Best Campgrounds near Littleton, CO
The Littleton, Colorado area provides mixed-use campgrounds and dispersed camping options within 30 miles of the metro area. Developed state park campgrounds like Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park offer tent and RV sites with electrical hookups and modern amenities. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping opportunities in more remote settings, while Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park accommodates tent campers, RVs, and those seeking cabin or yurt rentals. Most camping areas maintain proximity to Denver while still providing natural settings.
Reservations are typically required for established campgrounds, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The region experiences four distinct seasons with camping available year-round at some locations, though many close seasonally. "Clean bathrooms, very friendly attendant, level primitive spots," noted one visitor about Chatfield State Park. Amenities vary significantly between developed and dispersed sites, with state parks providing showers, laundry facilities, and water hookups, while backcountry areas offer minimal infrastructure. Weather conditions shift dramatically with elevation changes, making spring and fall camping unpredictable. Most state park campgrounds require both entry fees and camping fees, with prices typically ranging from $26-35 per night depending on hookup availability.
Campers consistently praise the balance between natural settings and urban convenience in this region. Several sites provide lake access, with Chatfield and Cherry Creek campgrounds situated near reservoirs that support fishing and water recreation. A recent review highlighted this benefit: "This is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by." Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, rabbits, and various bird species. Camping areas near the foothills offer more mountain views and hiking access, while sites closer to Denver provide greater convenience for urban amenities. The proximity to Denver means some campgrounds experience train noise or development sounds, with one visitor noting construction near Chatfield State Park campground. RV campers will find numerous full-hookup options throughout the area, while tent campers can choose between developed sites with amenities or more primitive experiences.
