Best Campgrounds near Brighton, CO

Brighton, Colorado provides access to several established campgrounds and RV parks within a short drive of the city. St. Vrain State Park Campground in nearby Firestone offers year-round camping with both tent and RV sites, complete with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Barr Lake RV Park, located directly in Brighton, provides full hookup sites primarily for recreational vehicles. The surrounding region includes a mix of state parks and private campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and dump stations.

Road conditions to most campgrounds in the Brighton area are generally good, with paved access to established sites. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when facilities fill quickly. The climate features hot summers and cold winters, with most visitation occurring between May and September. Elevation is relatively moderate compared to mountain destinations farther west, making these campgrounds accessible year-round, though winter camping requires proper cold-weather gear. Campfire restrictions may apply during dry periods, especially in late summer. A camper noted that "St. Vrain State Park is right on the outskirts of the suburbs near Denver. The park has nice trees in most of the loops and fishing ponds scattered around the grounds."

Campers frequently mention the convenient location of Brighton-area campgrounds for accessing both Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park, both within an hour's drive, receive high ratings for their water recreation opportunities and well-maintained facilities. These parks offer a balance between natural settings and proximity to urban amenities. Several visitors recommend selecting sites away from Interstate 25 to minimize road noise, particularly at St. Vrain State Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at many of these locations, with Barr Lake State Park known for its bird watching. The campgrounds near Brighton serve as practical base camps for exploring the Front Range region while providing essential amenities like showers, drinking water, and electrical hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Brighton, Colorado (234)

    1. 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."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    2. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "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. "

    3. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    32 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. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 425-1097

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"

    "5 stars because of the lake, Mountain Views, and it not being far from town. Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake☀️"

    5. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $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."

    6. M+M Dream

    1 Review
    Brighton, CO
    5 miles
    +1 (207) 446-0233

    $50 - $70 / night

    "Tucked away in a small farming community is this single space RV spot, next to a shop and along a field we don’t feel like we’re at a campground at all."

    7. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "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."

    8. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

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

    $18 / night

    "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."

    9. Barr Lake RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Brighton, CO
    2 miles
    +1 (303) 659-6180

    10. Denver Meadows RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Denver, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 364-9483

    "Lots of good food nearby."

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Recent Reviews near Brighton, CO

1804 Reviews of 234 Brighton Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.


Guide to Brighton

Camping near Brighton, CO, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Friendly hosts, clean bathrooms with hot pay showers."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A camper at Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park mentioned, "The view from campsites are neither beautiful nor ugly," highlighting the pleasant surroundings.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like East Portal Campground at Estes Park are noted for being family-friendly. One reviewer said, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, friendly hosts, ice and firewood for sale."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The group campsite was spacious, but the sun beat us down pretty bad during the high part of the day."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area noted, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from May to September. A visitor shared, "Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for Bear Lake Road."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One camper at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Space Between Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer some distance between sites. A review for Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Sites are spread out a bit if also a little small."
  • Activities for Kids: Check for nearby activities. A camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground noted, "The campground offers multiple bathhouses as well as a laundry."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "We had plenty of room to center our rig while leaving room for our tow dolly and SUV."
  • Check for Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, "It is pricey and there are many rules but it is full service with a very friendly staff."
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby areas. A review for Dakota Ridge RV Park noted, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."

Camping near Brighton, CO, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Brighton?

Brighton offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Barr Lake RV Park is conveniently located near Brighton with drive-in access and full amenities including water and toilet facilities. For those seeking more natural settings, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail provides a more rugged experience with beautiful views, though 4x4 vehicles are recommended for access. Other options within driving distance include Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area and Winiger Ridge, offering a variety of camping experiences from developed sites to more primitive options.

What RV parks are available near Brighton?

RV enthusiasts have several options near Brighton. Dakota Ridge RV Park offers full hookups, friendly staff, on-site propane, and access to nearby trails, though rates tend to be on the higher side even in winter months. Denver Meadows RV Park provides a convenient location near Aurora with drive-in access and essential amenities including water and toilet facilities. Both parks offer good accessibility to major highways, making them ideal bases for exploring the Front Range while maintaining the comforts of RV camping.

Are there cabin camping options in Brighton?

Yes, cabin camping options are available in the Brighton area. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir offers excellent cabin rentals with stunning reservoir views. Many campers consider these cabins among the best in Colorado for their scenic location. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur also provides cabin accommodations with convenient highway access, making it a good option for families wanting cabin comforts while still being close to Denver and Colorado Springs attractions.

Are there family-friendly campsites in Brighton?

Several family-friendly campsites are available near Brighton. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park offers well-maintained sites with fire rings, accessible bathrooms, and firewood available for purchase. The campground is extremely popular with families, so early reservations are recommended. Olive Ridge is another excellent option, located near Allenspark with shaded sites and walking access to Rocky Mountain National Park trails. For families seeking more amenities, Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks provide developed campgrounds with recreational activities suitable for children of all ages.