Carlos D.
Traveler
TravelerGordon Gulch Dispersed Area
Great get away about an hour from Boulder.
Great site not too far from Boulder. It really helped drop the temperature. It was 90° down in Boulder now over here. It was less than 80.
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. 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."
6. 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 Availability7. 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 Availability8. Denver Meadows RV Park
"Lots of good food nearby."
9. 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
575 Photos of 271 Denver Campgrounds
Lamarcus S.
Cherry Creek State Park Campground
A A.
Peaceful Ranch
Emma N.
Standley Lake Regional Park
Rita R.
Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park
Samantha B.
Chatfield State Park Campground
Sabin R.
Mountain View Campsite
Danielle V.
Chief Hosa Campground
Lynae C.
Closed
Tuff's Ranch .
Tuff's Ranch
Ryan G.
Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Savanna M.
Indian Creek
Lila B.
Indian Creek Campground
Recent Reviews near Denver, CO
1975 Reviews of 271 Denver Campgrounds
Benjamin W.
ScoutBill Moore Lake dispersed
Beautiful lake, solid campsites, road is gnarly.
Plenty of campsites available just pass the trail markers for Mount Flora and Mill Creek Ridge Trail. We went on a Saturday night in mid-August and there were two other groups present, and half a dozen available spots. The lake was beautiful after some summer rain and hail cleared up.
The drive up to the lake on the forrest service road is legit 4x4 / OHV only. Lifted Land Cruiser on 32" tires made it fine, but there are lots of spots where you need to tread carefully. It was a slow going 45mins to 1hr from the turn-off in Empire.
- Kristina S.Traveler
Chatfield State Park Campground
Chatfield Reservoir August 2026
Great spot close by the marina. Full hookups in lot A.
- SShiba P.Scout
Flatiron Reservoir Campground
Cute little family campground
Bathrooms, water spigots and power. Pretty good little campground. Nice views. A little close to the main road so some road nose. No cell for us but we have SL.
Fa B.
Guide320A Mt. Herman Dispersed
Great views from any site really
The drive up isn’t for the faint of hearts, which probably explains the complete absence of sedans. It is very bumpy, very narrow at times, and very muddy after heavy rains with large and deep puddles here and there.
With that said, this is a stunning location for camping, biking, hiking, etc.
Weekends get too crowded with practice shooters, off-road vehicles, and people partying it up loudly but the week is dead quiet.
Plenty of wildlife - including bears - and you should also plan for unpredictable weather.
- SShelbi A.Scout
Fall River reservoir
Beautiful area
The road isn’t accessible for 2WD but it’s a gorgeous area with waterfalls if you hike far enough
- KKyle B.Scout
Loch Lomond Dispersed
Decent spot closer to the front range, but busy
Rough road up but not terrible. Just need higher clearance. I prefer dispersed camping for being further away from others and enjoying the quiet.
Very busy trail, all spots are very close to the road/trail so if you’re going on a weekend expect to see and hear many people.
People were shooting nearby around sunset, even with the stage 2 fire ban. We had some good distance from our neighbors, but cars started driving up around 5am Saturday and hikers quickly followed. Very popular hiking trail, with groups passing by pretty consistently. If you enjoy camping for the peace and quiet, this isn’t a great area for it. If you enjoy a good view and don’t mind waving back at hikers and trucks all day, it’s decent.
- aaneta O.Traveler
Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite
Road going in kinda sucks
We stayed in #37 very secluded and quiet spot. The road coming in sucks but I parked a 36' pusher down in there with no problems.
- aaneta O.Traveler
West Magnolia Campground
We stayed in spot #5 with a 36' pusher and it was a tight fit.
#5 is tight for a 36' pusher but the solar got plenty of sun and t mobile kinda got service
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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