Rainbow Lakes Campground
Nice walk in sites
Very peaceful experience when I was there last in 2024. Nice and rather easy hike from the campground.
354 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Littleton sits on Denver's southwest edge, close enough to the foothills that both city-adjacent campgrounds and national forest dispersed options are within reasonable range. Denver-area RV parks and campgrounds cover the broader metro supply for anyone who doesn't find what they need in Littleton directly. Most camping demand in this corridor runs from late spring through early fall, with check-ins through The Dyrt peaking in June and July.
Access to Chatfield State Park puts tent and RV campers within the Littleton limits without a long drive. Sites there have water and restrooms, and the reservoir draws a mix of boaters and day users that makes weekends busy. Book ahead for summer weekends, especially holiday stretches. For quieter options, Morrison's campground options sit west of Littleton and come with a different feel than the state park.
"Located in Littleton, CO surrounding man made reservoir Chatfield "Lake". I found camping pretty easily without a reservation in the middle of summer, I guess everyone was going out in the hills."
"The park offers lots of amenities and is a convenient place to stay to explore Littleton. Red Rocks Amphitheater and Dinosaur Ridge are a short drive away on 470 West."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."
"It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"This was our first time staying at Bear Creek Lake. The park is not part of the Colorado Wilds or CPW State Park system, but daily vehicle fees are included with your camping reservation."
"Note: If the GPS takes you to a dirt road with a closed gate at the end, get back on the highway and take the next exit to the park entrance."
"This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."
"Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."
"Had a great spot right next to the Clear Creek walking path. The campground is clean and well looked after. Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to many hikes and mt trails."
"**Campground Review: ** Golden, CO is a super cute town on the outskirts of Denver. The city has a campground in a prime location, and we were lucky to book a site!"
from $68 - $85 / night
Check Availability"They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "
"The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."
"The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."
"My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."
"Fun place to camp lots of sites and pretty trails, however this is known for its off-road ATV riders. If you're staying for a night or you're ATV for the weekend this is your spot."
"Good location close to interstate to access all the cool towns and site seeing west of Denver."
"When I walked in the office, I was greeted by 5 wonderful sweet dogs. I love dogs so there couldn't have been a better greeting. Kathy was very friendly and helpful."
"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"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
from $18 / night
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Very peaceful experience when I was there last in 2024. Nice and rather easy hike from the campground.
I’ve camped here several times in several different sites both the walk-in tent sites and drive up sites.
There are amazing day hikes that you can access from the campground.
The last time I stayed there, I took a nap after a long hike and woke up to a moose munching on wildflowers 10 ft from my tent.
My family and I booked a stay here for a night after struggling all afternoon to find a place to park our RV for the night. We were thankful to even get a campsite for the night, but because of this park we had full Hook-Up too! And for a great price! It was quiet, and there were not very many people there! Such a wonderful hole in the wall place! I know people say the interstate was too loud, however compared to other campgrounds, which are more populated and have lots of people noise, my family and I found it was actually more quiet. We saw plenty of wildlife that we didn’t see at other campsites either.
I’ve been here a few times for hiking and camping. Very soothing creek sounds, nice views with some greenery and shade. To unload and park close to your site it’s best to come later in the day, or at 5 AM, as it’s a busy trailhead and that’s why most people are there. The obvious sites have a lot of parking and hikers nearby during the day, but are sites beyond the gate that are more private during the day with bear boxes and picnic tables.
We visited Mueller State Park and were pleased by the crisp air and mountain scenery. That’s over 100 campsites however, they are far enough apart that you have the feeling of being secluded. There wasn’t the noise issues you sometimes experience from neighbors at popular campgrounds which really made it enjoyable. The visitor center was nice and we found the park ranger to be friendly and informative. I definitely will be visiting again.
I love this place. It is very well laid out. And even though it accommodates plenty of people and vehicles, you're spread out and surrounded by trees. The restroom facilities are very clean. Bring your hand soap, none is stocked. The Visitor Center was very helpful. Plenty of beautiful Hiking trails around. Don't miss the hike up to the overlook. You can also drive there if you're not up to walking.
Driving north on the 40 from I70 is pure joy, but there is no warning for the turn-off and it’s easy to miss it. Great sites, loud truck noise, and unparalleled stargazing.
Mid July and no one here. Incredible. The Switzerland trail is in pretty rough shape though, you can definitely make it out if you have AWD, but I almost got stuck on the way in thanks to the overlanding trailer I’m pulling. Be very certain about which site you decide to head to, don’t spend two hours inching your way around one tree like I did.
Many large sites. Some flatter than others.. site 15 had 2 bags of garbage stuffed in the pit. Including bread, jelly and tampons. Such a joy to clean up.
Dispersed camping near Littleton, Colorado exists at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, a free camping zone about 30 miles from the metro area. The area sits at approximately 7,400 feet elevation and experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. Most dispersed sites don't have designated fire rings, and many roads require higher-clearance vehicles during spring runoff periods.
Mountain biking trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks. "Great place to spend a day to a few weeks depending on lifestyle. Fire pits and hiking near," notes a visitor who appreciates the versatility of the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Water activities: At Cherry Creek State Park, campers can enjoy swimming and boating on the reservoir. "We stayed here for one night before heading back out on the road. This place is huge and has many amenities. It's very well maintained," reports one camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground.
Archery range: Bear Creek Lake Park offers unique activities beyond standard camping. "Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," says a visitor who enjoyed the diverse recreation options at the park.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded areas around Golden Gate Canyon provide opportunities to spot local animals. Spaces are "clean, convenient and easily accessible. Golden Gate Canyon park has loads of moderate hiking trails with beautiful pine and Aspen views," according to one camper.
Close-to-city convenience: The quick transition from urban to wilderness settings makes Littleton-area camping appealing. "This is a great base camp for exploring Denver as well as Jefferson and Clear Creek counties," explains a visitor to Dakota Ridge RV Park.
Urban trails: Clear Creek RV Park offers direct access to extensive walking paths. "The River area was well-developed and well-used by the community as well as campers. It was a little disconcerting to hear people walking and talking so close behind our campsite, but we got used to it," shares one guest at Clear Creek RV Park.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access. "Chatfield is such a great park; I've spent so much time biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, spending time with family," reports a regular visitor to Chatfield State Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms were clean. The showers were pay only and only with a bank card. $1.50 for a five minute shower," notes a Cherry Creek State Park camper.
Site-specific fees: Camping costs vary widely throughout the region. "You will need to pay the $9 day fee in addition to the camping fee," explains a Chatfield visitor, while at Buffalo Creek, camping remains free but fills quickly on weekends.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Chief Hosa Campground, "The process of reserving a site is a little complicated and you have to do it online. You can not call and book a site," warns a recent visitor.
Fire restrictions: Many areas enforce seasonal fire bans. "The area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day," notes a Buffalo Creek camper regarding availability.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The campground is close to the highway and even with the fans on at night in the pop-up we could still hear some of the highway noise," reports a Chief Hosa camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you find free or open space camping near Littleton?
Yes, free dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Littleton. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites, plus additional unnumbered campsites further down Forest Road 233.1 with excellent views. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is another popular option that provides a true backcountry experience, though it requires 4x4 capabilities to navigate the rocky, bumpy trail with water crossings. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area also offers free camping options and is more accessible. These dispersed areas typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with 14-day stay limits, and require proper waste management with no facilities provided.
Where are the best campgrounds near Littleton, Colorado?
Chatfield State Park Campground is directly in Littleton surrounding a man-made reservoir, offering easy access to water activities and well-maintained sites with hookups. It's particularly convenient if you need a camping option without leaving town. For a more mountain experience, Cherry Creek State Park Campground is nearby with both drive-in and walk-in access. For families seeking additional amenities, Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park offers water and toilet facilities just minutes from Littleton. Many campers also recommend Castle Mountain Recreation Area for its beautiful lakeside setting, though sites can be close together, making it ideal for group camping trips.
Are there any RV parks in Littleton, Colorado?
Yes, Littleton and its surrounding areas have several RV accommodation options. Dakota Ridge RV Park provides convenient access to both Denver and the mountains, making it popular for visitors wanting to explore the region. For families seeking entertainment along with RV facilities, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur offers an RV park with family-friendly amenities, though it's located close to the highway so expect some noise. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney in nearby Wheat Ridge is another option with full hookups and amenities. When planning your RV stay, most parks in the area recommend reservations, especially during peak summer months and weekends.
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