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Best Campgrounds near Erie, CO

2,428 Reviews

Camping in the Erie, Colorado area encompasses a range of options from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites. St. Vrain State Park Campground offers amenities like electric hookups and reservable sites for both tent and RV campers about 5 miles south of Erie, while Boulder County Fairgrounds provides year-round camping with water and electric hookups approximately 10 miles northwest. The nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park features not only traditional tent and RV sites but also cabins and yurt accommodations for those seeking a more comfortable wilderness experience.

Road access varies considerably across camping areas surrounding Erie, with many developed sites providing paved access while dispersed locations may require higher clearance vehicles. Weather considerations play a significant role in planning, as summer temperatures can climb into the 90s while spring and fall offer milder conditions. "First come first served at it's best," noted one visitor about Boulder County Fairgrounds, highlighting the campground's non-reservation policy that allows spontaneous camping even during busy holiday weekends. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal restrictions, with some facilities like Standley Lake Regional Park operating only from May through September, while others such as Boulder County Fairgrounds impose strict 14-day annual stay limits.

Fairgrounds camping provides urban convenience with reasonable pricing. According to reviews, the Boulder County Fairgrounds receives positive feedback for its clean facilities and central location, with one camper describing it as "a nice little fairground camp area" with "beautiful restroom facilities." Dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch and Dream Canyon offer more primitive experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Several visitors mentioned the fairgrounds' dump station as particularly valuable for those who boondock in the region before needing services. While the developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including showers and hookups, many campers noted the fairgrounds' proximity to stores, restaurants, and extensive bike trail networks as significant advantages for those wanting to balance outdoor experiences with access to urban conveniences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Erie, Colorado (315)

    1. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    2. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    3. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"

    "Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."

    4. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 425-1097

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"

    "5 stars because of the lake, Mountain Views, and it not being far from town. Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake☀️"

    5. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

    6. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."

    "The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."

    7. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."

    "This si the place my friends and I go to just for a night away from everything. It is just out of reach of the city and far enough away where we can find some peace and quiet."

    8. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    9. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    "Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."

    10. LaVern M. Johnson Park

    13 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 823-6150

    $52 / night

    "On the edge of Lyons, this place is great for families. Tubing, playgrounds, and soccer field. Just blocks away from Main Street. A great family spot with small children."

    "Walking trails and river access was abundantly available. Easy walking or biking distance to various eateries in Lyons."

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Recent Camping Photos near Erie, CO

806 Photos of 315 Erie Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Erie, CO

2428 Reviews of 315 Erie Campgrounds

  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    Good spot close to city

    Nice park with lots of things to do here. Bathrooms and showers are nice and kept clean every morning. Laundry wash $1.50 to $2.00 and dry for $1.50! Cell Verizon and att decent with up to 20Mb download Spots are level (101) Water to fill a jug but some spots have full hookups. Free dump station. You can hear the freeway and road traffic but it’s not terrible. Over nice park.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great hiking and biking trails

    The park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    Eh… it’s ok

    For what you’re paying for it could be better. Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful. Look I know they smell and are dirty but people do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards. Showers are good but you have to pay $2 per shower Dump is $15 too! Good cycling around here Cell service is ok. Sometimes drops. Verizon and att People working here are very friendly and helpful. Leave it better than you found it.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    ESTES PARK / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK KOA HOLIDAY

    Great Views

    This is a really nice KOA. It doesn't seem like there are any bad sites, but there are a few premium sites that would totally be worth the extra money if you are here a few days and spending evenings at camp. Amazing views from a private deck. We were next to these, and still had great views and a nice fire pit and table area.

Guide to Erie

Camping near Erie, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys." This makes it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding or fishing at places like Chatfield State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Loved the paddle board experience," highlighting the fun you can have on the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake shared, "We saw over 100 elk in RMNP," making it a fantastic area for spotting animals.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Glacier Basin Campground stated, "Nicest bathrooms anywhere I have stayed for camping."
  • Beautiful Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning scenery. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground said, "Woke up to a lovely view and light snowfall," which adds to the camping experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A review for Chatfield State Park Campground noted, "The staff is really nice and you have all the services that you need."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some areas can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Moraine Park Campground remarked, "It's a bit overcrowded," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area lacks drinking water and toilets, which might not suit everyone.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from late May to early September, so check availability before heading out.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at East Portal Campground mentioned, "Big playground and not crazy expensive," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. One camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers," which is a plus for parents.
  • Pack for Weather Changes: Be prepared for changing weather. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "Chilly, clear starry night," so bring layers for the kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Big rig friendly," which is essential for RV travelers.
  • Check for Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park noted, "Full service with a very friendly staff," which can make your stay more comfortable.
  • Be Mindful of Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The spot we had was far from the lake," which can help avoid noise from busy areas.

Camping in Erie, CO, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. With the right preparation, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Erie?

Erie offers excellent camping options within driving distance. For spectacular mountain views, South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir is highly recommended by experienced Colorado campers for its stunning lakeside vistas. Another fantastic option is Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground, which delivers the authentic Colorado experience with beautiful views, a rolling river, well-maintained fire pits, and hiking trailheads accessible directly from the campground. Both locations provide the perfect base for exploring Erie and the surrounding natural areas, offering a mix of scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

What camping sites are currently open in Erie?

Camping availability near Erie varies seasonally, but several reliable options remain accessible throughout most of the year. Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park offers year-round camping with running water facilities, situated adjacent to the Colorado River and close to the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center. For those seeking dispersed camping options, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides approximately 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered spots further down Forest Road 233.1 with spectacular views. For current status and seasonal closures, check with the specific campground or park service before planning your trip, as weather conditions in Colorado can affect accessibility, especially during winter months.

Are there any private campgrounds near Erie?

Yes, there are excellent private campgrounds near Erie. Winding River Resort is a family-friendly private campground offering direct access to the Colorado River headwaters with numerous activities and amenities. For RV travelers, Dakota Ridge RV Park provides a convenient option with friendly staff, on-site propane (helpful for winter stays), and connected hiking trails. The park's proximity to major highways makes it ideal for exploring Erie and surrounding areas. While rates can be higher than public campgrounds, these private options offer enhanced amenities and services that many campers find worthwhile for a comfortable outdoor experience.

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