Castle Pines sits at an elevation of 6,368 feet in Douglas County, Colorado, offering camping access to both mountain terrain and prairie landscapes. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summer days reaching 85°F and cool nights dropping to 50°F. Winter camping remains available at select locations where temperatures frequently fall below freezing between November and March.
What to do
Fishing access: At Lone Rock Campground, campsites along the South Platte River provide direct water access. "We were at site five so we had direct access to the river as well. Just as a heads up this is a walk in site, but your cars aren't parked very far away," notes Amanda B. The river sees heavy fishing activity with "easily 30 people within a 1 mile stretch of river on a weekday in October" according to CC C.
Water recreation: Castle Mountain Recreation Area offers non-motorized boating on Wellington Lake. "Great place to take the camper and kayaks. Kayaking, SUPs, fishing, hiking," shares Bryan J. The lake doesn't allow motorized watercraft, making it suitable for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks.
Mountain biking: Trail networks throughout Golden Gate Canyon State Park accommodate various skill levels. "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," reports Mike M. The park's extensive trail system connects campsites to viewpoints and recreational areas.
What campers like
Natural water features: Chatfield State Park combines camping with reservoir access. "This is one of our favorite spots to stay when visiting Denver area. Great for biking and all kinds of water sports," notes Rick. The park maintains separate camping loops with bathroom and laundry facilities in each area.
Lakeside sites: The lake-adjacent campsites at Castle Mountain Recreation Area provide immediate water access. "The campground and lake are very nice. There are several campsites that sit right on the water. There are also campsites that sit further up on the mountain. You get lake views from almost everywhere," Linda D. explains. Sites near water tend to fill quickly during peak season.
Proximity to Denver: Multiple campgrounds near Castle Pines serve as convenient base camps for Denver-area exploration. "Golden Gate Canyon State Park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip," Steph A. reports about a camping location northwest of Castle Pines.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water services at many campgrounds shut off during colder months. At Lone Rock Campground, "Water shut off on Sept. 28th for winter" according to CC C., who adds "Fees drop from $22 to $20 after Sept. 28th regardless of what the sign says." Campers should bring their own drinking water outside peak season.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation on rough or narrow roads. Regarding Wellington Lake, Linda D. notes, "The only downside was the road to get there. It wasn't maintained very well and there was only room for one vehicle at some points." Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages at certain locations during spring mud season.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "Cell service: zero (T-Mobile)" reports CC C. about Lone Rock Campground. Similarly, at Wellington Lake, Linda warns "There is very little if any cell access," making these locations better for disconnecting than working remotely.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid activities: Jellystone Park offers extensive child-focused amenities. "So much to do for the littles!! Recently completely redone the entire park and it is all so wonderful! The campsites are amazing and the activities are so much fun," shares Stacy M. The park includes character appearances, organized activities, and water features specifically designed for children.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated swimming areas during summer months. "Lovely setting right in the city... There is definitely a lot to do!" notes Stephanie S. about Cherry Creek State Park, which maintains a swimming beach with changing facilities. Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Nature programs: Ranger-led activities introduce children to local wildlife and ecology. "The camp hosts were friendly and helpful, but, due to Restrictions on gatherings in the summer of 2020, the ranger talks at the amphitheater were cancelled," mentioned Amanda M. about her stay at Colorado Campground, indicating these programs typically run during normal operations.
Tips from RVers
Electric-only sites: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups without water or sewer connections. At Indian Paintbrush Campground, "We had site 7 along the river... Shade, river access, bathroom & trash drop off nearby," reports Todd B., noting that hookups vary by camping loop.
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven camping pads at certain locations. Casey Jones RV Hideaway has sites that can be challenging for larger rigs. "The campsite that I had was very uneven. It was practically a down hill slope. I had a hard time getting my camper level," warns Kohl.
Laundry access: For extended stays, several campgrounds provide laundry facilities. "Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," shares Rick about Chatfield State Park. Campers should bring quarters as most facilities operate with coin-operated machines.
