73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Berthoud, Colorado provides access to diverse mountain environments within Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park. Established tent campgrounds include Hermits Hollow Campground in Hermit Park, located just outside Estes Park, and Longs Peak Campground within Rocky Mountain National Park. For those seeking more solitude, dispersed tent camping options exist at Allenspark Dispersed Camping areas and Ceran St. Vrain Trail, where walk-in tent sites offer a more primitive experience. The Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space provides tent-only sites with mountain views just a short hike from the trailhead.
Most tent campsites in the Berthoud area require proper preparation for mountain conditions. Elevations range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, resulting in cool nights even during summer months. Bear-proof food storage is mandatory at most locations, with bear boxes provided at established campgrounds like Hermits Hollow. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, while dispersed areas require proper waste disposal following Leave No Trace principles. Water sources are limited at most sites, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filter from streams where available.
Backcountry tent camping experiences near Berthoud offer exceptional access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing. According to reviews, Hermits Hollow provides "wooded sites that mean privacy from neighbors and shade during the day," with clean vault toilets and bear boxes large enough for multiple coolers. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, campers should be prepared for primitive conditions. One visitor noted, "You're roughing it here for the views and hikes. There's no water or facilities or garbage receptacles." High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed tent camping areas, particularly after rain or snow. Walk-in tent sites at Ceran St. Vrain Trail offer streamside camping with ample room for tents and established fire rings when seasonal restrictions allow.
"Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."
"Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."
"Clear skies at night, but tree cover if you prefer. Quick drive to Estes Park. No Verizon cell service."
"Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road."
"So the 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."
"Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."
"This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve."
"Great sunrises and away from traffic noise tho you may have to deal with a little bit of noise from the hiking trail but other than that horse tooth has 3 back country sites that are perfect. highly recommend"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."
"Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."
"Came here for my birthday a few years ago, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking—mountains, lake views, the whole deal!"
"Stayed at campsite 18, had great views and nice weather, no water though but there is a lake down the road. 4x4 Required as roads were rough"
"The camp sites near the top of Longs Peak in the Boulderfield are worth the long hike (6 miles up steep terrain)."
"Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything."
"The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The campsite had a bench and a bear box, and was only .9 miles away from Arthur's rock. We walked to the rock at night and for sunrise and the view was beautiful."
"We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. It’s a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days."
"We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter-only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."
from $1 / night
Check Availability
Guide# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!
TravelerIt’s awesome, but only if you have a very capable 4wd. There’s a great spot to camp at as soon as you start going up the hill. Past the first spot, the road becomes REALLY rough. So just be aware.
GuideIt was a great site. Not hot surrounded on three sides by rocks. Lake was dried up but Colorado was dry this year.
ScoutNice, level spots. Great mountain and lake views. Great views of all your neighbors. 😉
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
GuideThe campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideI was pulling a camper and couldn't make it to the higher up spots. the spots near the entrance are littered with gross trash. I cleaned my area but there's too much . Hiking around has beautiful views.
Tent camping near Berthoud, Colorado typically experiences temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night due to the high elevation that ranges from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures average 75-85°F while nights can drop to 40-50°F even in July and August. Campers should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms that frequently develop in the mountains between 1-4 PM, particularly during the monsoon season from mid-July through August.
Hiking with mountain views: At Backcountry Campground — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, campers can access trails directly from their sites. "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! From the parking lot, it's only about a mile and a half. The site is off the main trail and is secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers," notes Miranda K.
Water activities at reservoirs: The Boat In Sites — Horsetooth Reservoir provide unique waterside camping accessible only by boat. "We took up 3 spots for a large family. It was the best time we had all in 2020 during the pandemic. It was our own island paradise," shares Morgan L. These boat-in sites offer swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities directly from your campsite.
Stream fishing: Multiple streams near tent camping sites in Berthoud offer trout fishing opportunities. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail, one visitor mentioned, "caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep)" while enjoying the streamside camping. Water levels are typically highest in late spring during snowmelt and gradually decrease through summer and fall.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain environment supports diverse wildlife including moose, bears, and smaller mammals. At Allenspark Dispersed Area, bear encounters are not uncommon. One camper reported, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again."
Creek-side camping: The sound of moving water adds ambiance to many tent camping locations. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the setting: "Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting," says A L.
Secluded sites: Many campers value privacy at Allenspark Dispersed Camping. One visitor noted, "About 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access. Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already built and most camp spots are along the creek."
Established amenities: When camping at Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park, campers enjoy the available facilities. "Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Staff and Rangers are very friendly and helpful, very knowledgeable about the area. Large bear boxes fit 2+ coolers," reports Aliy L.
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air allows for excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper at Ceran St. Vrain described, "The stars were AMAZING and the sky was perfectly clear." Light pollution is minimal at most dispersed sites, especially those further from roads and towns.
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, a camper warned, "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence. Luckily my car alarm scared them off pretty easily." All food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured.
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, "The road was pretty mild but on up gets a lot more rough! The pull offs are great and most of them have fire rings," says Ben D. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing most dispersed sites.
Seasonal closures: Most higher elevation tent camping sites are inaccessible from November through April due to snow. At Longs Peak Campground, facilities operate from "May 22 to November 1" according to park information. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly with weather changes even during open seasons.
Cell service limitations: Most tent camping locations have limited or no cell reception. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "Zero cell service not much of a view. Creek is loud and drowns out noise." Emergency communication devices are recommended for backcountry camping.
Easy backpacking options: For families new to backpacking, certain locations offer gentle introductions. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," suggests a visitor to Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir.
Children's activities: Many campgrounds near Berthoud offer kid-friendly features. At Boat In Sites, one camper shared: "Kids have a blast swimming, kayaking and just goofing off. Adults chill and drink and fish. Most spots do not have bathrooms (bring a shovel, bag/remove your solid waste and keep it clean)."
Site selection for families: Choose sites based on access and facilities. For Hermits Hollow, Chandler E. advises, "This campground is the ones that the locals go to when not in RMNP. It is in Estes but far enough away to not be inundated with tourists. It is quiet, it is roomy, it is beautiful."
Safety considerations: Some areas pose specific risks for children. At Dream Canyon, visitors should note, "The coordinates on Dyrt are a little off from the actual location but if you drive down roads that lead to toward views of the canyon, you'll get there. The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around."
Access challenges: Most dispersed tent camping sites near Berthoud are not suitable for larger RVs. At Winiger Ridge, one RVer warned, "I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power."
Size limitations: Even at established campgrounds, larger RVs may face challenges. At Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park, "The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything," according to Neal C.
Hookup availability: Few tent camping areas near Berthoud offer hookups. Consider alternative options if electrical connections are needed. At Hermits Hollow Campground, campers have access to "electric-hookups, fifty-amp-hookups, thirty-amp-hookups" according to the amenities list.
Navigating mountain roads: Steep grades and tight turns present challenges. One camper at Hermits Hollow noted, "We took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Berthoud, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Berthoud, CO is Allenspark Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Berthoud, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 73 tent camping locations near Berthoud, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
