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Best Campgrounds near Denver, CO

1,761 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Denver, Colorado (260)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 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

    76 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. 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☀️"

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    13 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

    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

558 Photos of 260 Denver Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denver, CO

1761 Reviews of 260 Denver Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • k
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Colorado Heights Resort

    Nice site, but very close to civilization

    We enjoyed are stay here. The site was well taken care of and the people were nice. The only cons for us were how loud the traffic sounds were and how close together the sites are.

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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