Top Tent Camping near Denver, CO

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Denver? Find the best tent camping sites near Denver. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Denver, CO (54)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1317 Saves

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    2. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    20 Reviews
    55 Photos
    1154 Saves

    Camping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles. Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away. Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1142 Saves

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations. Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space. In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans. Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    4. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    101 Photos
    1169 Saves

    Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Frazer Meadow - Golden Gate Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    6. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    54 Photos
    950 Saves

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Meadows Campground - Golden Gate State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Hiker Campground

    8. Sawmill Hiker Campground

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    258 Saves
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Staunton State Park

    9. Staunton State Park

    7 Reviews
    31 Photos
    223 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
Showing results 1-10 of 54 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Denver

1296 Reviews of 54 Denver Campgrounds


  • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Area Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Bailey Area Dispersed

    Difficult road to get to but beautiful views

    The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Denver West-Central City KOA
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Denver West-Central City KOA

    Nicest KOA we've been to

    And in fact I believe they were KOA of the year 2023 or 2024. More expensive than we're used to, but has nice amenities. Sites level with concrete pads, fairly large. Some space between with trees. Nice metal patio furniture provided at each site(chairs, table, fire pit). Has decent showers, hot tubs, and off leash dog park. Inexpensive pancake breakfast and pizza/wings to your site are available, also an onsite store. Kind of at the top of a rise, so good views but also kind of chilly for July (60s/40s). Massive thunderstorms with hail and heavy rain two evengings (CO mountains tend to get afternoon t-storms). Communicate via text to let you know about goings on. Good radio station out of Idaho Springs KYGT 102.7 and 103.9

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Hosa Campground
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Chief Hosa Campground

    Good proximity to Evergreen CO/EZ I-70 on/off

    Stayed in spot RV24. Easy access right off freeway and convenient to TPB start. Some nice small trails in area for easy walking. Mostly pine trees. Orderly, camp hosts seem inclined to enforce rules. Quiet.No campfire pits so no burning allowed at all and most folks seem to knock off early. Showers are available for.25/2 min with a 4 min max. Appeared old, clean.

    For road cyclists: Good place to stay for Triple Bypass

    Food aside: Cooked Hatch green chile sausage and added to Sprouts Hatch mac and cheese and put into burritos. Ate leftovers for breakfast. Low FQ (fart quotient).

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon

    Way too expensive

    I spent the night at Base Camp because the campgrounds North and South of Ned were full and it was dark and getting late. You have to be lucky with those ones to get one of the few good spots that are there. I have been to the convenience store at BC before and it was closer to Idaho Springs (I was going there the next day to meet a friend). $39 per night for a tent site is INSANE. I could have stealth camped and there was another spot I could’ve gone too but BC was close and I was tired. I guess that’s how they make their business. Begrudgingly it worked for what I needed.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Trash+long term campers

    The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

  • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4x4 and tents only

    Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Denver East-Strasburg KOA
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Quick overnight

    Not a lot of options on I 70 east of Denver for overnight parking so opted for a KOA last minute. Easy last minute check in process. Served great for a quick in and out.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Site #6 of 33

    Finally, a nice campsite on a road that isn't horrible. There are 30+ designated, numbered, dispersed campsites on this road. Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings. The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away. These are great campsites and the area is really awesome. After so many horrible roads and places closed, it was a blessing to find this spot. The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado. Highly recommended! Cell service with At&t in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars. at least half of the sites are big rig friendly. All of the sites are 100% free.

  • Savannah B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Perfect for a quick overnight trip

    My husband bought a new tent so we just wanted to find something kinda close to Denver but still beautiful for just a quick overnight trip. Our goal was Chinns lake but stupid Apple Maps took us here instead. It was still beautiful and there were a handful of spots still open for us. I wouldn’t recommend for a big group unless you get there early and claim the whole top but we really enjoyed it! The lake was low but still beautiful.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs

    We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.

    The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.

    Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverview RV Park & Campground
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Riverview RV Park & Campground

    Great stop over

    Staff were super friendly. The place did everything we needed for an overnight stay the drive in from RMNP was fantastic. Showers were clean(dated who cares, they worked. I’m not an instagrammer)

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

    Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

  • Hanna K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Quiet with a lot of options

    We parked in the parking lot and walked into the valley. After a while we found quite a lot of options with fireplaces already there. So you should mostly find something.

    It is quiet, but also a popular spot for hikers so early in the morning, some people arrived. But you can camp far enough in the valley and away from the trail. Water is available if you have a purifier or filter system.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur

    Nice but pricey

    Overall Nice site. Stayed one night. Too pricey for a stopover. Propane fire pit looks nice but could not use. Must have a 20 pound tank. Store was closed as we arrived at 5 pm.
    Train and traffic noise as expected for location. Lot of stuff for kids. Nice facilities. Clean park.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Road Closed Mid-September

    There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Chatfield State Park Campground
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Chatfield State Park Campground

    Greast Spot

    Stayed the last night with a rental RV that we needed to return to Denver by 10;30 AM.  Campground has an unusual lay out with "loops" being 3 rings of sites.  Sites are spread out well.  Lots of privacy,  Within an hour's drive of the RV rental return location (with a Costco on the way to fill the gas tank).  Some sites have elec/water/sewer at the sites.  Some have just electrical - this was our site.  A communal water/sewer was available with ability to handle two vehicles at the same time.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boyd Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Boyd Lake State Park Cottonwood Campground

    Conveniently close to city and lake

    Calm during week. Busy on weekend. Sites are level. Few tents. Some sites better than others for tent on grass. Electricity to help keep camper cool. T-Mobile 5G. Very good coverage. Free showers and clean restrooms make this a good place to hang out near Loveland. Bike path runs past camp. Lake launch ramp and swim beach in season. Playgrounds. Could use more shade.

  • Jordan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief Hosa Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Chief Hosa Campground

    Good Spot, Beware road noise

    This was a one-night overnight tent spot after a work conference in Golden. Drive to the site was not bad. The roads are a little bumpy to get into the tent-only camping but even my little Chevy did okay. Bathroom facilities are good with coin-operated showers. Relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of road noise from I-70.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Standley Lake Regional Park
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Standley Lake Regional Park

    Nice but no privacy

    If you are used to RV sites or KOA you will be ok with this. On a scale of 1-5 here are my impressions.

    1. Site cleanliness. 5
    2. Bathrooms 5. Running H20
    3. Convenience 2. They lock the gates at 10pm.
    4. Electric 1
    5. Water hookups none 1

    Overall esthetic 2. The lake is nice. The rest of the area is well compacted dirt with some scattered trees. City/road noise 2.

  • Jason C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Beaver Park Reservoir

    Quiet

    It can get a little windy, don't expect to do anything with the lake other than look at it. Locals are protective of it. Drove my Class C with no problem. A truck and trailer will also get down here with ease. I don't believe a Class A would be able to find anything. But the view is beautiful. There are a few spots coming in. Keep driving until you hit the lake and there is a large open area with several spots to park.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    Quiet with lovely views

    Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.

    Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.

    Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.

    I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"

    Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place

  • Wil L.
    Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    Sep. 8, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Great place dark skies lots of space

    Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!

  • Annie N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Nice large paved pulloff with uneven grassy area and fire ring

    The pulloff is one of many along the road. It's big, gets you quite far back from the road. Very little traffic on the road at night, I didn't notice any. Peaceful area. Not sure you could get a tent set up off of the pavement, but you could set one up on the gravel. I slept in my car.

  • Max B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from LaVern M. Johnson Park
    Sep. 4, 2024

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Great Spot in the creek with kids

    This campground has everything. Full hook up, shower, restrooms, a great playground and a fantastic river.



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Denver, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Denver, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Denver, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Denver, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.