Best Tent Camping near Aurora, CO

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Aurora? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Aurora, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Aurora, Colorado's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Aurora, CO (25)

    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
    Nederland, Colorado

    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 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

    2. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    20 Reviews
    55 Photos
    1154 Saves
    Eldorado Springs, Colorado

    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
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    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

    3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1141 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    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
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground

    6. Sawmill Hiker Campground

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    259 Saves
    Arvada, Colorado

    White Ranch Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allows for permitted camping. Sawmill and Sourdough Springs Campgrounds offer semi-primitive, tent-only, walk-in camping in designated sites is available by online permit. Required camping permits must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance. Permits are $12 per campsite, per night and valid for up to three consecutive nights. Camping is limited to a total of six nights within a 30 day period.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $12 / night

    • No image available

      7. Idylease Campground

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

      $12 / night

      • No image available

        8. Dutch Fred Trailhead #679

        1 Review
        13 Saves
        Larkspur, Colorado

        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
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp
        Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp
        • No image available

          10. Jefferson County Reynolds Park Idylease Campground

          1 Review
          17 Saves
          Buffalo Creek, Colorado

          On the west side of South Foxton Road, hiker and equestrian trails allow visitors to climb to scenic overlooks. Mountain bikes are welcome to explore the east side of South Foxton Road and connect to the 10.1-mile North Fork Trail that originates at the parking lot and terminates at the South Platte River, allowing access to the Colorado Trail.

          Reynolds Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allow for permitted camping. Semi-primitive, tent-only, walk-in camping in designated sites is available by online permit.

          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          • Picnic Table
          • Toilets

          $12 / night

        Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Aurora

        867 Reviews of 25 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 Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
          Oct. 16, 2024

          Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon

          Way too expensive

          I spent the night at Base Camp because the campgrounds North and South of Ned were full and it was dark and getting late. You have to be lucky with those ones to get one of the few good spots that are there. I have been to the convenience store at BC before and it was closer to Idaho Springs (I was going there the next day to meet a friend). $39 per night for a tent site is INSANE. I could have stealth camped and there was another spot I could’ve gone too but BC was close and I was tired. I guess that’s how they make their business. Begrudgingly it worked for what I needed.

        • 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.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          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.

        • cThe Dyrt PRO User
          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          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.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
          Aug. 24, 2024

          Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

          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.



        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 25 tent camping locations near Aurora, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.