Camping options near Englewood, Colorado extend from urban sites with full amenities to quieter locations in nearby foothills. The region sits where the High Plains meet the Rocky Mountain foothills, creating a transition zone with dramatic temperature variations between summer days that can reach 90°F and cool nights in the 50s. Many campgrounds remain open year-round despite seasonal temperature shifts, though facilities like showers may close during colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park provides access to multiple trail systems for hikers and cyclists. "Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas," notes Jennifer L., highlighting the diverse activities available without leaving the park.
Water recreation options: At Standley Lake Regional Park, campers can enjoy various water activities on the 1,063-acre reservoir. "Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake," recommends reviewer Fairy T. The park offers paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and paddle bicycle rentals for those without their own equipment.
Wildlife observation: Bird watchers find excellent opportunities at Standley Lake where bald eagles nest. "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!" explains Blair S. The visitor center even features a live "Eagle Cam" where visitors can watch nesting activities.
What campers like
Urban accessibility: Chatfield State Park Campground receives praise for its location and facilities. "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos," says Jessica V., highlighting how the park balances natural surroundings with proximity to urban amenities.
Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds offer on-site laundry, which longer-term campers appreciate. At Chatfield, "Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," according to Rick, making it convenient for extended stays while maintaining camping comfort.
Private bathrooms: Clear Creek RV Park offers exceptionally clean facilities. Janine R. notes, "They have extremely clean bath houses cleaned daily and coin-op laundry (office has quarters available)." This attention to cleanliness makes the campground popular for those who prefer maintained facilities.
What you should know
Weekend crowding: State parks near Englewood fill quickly, especially during summer. At Cherry Creek State Park, Kay S. 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. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Standley Lake, Shannon S. warns, "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." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for many area campgrounds.
Additional day-use fees: Most state parks charge entrance fees separate from camping fees. This typically adds $9-11 per day to your camping costs. Bear Creek Lake Park includes the entrance fee with camping reservations, according to Jennifer L. who notes, "Your camping reservation (strongly recommended) includes park admission."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds for children. At Chief Hosa Campground, Danielle V. mentions, "The campground is small, but very well maintained and the sites are large." While not all sites have shade, families appreciate the clean facilities and playground access.
Swimming options: Bear Creek Lake Park offers swimming beaches that kids enjoy during summer months. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports," notes Joshua H., making it ideal for families seeking water recreation.
Educational opportunities: Standley Lake provides wildlife learning experiences with their eagle observation program. The visitor center displays live footage of nesting eagles, and Nancy B. notes, "Several times a day if you're patient you can view them being fed. Something to see."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers different site types for various camping styles. Jennifer S. advises, "If you pick a tent site it's your best bet, the electric sites are too close to RV's," highlighting how site selection affects experience.
Phone service considerations: Cell coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Golden Gate Canyon, Allan notes, "Phone service wise Verizon was very patchy but Sprint seemed to have 2-3 bars," information critical for RVers who need to stay connected.
Shower facilities: Pay showers are common in area campgrounds. Sarah S. at Chatfield reports, "Showers are coin-operated as well," so campers should bring quarters. Some parks have recently upgraded to card-based systems requiring bank cards instead of coins for shower access.
