Best Tent Camping near Brighton, CO
Searching for a tent campsite near Brighton? Find the best tent camping sites near Brighton. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Brighton, Colorado's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Brighton, CO (53)
1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
Nederland, Colorado49 Reviews•96 Photos•1318 SavesFive miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.
Streams; treat water for drinking.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
Eldorado Springs, Colorado20 Reviews•55 Photos•1155 SavesCamping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away.
Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
Nederland, Colorado19 Reviews•37 Photos•1141 SavesNOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.
Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.
In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.
Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.
- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Allenspark Dispersed Camping
Allenspark, Colorado21 Reviews•54 Photos•952 SavesWith a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Black Hawk, Colorado6 Reviews•31 Photos•408 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
Jamestown, Colorado7 Reviews•14 Photos•502 SavesDispersed camping is prohibited within ¼ mile of either side of South St. Vrain Creek beginning at the Ceran St. Vrain trailhead and ending ¼ mile from the intersection of South St. Vrain Creek and National Forest System Road 252.1. MAP: https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ceran-2341
The easy Ceran Saint Vrain Trail follows the South Saint Vrain Creek downstream for 1.9 miles. The trail ends at National Forest System Road 252, a rough four-wheel drive road. This road climbs 0.5 miles northwest to a four-way intersection from which it is a steep half-mile to the left up to Miller Rock. Miller Rock is a scenic high-point that offers 360-degree views.
Motorized vehicles prohibited. Dispersed camping is allowed at sites that are least 200 feet away from the trailhead, trail and creek. Campfires are permissible unless seasonal restrictions are in effect (contact district office). Fishing and hunting are allowed in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
$1 / night
7. Longs Peak Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
Allenspark, Colorado14 Reviews•37 Photos•519 SavesLongs Peak Campground is closed for the 2024 season. This campground opens in early July and closes each year in early September. Located about 20 minutes south of Estes Park on Hwy 7. This small, tents-only campground is located in a forested area that is 9,500 feet above sea level (3000 m). This campground has vault toilets and there is no water available. Campers must bring their own drinking water when camping at Longs Peak Campground.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
8. Sawmill Hiker Campground
Arvada, Colorado2 Reviews•3 Photos•259 SavesWhite Ranch Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allows for permitted camping. Sawmill and Sourdough Springs Campgrounds offer semi-primitive, tent-only, walk-in camping in designated sites is available by online permit. Required camping permits must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance. Permits are $12 per campsite, per night and valid for up to three consecutive nights. Camping is limited to a total of six nights within a 30 day period.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$12 / night
9. Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Ward, Colorado8 Reviews•53 Photos•503 SavesThe Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination on the Boulder Ranger District. Because of the area's high elevation, the best time to visit is after the snow melts in July and August. For road status, check the Road Status Table. PLEASE NOTE: Visitors that hike trails leading west from the Long Lake or Mitchell Lake Trailheads are responsible for following all Indian Peaks Wilderness permit requirements and regulations including group size, camping and campfire restrictions. Late June through mid-October (summer operating season): Summer Season Map Motor vehicle access is available 24 hours a day To protect muddy and snowpacked trails, the Long Lake and Mitchell Lake Trailhead parking areas do not open typically until late June A fee applies. A self-service fee station is located beyond the entry booth Expect 1-2 hour traffic delays on weekends (there is no bypass route for campers with reservations) Camping is allowed at Pawnee Campground (open July through early September). Check summer trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Mid-October through late June (winter season): Winter Season Map The gate is closed and the area free of charge for winter recreationists Park at the Brainard Gateway Trailhead Between November 15 and April 30, dogs are only allowed on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir Roads Check winter trail conditions before your visit See "Restrictions" below for additional regulations Recreational shooting closures exist year round in this area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations set by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Moose are present in the area. Be considerate of all wildlife. Approaching closely can be threatening to the wildlife and their reactions are dangerously unpredictable.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
10. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
Empire, Colorado15 Reviews•57 Photos•1195 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 53 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Brighton
1424 Reviews of 53 Brighton Campgrounds
- U
UT801
Ranger
Denver West-Central City KOA
Nicest KOA we've been to
And in fact I believe they were KOA of the year 2023 or 2024. More expensive than we're used to, but has nice amenities. Sites level with concrete pads, fairly large. Some space between with trees. Nice metal patio furniture provided at each site(chairs, table, fire pit). Has decent showers, hot tubs, and off leash dog park. Inexpensive pancake breakfast and pizza/wings to your site are available, also an onsite store. Kind of at the top of a rise, so good views but also kind of chilly for July (60s/40s). Massive thunderstorms with hail and heavy rain two evengings (CO mountains tend to get afternoon t-storms). Communicate via text to let you know about goings on. Good radio station out of Idaho Springs KYGT 102.7 and 103.9
- UUT801Ranger
Chief Hosa Campground
Good proximity to Evergreen CO/EZ I-70 on/off
Stayed in spot RV24. Easy access right off freeway and convenient to TPB start. Some nice small trails in area for easy walking. Mostly pine trees. Orderly, camp hosts seem inclined to enforce rules. Quiet.No campfire pits so no burning allowed at all and most folks seem to knock off early. Showers are available for.25/2 min with a 4 min max. Appeared old, clean.
For road cyclists: Good place to stay for Triple Bypass
Food aside: Cooked Hatch green chile sausage and added to Sprouts Hatch mac and cheese and put into burritos. Ate leftovers for breakfast. Low FQ (fart quotient).
870VERLAND
Guide
Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
Awesome!
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
- 870VERLANDGuide
Estes Park KOA
Amazing
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
- AA A Ron J.Guide
Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
Way too expensive
I spent the night at Base Camp because the campgrounds North and South of Ned were full and it was dark and getting late. You have to be lucky with those ones to get one of the few good spots that are there. I have been to the convenience store at BC before and it was closer to Idaho Springs (I was going there the next day to meet a friend). $39 per night for a tent site is INSANE. I could have stealth camped and there was another spot I could’ve gone too but BC was close and I was tired. I guess that’s how they make their business. Begrudgingly it worked for what I needed.
- AA A Ron J.Guide
Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
Trash+long term campers
The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.
- Ioan P.
Legend
Chatfield State Park Campground
Super nice
Very clean, very well maintained. Large spaces near the lake.
Andria R.Guide
Dispersed Camp Near Dream Canyon
Sketchy
Two beat up, broken down cars at the entrance. Road is very rough, full of potholes from the start. Did not feel comfortable staying here.
- Andria R.Guide
Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
4x4 and tents only
Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.
- KKerri M.Guide
Denver East-Strasburg KOA
Quick overnight
Not a lot of options on I 70 east of Denver for overnight parking so opted for a KOA last minute. Easy last minute check in process. Served great for a quick in and out.
- RRebecca L.
Scout
Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite
Site #6 of 33
Finally, a nice campsite on a road that isn't horrible. There are 30+ designated, numbered, dispersed campsites on this road. Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings. The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away. These are great campsites and the area is really awesome. After so many horrible roads and places closed, it was a blessing to find this spot. The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado. Highly recommended! Cell service with At&t in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars. at least half of the sites are big rig friendly. All of the sites are 100% free.
Flannel Fabe ..Ranger
Jackson Lake State Park — Jackson Lake
Dove hunt
I stayed out here for a dove hunt, and it was nice enough. Typical state park setup. Nice big fire ring in the group sites. Bathrooms are functional though definitely a little dated. Kind of odd so close to a trailer park, but it was quiet during my stay.
Savannah B.
Traveler
Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
Perfect for a quick overnight trip
My husband bought a new tent so we just wanted to find something kinda close to Denver but still beautiful for just a quick overnight trip. Our goal was Chinns lake but stupid Apple Maps took us here instead. It was still beautiful and there were a handful of spots still open for us. I wouldn’t recommend for a big group unless you get there early and claim the whole top but we really enjoyed it! The lake was low but still beautiful.
- cclinton H.Traveler
Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs
We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.
The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.
Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.
- PPaul K.Guide
Riverview RV Park & Campground
Great stop over
Staff were super friendly. The place did everything we needed for an overnight stay the drive in from RMNP was fantastic. Showers were clean(dated who cares, they worked. I’m not an instagrammer)
- SSawyer S.Traveler
Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
Super sick spot
We camped a very short walk from the parking lot. Amazing camp site with not many people around.
patty W.Guide
St. Vrain State Park Campground
Ok
Busy and right off highway
- TTristan S.Scout
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights
Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.
- JJordan B.Scout
Pole Hill Rd Dispersed
Camping 10/10. Off-road Trail Extreme
I went up Pole Hill road in a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road and it took everything in me to not scrape or bottom out. Lifted 4x4 is highly recommended.
Once you get past the off-road portion, the camping is amazing.
Hanna K.Scout
Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
Quiet with a lot of options
We parked in the parking lot and walked into the valley. After a while we found quite a lot of options with fireplaces already there. So you should mostly find something.
It is quiet, but also a popular spot for hikers so early in the morning, some people arrived. But you can camp far enough in the valley and away from the trail. Water is available if you have a purifier or filter system.
- JJo H.Guide
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur
Nice but pricey
Overall Nice site. Stayed one night. Too pricey for a stopover. Propane fire pit looks nice but could not use. Must have a 20 pound tank. Store was closed as we arrived at 5 pm.
Train and traffic noise as expected for location. Lot of stuff for kids. Nice facilities. Clean park. - TTara D.Scout
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Road Closed Mid-September
There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.
- TThomas O.Scout
Chatfield State Park Campground
Greast Spot
Stayed the last night with a rental RV that we needed to return to Denver by 10;30 AM. Campground has an unusual lay out with "loops" being 3 rings of sites. Sites are spread out well. Lots of privacy, Within an hour's drive of the RV rental return location (with a Costco on the way to fill the gas tank). Some sites have elec/water/sewer at the sites. Some have just electrical - this was our site. A communal water/sewer was available with ability to handle two vehicles at the same time.
- KKaren L.Guide
Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
Everything We Hoped For!
We loved this campground for the stunning views, super clean bathrooms, and the easy access to hiking in RMNP. So many trails to choose from, either directly from the campground, or across the Bear Lake Road to the Park N Ride. Can't say enough about the views, especially if your site is in the open center area like ours was at C119. There are lots of sites with shade as well. Sites are pretty close together but since we did not take our pups (they can't go on the park trails) we didn't mind.
Very difficult to snag a reservation but daily persistence paid off and we got one night which was the last night of their season. So glad we did. Will try again for next year!
- MMichaelRanger
Horsetooth Reservoir County Park Inlet
Relaxing lake side near water
Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels. None the less, you can still launch a canoe from your campsite or fish. Just need to walk down to water edge. Pit toilets. Water available. Flush heads at launch ramp (third of mile walk) and visitor center(about 2 miles) T-Mobile coverage nearly non existent with just sporadic 1 bar LTE. 5G at visitor center. Camp store across road. Fair amount of traffic on road, but not annoying.
- MMichaelRanger
Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park
Conveniently close to city and lake
Calm during week. Busy on weekend. Sites are level. Few tents. Some sites better than others for tent on grass. Electricity to help keep camper cool. T-Mobile 5G. Very good coverage. Free showers and clean restrooms make this a good place to hang out near Loveland. Bike path runs past camp. Lake launch ramp and swim beach in season. Playgrounds. Could use more shade.
Jordan K.TravelerChief Hosa Campground
Good Spot, Beware road noise
This was a one-night overnight tent spot after a work conference in Golden. Drive to the site was not bad. The roads are a little bumpy to get into the tent-only camping but even my little Chevy did okay. Bathroom facilities are good with coin-operated showers. Relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of road noise from I-70.
Guide to Brighton
Tent camping near Brighton, Colorado offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from well-equipped campgrounds to more rustic settings, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers should check out Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
- This campground features beautiful views and campfire spots, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a picturesque setting.
- While it lacks toilets and trash services, the natural beauty and the opportunity to make your own campsite add to its charm.
- Access is available via drive-in or hike-in, perfect for those looking for a bit of adventure.
Tips for tent camping near Brighton
- Be prepared for rough roads when visiting places like Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, as a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
- Always check for availability, as popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Bring your own water and supplies, as many campgrounds, such as Lefthand Canyon OHV Area, do not offer drinking water or trash services.
Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts
- Enjoy hiking and exploring trails accessible from Sawmill Hiker Campground, which is known for its well-maintained sites and stunning views.
- For those interested in dispersed camping, Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping offers a peaceful experience along the creek, ideal for fishing and relaxing.
- Experience the thrill of mountain biking or dirt biking in the Lefthand Canyon area, where you can find excellent trails and camp spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brighton, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brighton, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Brighton, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Brighton, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.