Tent camping near Conifer, Colorado provides access to forested settings within Jefferson County at elevations averaging 8,000 feet. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, with campers reporting lows in the 30s during June and July. Weather patterns in this area differ considerably from Denver forecasts, typically running 20 degrees cooler at night.
What to do
Fishing nearby: Several campgrounds offer easy river access for anglers, particularly along the South Platte River. At Platte River Campground, one camper noted, "Platte River Campground is a great location if you are looking to do some fly fishing. The river is right there and easy access. Or if you want to set up camp here and then drive up/down the road there are tons of fishing spots."
Hiking access: Some campgrounds offer direct trail access without additional driving. The camping area at Glen Isle Resort features "National Forest hiking trails within walking distance" according to camper reviews, making it convenient for morning hikes directly from camp.
Wildlife observation: The area's diverse ecosystem supports various wildlife viewing opportunities. At Osprey Campground, a camper reported, "The river is only a couple hundred feet away and was peaceful to hear in the night when it was quiet," creating ideal conditions for early morning wildlife sightings.
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week camping offers significantly more privacy and quieter conditions. A camper at Bear Creek Lake Campground mentioned, "Super close to Denver and offered through the City of Lakewood. The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area. There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area."
Morning riverside experiences: Campers frequently mention the calming effect of riverside sites. One Osprey Campground visitor appreciated that "Right on the South Platte River where you can walk straight out your tent and into the streams. Very well supervised, clean bathrooms, trash dumps."
Geological features: Several campsites offer interesting rock formations for exploration. At Staunton State Park Campground, a camper described site 19: "Behind 19 are rocks and boulders. You could scramble up with or without kids (my kid was 2 and climbed with some help) and explore for about an hour just by the site."
What you should know
Limited water access: Most tent sites require carrying in all drinking water. One review of Idylease Campground stated, "Campsites were nice and well established but pretty close to one another. Campsites 2/3/4 are all pretty close to each-other and you can hear the other sites. It's a 0.5 mile hike in to the campsite, so plan and pack accordingly."
Road noise levels: Campsites closer to highways experience consistent traffic sounds. A visitor to Osprey Campground observed, "Very well supervised, clean bathrooms, trash dumps. Fire pits with grill grate, picnic table at each site. Low to no traffic even though it is very close to the road."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have minimal or no cell reception. At Platte River Campground, a camper reported, "Cell service- no T-Mobile" and "No camp host or firewood available on week days."
Tips for camping with families
Wagon-friendly access: For hike-in sites with children, bring wheeled transport for gear. A Staunton State Park visitor advised: "Since hiking in, some backpacking items would be helpful in order to make the haul easier. Though, taking trips could be an option, if necessary. When camping with a whole posse of kids, we used a wagon to haul all that crap up."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Bear Creek Lake Campground reviews mention that "There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area, with access to trails to the lake, a boat launch and boat rental, equestrian stables, and archery."
Temperature preparation: The mountain elevation causes significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. A camper at Staunton State Park warned: "We went in June and July. Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Conifer have minimal RV amenities. Bear Creek Lake Campground provides some options, with a camper noting "The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups... Also water is available but not at the site. But all in all a really great find and affordable for the area!"
Access road considerations: Many roads leading to camping areas feature steep grades and sharp turns. One visitor warned about the area's mountain roads: "The roads coming in can be scary if you aren't used to driving on mountain roads. They're narrow, with mostly no guard rails, sharp corners and dirt roads. Take it slow."
Dump station availability: Facilities for waste disposal are limited in the area. Bear Creek Lake Campground provides a dumping station, though a camper mentioned "only drawback might be the bathrooms have no night lighting and you have a dumping station instead of sewage hookups."
