Keren Aspen W.
Traveler
TravelerSt. Louis Creek Campground
Perfect Spot
Had a lovely weekend camping. The vault toilets are clean, there is a creek nearby and its very quiet.
Camping near Twin Lakes, CO
330 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping opportunities around Twin Lakes, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across public lands. The area features several developed options like Chatfield State Park Campground and Cherry Creek State Park Campground, both offering year-round access with amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites. For those seeking more primitive experiences, the surrounding national forest lands provide dispersed camping with varying levels of accessibility. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park also offering cabin and yurt options.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though higher elevation sites typically close during winter months due to snow accumulation. Permits and reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Dispersed camping on national forest land generally allows stays up to 14 days, though regulations vary by specific area. Campers should prepare for rapid weather changes typical of Colorado's mountain environment, including afternoon thunderstorms even during summer months. One camper noted, "Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
The camping experience near Twin Lakes varies widely based on location and elevation. Twin Lakes campsites offer diverse settings, from scenic waterfront locations to secluded forest spots at higher elevations. Waterfront sites at locations like Arapaho Bay Campground provide scenic views and recreational opportunities. A visitor described it as having "nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters." Higher elevation sites offer cooler temperatures and often more seclusion, though they may have more primitive facilities. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, with moose, eagles, and occasionally bears spotted in the area. Proximity to hiking trails represents another highlight, with many campgrounds offering direct access to trail networks. Noise levels vary significantly, with sites closer to highways experiencing more traffic sounds compared to more remote forest locations.
Best Campgrounds near Twin Lakes (330)
1. Chatfield State Park Campground
"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."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Cherry Creek State Park Campground
"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."
"It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability3. Dakota Ridge RV Park
"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."
4. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park
"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. Standley Lake Regional Park
"Shower is just a knob and Shower head sticking out of the wall outside. Cold water only. Nice that you can rent kayaks and paddle boards."
"It’s $35 a night for a spot super close to the water. The spots are pretty spread out. We are taking our toddler and dogs swimming 100 times a day."
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. Clear Creek RV Park
"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!"
from $68 - $85 / night
Check Availability7. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney
"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."
9. Chief Hosa Campground
"They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "
"The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability10. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 9 min from Denver, CO
- 22 min from Boulder, CO
- 49 min from Greeley, CO
- 52 min from Fort Collins, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Twin Lakes, CO
813 Photos of 330 Twin Lakes Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Standley Lake Regional Park
Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake ParkR
Cherry Creek State Park Campground
Mountain View CampsiteS
Peaceful RanchA
Chief Hosa CampgroundD
Chatfield State Park CampgroundM
Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Closed
Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
Rifleman Phillips Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Recent Reviews near Twin Lakes, CO
2605 Reviews of 330 Twin Lakes Campgrounds
- L
Lindsay W.TravelerSanta Fe Trail Dispersed Site
Amazing site
This is a fantastic site. It’s flat, wide and tucked back in there away from the road. Now the road is a bit rough but it was doable by most 4x4 capable vehicles. If it’s gone and you can handle the road, There are phenomenal camp sites at the top of this mountain. But this one is a keeper because of its location. I will say this, the trash that was left at this camp site when we got there was disappointing. We got it cleaned up, but it made me sad.
- BBRIAN F.
GuideGeneva Park Campground
Guanella Pass access
Nice campground in wooded area which provides a good level of privacy. Pretty primitive, no hook-ups, vault toilets. Camp fires were allowed and you can buy wood from host at Burning Bear campground (2-3 miles away). Campground is 6-7 miles away from Guanella Pass summit and trailhead for Mt Bierstadt. Much larger sites than other nearby campgrounds. Limited area for dog walking; just around the campground loop. Parking at sites is limited, multiple cars could be an issue.
Kim K.GuideCherry Creek State Park Campground
Cherry Creek campground Aurora Colorado
It's been a very great experience great for dogs very quiet considering basically in the middle of the city but does contain 4,000 acres of State Park
Connie B.
RangerSt. Vrain State Park Campground
Nice state park near Denver
The campground is well ordered and laid out with all drive through sites, where most campsites overlook water. I guess to help you feel cool and even when it is a hot. Reservation are required. They either have full hookups or just electric.
The washrooms are adequate.
Few trees- KKathy P.
ScoutMeridian Campground
Great campground near Denver
This is a clean campground with beautiful views of the Front Range Rockies. Pit toilets. Trash bins. No hookups. Firewood available from the gregarious host or the Loaf & Jug at the 285 turnoff to head to the campground. Senior pass is honored, so sites are half price if you have the pass. Unfortunately the camp closes 9/20. I will stay here again in the Spring!
- MMarissa P.Traveler
Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
Great spots
Loved this area, looks like all the spots are actually pretty decent. Lots of cool old cars and relics there.
- MMarissa P.Traveler
Saints John Trail Roadside Campsites
Road inaccessible due to wash out
You can not access the road currently due to wash out, it had created a large unavoidable divot in the road that even our high clearance vehicle could not get over safely.
- TTHERESA N.Guide
The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite
Nice little stop
I spent a couple of nights up here. I was close to traffic sounds but nothing really bothersome the spots are really different depths of pull-ups right off the road. But there are several and it’s a nice spot. Plenty of places to go walking and enjoy the mountain air. But nothing fancy as far as camping.
There are spaces both left and right and plenty of them, but not the best for long-term camping (the two weeks were always looking for).
Guide to Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes Colorado camping sites cluster around 9,200 feet elevation, creating unique conditions for visitors. The area transitions through distinct seasonal periods with rapid temperature changes even in summer months. Camp sites near Twin Lakes offer access to the highest peaks in Colorado with several 14,000+ foot mountains accessible from nearby trailheads.
What to do
Water activities at Chatfield State Park: Located south of Denver, this park features a large reservoir for water sports. "Great for biking and all kinds of water sports. Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," notes Rick from Chatfield State Park Campground.
Mountain biking in Golden Gate Canyon: The park offers extensive trail networks for cyclists of all skill levels. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful," writes Minette and Ron G. from Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon.
Wildlife viewing at Standley Lake: The lake provides opportunities to view diverse bird species. "I love watching them in flight with their wings expanded, coming in for a landing, sometimes awkward but always interesting. Inside the visitor center there is a large 'Eagle Cam' TV with live footage of the endangered Bald eagles nesting their eaglets," shares Nancy B. from Standley Lake Regional Park.
Paddling options for beginners: Rent equipment if you don't have your own. "If you don't have a paddle craft they rent them there. You can rent a kayak, a paddle board, a canoe, or a paddle bicycle on a pontoon!" adds Nancy from Standley Lake.
What campers like
Proximity to Denver with mountain feel: Some campgrounds offer a blend of accessibility and nature. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," notes Kandisa S. from Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park.
Convenient base camps for exploration: Several campgrounds serve as hubs for regional activities. "This campground allows easy access to Denver, Golden, and the foothills. Campers are close together, but there are some mature trees. This campground is nicer than most that provide access to Denver," mentions Colorado C. from Dakota Ridge RV Park.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. "The bathrooms were VERY clean and seemed to be pretty new - plenty of bathroom stalls, sinks, and large showers. They were quarter showers for 2 minutes of hot water, so basically less than $1 per shower, which is great," reports Danielle V. from Chief Hosa Campground.
Year-round camping options: Some lower elevation sites remain open all year. "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primitive spots. $26 for primitive," notes Christa C. about Chatfield State Park Campground, which operates year-round.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location: Many campgrounds have specific fire rules. "No campfires, strict restrictions on how you can and can't cook food, no hammocks or lines from trees for dogs or dish towels etc," explains Kim L. from Chief Hosa Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. "The campground is easy to get too right off of Interstate 70. It was nice but the sites are very close and you can hear the traffic on the interstate really well," shares Kimberly M. about Chief Hosa.
Limited shade at some sites: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds. "Not a lot of shade for dogs. Super disappointing the pool was closed in the middle of July. Biker bar and noise didn't affect us," reports Chasing the S. from Dakota Ridge RV Park.
Park entrance fees: Many sites charge additional day-use fees. "Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission," notes Jennifer L. about Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Some sites offer dedicated children's areas. "Great campground, well kept. Without a reservation you put your name on a list that they start going through at 1pm to assign sites," explains sarah S. from Chatfield State Park.
Consider sites with recreation options: Multiple activities keep children engaged. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," says Joshua H. from Bear Creek Lake Park.
Cabin or yurt options: Alternative accommodations provide comfort for families. "Was just beautiful all the staff was wonderful and made our first in Co wonderful I would definitely recommend this place for sure beautiful views the yurt was awesome," shares Rebecca J. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Noise considerations: Sound levels vary significantly between sites. "Such a beautiful place. trails are amazing. although the sound of screaming children that pervades the campsite kind of ruins the experience," notes Jennifer S. about Deer Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before setup: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "We got site 47, which is labeled as an RV site, but it is NOT suitable for pop up campers. the site doesn't have even a hint of a levelable spot," warns Shannon S. from Standley Lake Regional Park.
Water pressure awareness: Bring regulators for hookup sites. "Be sure to have a water pressure regulator or you'll come back to a flooded RV," advises Love4travel T. about Prospect RV Park.
Shower access codes: Some facilities use key or code systems. "They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever," explains Danielle V. about Chief Hosa.
Dump station availability: Not all sites offer full hookups. "Easy to find right off the main drag, so that's a plus. Must be an experienced driver to navigate the tight lots and roads. Smaller sites and not much grass for dogs," notes Chasing the S. about Dakota Ridge RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping at Twin Lakes, Colorado?
Do I need reservations for camping at Twin Lakes, Colorado?
Reservation requirements vary among campgrounds near Twin Lakes. South Bay Campground requires reservations, especially during summer months when the lake gets busy, but offers some of the best views in the area. In contrast, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail provides dispersed camping options without reservations, though 4x4 vehicles are recommended to access the best spots. Most established campgrounds in the Twin Lakes area fill quickly during peak season (May-September), so reservations are strongly advised where available. For dispersed camping in the surrounding national forests, no reservations are needed, but arrive early to secure the best spots.
Can I camp at Twin Lakes Reservoir in Colorado?
Can I camp at Twin Lakes Reservoir in Colorado?
Yes, camping is available at Twin Lakes Reservoir in Colorado. For a similar reservoir camping experience, Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers excellent sites like Site 5, which is perfect for larger groups and provides privacy while still having access to the reservoir. If you prefer more amenities, Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake provides beautiful lakeside camping with bathroom facilities and a visitor center where you can purchase firewood. Camping at Twin Lakes Reservoir typically follows similar patterns with a mix of designated campgrounds and dispersed options along the shoreline, subject to local regulations and seasonal closures.
Where are the campgrounds located near Twin Lakes, Colorado?
Where are the campgrounds located near Twin Lakes, Colorado?
Twin Lakes, Colorado offers several camping options nearby. Kenosha East Campground is a popular option in the region that doesn't require reservations and tends to fill up by evening on weekends. For those seeking dispersed camping experiences, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides approximately 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered sites further down road 233.1, some offering spectacular views. The Twin Lakes area is situated in a picturesque mountain region, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas and nearby hiking trails. Additional camping can be found within reasonable driving distance in surrounding national forest lands.
How do I get to Twin Lakes Campground in Colorado?
How do I get to Twin Lakes Campground in Colorado?
To reach Twin Lakes Campground, you'll need to navigate to central Colorado's high country. For comparison, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground is accessible via well-maintained roads and offers the true Colorado experience with stunning views and river access. Similarly, Olive Ridge is located about a mile from Allenspark, with good road access and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. Twin Lakes Campground is typically accessible from Highway 82, which runs between Leadville and Aspen. Most visitors approach from either US-24 to Highway 82 if coming from the east, or from Aspen over Independence Pass when traveling from the west (seasonal road closures apply in winter).
Keep Exploring