Top Tent Camping near Aurora, CO

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Aurora, look no further. The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Aurora with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Colorado tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Aurora, CO (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1317 Saves

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    2. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    101 Photos
    1169 Saves

    Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    3. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    20 Reviews
    55 Photos
    1154 Saves

    Camping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles. Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away. Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1142 Saves

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations. Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space. In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans. Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park

    6. Staunton State Park

    7 Reviews
    31 Photos
    223 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground

    8. Sawmill Hiker Campground

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    258 Saves
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed

    $12 / night

    • No image available

      9. Idylease Campground

      1 Review
      171 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Picnic Table

      $12 / night

      • No image available

        10. Dutch Fred Trailhead #679

        1 Review
        13 Saves

        The Dutch Fred Trailhead is located south of Indian Creek / Rampart Range area. The trail enters into a system of 115 miles of motorcycle and ATV trails in the Rampart Range area. In order to use any vehicle on National Forest lands, it must either have a valid state license plate or be registered with the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program. Contact Colorado State Parks at 303.866.3437 for OHV registration information. Registered OHVs may be subject to fines if used where they are not specifically permitted.

        • Tents
      Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Aurora

      850 Reviews of 27 Aurora Campgrounds


      • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Area Dispersed
        Oct. 19, 2024

        Bailey Area Dispersed

        Difficult road to get to but beautiful views

        The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.

      • UThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Denver West-Central City KOA
        Oct. 17, 2024

        Denver West-Central City KOA

        Nicest KOA we've been to

        And in fact I believe they were KOA of the year 2023 or 2024. More expensive than we're used to, but has nice amenities. Sites level with concrete pads, fairly large. Some space between with trees. Nice metal patio furniture provided at each site(chairs, table, fire pit). Has decent showers, hot tubs, and off leash dog park. Inexpensive pancake breakfast and pizza/wings to your site are available, also an onsite store. Kind of at the top of a rise, so good views but also kind of chilly for July (60s/40s). Massive thunderstorms with hail and heavy rain two evengings (CO mountains tend to get afternoon t-storms). Communicate via text to let you know about goings on. Good radio station out of Idaho Springs KYGT 102.7 and 103.9

      • UThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Chief Hosa Campground
        Oct. 17, 2024

        Chief Hosa Campground

        Good proximity to Evergreen CO/EZ I-70 on/off

        Stayed in spot RV24. Easy access right off freeway and convenient to TPB start. Some nice small trails in area for easy walking. Mostly pine trees. Orderly, camp hosts seem inclined to enforce rules. Quiet.No campfire pits so no burning allowed at all and most folks seem to knock off early. Showers are available for.25/2 min with a 4 min max. Appeared old, clean.

        For road cyclists: Good place to stay for Triple Bypass

        Food aside: Cooked Hatch green chile sausage and added to Sprouts Hatch mac and cheese and put into burritos. Ate leftovers for breakfast. Low FQ (fart quotient).

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
        Oct. 16, 2024

        Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

        Trash+long term campers

        The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

      • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
        Oct. 12, 2024

        Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

        4x4 and tents only

        Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from Denver East-Strasburg KOA
        Oct. 12, 2024

        Denver East-Strasburg KOA

        Quick overnight

        Not a lot of options on I 70 east of Denver for overnight parking so opted for a KOA last minute. Easy last minute check in process. Served great for a quick in and out.

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite
        Oct. 8, 2024

        Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

        Site #6 of 33

        Finally, a nice campsite on a road that isn't horrible. There are 30+ designated, numbered, dispersed campsites on this road. Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings. The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away. These are great campsites and the area is really awesome. After so many horrible roads and places closed, it was a blessing to find this spot. The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado. Highly recommended! Cell service with At&t in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars. at least half of the sites are big rig friendly. All of the sites are 100% free.

      • c
        Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
        Oct. 3, 2024

        Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

        Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs

        We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.

        The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.

        Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
        Sep. 29, 2024

        Gross Reservoir Dispersed

        Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

        Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur

        Nice but pricey

        Overall Nice site. Stayed one night. Too pricey for a stopover. Propane fire pit looks nice but could not use. Must have a 20 pound tank. Store was closed as we arrived at 5 pm.
        Train and traffic noise as expected for location. Lot of stuff for kids. Nice facilities. Clean park.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
        Sep. 18, 2024

        Gross Reservoir Dispersed

        Road Closed Mid-September

        There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Chatfield State Park Campground
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Chatfield State Park Campground

        Greast Spot

        Stayed the last night with a rental RV that we needed to return to Denver by 10;30 AM.  Campground has an unusual lay out with "loops" being 3 rings of sites.  Sites are spread out well.  Lots of privacy,  Within an hour's drive of the RV rental return location (with a Costco on the way to fill the gas tank).  Some sites have elec/water/sewer at the sites.  Some have just electrical - this was our site.  A communal water/sewer was available with ability to handle two vehicles at the same time.

      • Jordan K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Chief Hosa Campground
        Sep. 14, 2024

        Chief Hosa Campground

        Good Spot, Beware road noise

        This was a one-night overnight tent spot after a work conference in Golden. Drive to the site was not bad. The roads are a little bumpy to get into the tent-only camping but even my little Chevy did okay. Bathroom facilities are good with coin-operated showers. Relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of road noise from I-70.

      • NThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Standley Lake Regional Park
        Sep. 13, 2024

        Standley Lake Regional Park

        Nice but no privacy

        If you are used to RV sites or KOA you will be ok with this. On a scale of 1-5 here are my impressions.

        1. Site cleanliness. 5
        2. Bathrooms 5. Running H20
        3. Convenience 2. They lock the gates at 10pm.
        4. Electric 1
        5. Water hookups none 1

        Overall esthetic 2. The lake is nice. The rest of the area is well compacted dirt with some scattered trees. City/road noise 2.

      • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
        Sep. 8, 2024

        Forest Road 332 Dispersed

        Quiet with lovely views

        Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.

        Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.

        Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.

        I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"

        Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place

      • Wil L.
        Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
        Sep. 8, 2024

        York Gulch Road

        Great place dark skies lots of space

        Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!

      • Annie N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
        Sep. 6, 2024

        Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

        Nice large paved pulloff with uneven grassy area and fire ring

        The pulloff is one of many along the road. It's big, gets you quite far back from the road. Very little traffic on the road at night, I didn't notice any. Peaceful area. Not sure you could get a tent set up off of the pavement, but you could set one up on the gravel. I slept in my car.

      • Max B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from LaVern M. Johnson Park
        Sep. 4, 2024

        LaVern M. Johnson Park

        Great Spot in the creek with kids

        This campground has everything. Full hook up, shower, restrooms, a great playground and a fantastic river.

      • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
        Sep. 3, 2024

        Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

        Spot guarantee

        Went a little further up to a different pull out (same road, maybe 1/2 mile or less up), which ended up being a little more secluded. No outstanding views but a good spot. No cars at night so it was very quiet. If you keep driving on the same road you’ll find a bunch of pull off spots. No internet but starlink was great.

      • Megan J.
        Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
        Sep. 3, 2024

        Gross Reservoir Dispersed

        Lost phone !

        Please text 603 404 8514 if you find a phone at site 15 ! 

        Great spacious spot with picnic  table and walkable to the reservoir

      • Taylor L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
        Aug. 24, 2024

        Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park

        Good spot for a relaxing camping trip

        Came here with my roommates in July after only dispersed camping earlier in the summer. Nice spot with a metal fire pit (good for stage 1 fire ban), picnic table, and tent pad. Tent pad was big enough to squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely). Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished. There's an actual parking lot but we just parked next to our campsite, off the road enough to let other cars pass by easily.

      • Heather P.
        Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
        Aug. 21, 2024

        York Gulch Road

        Amazing spot. Secluded.

        I’m currently here and it’s pretty great. Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds.

      • Amanda B.
        Camper-submitted photo from South Meadows Campground
        Aug. 19, 2024

        South Meadows Campground

        Good for families!

        This campground was very nice! The sites are a little close together and it seemed like a lot of families were staying here for the weekend. It’s really close to red rocks Trail, which I highly recommend taking. There’s also a lake about a five minute drive from the campground as well. I showed up to a first come first serve site and had a very restful evening.



      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

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aurora, CO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aurora, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Aurora, CO?

        TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Aurora, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.