Best Tent Camping near Brighton, CO

Recent Tent Reviews near Brighton, CO

1435 Reviews of 53 Brighton Campgrounds

• 

  Alice S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 27, 2020

  Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

  Views

  This campground has a great view and is conveniently located to town. Tent camp sites are not fantastic or maintained very well.

• 

  CC C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 15, 2021

  Osprey

  Great fishing.

  We were in the area to fish as much of the river as possible and this was a great site.

  Cell service- none (t-mobile) Firewood- none Camp host- none Water - non Toilets- port a potty Fire ring- yes No leveled tent sites- generally flat land.

  Can car/van/roof top tent camp in the parking lot, for the same nightly fee as listed on the notice board. However, no trailers.

• C

  Cheryl S.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2018

  Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

  Great Campground

  This Rocky Mountain National Park campground is fantastic. I tent camped with my husband for 3 nights in Loop B. We saw tents and all sizes of campers many with families. Our tent site included a nice tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a shared bear box. The fire ban had been lifted and we could buy fire wood each evening-and ice cream! Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. This campground is very close to a number of trails. We hiked the Sprague Lake Trail. It’s 2 miles round trip and pretty easy. Breathtaking views. If you don’t hike, you can drive all the way to the Trail Ridge gift shop and cafe at the top. This park fills up quickly-amost 3 million visitors a year-so plan to get started early. We love RMNP. We will be back this fall!

• 

  Isabelle K.

  Legend

  

  May. 9, 2018

  Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

  Resort style amenities just outside of town!

  This was my first time staying at a KOA campground and I was blown away by the amenities offered here. Upon first pulling up to the campground, I was met by a security checkpoint and was directed to the main office to register and obtain a car pass. The attention to detail and security measures were another surprise to me, as I have always been more accustomed to primitive campgrounds. As previously mentioned, I was astounded by the variety of amenities offered to guests including wifi, a pool, mini golf, a massive playground, arcade, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits and more. This all in addition to the usual premium campground amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, RV dump station, camp sinks, an office store with basic goods and snacks, etc. 

  This campground is super family friendly and seems to be much more focused on offering RV sites and cabin type lodging. As I am a tent camper, my review will be focused on what is offered for those at a tent site. There are 5 tent sites, which are only available from May 1stto September 30th. The sites are rather close together but in a lovely location right along the lake. The sites cost $45/night on week days and $50/night on weekends for one or two people with a single vehicle, additional guests cost $10/night, additional car $5/night and fire ring rentals are $5/night. Tent sites include a parking spot, a raised and level tent platform, picnic table and grill. Open fires, hammocks and clotheslines are not allowed even at the tent sites. 

  Overall, this campground provides a very family oriented environment with luxurious amenities. This campground would be a great option for those wanting a camping experience without having to “rough it” whatsoever. The RV sites and cabin lodging also provide unique options for those not wanting to sleep in a tent. The price for tent camping seemed a bit steep for me, but made sense considering all of the facilities offered. The location just outside of Fort Collins provides easy access to town while still allowing for a more rural experience.

• 

  Two Snoops

  Guide

  

  Aug. 5, 2019

  Kelly Dahl

  Very open

  Very open campground, we camped in a tent but probably better for an rv

• 

  Natalie B.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 15, 2017

  Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

  Beautiful!

  This campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!

• M

  Mike S.

  Scout

  

  May. 3, 2022

  Clear Creek RV Park

  Very clean and quiet

  I didn’t get to my tent site until almost 9pm so I really haven’t seen the place during the daytime. However, when driving around looking for the 3 tent sites I noticed how no one was out and with the truck headlights it seemed to look very nice.

• C

  C.B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 3, 2022

  Clear Creek RV Park

  FYI - 3 day limit on tent camping

  Note there's a 3 day limit on tent camping.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 30, 2019

  Meeker Park Overflow Campground

  No Frills First Come First Serve Alternative For RMNP

  When traveling in this area and looking to explore Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding areas finding camping ahead of time is very important. During summer months campground fill quickly and overflow camps like this become your backup plan which sometimes can be difficult to squeeze into last minute. 

  From May until September this campground opens its doors to the masses for only$12 per night. Clearly a lot less expensive than some of the campgrounds offered in the area, this camp is quite appealing for those who wish to find inexpensive camping and can enjoy their time in nature without all the frills of an improved campground. This campground is first come first serve which is very important to know if you are wanting to stay in the area and will be arriving later in the day or near a weekend. 

  When I visited the season had just opened, literally the day of and there was no one on a weekday at the campground early in the day. I took a stroll around the campground and noticed there is an honor box for paying camp fees and that rangers were in the area driving through the various properties placing kiosk signage up and checking sites. 

  This campground offers no running water for those camping here. There are toilets but they are primitive and non-flushing. The sites looked comfortable and like they would be great for camping in a tent or mid-sized RV however they could become a little cramped if visiting in larger units. 

  The floor of the campground is blanketed with pine needles which give a fragrant welcome. 

  Each campsite has a picnic table and bear box on the site in addition to a fire ring with a small grill on top. You are encouraged to bring your own fire wood and not collect the fallen and absolutely cannot cut firewood in this area. 

  Just across from the campground is a pull off and picnic area for Roosevelt National Park which does not offer camping but does have additional areas for hiking and enjoying the nature of the area. There is also another restroom in this area. 

  One of the things I found to be very helpful about this campground for controlling traffic and also for accommodating groups was the placement of a few larger sites with additional parking toward the front of the campground. I noticed when I pulled in that in the front portion of the loop there were wider areas which made navigating a bit easier for RVs and also near the dumpsters in this area there seemed to be additional parking. Again during the first part of the season with no traffic passing through this might have been deceiving but it looked to be a great option. 

  TIPS: 

  • Check out Lucy Lake and the Camp Church in the area. The lake is an amazing location to see some of the picturesque views of Long’s Peak and hike without having to actually go into the park. The church is an actual Catholic Church build originally for a summer camp, its unique design and location are worth a pull off. 
  • Bring everything you might need with you. The closest store is more than 15 miles away so you will not be able to pick up last minute supplies without running into the larger community. Make sure you bring plenty of water for everyone and anything you might need for your stay. 
  • Check the reports for the area before you tent camp. This area has bear and upon occasion they have a few rogue bears visiting camps. You can find information in advance by checking out tourism centers in Estes Park or by looking at the Rocky Mountain National Park site.
• 

  Heather A.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 31, 2020

  Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

  Halloween

  I checked in. The wind was blowing. Too cold for tent camping. Will be back. 🎃

• 

  Sharayah H.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 16, 2020

  Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

  Great Stay

  We had a great stay at a tent site here. Our site was number 8, had a tree, and was by the bathrooms. The bathrooms were clean, and had a nice shower as well. Everyone was friendly, the staff and the other people staying there. Lots of RVs, but only three of the regular tent sites were taken and we had the most amazing view!

• H

  Heather

  Scout

  

  Aug. 6, 2021

  Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground

  Loved it!

  Great tent camping nice space. Beautiful area! The camp host was very nice made us feel welcome.

• 

  Patty F.

  Guide

  

  May. 30, 2017

  Estes Park KOA

  Clean and staff was great

  The campground was clean and well maintained. We lucked out and got the best tent site - it was huge. The other sites were a little small but nice. Only drawback was that the tent sites were close to the road so you get some road noise. The staff was awesome and when we had to check out a day early, the cheerfully refunded our money. We definitely will stay there again.

• D

  Daniel

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 4, 2021

  Horsetooth Reservoir County Park South Bay

  Lakeside

  Nice site. Reasonably clean and flat. Electrical hookup didn't work, but I was tent camping so I didn't mind. Water was great and easily accessible.

• p

  paul R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

  campsite view was ridiculous!!!

  if you pick a tent site it’s your best bet the electric sites are too close to RV’s

• 

  Alice S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 20, 2020

  Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

  Views

  Great view. Pretty expensive for a BARE minimum tent site. But facilities are well kept and convenient.

• H

  Hannah R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 8, 2019

  Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

  Nice family campground with strict rules

  This was a very nice, clean campground with lots of amenities. We stayed in a tent site and all tent sites have a fire ring, table and bear box. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained. Our site was on the very edge of the campground so we had some great views and saw plenty of deer and an elk. 

  The one criticism is their very strict 2 tent max policy. We had a group of 5 people (under the 6 person max) and set up our three 2-person tents but were told to take one down. We didn't understand why we couldn't have three tents since we were under the 6-person maximum. There were sites with a single tent that was much larger than our three small tents combined!

• 

  Jason K.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 10, 2019

  Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt Nf (CO)

  First time camping with the family

  We had a blast and thanks to this site we plan on doing much more camping. Good tent sites, clean bathrooms, fire pits, and fun trails.

• 

  Ann E.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 2, 2018

  Estes Park KOA

  Very well taken care of, yet not super outdoorsy feeling due to location

  The main building has a little of everything you need - from camping supplies to s'more making supplies. The tent camping sites are kind of close to one another, but you get your picnic table and fire ring.

• 

  Kelsey L.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon

  Small campground close to city

  Small campground with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Main building has camp store with a variety of items available for purchase. Nice bathrooms including showers available.

• 

  Anna R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

  Tent camping with beautiful views if you get the right spot!

  There are RV, Tent and Yurt camping sites. Bathrooms, showers, dishwashing area and laundry facilities but still in nature and beautiful views and trails, especially in the non-electric tent sites. Great staff at the check in area.

• K

  Kyle T.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 28, 2020

  Frazer Meadow Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

  Well kept

  Site #7 was clean, maintained. One official tent site and a good spot for another two person tent. Partial sun depending on time of day. Between two other campsites so possibly noisy in the evening depending on your neighbors.

• 

  Chad K.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 14, 2016

  Estes Park KOA

  Estes Park Koa

  This campground is a good base camp for RMNP. The campsites are very,very tight. If you are tent camping be prepared to listen to the traffic on Hwy 34 as the tent sights are close to the road. The facility is very nice and the camp hosts are friendly.

• 

  laura S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2021

  South Shore Campgrounds at Carter Lake

  Lakeside views

  Tent camped on a weekday. Walk-to site was well spaced from other sites and had some nice shade. Pit toilet could have been cleaner. A rowdy rv party was noisy in the day but calmed down at night. Could see it being noisy on the weekend

• 

  Megan E.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 14, 2020

  Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

  Not enough time

  Stayed at a tent site one night and wish we had planned for two. Beautiful facilities and well-kept sites. Would love to explore all the trails next time. A place to go back to.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 5, 2019

  Estes Park KOA

  Great Proximity Comes At A Prince

  When visiting Estes Park if you are wanting to be close to all the action the KOA of Estes Park is the place to be.    Offering a midsized tent section, a large close together RV section and several cabins to provide the perfect retreat for those visiting the location is within walking distance of the lake and within a short drive of some of the best attractions of the area including the Stanley Hotel, hiking at Lily Lake or Long’s Peak and the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.   

  I found this campground to be well organized, although it was less remote and did not feel like as much of a mountain retreat as many of the outlying camps of the area.     The tent area seemed a bit less bustling than the RV section as there was a bit of green space versus the sandy and clay landscape of the RV and cabin area.   

  Something that really drew me into this campground was the deck spaces which offered elevated viewing of the surrounding.   It was a really interesting component which allows you to see a much larger range than the camp itself and created a unique setting for enjoying the mountain breeze on a hot day or gave a nice view of the stars at night.

  This location epitomizes the idea of KOA campgrounds offering elevated services such as WIFI, Cable TV connections and a dog park.     In addition there is a store which offers a variety of items including propane and firewood.

  Since I am a tent camper I really wanted to explore more of the tent area than other areas of the park.  I noticed they had both water and electric sites and electric only sites.    Each of these accommodate up to 6 people, although I would say that would make me feel a bit to crowded.     The tent camps also allow small vans or pop ups in this area.   

  But here is the BIG KICKER…. The Price!!

  Staying in Estes Park and being so close to everything comes at a HUGE price point.   To have all the amazing amenities you will pay $53 or $58 for a tent site.    To me this is WAY above budget and while it is a prime location the price point is not within reason for me personally.    You can stay inside Rocky Mountain National Park at a price point that is half that of this park.   You are paying here to be in the community for sure and have the access to the local shops and restaurants.   

  One special feature that comes along with staying in the area but is not included in the price is one of the best features, the wildlife!    It is known that the most likely reason for a traffic jam in Estes Park comes from the elk and Moose in the area randomly hanging out in public spaces.    It is not uncommon for them to roam into camp and make their presence known grazing around on any green space they can find.   A stay here is a chance with an encounter of something which cannot be purchased in a price point.

• c

  clinton H.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 3, 2024

  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.