Golden Gate Canyon State Park sits at elevations between 7,600 and 10,400 feet in the Rocky Mountain foothills west of Broomfield, Colorado. The park encompasses over 12,000 acres of dense forest, rocky outcroppings, and mountain meadows. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night even during summer months, with snow possible from September through May.
What to do
Mountain biking on park trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trail networks for mountain biking enthusiasts. "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide," notes Mike M. about Deer Creek Campground.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities. At Standley Lake Regional Park, visitors can enjoy the well-stocked waters. "I don't know how you could not like a place with a huge lake that bald eagles nest beside. With a rookery, this is the spot for bird enthusiasts!" reports Blair S.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "Wildlfe is very abundant. Bear Lake and Fern Lake are amazing hikes for the fam," mentions Troy C. about the area's natural inhabitants when staying at Glacier Basin Campground.
Local exploration: For those interested in venturing beyond the campgrounds, nearby towns offer additional experiences. "Very close to Central City and Blackhawk!" notes Kellen T., highlighting the proximity to historic mining towns from Denver West-Central City KOA.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain high cleanliness standards. "The bathrooms were in excellent condition. There are hot showers (that take quarters), running water, and even a laundry room," explains Hayley K. about Chatfield State Park, adding that "the shower house itself was heated, which was appreciated in the middle of the 30 degree night."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roominess at many locations. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you to situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables. Enormous amount of room," writes Dennis G. about Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Convenient location: The accessibility from Denver makes glamping close to Broomfield, Colorado particularly appealing. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. There are facilities, ideal for car camping or families. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!" shares Steph A.
Urban proximity with natural setting: The unique combination of city access and natural surroundings stands out. "Tranquil exotic oasis right smack in the middle of Suburban Arvada! Who would have known!?" exclaims Nancy B. about Standley Lake Regional Park.
What you should know
Weather variability: The mountain climate brings unpredictable conditions. "We stayed in early June to avoid the chaos of RMNP and were not disappointed. The drive from Golden up into the park is beautiful and you truly feel like you are leaving the noise of Denver and the metro behind. There is no cell service anywhere in the park (for my Verizon phone anyway) which I actually enjoyed," explains Amber B.
Reservation importance: Most glamping facilities near Broomfield require advance booking. "We got site 47, which is labeled as an RV site, but it is NOT suitable for pop up campers. The site doesn't have even a hint of a levelable spot," warns Shannon S. about her experience at Standley Lake.
Amenity details: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "You have to drive a bit to get to the lake. Some nice hiking and biking trails off the campground. Beautiful views of the mountains. Has trash and recycling areas," explains Stacy M. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Seasonal operations: Some campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "The campground is open from late May to September with a maximum stay of 7 nights," notes Judy B., adding that "campsites are quite close together, but there are quiet hours and limits to generator use."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "This campground was tiny and a little cramped but was very clean and had running showers that was a plus. It was surrounded by trees but they were small which didn't help block the wind. We would stay here again because the staff was very friendly and they had a nice little store and playground," shares Pam B. about her family's experience.
Swimming options: Water recreation provides entertainment for children during summer months. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," comments Joshua H. about Bear Creek Lake Park.
Storage for food: Proper food storage is essential in bear country. "There is a designated pad for your tent, a bear locker and even an outhouse all nearby. My wife and I stayed at site K and it was beautiful," explains Anthony N. about Frazer Meadow Campground.
Cabin options for beginners: Glamping accommodations close to Broomfield offer an entry point for families new to outdoor recreation. "My family of four stayed in a cabin. It's basic and the price and staff were great. I am a new camper but the cabins seemed exceptionally close together," reports Valerie C. about her stay at Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer electrical connections. "This campground is great in that the hookups work, the sites were level and the access to Golden Gate Canyon State Park was amazing," notes Sarah F. about Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon.
Dump station access: RV campers should note facilities for waste disposal. "The sites were level and very clean, hookups were easy (nice threaded, tidy black/grey water), lots of Aspen trees between the sites, but still a bit close together," observes Jason G.
Length restrictions: Some campgrounds limit RV size. "There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length. Due to pine beetle infestation in the area, many of the trees have been removed," cautions Judy B. about camping considerations at Glacier Basin.
