Best Campgrounds near Aurora, CO

Camping options surrounding Aurora, Colorado range from developed state park campgrounds to urban RV resorts with varying amenities. Cherry Creek State Park Campground provides full hookup sites within city limits, offering convenient access to the Denver metro area while maintaining natural surroundings. The region includes several established campgrounds with RV accommodations, including Denver Meadows RV Park in Aurora and Chatfield State Park Campground in nearby Littleton. Most developed campgrounds in the area support tent camping alongside RV sites, with some offering cabin rentals. For those seeking dispersed camping, driving west toward the mountains provides access to public lands with more primitive camping areas.

Seasonal availability remains consistent at many Aurora-area campgrounds, with several operating year-round including Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park, and Denver Meadows RV Park. Summer temperatures average 80-90°F during daytime hours, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that frequently drop below freezing. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Many private RV parks cater to long-term stays, while state park campgrounds enforce maximum stay limits. Cell coverage is generally strong throughout the area, with service diminishing in dispersed camping areas west of the city. According to one visitor, "Cherry Creek State Park is a great option for camping near the greater Denver metro area with easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir, plenty of hiking and biking trails, and close proximity to Aurora."

Urban campgrounds near Aurora provide a balance between outdoor recreation and city amenities. Several campers mentioned appreciating the convenience of staying close to metropolitan attractions while maintaining access to outdoor activities. The Gold Rush loop at Cherry Creek State Park features full hookups with ample space for larger RVs and towed vehicles, according to review reports. Campers frequently note the benefit of multiple shower and bathroom facilities throughout the campgrounds. Sites at Denver area campgrounds tend to be developed with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and hookups, though spacing between sites varies significantly by location. Reviews indicate that while road and airport noise can be noticeable at some locations, the convenience of proximity to Denver and Aurora often outweighs these concerns for many visitors who use these campgrounds as a base for exploring the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Aurora, Colorado (176)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "Easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir, plenty of hiking and biking trails, and close proximity to Aurora, Centennial, and the greater Denver metro area."

    "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."

    2. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."

    "This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!!

    Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."

    3. Denver Meadows RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Denver, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 364-9483

    "Lots of good food nearby."

    4. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    25 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "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."

    6. Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    14 Reviews
    Watkins, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 622-9274

    "The camp ground is close to interstate 70 and cars were driving past every second non stop and super loud. Everything then that the camp is fine"

    "It’s close to the interstate, but just fine for one night."

    7. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 278-1437

    $32 - $80 / night

    "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!"

    8. Tuff's Ranch

    1 Review
    Watkins, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 263-2279

    $35 - $55 / night

    "What makes this place even more special is the heart behind it. The animals here are so well cared for, and it’s clear that the owners pour their souls into creating a safe haven for them."

    9. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    13 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 872-7544

    "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."

    10. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Aurora, CO

1197 Reviews of 176 Aurora Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • k
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Colorado Heights Resort

    Nice site, but very close to civilization

    We enjoyed are stay here. The site was well taken care of and the people were nice. The only cons for us were how loud the traffic sounds were and how close together the sites are.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Dispersed Site, Pull off with fire ring

    Very near Idaho Springs and road to location easy. Site is off road on broken but semi level asphalt. Small green patch with pines & aspen trees. There is nice rock formation across the road. Only 1 rock fire-pit (didn't use because it started to rain). Nice place to stop if traveling through as we are. Kinda bummed that we didn't see a fox. 🦊

  • Graham S.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    Gnarly ass road, not for trailers/sedans

    Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. 

    I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful.....BUT

    We arrived on Thursday 8/7/2025 at 7am looking for a spot, it was pretty well filled up but we found site #13 open so we jumped on it.  After setting up we walked the grounds as site #13 goes pretty far back and down the mountian and is beautiful, here's why I gave it two stars.  30-40 yards behind our fire ring there were 5 piles of human crap with TP smushed on them and with the wind alot of used TP was scattered across the site, so I had to put on disposable gloves and walk the ground and pick other human beings used TP.


Guide to Aurora

Camping near Aurora, CO, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Activities: Many campers enjoy paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," highlighting the fun you can have on the water.
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Mueller State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Short walk to Grouse peak," making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Bear Creek Lake Park has a reservoir perfect for swimming and fishing. One camper noted, "Great biking, hiking right from the campsite," making it a versatile spot for outdoor fun.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Cherry Creek State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. One camper shared, "Park staff are very friendly," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park. A visitor mentioned, "Large sites. Some trees for shade," making it a comfortable place to set up camp.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Dakota Ridge RV Park, can be noisy due to nearby bars and construction. One guest warned, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."
  • Limited Amenities: At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, amenities are minimal. A reviewer pointed out, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife Caution: Campers at Mueller State Park Campground have spotted wildlife. One visitor noted, "Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery," so keep an eye out for animals.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park. A camper mentioned, "Lots of kids and bikes and playgrounds," making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Hot Weather: If you're camping in the summer, consider sites near water, like at Chatfield State Park Campground. One reviewer advised, "I’d recommend finding a site closer to the lake so you can get to the water quicker when it’s super hot."
  • Bring Entertainment: Campgrounds like Garden of the Gods RV Resort have activities on-site. A visitor said, "Lots of stuff here. Cabins/studios. Tons of RV sites," which can keep kids entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mueller State Park Campground said, "Our site was a pull-through with a tight radius for a 25ft trailer."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, lack electric hookups. A visitor noted, "No water at site but several drinking water stations with hose hookups."
  • Plan for Road Conditions: If you're heading to Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, be ready for rough roads. One camper advised, "Four-wheel drive is required," so make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge.

Camping near Aurora, CO, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Aurora, Colorado?

Aurora offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Cherry Creek State Park Campground stands out as the premier option closest to Aurora, featuring full hookup sites that can accommodate large RVs, hot showers, and flush toilets. For those willing to drive a bit further, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers a more rustic experience with numbered sites and many additional unnumbered campsites with scenic views. These campgrounds provide a mix of developed and natural experiences, making them perfect for different camping preferences while staying relatively close to Aurora's amenities.

Can I find lake camping near Aurora, Colorado?

Yes, several beautiful lake camping options exist near Aurora. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake offers beautiful lakeside camping just outside of Denver with bathroom facilities and a visitor center where you can purchase firewood. Another excellent option is Echo Lake Campground, situated next to its namesake lake off Squaw Pass Road. For those willing to drive a bit further, Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides secluded sites with access to the reservoir, creating a private feel even with other campers nearby.

Are there any RV parks or camping options in Aurora, Colorado?

Aurora and its surroundings offer several quality RV parks. Denver East-Strasburg KOA is conveniently located right off I-70, making it ideal for overnight stays, though expect some highway noise. Sites are clean though somewhat compact. For a more premium experience, Dakota Ridge RV Park provides friendly staff, on-site propane (great for winter stays), and connecting trails for dog walking, though it is pricier. If you're looking for something more family-oriented, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur offers easy highway access while being close to attractions in both Denver and Colorado Springs.