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 (240)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 240 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denver, CO

1614 Reviews of 240 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 240 campgrounds and RV parks near Denver, CO and 67 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 Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 75 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 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.