Best Campgrounds near Boulder, CO

You'll find several good camping options around Boulder, Colorado, within an hour's drive. Glacier Basin Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park has nice views of the mountains and puts you close to many trails. Chatfield State Park Campground sits near the Colorado River and works well if you want to paddleboard or do other water activities. The campgrounds at Chatfield have bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables that make staying there pretty comfortable. Boulder's weather changes a lot with the seasons - summers can get hot while winter often brings snow. Watch out for elk and deer around your campsite and store your food properly so you don't attract them. Some camping spots have trees for shade and feel private, while others are more open. Many campers think spring and fall are the best times to visit when temperatures are mild and the trees look great. If you want to take day trips from your campsite, the Great Sand Dunes and more of the Rocky Mountains aren't too far away. Boulder has good spots whether you're bringing a tent or an RV. Always check if there are any closures or special rules before you head out, especially in winter or early spring. The camping around Boulder gives you good access to both mountain and water activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Boulder, Colorado (357)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "Our site had some big boulders nearby which was really cool. Beautiful hiking nearby with breath taking views. Lots of chipmunks! Great place to relax and do some yoga. Would love to go back!"

    "This campground is very close to the Denver / Boulder area so it is easy to get to for me.  The kids enjoyed camping here.  There are most of the basics and the restrooms are clean. "

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "The drive to this site from Boulder was phenomenally beautiful and an adventure in itself. There’s a small town about 5 minutes from the campsite."

    "There isn't much free camping to be had in the Boulder area. So, our family has been grateful for this spot (and Magnolia Ridge nearby)."

    3. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    22 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "We drove up around 8/9pm from Boulder. Most camps spots were already taken (1-8 sites only..) but we made our own site / shared with campsite #2. Roads are rough."

    "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy. Stayed in the last park-in campsite."

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "This camping spot is about a 30 minute drive from Central Boulder. I’m seeing a lot of reviews about the spot saying its not an actual campsite, but I had no trouble finding the campsites."

    "However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."

    5. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    29 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $202 / night

    "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."

    "Numerous hiking trails. Excellent facilities. Accommodating campground hosts. Nederland, Blackhawk, Boulder CO. Stayed on 46, 56, and 51 during a 5 nite stay. Great sites. All pull thrus."

    6. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    7. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "It's about 50 minutes from Boulder, and you lose service about 40 minutes out, so it's great if you plan on staying for a least a couple days."

    "The lake was frozen. That’s okay other comments say that you can’t swim or drive nearby or the locals will be at you. We had no issues though. There’s some cool boulders to climb."

    8. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    "Proximity to Boulder/Denver is very convenient— but means it can get crowded and difficult to find a spot on the weekend.

    Lots of mountain bike and hiking trails through the area."

    9. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "Great location north of Denver and Boulder but easy access to interstate. Very clean roomy sites. We were by Coot Pond and my husband fished several times."

    10. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground

    22 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Camp Dick is is a nice campground surrounded by trails, and only a short drive from Boulder. The camp sites are not very private and it gets pretty crowded on the weekends. The staff were very nice."

    "If you are looking for the true Colorado experience-look no further. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 357 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Boulder, CO

2488 Reviews of 357 Boulder Campgrounds



Guide to Boulder

Camping near Boulder, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters" at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in nearby lakes. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Tons of fishing in and out of the park."
  • Paddleboarding: Enjoy paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park. One reviewer noted, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites" at Chatfield State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Moraine Park Campground states, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Clean facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One camper at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."

What you should know:

  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can get busy. A reviewer at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "There were a LOT of spots but they were right on top of each other."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area noted, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere."
  • Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for clean facilities: Clean bathrooms are a must for families. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers."
  • Pack for the weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "Chilly, clear starry night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for big rig-friendly sites: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "The group campsite was spacious."
  • Check for hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "Full service with a very friendly staff."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park shared, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."

Camping in Boulder, CO, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to be prepared and know what to expect. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Boulder, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Boulder, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 357 campgrounds and RV parks near Boulder, CO and 99 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Boulder, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Boulder, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 99 free dispersed camping spots near Boulder, CO.

What parks are near Boulder, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Boulder, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.