Camping near Arvada, Colorado offers sites at elevations ranging from 5,900 to 9,600 feet, with dramatic temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. The Roosevelt National Forest surrounds much of the area, creating diverse microclimates and terrain across relatively short distances. Weather conditions can shift rapidly in the mountain areas, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Paddleboarding opportunities: Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides non-swimming water recreation. "Gross Reservoir is not gross! It is an awesome SUPing, kayaking, or canoeing option close to Denver and Boulder... There are a lot of inlets to paddle into and trails to explore," notes Karl G., though water activities come with specific rules requiring "a life vest, whistle, and your name written on your boat."
Creek access for cooling off: Allenspark Dispersed Camping sites feature creek-side locations. Mason M. reports, "A lot of good spots to pull off and relax for the night with a nearby stream," while Brett A. emphasizes the "gorgeous" setting with "lots of spots" along the water.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campsites offer chances to see local wildlife. Ben O. at Allenspark reports, "We ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he came back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping." Amanda V. from Gordon Gulch noted "moose visitors at dawn and evening" are common occurrences.
What campers like
Campsite privacy: Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area has marked sites with separation. According to Quinton T., "We went on a Sunday, the weekend after the 4th of July. It was quite easy to find a campground for dispersed camping with other sites marked." Similarly, sites at Winiger Ridge are "well spread out from one another," with Karl G. noting they have "some on the shoreline and some covered by forest."
Scenic views for stargazing and sunrises: Dream Canyon Campsites offers panoramic views. Mattie C. describes it as "super cool, def a little busy but some really awesome canyon views," while at nearby Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp, Daniel H. found a "gorgeous campsite overlooking Idaho springs and multiple mountain ranges."
Accessibility for quick escapes: Many campsites can be reached within an hour from Arvada. Jason H. notes that Allenspark is "about 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access... Keep driving on Ski road, you'll see the 'Entering National Forrest' sign and soon after that you will see dispersed camping spots."
What you should know
Road conditions limit vehicle access: Many campsites require high-clearance vehicles. At Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2, Rachel B. warns, "I've never encountered a road that made me distrust my car's ability... seriously steep, sketchy, slippery, uneven." Similarly, at Winiger Ridge, Graham S. cautions about "a gnarly hill with deep ruts" requiring "high clearance and power."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Pack in what you need, especially water and toilet supplies. At Gordon Gulch, Catalina H. found "one big pile of trash that was unfortunate" but reported "all the campsites were pretty clean." Johny R. notes at Allenspark there's "zero cell service not much of a view. Creek is loud and drowns out noise."
Weekend crowds at popular spots: Arrive early to secure sites, especially at locations close to towns. At Gordon Gulch, Gillian S. advises, "We tried to drive in Friday night and all the campsites were full so some kind people let us share theirs. I'd suggest getting there early to get a good spot!"
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking experience: Sawmill Hiker Campground offers an approachable introduction to hike-in camping. It requires a free permit from Jefferson County Open Space. According to Jessica K., "This was an excellent 'beginner' foray into backpacking!" with "a 1 mile, easy hike" where "the first 1/3 of a mile is dirt, the remainder is gravel."
Kid-friendly amenities: Bear Creek Lake Campground includes features for younger campers. Kevin M. explains, "There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area, with access to trails to the lake, a boat launch and boat rental, equestrian stables, and archery."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary in ambient noise levels. At Aspen Meadows in Golden Gate Canyon, Britt H. notes it's "directly under a flight path" with "toilets [that] smelled like ammonia," though "the campsite itself was clean." Andrew B. finds it "a perfect quick get-a-way for a family breaking in some unruly toddlers to the camping experience."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Aspen Meadows Campground offers tent camping with some amenities but limited services. Alicia A. notes, "Nice natural features, shade is appreciated in the summer," but Taylor L. clarifies that tent pads "squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely)."
Parking constraints for larger vehicles: Most of the best tent camping near Arvada, Colorado has restricted parking for RVs. Dorothy from Winiger Ridge advises that "all-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy" and suggests to "stay in the last park-in campsite" which means you "had to hike in to the lake, but was much easier that bringing in camping gear to the lake-side campsites."
Seasonal road access: Winter and early spring can make roads impassable. Charlee R. reported at Hidden Wilderness that "it snowed during the evening" in mid-May, and Daniel H. noted in late May "the roads were all clear of snow and ice."
