Best Campgrounds near Arvada, CO

Camping near Arvada, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
• Water Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding or swimming at Chatfield State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake highlighted, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers which are $2 for 6 minutes."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A visitor at East Portal Campground shared, "Super sweet hosts that checked in on me. I felt wholly welcomed."
• Scenic Views: The stunning landscapes are a big draw. One camper at Cottonwood Campground remarked, "The beaches off of the campground are nice with shaded outdoor tables."

What you should know:

• Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The group campsite was spacious, but it was a bit of a walk to the lake."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A review for Prospector Campground noted, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or activities. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground said, "The highway noise was a bit of a distraction."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at East Portal Campground mentioned, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
• Space Between Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer some distance between sites for more privacy. A review for Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Sites are spread out a bit if also a little small."
• Activities for Kids: Find campgrounds near lakes or rivers for swimming and fishing. A camper at Boyd Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground said, "There’s a swim beach, playgrounds, close to stores for supplies."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground noted, "We had plenty of room to center our rig while leaving room for our tow dolly and SUV."
• Plan for Hookups: If you need electric or water, confirm availability. A camper at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, "Sites are reasonably well separated, but the shade in much of C loop is nonexistent."
• Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for amenities. A review for East Portal Campground stated, "Car fees on top of camp fees. Greedy."

Camping around Arvada, CO, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the best fit for your trip!