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Best Campgrounds near Denver, CO

1,775 Reviews

Camping options around Denver, Colorado range from developed state parks to private RV facilities, providing accommodations for various camping styles within an hour's drive of the metropolitan area. Cherry Creek State Park Campground in Aurora offers year-round access with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas, while Chatfield State Park in Littleton provides similar amenities in a reservoir setting. Several campgrounds feature concrete pads for RVs with 30 and 50-amp electrical service, water hookups, and dump stations. Private facilities like Denver Meadows RV Park and Dakota Ridge RV Park supplement the public options with additional amenities closer to urban areas.

Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds in the Denver region, particularly during summer months when sites frequently reach capacity. Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks require both camping fees and daily park entrance fees, which are not included in the camping rate. Many campgrounds enforce two-week maximum stay limits and maintain seasonal operations, with some closing during winter months. "If you want to get into the Park, suggest you go EARLY, EARLY, EARLY in the day. Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth," according to one Cherry Creek visitor.

The camping experience near Denver balances urban proximity with natural features. State parks provide more spacious sites and recreational opportunities compared to private RV parks. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located in the foothills northwest of Denver, offers a more remote mountain experience with cabin and yurt options in addition to traditional camping sites. Campers frequently mention the spacious full-hookup sites at Cherry Creek as a positive surprise. "I usually hate full hookup sites because they pack everyone in so tightly. Not here! The full hookup sites are very spacious and surrounded by grass and trees," noted one reviewer. However, some visitors find the urban-adjacent parks too developed for a true wilderness experience, with one camper stating Cherry Creek "shouldn't be called a Campground" due to its city-like atmosphere.

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Best Camping Sites Near Denver, Colorado (260)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "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

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

    $36 - $200 / night

    "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

    34 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

    41 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

    28 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. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    14 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."

    8. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 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☀️"

    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

    4 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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Recent Camping Photos near Denver, CO

561 Photos of 260 Denver Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denver, CO

1775 Reviews of 260 Denver Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    2x winner

    Have now camped here twice, in June & late September, both on Friday nights, and it has been perfect. Loads of well spaced spots, secluded, gorgeous views.

  • Brittanie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Nice Pull Off Dispersed Site

    Easy access

    Easy to access spot with plenty of parking. There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks. Campfire ring and great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Good overnight spot

    Stayed here overnight and car camped before going into Estes Park. There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping

    I stayed at a small spot maybe a mile further down the road from where these coordinates lead you to. There was a fire ring and it was right on the lake. My spot was just before the large spot with the uphill drive that overlooks the lake. Perfect balance of solitude and presence of distant neighbors. Road to get in is a little rough but not the worst and I even saw some sedans doing fine. Easy one hour drive into RMNP in the morning.

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 are the best camping spots near Denver for weekend getaways?

For weekend escapes from Denver, Guanella Pass offers excellent dispersed camping with fantastic views and hiking options. The main roadside sites fill quickly, but those with 4x4 vehicles can access more secluded spots on Leavenworth Creek Road. Another top choice is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon, featuring stunning geology, abundant wildlife, and beautiful aspen colors in fall. This state park provides diverse accommodation options including traditional campsites, cabins, yurts, and backcountry camping—all within a reasonable drive from the city. These locations deliver authentic Colorado experiences without requiring extensive travel time, making them perfect for quick weekend trips.

What types of campgrounds can I find around Denver for different camping experiences?

The Denver area offers diverse camping experiences to suit any preference. For those seeking developed sites with amenities, Chief Hosa Campground provides clean facilities including quarter showers, bathrooms, and dish washing stations, with both RV and tent spots available. It's conveniently located near hiking trails yet only 40 minutes from Denver. If you prefer more primitive experiences, Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping offers a true escape with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and paddleboarding in a serene mountain setting. For those with RVs, the area has several designated parks including options near Colorado Springs that provide easy access to multiple attractions within a short drive of the metropolitan area.

How far do I need to drive outside of Denver to find good camping?

Quality camping can be found within remarkably short drives from Denver. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite is just an hour from the city yet offers spacious sites with fire pits, hiking trails, and nearby fishing. Similarly, Columbine Campground is easily accessible from the Denver area via Black Hawk/Central City, providing a quick escape with plenty of surrounding forest to explore. For those seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, options like Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offer beautiful settings within about an hour's drive. Generally, you can find excellent camping options 30-90 minutes from Denver, with the closest sites being more developed and the more remote, dispersed options requiring drives of at least 60 minutes.

What camping options are available in the Denver area during different seasons?

Denver's camping scene changes dramatically with the seasons. During summer months, high-elevation spots like West Chicago Creek offer cool escapes from city heat and are typically accessible from late May through September. This campground is conveniently close to Idaho Springs for supplies and features hiking directly from the sites. Fall brings spectacular colors, making Lone Rock Campground an excellent choice with its riverside location along the South Platte and proximity to Denver (just over an hour away). For year-round options, lower elevation campgrounds like Cherry Creek State Park Campground remain accessible even in winter months. Many mountain campgrounds close after the first snowfall, typically reopening in May, while front range locations maintain more consistent availability throughout the year.

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