Alicia H.
Guide
GuideRainbow Lakes Campground
Nice walk in sites
Very peaceful experience when I was there last in 2024. Nice and rather easy hike from the campground.
Camping near Denver, CO
271 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Denver (271)
1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground
"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 Availability2. Chatfield State Park Campground
"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 Availability3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park
"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
"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
"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 Availability6. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney
"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."
7. Denver Meadows RV Park
"Lots of good food nearby."
8. Standley Lake Regional Park
"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 Availability9. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
"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 Availability10. Williams Famcamp (Buckley Space Force Base)
"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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Drive Time
- 28 min from Boulder, CO
- 55 min from Greeley, CO
- 59 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 1 min from Colorado Springs, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Denver, CO
573 Photos of 271 Denver Campgrounds
Dyle K.
Cherry Creek State Park Campground
A A.
Peaceful Ranch
Nathan S.
Standley Lake Regional Park
Rita R.
Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park
Mandi K.
Chatfield State Park Campground
Sabin R.
Mountain View Campsite
john B.
Chief Hosa Campground
Lynae C.
Closed
Tuff's Ranch .
Tuff's Ranch
Minette and Ron G.
Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Savanna M.
Indian Creek
Lila B.
Indian Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Denver, CO
1921 Reviews of 271 Denver Campgrounds
- Alicia H.Guide
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Beautiful setting, quiet
I’ve camped here several times in several different sites both the walk-in tent sites and drive up sites.
There are amazing day hikes that you can access from the campground. The last time I stayed there, I took a nap after a long hike and woke up to a moose munching on wildflowers 10 ft from my tent. 
Joanna S.
ScoutSt. Vrain State Park Campground
Absolutely perfect!
My family and I booked a stay here for a night after struggling all afternoon to find a place to park our RV for the night. We were thankful to even get a campsite for the night, but because of this park we had full Hook-Up too! And for a great price! It was quiet, and there were not very many people there! Such a wonderful hole in the wall place! I know people say the interstate was too loud, however compared to other campgrounds, which are more populated and have lots of people noise, my family and I found it was actually more quiet. We saw plenty of wildlife that we didn’t see at other campsites either.
- Alicia H.Guide
Buckingham Campground
Beautiful, quiet at night
I’ve been here a few times for hiking and camping. Very soothing creek sounds, nice views with some greenery and shade. To unload and park close to your site it’s best to come later in the day, or at 5 AM, as it’s a busy trailhead and that’s why most people are there. The obvious sites have a lot of parking and hikers nearby during the day, but are sites beyond the gate that are more private during the day with bear boxes and picnic tables.
wayne H.
RangerReverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Close to the front plains but feels like a get away
I love this place. It is very well laid out. And even though it accommodates plenty of people and vehicles, you're spread out and surrounded by trees. The restroom facilities are very clean. Bring your hand soap, none is stocked. The Visitor Center was very helpful. Plenty of beautiful Hiking trails around. Don't miss the hike up to the overlook. You can also drive there if you're not up to walking.
- JJ C.Guide
Robbers Roost Campground
Gran Turismo
Driving north on the 40 from I70 is pure joy, but there is no warning for the turn-off and it’s easy to miss it. Great sites, loud truck noise, and unparalleled stargazing.
- JJC R.Scout
Farewell Gulch
Beautiful, peaceful
Mid July and no one here. Incredible. The Switzerland trail is in pretty rough shape though, you can definitely make it out if you have AWD, but I almost got stuck on the way in thanks to the overlanding trailer I’m pulling. Be very certain about which site you decide to head to, don’t spend two hours inching your way around one tree like I did.
- ffrank S.Scout
Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite
Beautiful
Many large sites. Some flatter than others.. site 15 had 2 bags of garbage stuffed in the pit. Including bread, jelly and tampons. Such a joy to clean up.
Vinny D.RangerHell Canyon Dispersed
Great Spot
Great spot, 4x4 definitely recommend. I’m in a Land cruiser with 3.5” coilover lift so no issues whatsoever. A few camper vans were here as well.
Guide to Denver
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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