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Camping near Denver, CO

268 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    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.

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    Best Campgrounds near Denver (268)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

      4.1(53)9mi from Denver136 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Chatfield State Park Campground

      4.3(79)18mi from Denver207 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

      4.4(33)17mi from DenverRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      4. Dakota Ridge RV Park

      3.3(42)19mi from DenverRVs

      "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."

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      5. Clear Creek RV Park

      4.0(29)20mi from DenverRVs, Tents

      "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

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      6. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

      3.4(15)15mi from DenverRVs

      "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."

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      7. Denver Meadows RV Park

      3.2(6)2mi from DenverRVs, Cabins

      "Lots of good food nearby."

      8. Standley Lake Regional Park

      4.0(16)17mi from DenverRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      9. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

      4.6(48)27mi from Denver5 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      10. Williams Famcamp (Buckley Space Force Base)

      4.3(3)6mi from DenverRVs, Tents

      "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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    Recent Camping Photos near Denver, CO

    569 Photos of 268 Denver Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Denver, CO

    1885 Reviews of 268 Denver Campgrounds

    • Liv L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 23, 2026

      Rainbow Trout Ranch

      Good base camp -not much more

      For us, the campground served its purpose. It’s in a great location, is fairly quiet, has electrical hook ups, has water hook ups (non potable only), has a basic dump site, and has a dumpster! I think it was $55 a night, which is pretty steep for how close together the sites are. Everyone who is staying here is very kind. There are some long-term folks who are doing work here, but they’re very nice. The sites are basically all just in a large dirt lot, no privacy. I would not recommend it if you’re looking for a solitary camping experience or want to be in nature, but if it’s just a base camp to do activities or work during the day, then it works great. There are a ton of biting flies, which has not been great probably due to the fishing ponds.?

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 22, 2026

      Hell Canyon Dispersed

      Beautiful spot!

      Definitely worth a visit. slightly steep coming in. The road is still closed off at the end.

    • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Parachute Hill Road

      Nice spot despite the traffic

      Stayed two nights. Got there around 2 pm on Friday and had our pick of spots. By 8 pm all spots were taken. Saturday there was near constant side-by-side, quad, and dirt bike traffic starting at 10 am and lasting until 6 pm. Due to the high traffic the dust was very fine and covered everything. Most of the drivers were courteous but some drove very aggressively with music blasting. Some off-roading stragglers were out until about 9 pm.

    • Aliya B.
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Fall River reservoir

      Great spot will need 4x4

      This is a great little spot with lots of unmarked campsites. There are a couple on the road up to the reservoir with creeks or river access. I did see a couple of Subaru type vehicles make it up this road but it is about 4 miles rocky road. We went up in our truck and it wasn’t too bad

    • M N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

      Beautiful

      It’s very beautiful up here. Nice roads to walk around. Busy during the holiday weekend.

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Gopher Gulch RV and Campground

      Gopher Gulch is a nice place

      All in all we would not hesitate to come back again!
      The good - Clean, well spaced sites, new facilities, friendly staff, well maintained, reasonable rates, convenient location, semi-rural location, pond on site has a covered dock and a paddleboat for rent.

      The not as good - I rated it a 4, based on things the owners cannot control - highway noise and no shade. The noise from Hwy 66 is normally calm but rarely has a break in traffic, and some vehicle are loud. Being a new campground the trees are not yet grown to provide any shade, but they have planted many trees!

    • jThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 20, 2026

      Corona Pass

      Perfect for trailers or RV’s

      Lots of pullouts! Easy dirt road for bigger rigs. Most, if not all, spots are in the open, just off the road, next to heavily wooded areas. No fire rings, no bathrooms and no water. I gave it 4 stars because it’s so close to Winter Park but you wouldn’t want to sit around the site and hang out.

    • Christine R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 20, 2026

      Johnny Park Road Camping

      Father’s Day weekend

      Arrived around 7:30pm on a Friday. There were 2 soots left available totaling about 8 spots for dispersed camping. Stayed until Sunday morning. On Saturday night there were only TWO other spots TAKEN.

      To get there: Take cabin creek road (dirt road) off hwy 7 which is a neighborhood then turn right onto Big Owl Road and stay right to Johnny park (~ 2 miles in). Be prepared of an uphill off road (AWD needed) or a higher clearance vehicle (like we drove a Palisade)

      Also there’s a lot of ATV and dirt bikes that come through this area. So be prepared to have your items be dusty/ covered in dirt.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 20, 2026

      Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful Views - Rough Road

      Campground was great! Large spot but only enough room for one tent due to the steepness. Did not have a fire as there were signs campfire not allowed on the way up. Did not see anything at the lake. Others had fires. Road is rough getting up all 4WD or AWD SUVs and pickups were up there. There is still some snow in spots - but nothing impacting the road. Make sure to go left at the fork in the road! The road to the back of lake campsites is washed out pretty good and is rough! Overall very peaceful.

    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?

    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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