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Best Campgrounds near Bailey, CO

2,725 Reviews

The Pike National Forest surrounding Bailey, Colorado provides a range of camping experiences from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites. Buffalo Campground, located near Bailey, offers tent and RV camping with drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables available during its May to September season. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake provides lakefront camping with cabin and glamping options. Several campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets and trash collection, while dispersed camping zones like Redskin Creek Road offer more primitive experiences without amenities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides free camping but has limited facilities compared to established campgrounds like Deer Creek, which remains open year-round. Elevation in the area ranges from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, resulting in cool nights even during summer months. Most developed campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov, particularly during peak summer weekends. Dispersed camping typically follows a 14-day stay limit on national forest land. One camper noted, "The road is a little bumpy getting there, but manageable. Sites are on the smaller side, probably best for tent camping or smaller RVs."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Bailey area. Wellington Lake at Castle Mountain Recreation Area receives positive reviews for its fishing and paddleboarding opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to hiking trails as a key benefit, with many campgrounds connecting to the Colorado Trail system. Campgrounds closer to Bailey tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, while more remote sites offer greater solitude. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the balance of wilderness experience while still being relatively close to town amenities. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips that include campfires.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bailey, Colorado (425)

    1. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake

    25 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 838-5496

    $40 - $120 / night

    "The lake is quiet, there is plenty to explore, and it's usually not crowded. I will note that this location is maybe 20 minutes outside Bailey though...."

    "Well-kept lake campground with lakefront sites available. You must book 3 months in advance and they can fill up quickly."

    2. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    12 miles

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    "There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."

    3. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    24 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."

    4. Buffalo Campground

    11 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $28 / night

    "We headed out to get to the backroad of Buffalo Creek through Bailey and found this spot."

    "Welcoming campground, spur trails connecting it straight to the Colorado Trail and other connections in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area."

    5. Deer Creek

    7 Reviews
    Shawnee, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This site is just north of Bailey, about 20 minutes. Beautiful views. Sites are far enough apart to get a decent amount of privacy. RV trailer friendly. The creek provides a tranquil environment."

    "You can hear the water and the creek is right next to your site. Bathrooms were very well maintained. You are close to your neighbors. I just wish they had a dumpster for your trash."

    6. Staunton State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Conifer, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 816-0912

    $28 / night

    "The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem."

    "We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot and since we went in the middle of the week we had our choice of spot."

    7. Kenosha Pass Campground

    13 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This was a great stay, conveniently located just down 285 for a short get away during the work week.  We stayed for 3 days and during that time there were only a few other campers here."

    "Super easy access for a quick trip to hit the Colorado Trail. We stayed in sight 22, and realized the map on the reservation system was a bit skewed as it is very close to the bathrooms."

    8. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    12 miles

    "Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings."

    "This is now my favorite campsite in Colorado. Just an hour from Denver… nice road… large campsites with fire pits, hiking trails. Minutes from fishing. Perfect!!"

    9. Spruce Grove Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "Spruce Grove Campground is a beautiful location approximately 2 hours Southwest of Denver."

    "This is a very popular spot for families with easy access to the South Platte for tubing and swimming, but not ideal for fisherman as many people playing in the river."

    10. Green Mountain

    5 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    8 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "We had 4 adults, 2 tents, and a pup on #2, walked our gear across an adorable bridge making the whole experience seem like a fairy tale. 

    Vault toilet, $18, very close to Wellington Lake."

    "This site is kind of tucked away and doesn’t seem like it gets a ton of traffic compared to other sites in the area. I went for several days in the middle of the week and only had one neighbor."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bailey, CO

1081 Photos of 425 Bailey Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bailey, CO

2725 Reviews of 425 Bailey Campgrounds

Guide to Bailey

Camping near Bailey, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and kayaking: Head to Chatfield State Park Campground for some fun on the water. One visitor mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a great spot for water lovers.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Prospector Campground. A reviewer shared, "It was our home base while we took advantage of nearby hiking, biking, and other activities."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Eleven Mile State Park. One camper noted, "Take a canoe, kayak, or fishing poles and enjoy a day on the lake with a great view of the mountains."

What campers like:

  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff at Chatfield State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "The staff is really nice and you have all the services that you need."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A camper at Golden Gate Canyon State Park remarked, "Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms."
  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Prospector Campground stated, "The views are great! Campsites are spaced out and have plenty of space."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Eleven Mile State Park, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, "The lake is nice and there is access to a lot of water for recreation," but noted the lack of shade.
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near Chatfield State Park Campground. One camper shared, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7 AM to the sound of model airplanes."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife, as one camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground noted, "The coolest thing is we did see a moose!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right site: Look for sites that offer some privacy and space for kids to play. A camper at Prospector Campground mentioned, "The campground was mostly private with a lot of little trees in-between sites."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to bring gear for activities like fishing or paddleboarding. One family at Chatfield State Park Campground enjoyed the "paddle board experience."
  • Prepare for weather: Be ready for changing weather conditions. A camper at Eleven Mile State Park advised, "The only downside are the bathrooms. They are very buggy but there is also a park center close by that has really nice bathrooms and showers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Peak One Campground said, "We had no trouble fitting our 29' Class C, tow dolly, and towed vehicle in the site."
  • Be aware of hookups: Some campgrounds, like Dakota Ridge RV Park, have limited hookups. A camper noted, "It is pricey and there are many rules but it is full service with a very friendly staff."
  • Plan for noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider your campground choice. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "The place is tightly packed and is located between a biker bar and construction company."

Camping near Bailey, Colorado, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bailey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bailey, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 425 campgrounds and RV parks near Bailey, CO and 149 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bailey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bailey, CO is Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake with a 3.7-star rating from 25 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bailey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 149 free dispersed camping spots near Bailey, CO.

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