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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips for RVers
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."
