop, fridge, hot water, solar, and heating - perfect for Colorado mountain adventures.
From
$325/night
2024 GeoTrek Flatiron Camper Van Rental in Denver, Colorado
Modern 2024 GeoTrek Flatiron with sleeping for two, indoor shower, toilet, full kitchen, solar power, and four-season comfort. A clean, adventure-ready build designed for Colorado travel.
From
$225/night
2022 DM Vans LV7 Camper Van Rental in Denver, Colorado
Fully built Class B camper van with sleeping for two, plenty of storage, solar power, kitchen, outdoor shower, and four seatbelts - ideal for Colorado road trips, mountain escapes, and four-season travel.
From
$239/night
2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4 Camper Van Rental in Denver, Colorado
Explore Denver and beyond in this rugged 2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4 camper van, perfect for off-grid adventures and outdoor gear storage.
From
$295/night
Vanworks Base Camp - “Bertha” - AWD Adventure Van Rental in Denver, CA
A rugged AWD Ford Transit adventure van built by Vanworks and fully equipped for mountain escapes, national park trips, and all-season travel. Seats and sleeps up to five, with a smart modular layout, a full camp kitchen, off-grid power, and premium comfort for families, couples, or small groups exploring Colorado.
From
$150/night
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to rent a camper van for a Colorado road trip?
Late June through September covers the widest range of open roads and accessible parks across Colorado. If your route includes Rocky Mountain National Park, note that the high alpine road is closed by snow from mid October to late May, so timing matters.
Do I need a permit to camp at Great Sand Dunes National Park in a camper van?
Backcountry camping at Great Sand Dunes requires a free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center. Pinon Flats Campground inside the park takes reservations through Recreation.gov and is the most common base for camper van travelers.
Are the roads at Rocky Mountain National Park accessible for a Class B camper van?
Yes, Class B camper vans handle the roads at Rocky Mountain National Park well. The park does require timed entry reservations during peak summer season, so book those before your trip.
What should I know about altitude when renting a camper van in Colorado?
Colorado's parks and scenic drives regularly exceed 8,000 to 10,000 feet, which can affect both your van's engine performance and your own energy levels. Give yourself a day to acclimatize before attempting long hikes, and look for a van with strong power output at altitude.
Is cell coverage reliable near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park?
Cell coverage near Black Canyon of the Gunnison is limited, especially along the South Rim. Download offline maps before you leave Montrose and let someone know your itinerary before heading into the canyon area.
Can I drive a camper van on the rim road at Colorado National Monument?
Class B camper vans are well-suited for the winding rim drive at Colorado National Monument. Larger rigs face restrictions on some sections, which is one reason a compact van is the better choice for this route.
When do ranger-led cliff dwelling tours run at Mesa Verde National Park?
Ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace, run from May through September. Tickets sell out quickly in summer, so book through Recreation.gov as early as possible before your visit.
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