271 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Denver puts campers within reach of mountain terrain, high-plains reservoirs, and foothills forests without committing to a long drive. The range of campground types reflects that geography: developed state park sites with hookups, national forest tent pads, and free dispersed sites outside Denver that spread across the foothills without fees or reservation requirements. RV parks closer to the city handle the larger rigs with full hookups and dump stations, while sites further west thin out fast in terms of services.
Summer weekends push demand hard across nearly every campground type in this corridor. The Dyrt campers checking in here note that developed sites, particularly at state parks, fill months out for July and August dates. Shoulder seasons, late April through May and September through October, have better availability and more forgiving road access into the higher terrain. Denver-area cabin camping covers the more sheltered options if tent or RV sites are already gone.
"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. "
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
from $68 - $85 / night
Check Availability"It’s $35 a night for a spot super close to the water. The spots are pretty spread out. We are taking our toddler and dogs swimming 100 times a day."
"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!"
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Lots of good food nearby."
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"Must have access to military bases. The service Personnel were very helpful and courteous. The Base was exceptionally clean (was an Air force Base becoming a Space Force Base)."
"We stayed three nights; the location is great for military families, retirees, etc. It provided a clean, safe place to stay with plenty of room between campsites."
from $40 / night
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GuideThere’s one actual camping spot when you go over the little bridge.
If you can find the almost hidden turn off (watch your map closely!), It’s a tiny little parking lot holds a good 10 or so cars. You can easily stay a night or two here but you’re gonna be with other people real close!
Since I didn’t stay here, I did not walk up the trail but it looks gorgeous and based on the number of cars there must be people who agree!
ScoutHad to come to Arvada for a swim competition for my kid and decided to book here. I read the reviews before I came, I needed a place to park, plug-in, run my air conditioner between swim sessions and be able to freely drive in and out. Staff was very friendly, place had clean bathrooms and showers. No frills, met all of our needs.
TravelerI wanna start by saying no matter what maps tells you take rainbow Road if you don’t you’re gonna end up needing a true off-road 4 x 4 vehicle. The location was great if you’re gonna go you really need to go on a Thursday or get there about 9 o’clock in the morning on a Friday in order to get a good spot make sure you have levelers with you if you’re gonna be camping in your vehicle, we have a truck with a tent and we definitely had to level with some rock rocks. This campground was completely packed and the night noise was really loud, but the views were great. There’s very limited hiking the weekend that we went unfortunately someone made their campsite right in front of the trailhead and you literally couldn’t go hiking up around the lake, unless she went through their campsite and they were not very friendly about it. Otherwise, this is a wonderful place to go really nice and relaxing. There was lots of chipmunks we had no wildlife issues. There was a ton of mosquitoes, but shockingly none of them beat us. If you go take some bug spray some levelers, and maybe some earplugs for the nighttime noise.
TravelerGood place to step up your RV experience with a little less comforts and hookups. Lake is beautiful as are the views. Easy to get to from the front range.
TravelerPerfect place to test out your new camper and get a feel for RV life. Almost all spots on water, close to trails. Picnic tables and level pads. Full hookups. Very clean with access to bathrooms. Fishing. Downside is right next to the busy interstate. Mountain views, but very much NOT in the mountains.
TravelerWe tried this place out when seeking our first dispersed camping adventure. Easy to get to from Nederland. Would not recommend a trailer greater than 20 feet. Roads can be rough. There were multiple poorly maintained long term camping sites with trash everywhere including a large hole with trash / tents. But it was quiet while there and we saw a large moose.
ScoutWe enjoyed a lot we have everything you need at it at a campground and courteous and very well knowledged enjoyed this day. The only bad thing I have to say about it is a little pricey.
Scoutgreat place to crash on mountain pass with access to Winter Park by bike using the Frasier River trail.
GuideSpacious site with level concrete pads. Convenient to many attaching and amenities. Clean bath and shower facilities. Clean laundry facilities too
Denver, Colorado provides multiple camping options within easy driving distance of the city center. Cherry Creek State Park Campground, located in Aurora, features full hookups for RVs along with tent sites in an urban park setting that feels surprisingly removed from city life. Chatfield State Park Campground in Littleton offers year-round camping with both RV and tent accommodations. Several campgrounds in the area support various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV resorts with electric, water and sewer connections. Many facilities remain open throughout the year, while others operate seasonally from spring through fall.
Most developed campgrounds near Denver require reservations, which become essential during summer weekends and holidays. The daily camping fees typically range from $28-$41 for sites, and most state parks charge additional daily entrance fees around $11 per vehicle. Many parks offer laundry facilities, showers, and modern bathhouses, though some charge additional fees for hot showers. Weather varies dramatically by season, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F while winter brings snow and freezing conditions to the foothills campgrounds. According to one visitor at Cherry Creek State Park, "Located in the city, but once you're in the park you don't feel like you're in the city at all! The RV spots have full hookups and are nice and spacious."
Campgrounds within state parks provide the best balance of natural settings and amenities. Cherry Creek and Chatfield both feature large reservoirs with water activities, while Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a more remote mountain experience. Reviews indicate that proximity to water is highly valued, with beach areas receiving positive mentions during hot summer months. Noise from nearby highways affects some camping areas, particularly those closest to the city. Campers report appreciating the convenience of sites like Cherry Creek that offer "a piece of nature tucked into the city" while noting the trade-offs in terms of privacy and natural surroundings. Sites with shade trees are especially prized during summer months when temperatures rise, though many campgrounds feature relatively open layouts.
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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