Cherry Creek State Park offers tent and RV camping 20 miles southwest of Brighton, Colorado at 5,550 feet elevation. The park features developed campsites with electric hookups and clean facilities throughout the year. Winter camping remains available with several loops open despite seasonal temperature fluctuations that can range from below freezing to the 90s during summer months.
What to do
Morning paddling excursions: Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Bear Creek Lake Park where visitors can enjoy multiple water recreation options. One camper noted, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding."
Wildlife observation tours: Visit Cherry Creek State Park early in the day for better wildlife viewing and fewer crowds. A regular visitor advises, "If you want to get into the Park, suggest you go EARLY, EARLY, EARLY in the day. Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays."
Mountain biking trails: Explore the extensive trail system at Golden Gate Canyon, which connects to multiple difficulty levels for riders. The parks offer both beginner and advanced routes with moderate elevation gains suitable for family outings or serious cyclists.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Chatfield State Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities that receive positive reviews. A visitor mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primitive spots. $26 for primitive."
Yurt camping options: Brighton, Colorado area parks offer several yurt accommodations with varying amenities. A Bear Creek visitor shared, "The yurt was awesome and we tent camped last night... they have archery, a beach, horse stables and ring, large lake to fish, clean bathrooms and courthouses."
Dark night skies: Despite proximity to Denver, several campgrounds maintain minimal light pollution for stargazing. One camper at Bear Creek Lake Park remarked, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). At Glacier Basin Campground, "Campsites are quite close together, but there are quiet hours and limits to generator use."
Day pass fees: Many parks charge separate entrance fees in addition to camping costs. One visitor to Cherry Creek State Park noted, "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay."
Wind exposure: Several campgrounds lack sufficient trees for wind protection. A camper at Standley Lake observed, "Wind was pretty intense since we were in the middle of the field, make sure if you have a tent it is well tied in. Most of our stakes came out despite being hammered in."
Tips for camping with families
Consider campsite location: Choose sites away from high-traffic areas for a quieter experience. A visitor at Standley Lake Regional Park mentioned, "We had two vehicles we camped in and used one of the RV pull-through spots... everyone was very nice and quiet!"
Plan for weather changes: Pack for both hot days and cool nights as temperature swings can be significant. Brighton area temperatures can fluctuate 30-40 degrees between day and night, particularly in spring and fall.
Access to restrooms: Check facility locations before selecting sites. One camper at Denver West-Central City KOA noted their "only complaint is the bathrooms were far away!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling blocks. A camper at Golden Gate Canyon State Park noted, "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks."
Hookup locations: Check connection placement before setting up. At Denver East-Strasburg KOA, a visitor observed, "Connections are a little far for some RV models, so make sure you have extensions for cords and hoses just in case."
Early arrival recommended: Reach camping areas before midday to secure preferred spots and avoid traffic delays. One Cherry Creek camper advised, "Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth. Once the capacity for the Park is reached, you will not be allowed in."
