Best Campgrounds near Denver, CO

Denver and the surrounding Colorado area has many camping options for all types of outdoor trips. Boyd Lake State Park works well for families with its playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. Chatfield State Park Campground sits just a short drive from downtown Denver when you need to stay close to the city. The nearby Rocky Mountains make a beautiful backdrop with trails and chances to see wildlife. Always store food properly to avoid bears and other wildlife that live in these areas. Most camping spots near Denver need reservations ahead of time, especially during summer months. Some camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to reach them due to rough roads. Check for fire bans before your trip as they're common during dry periods around Denver. The Great Sand Dunes, though farther from the city, offer camping with amazing night skies and unusual landscapes. Popular sites fill up quickly, so get there early if you want a good spot. Several campgrounds sit near the Colorado River, giving you access to fishing and water activities. Most camping areas limit stays to 14 days. Pack warm clothes since nights get cold at Denver's high elevation, even in summer. You'll find spots that work for both RVs and tents throughout the region. Remember to follow Leave No Trace practices while camping. The mix of city access and natural areas makes camping around Denver worth the trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Denver, Colorado (239)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "Easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir, plenty of hiking and biking trails, and close proximity to Aurora, Centennial, and the greater Denver metro area."

    "It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "

    2. Chatfield State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    18 miles
    Website

    "Located in Littleton, CO surrounding man made reservoir Chatfield "Lake". I found camping pretty easily without a reservation in the middle of summer, I guess everyone was going out in the hills."

    "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."

    3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    33 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "Drinking water spigots are pretty close to sites. The sites are very spacious! Pit toilets and showers are at the campground."

    "Right next to Red Rocks! Lots of hiking, or biking trails. Nice pay shooters. $1 for 5 minutes. Sites are not too close together, though not spaciously apart."

    4. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    38 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    19 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."

    "This campground allows easy access to Denver, Golden, and the foothills. Campers are close together, but there are some mature trees."

    5. Clear Creek RV Park

    27 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 278-1437

    $32 - $80 / night

    "Spots are a little close, beautiful area w/lots of Hiking, biking, walking trails. Golden is a lm awesome area to explore & very close to Denver"

    "**Campground Review: **

    Golden, CO is a super cute town on the outskirts of Denver. The city has a campground in a prime location, and we were lucky to book a site!"

    6. Denver Meadows RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Denver, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 364-9483

    "Lots of good food nearby."

    7. Standley Lake Regional Park

    14 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    17 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☀️"

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    12 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 872-7544

    "Good location close to interstate to access all the cool towns and site seeing west of Denver."

    "I was stranded in Denver by a snow storm ahead. I called Prospect and they found a spot for me. When I walked in the office, I was greeted by 5 wonderful sweet dogs."

    9. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

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

    $18 / night

    "The views, wildlife, and geology in the park are astounding---add to that the yellow aspens in the fall and you have classic Colorado camping not far from Denver."

    "Not far from Denver but a world away.

    Generously sized tent sites accommodate a variety of tent sizes. Be aware you cannot hang hammocks.

    Bathrooms were clean. Showers cost $1."

    10. Delux RV & Motel

    3 Reviews
    Twin Lakes, CO
    9 miles
    +1 (303) 433-0452

    "My friend and I, in our attempt to bicycle from Texas to Banff National Park found ourselves in an unfortunate situation."

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Showing results 1-10 of 239 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denver, CO

1626 Reviews of 239 Denver Campgrounds



Guide to Denver

Camping near Denver, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning nature and convenient access to city amenities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts. One camper mentioned, “Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for Bear Lake Road,” making it easy to access some of the best trails in the area.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park, are near lakes where you can fish. A reviewer noted, “Neat Boyd Lake. Sites are about 100 yards from the lake,” perfect for a day of casting lines.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. One camper at East Portal Campground at Estes Park shared, “We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions.”

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park mentioned, “It's a bit overcrowded. Lots of beetle damage.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area warned, “The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash.”
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground noted, “It gets windy in the afternoon so might want to skip the awning/canopy.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, “It is pricey and there are many rules but it is full service with a very friendly staff.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Boyd Lake State Park mentioned, “Multiple clean flushing toilets bathrooms and nice coin showers. Shade trees mixed around and large common areas in between the loops for your games.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Chatfield State Park Campground noted, “Bathrooms were coin operated so that wasn’t the best for a shower.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, “Sites are reasonably well separated.”
  • Be Ready for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, “Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am.”
  • Use Reservations: Book your spot in advance, especially during peak times. A camper at Moraine Park Campground shared, “Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry.”

Camping near Denver, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Denver, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Denver, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 239 campgrounds and RV parks near Denver, CO and 66 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Denver, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Denver, CO is Cherry Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Denver, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 66 free dispersed camping spots near Denver, CO.

What parks are near Denver, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Denver, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.