Best Campgrounds near Deckers, CO

Deckers, Colorado camping areas range from developed sites to more basic forest spots. Deckers City Park Campground sits close to the Colorado River, which draws many fishermen throughout the season. Nearby, campers find sites throughout the Rocky Mountain foothills at Deckers Area State Park, where hiking trails wind through the woods. Some people prefer the Colorado National Forest Sites around Deckers, which include more remote spots without many facilities. Deckers Recreation Area works well for day use with its picnic spots, but also has camping areas where wildlife regularly passes through. Current fire rules change frequently in this area, so check before lighting a campfire, and get permits if you need them. Keep your food locked up since deer and elk wander through most sites. The Great Sand Dunes lie within driving distance and make a good day trip from Deckers. Facilities vary widely - some campgrounds have drinking water and vault toilets while forest sites typically have neither. Many places fill up on summer weekends, so reservations help if sites take them. Spring and fall camping means fewer people and comfortable temperatures in Deckers. Summer gets hot and busy, especially at the river sites. Deckers works for different camping styles, from fishing trips to quiet forest stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Deckers, Colorado (341)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    6 miles

    "The "Buffalo Creek Recreation Area" is ONLY the 35 designated dispersed campsites that start just west of the intersection marked on the map(Redskin Rd/County road 550 AND Deckers Road/hwy 126)."

    "Most spots are near the road, as you can see from my photo but the further up the road you get, the traffic will calm down. We did not see this as a problem at all."

    2. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake

    25 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 838-5496

    $40 - $120 / night

    "Regardless, the lake is pretty and the trail is fun for hiking. Word of caution- every year I see/hear about multiple dogs going down the waterfall. No major injuries but it scares the owners."

    "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."

    3. Chatfield State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."

    "This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!! Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."

    4. Lone Rock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Deckers, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $28 / night

    "Very accessible to Deckers. Most of the shops close by 6PM."

    "We hear that the cafe In Deckers may be getting wifi. The campground is open all year but the water is shut off in the winter. Sites are close to each other."

    5. Rampart Range Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Sedalia, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "We came up Sunday and drove around for an hour trying to find a spot. It was so busy with campers and there were dirt bikers everywhere!"

    "My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."

    6. Colorado Campground

    21 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    $28 - $38 / night

    "Colorado campground is situated outside of Woodland Park (10 minute drive) and right next to Manitou lake. "

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: COLORADO CAMPGROUND PIKE NATIONAL FOREST https://www.recreation.gov/camping/colorado-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?"

    7. Buffalo Campground

    11 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $28 / night

    "Welcoming campground, spur trails connecting it straight to the Colorado Trail and other connections in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area."

    "The site was large (could easily fit a large RV) and tree lines but was pretty close to the road. There were cars going in an out but everyone was being super cautious and going slow."

    8. Devil's Head Campground

    9 Reviews
    Deckers, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "My first time In Colorado. It was a little busy but once we found our campsite you would never know it! Awesome views! Campsites very far apart."

    "This is a primitive CG that is walk-up only and popular on the weekends..."

    9. Goose Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Deckers, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "Goosecreek campground Access is via CR 211 either from CR 24 via Tarryall Road which turns into Matukat Road from Lake George or alternatively from the north from deckers."

    "Lucked out and got site 6 around noon on a Saturday. Had access to the creek and hiking trails. Felt secluded. One of our favorite spots in Colorado!"

    10. Dakan Road Camping

    12 Reviews
    Larkspur, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Dakan Road is mostly known as an Off-Road vehicle Road, so 4x4’s are suggested to get up to the sites."

    "The only issue I found is that being so close to civilization/the city is that there was a lack of camp etiquette from neighboring campsites."

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Recent Reviews near Deckers, CO

2308 Reviews of 341 Deckers Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Round Mountain

    Free site 200 yards down road

    Hard to stomach a paid site with no hookups when a free blm campground is within site. This place has picnic tables and bathrooms that is about thenonly difference. They do have a water pump but no hook ups at site. Low verizon signal. Sites are close together and open. Just save some cash and gondownnthe road 1/4 mile

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    North Round Mountain

    Cool rocks, can see Pikes peak

    This is a nice little dispersed campground. The main road is pretty good. You can see Pikes peak off in the distance behind the trees. The area is covered by these big rocks and boulders which makes walking around fun. There is atleast 1 very large site for a medium size rig when you first pull in on the left. Other than fire pit no real amenities. Was literally no one around for miles in october. 1-2 verizon bars depending.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    Clean, pretty, well cared for.

    I recently stayed at this campsite and was very impressed by how clean and well-kept it was. The bathrooms and showers were spotless, the picnic areas were tidy, and the grounds were clearly cared for on a regular basis. It made the whole camping experience much more enjoyable and comfortable.

    The campsite itself was beautiful, surrounded by tall trees and well-maintained trails. The natural scenery was stunning, and everything from the campsites to the common areas looked inviting and peaceful. It’s clear that a lot of effort goes into keeping the place both functional and pretty.

    One of the best features was the heated pool. It was clean, comfortably warm, and a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking or exploring. The pool area had plenty of space to sit and unwind, and it added a nice touch of comfort to the outdoor experience. Overall, this campsite perfectly balances cleanliness, beauty, and relaxation.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Rocky Top Motel & Campground

    Nice facility

    Spots are level. Cell Verizon and ATT is good. View to the east is nice. Propane refill available. Showers are clean and hot. 4 clothes washing and dryer machines. Downside is there’s not any trails to hike immediately from the site. You have to drive to them. Also it’s located on a bluff so it can get a bit windy. Overall I like this place and recommend it. Leave it better than you found it

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Creekside Along Georgia Pass

    Nice and quiet with trees and creek

    Camped here on off-season. Wonderful babbling brook, lots of trees, peaceful quiet

  • 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.

  • Daniel C.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Forest Service Road 250 Dispersed

    Great Spot Near 11 Mile Reservoir

    Great location, 2.5hrs from Denver and about an hour from the Springs. Had great space for our setup. Only a 5-10 min drive to the state park with great fishing. Drove my VW wagon and had plenty of clearance to manage the dirt road.

  • 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.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Stayed here again! 34+ dispersed spots

    Just wanted to write another review of this spot, love it, easy road in but extremely busy even in late September on an early Friday afternoon. Completely full by Friday 6pm I wouldn’t even try after unless it’s November-April. Seriously. Lots of big spots for multiple cars and tents, fire pits in every numbered spot. Trails nearby, even found an old horseshoe! Get there early, but that’s known if you ever been there.


Guide to Deckers

Dispersed camping areas near Deckers, Colorado provide access to outdoor recreation in the Pike National Forest at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but drop to 45-55°F at night, requiring campers to pack layers. Most dispersed sites in this region lack facilities, so planning for water needs and proper waste disposal is essential.

What to do

Tubing on the South Platte River: At Lone Rock Campground, campsites along the river offer convenient water access. "Spot 7 along the river was perfect. Shade, river access, bathroom & trash drop off nearby," notes Todd B. The shallow sections make it ideal for families wanting to cool off.

Mountain biking trail networks: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area connects to extensive trail systems. One visitor explains, "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels." Trails range from beginner-friendly to technical routes through former burn areas.

Hiking the Colorado Trail sections: Several campgrounds connect directly to the Colorado Trail. According to Sierra T., Buffalo Campground offers "spur trails connecting it straight to the Colorado Trail and other connections in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area." Day hikes of various lengths can be arranged using these connector trails.

What campers like

Creek-side camping spots: Goose Creek Campground offers premium waterfront sites. "If you can get sites 7-10, 6 also pretty good, you'll have a beautiful site next to the creek," advises Lydia P. These sites tend to fill quickly on weekends but provide direct water access.

Secluded forest sites: Rampart Range Recreation Area provides more isolated camping options. One camper shared, "We researched the spots in this area, and were surprised at how far spread the sites actually are... The site area was mostly secluded." Many of these sites offer privacy while still being accessible by standard vehicles.

Proximity to Denver: For those seeking quick getaways from the city, Chatfield State Park Campground offers convenience without long drives. As one reviewer notes, "This is one of our favorite spots to stay when visiting Denver area. Great for biking and all kinds of water sports." Sites here have more amenities than forest camping but fill quickly on weekends.

What you should know

Fire restrictions change frequently: During dry periods, bans may be implemented with little notice. A Buffalo Creek visitor warned, "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk. If you are going to be camping in BLM or Wildlife Areas please follow the restrictions."

Sites fill early on weekends: At popular campgrounds, arriving mid-week makes a significant difference. "We went up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," shared one Buffalo Creek visitor about weekend availability.

Road conditions vary dramatically: Some areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Dakan Road Camping, visitors note "First mile in the road is completely washboarded" while others mention "4x4's are suggested to get up to the sites. However, a Subaru Forester and similar cars can do it as long as they plan their round around the bigger rocks."

Tips for camping with families

Select sites with shade: Summer temperatures can make exposed sites uncomfortable. At Colorado Campground, "With the towering ponderosa pines, there is ample shade." This becomes essential during summer months when daytime temperatures climb into the 80s.

Look for campgrounds with creek access: Children enjoy water play during hot days. A Lone Rock Campground visitor shared, "We had an awesome time between 6 adults & 7 kids! It is so much fun tubing down the river. The kids were old enough to walk up the path, tube down a little ways, then get out to do it all over again."

Pack for variable temperatures: Even summer nights get chilly at elevation. One camper at Colorado Campground mentioned, "The shower house itself was heated, which was appreciated in the middle of the 30 degree night." Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common in this region.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for leveling: Many forest camping areas have uneven terrain. At Buffalo Campground, one camper noted "There are only a few sites with a good flat spot" for larger vehicles. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable even for designated campsites.

Length restrictions: Some of the best places to camp near Deckers have size limitations. At Devil's Head Campground, one reviewer observed "No large trailers are getting in this CG, but if there are no sites available or you're too big there are many along the way on Rampart Range rd that are free/dispersed."

Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Deckers lack full services. At Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake, sites provide lake access but no hookups. Prepare for boondocking with full water tanks and power management systems for extended stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Deckers, Colorado?

Deckers offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Goose Creek Campground is particularly beautiful, situated right on Goose Creek with amazing valley views. Access is via CR 211 from either Lake George or from the north from Deckers. For those seeking waterfront camping, Lone Rock Campground is ideal, with site 7 offering the only spot directly on the water with good shade coverage. The South Platte River Corridor provides convenient camping with easy access to downtown Deckers, perfect for fishing enthusiasts. For more adventurous campers, Fall River Reservoir offers dispersed camping with beautiful scenery, though 4x4 vehicles are recommended for access.

What amenities are available at Deckers campgrounds?

Amenities vary significantly across Deckers area campgrounds. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers spacious sites with privacy, particularly site 5 which is excellent for larger groups. Mueller State Park Campground provides level gravel tent pads, large tables, fire pits, and easy access to trails and the visitor center. Most established campgrounds feature basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets. Facilities range from primitive (dispersed sites with no services) to more developed campgrounds with pit toilets and picnic tables. For full hookups and resort-style camping, options are limited in immediate Deckers area. Most sites allow campfires in designated fire pits, and some locations sell firewood on-site or in nearby towns.

Do I need reservations for camping in Deckers, CO?

Reservation requirements vary by campground around Deckers. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake is a private facility that requires reservations, particularly important during peak summer months and weekends. Colorado Campground near Woodland Park also operates on a reservation system through Recreation.gov. For dispersed camping options like those in the South Platte River Corridor and Rampart Range Recreation Area, no reservations are needed, but these operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer weekends, arrive early (Thursday or Friday morning) to secure a spot at non-reservable sites, as they fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Deckers?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best camping conditions in Deckers, with summer providing ideal temperatures. Rampart Range Recreation Area experiences peak crowds on summer weekends, especially with dirt bikers, but tends to clear out by Sunday evening, making weekdays more peaceful. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is popular throughout the warm season, with some campers returning multiple times during summer. Early autumn brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds while still offering comfortable camping conditions. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and awareness of possible road closures due to snow or mud conditions.