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Established Camping

Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. This place has a reputation for being quiet and well-maintained, making it a favorite among campers who appreciate clean facilities and a peaceful atmosphere.

The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and even yurts for a unique experience. Visitors rave about the ample shade provided by the surrounding trees, perfect for those hot summer days. As one camper noted, “There are lots of trees if you like shade,” which makes it a cozy retreat after a day of exploring.

Amenities here are solid, with clean bathrooms and showers available, though don’t forget to bring some quarters for those showers. Campers also appreciate the fire rings and picnic tables at each site, making it easy to gather around for meals or evening fires. One reviewer highlighted the convenience of having an ice machine and vending machines on-site, which adds to the overall ease of camping here.

Located near Golden, Colorado, this campground is just a short drive from the Denver/Boulder area, making it an ideal getaway for families looking to escape the city without venturing too far. With nearby hiking trails and stunning views, Deer Creek Campground is a great base for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.

Description

State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers multiple campgrounds, cabins, yurts, RV sites, group sites, and a guest house. From Memorial Day to early October, there are 132 campsites in two campgrounds: Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadow. Reverend’s Ridge offers 38 tent sites and 59 sites with electrical hook-ups. Facilities at Reverend’s Ridge include flush toilets, shower, ice machine, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Aspen Meadow offers 35 tent sites and vault toilets. As of January 1, 2019 both campgrounds will be Reservation Only. Golden Gate also offers 20 backcountry tent sites and four backcountry shelters. Our backcountry sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis year-round. Please register for backcountry sites at the Visitor Center.

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Location

Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Address

3873 Highway 46
Golden, CO 80403

Coordinates

39.85880196 N
105.35689297 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

48 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2023

Lotsa trees and shade

This has become one of our favorite places to camp. Very quiet. Evenings are cool. Plan on making a fire. There are lots of trees if you like shade. Stay away from the A loop – it is small and tricky to back in. Panorama point is a must see.

Site52
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Panorama Point
    Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2022

Very nice sites and we'll kept

We stayed here for a quick overnight so did not have time to enjoy the park. Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms. Showers take quarters so come prepared if you plan to shower. Sites all looked level with nice fire rings and picnic tables.

Site13 Reverends Ridge
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Bryce W., September 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Bryce W., September 30, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2022

Amazing and Easy!

This site has it all! It made camping easy with restrooms with showers, ice machine, vending machines, sinks to wash dishes, and a fire pit with a grill! Can also buy firewood for a cheap price and the site has a gas station nearby!

SiteF63
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Callan , June 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Callan , June 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Callan , June 13, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2021

Very Close to Denver / Boulder

This campground is very close to the Denver / Boulder area so it is easy to get to for me.  The kids enjoyed camping here.  There are most of the basics and the restrooms are clean.  The only negative I have to say is that it is closer to home and the city than I prefer to be but other than that it was great.

The parking is a bit of a bear so keep that in mind.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Troy C., September 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Troy C., September 20, 2021
  • Water nearby our campsite
    Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2021

Couldn't make it

We had reservations for this campsite but unfortunately we never made it. It is an EXTREMELY steep trek to this campground so if you or like me had a buddy that is afraid of heights, find a different site. We wish we knew about the trek ahead of time. I'm sure the campsite is beautiful once you make it up there, so just FYI.

SiteDidn't make it
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2021

Beautiful

Very nice and well maintained. Bathrooms where nice and clean. Camp sites where well maintained.

Siteloop E57
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Ben D., July 29, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Great spot any way you camp!

Have stayed here in a tent, in a yurt, and in a cabin. All are great! Bathrooms clean. At 10,000 feet, it can be colder than you expect and watch out for the altitude effects! Yurts are wayyy fun.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Best camping close to Denver

This is a great campground for a quick getaway! The full hookup sites are few, but the campground is lively, lots of aspen trees and shade. Fishing nearby is stocked and great for children/novice as the fish hit fast

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2021

Lovely campground!

Love this campground! Such a beautiful setting as well as being well kept. We will definitely return to camp here again.

Site13
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2021

Early Camping in the snow!

We love to visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park early in the season because it is very busy all summer.  This is our second stay at the park in March, and we have had wonderful snow both times.  

The Reverends Ridge campground has limited sites available this time of year but is still well maintained.  The campground office restrooms were open, heated and clean.  Trash dumpsters were available as were recycling cans. The electric hookups were on. There is no water available except in the restrooms. 

The campsite (C-35) parking area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk along side the trailer and open the door! .More snow was falling as we set up but the scenery was absolutely magical.  About 25 yards of more shovel work made it so we could find and dig out both the table and fire pit provided.  We had a warming fire going in no time.  

Golden Gate is a wildlife paradise and as we worked we could hear Turkeys calling form the trees.  We were also graced with the presence of four huge Moose who had taken up residency and were lounging in the snow.  In the distance we could hear the yips and howls of coyotes.  

Snow graced us for the first of our Friday to Sunday stay, but warmer temperatures  arrived Saturday afternoon and the great daytime thaw and evening freeze common to Colorado mountains in springtime began in earnest.  This made for some cautious walking around the snow piled nearly everywhere. 

One of the great things about this park is the winter activities available on the many trails, and the added benefit of Nederland, Black Hawk, and Central City Colorado being within easy driving distance for some small town amenities if desired.  This is a great park, and my wife is wishing to visit when there is no snow!   😎

SiteC-35
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Kell H., March 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Kell H., March 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Kell H., March 29, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2021

Winter Camping Golden Gate Canyon State Park

We stayed at loop A of Reverend’s Ridge for 1 night on our way to California. We were the only ones in the campground and the views are gorgeous. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. The road to and in the campground was plowed. Pets allowed. Tons of beautiful hiking trails.

Things to keep in mind when visiting in the winter- water is not available, there are vault toilets near the pay area but not in campground itself. The GPS will tell you to take mountain base rd to the campground but it is closed for the winter. You need to take highway 46 to 119 to Gilpin road (see map).

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Amanda M., February 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Amanda M., February 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Amanda M., February 13, 2021
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2021

LOVE IT!

Lovely campground! Beautiful pine forest, morning sun, nice sunsets, clean campground with great facilities(including laundry, clean large shower house, electric hookups, and a dump station). Good hikes right near campground and tons of hikes in the state park. The trailhead for the gorgeous Raccoon Trail loop is just feet from our campsite. We stayed at site 6 loop A for one night in early October. Wish we were staying longer! We will return someday!

Site6 Loop A
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Kathy L., January 24, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

Truly Spectacular State Park

We visited Golden Gate Canyon in October 2020 and we were blown away with the natural beauty of this park. We stayed in Reverends Ridge Loop E Site 49. It was a pull through site, mostly level, and it easily accommodated our 20' truck still attached to our 30' travel trailer. The sites we saw were spaced apart generously. The park was quiet and family friendly. We only stayed for one night as we were passing through the area, but we would absolutely go back again and highly recommend it to others. One important note is that RVs can not enter through the entrance on HWY 46 at Mountain Base Road (we learned the hard way). The good news is the entrance is not far from there, but you may want to plan to enter off HWY 119 from the outset.

SiteReverends Ridge Loop E Site 49
Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Drew S., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Drew S., November 12, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Reverend's Ridge

There are multiple camping areas in here, from giant RV to backpack access only. This is for Reverend's Ridge. 

The good and the bad is that it is close to Denver/Golden/Boulder and can feel far away. This would be a really good spot with kids or first time campers who don't want to spend hours in the car. But that brings problems as well. Lots of newbies who don't quite get the etiquette side of things. Spots are close together and many of the campers the night we were there thought this was a great place to drink, talk and run generators until 1am. Add in a few barking dogs first AM, it was not my favorite spot. 

Electric hookup and very large and clean showers available (though they were closed for COVID). I'll go back to what I said before, this is a great spot for those who are new to camping, have families and want easy access to bathrooms and showers.

Leave no trace.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2020

Nice campground

Stayed in Reverends Ridge campground in Loop A. We had pretty decent cell service with AT&T. The campsites were somewhat close but it was still fine. Didn’t feel very wild but the amenities seemed nice. The bathroom was functioning and heated. The tent pad was nice as well. Some nice hikes within the park that we enjoyed. I’d stay here again.

Reviewed Oct. 19, 2020

Beautiful but a little tight

The Golden Gate Canyon state park is beautiful. Sites only have electric but ample water is available near the dump stations. Very clean overall - used the laundry facilities and they worked perfectly! Ample hiking trails - just leave yourself a little more time that you would expect due to the elevation gain/lose on the trails. Really close toGolden and all that it has to offer but you feel like you are in a very remote area. The sites are a little tight together - ample shade and lots of trees though. Highly recommend if you are looking for a little comfort after all of the BLM camping!

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2020

Clean and quiet

Reverend's Ridge campground is one of our all time favorites. Even though the campground was fully booked, the campground was clean and quiet. We appreciate the big shower houses, recycling, and the site layouts that feel big with lots of trees. There is a trailhead right at the campground that offers a great hike with beautiful scenery.

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Maria M., October 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Maria M., October 15, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Very quiet and beautiful

Was a beautiful drive to the park. About 30 to 40mins off I-70 depending on how you drive. Highly recommend and has become one of my new favorite spots to visit again. Has a very tucked in the mountains feel but has great facilities and was very quiet. Phone service wise Verizon was very patchy but sprint seemed to have 2-3 bars

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Allan , September 2, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Allan , September 2, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Allan , September 2, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2020

Close to Boulder, Kid Friendly

We took our kids camping for the first time at GGCSP and they had a blast! There are a handful of lakes that are great for fishing and plenty of trails to explore. The restroom facilities are well maintained and it’s close to Boulder for a quick day trip or extended weekend.

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2020

One of my favorites for local camping

This is a very popular Colorado State Park and campground for alot of reasons! The park has campsites for all sizes, shapes and styles of campers, trailers, tents and has cabins and yurts to rent as well. I like loop B for the pull throughs and nice spacing between sites. Loop D is a favorite as well , it’s close to the restrooms with showers and laundry. The park fills up quickly over the summer weekends ( reservations required) but I check for cancellations ... you never know or try for weekdays if you can.

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Ronda C., April 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Ronda C., April 20, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2019

The Forgotten Valley Backcountry Camping

There are a few areas at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, but Forgotten Valley is my favorite. Access to fishing at Tallman Ranch Pond, and Monutain Lion Trail leads to the summit of Windy Peak.

Forgotten Valley has 4 backcountry campsites and a backcountry shelter for overnight camping. All backcountry tent sites and shelters are first come, first serve. You'll need to check in at the visitor center to reserve the campsite, and pay for a park pass.

Park at the Bridge Creek Trailhead, and take Burro Trail to access Mountain Lion Trail, which leads into Forgotten Valley.

Site #15 is my favorite in Forgotten Valley. It's settled in an Aspen Grove, and is more secluded that the other sites.

Bear lockers are available for each campsite.

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Ryan G., August 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Ryan G., August 17, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Fun, flexible and convenient to Denver---yet worlds away...

I've stayed here twice; once via tenting and another with a yurt full of fun people. Both stays were wonderful. The facilities are clean, convenient and easily accessible. Golden Gate Canyon park has loads of moderate hiking trails with beautiful pine and Aspen views. Highly recommended.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

Heart of the Rockies

Great! Great! Great! Big campground but still peaceful. Not far from Denver but a world away.

Generously sized tent sites accommodate a variety of tent sizes. Be aware you cannot hang hammocks.

Bathrooms were clean. Showers cost $1. There are facilities for washing clothes and dishes and even vending machines.

There is some great hiking in the park and a couple of trailheads right out of the campground.

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Aaron C., July 5, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2019

Beautiful

It was absolutely beautiful the time of year I went. It didn’t feel like I was in Colorado, it felt like I was in a sea of gold. So beautiful and so out of the way. It seemed like no one knew about it!

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2018

Awesome hiking trails

Hiked one of the moderate trails, made it to some campsites that were pretty remote. Hiked uphill for about 1-2 miles so it’s hard with camping gear! Beautiful scenery though!

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Tikki B., September 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Tikki B., September 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Tikki B., September 4, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

child friendly

such a beautiful place. trails are amazing. although the sound of screaming children that pervades the campsite kind of ruins the experience.

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Jennifer S., August 31, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2018

Worth the hike

Hiked about 2.5 miles into a back country shelter site. It was quiet and secluded but only a short walk from a small lake and a historical cabin site. Loved it!

  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Derrik E., August 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Derrik E., August 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon by Derrik E., August 14, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon?

    Camping at Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon can cost between $18.00 and $90.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon has 50 amp electric hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon?

    Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon does not have wifi.