Looking for the best Denver tent camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
White Ranch Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allows for permitted camping. Sawmill and Sourdough Springs Campgrounds offer semi-primitive, tent-only, walk-in camping in designated sites is available by online permit. Required camping permits must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance. Permits are $12 per campsite, per night and valid for up to three consecutive nights. Camping is limited to a total of six nights within a 30 day period.
$12 / night
Dispersed Camping information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd577265.pdf
With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on national forest public lands. Camping in the national forest at one location is limited to 14 consecutive days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for an additional 14 days. Camping is restricted to a maximum of 28 days in any 60-day period.
More than 40% of lands within the Arapaho National Forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. A map showing land ownership is recommended. It is YOUR responsibility to know if you are on private, city, county, state, national park or national forest land.
Pack out all trash. There are no services.
Practice Leave No Trace ethics
Legend
We were in the area to fish as much of the river as possible and this was a great site.
Cell service- none (t-mobile) Firewood- none Camp host- none Water - non Toilets- port a potty Fire ring- yes No leveled tent sites- generally flat land.
Can car/van/roof top tent camp in the parking lot, for the same nightly fee as listed on the notice board. However, no trailers.
Traveler
Great! Great! Great! Big campground but still peaceful. 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. There are facilities for washing clothes and dishes and even vending machines.
There is some great hiking in the park and a couple of trailheads right out of the campground.
Ranger
Guanella pass has great dispersed camping near Denver. There's a few sites beside the road but those fill up quickly. If you've got a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, turn onto Leavenworth Creek Rd (352) from Guanella Pass. Drive about 3 miles and you'll be in a valley. There's a road you can turn left on in the valley that goes through the creek. After you drive through the creek the road goes up and there are some switchbacks. There are multiple dispersed campsites back there with fire rings. Overall, awesome dispersed camping and 4x4 roads. We saw a moose!
Guide
Very open campground, we camped in a tent but probably better for an rv
Guide
We stayed at sites #27 and #28 over Memorial Day weekend, 2021 which are on the outer loop. Both sites had tons of space for tents, large picnic tables, large bear boxes, and grated fire rings.
There was one site kind of close to us, but they never showed up so we had a lot of privacy. Site 28 I believe is the one that is further back and more private.
Parking was kind of confusing for the tent sites. There were 7 designated spots in a small lot for 4-5 sites that could each have two cars. While there are other places cars can park on the side, the host told us you could get ticketed by park rangers. We didn’t have any issues, as the lot got full and one person had to park there, but we still were unclear of where our allowed two cars could go. There is a huge OHV lot not far you could probably park in overnight. I think the sign said no camping, but not sure about overnight parking. When we arrived at 11AM we saw that there were still 5-6 first come sites available for the weekend (although rain was forecasted and probably had an impact).
I was the only one with cell service (1 bar with T-Mobile). The host was really nice and came by to say hi. They sell firewood at the host site. Usually there is water, but they had a temporary outage when we went.
The road getting to the campgrounds is pretty bumpy, but lots of RVs and cars made it fine.
If we went again, we would probably get an RV site so we knew we’d have enough car space. Less than an hour from Denver and nicely maintained, would return again.
We didn’t have any issues with noise like some reviews state. We were up until about 2:30 AM each night and couldn’t hear any other sites still up (although they probably kept things quiet after hours like we did).
Legend
This campground has a equestrian area and a tent camping area. The tent camping is to the right after you enter, there are two tent loops with bathrooms. Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!
Ranger
Awesome little campground for both RVs and tent campers. This time we chose to tent camp and it couldn’t have been more relaxing.
There are some great little lakes nearby to walk around and the bathrooms are clean. The camp host was friendly and the trees provide ample shade.
Do keep in mind if you are tent camping, it can be cold here at night- even in the summer!
Scout
I didn’t get to my tent site until almost 9pm so I really haven’t seen the place during the daytime. However, when driving around looking for the 3 tent sites I noticed how no one was out and with the truck headlights it seemed to look very nice.
ScoutNote there's a 3 day limit on tent camping.
Legend
When traveling in this area and looking to explore Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding areas finding camping ahead of time is very important. During summer months campground fill quickly and overflow camps like this become your backup plan which sometimes can be difficult to squeeze into last minute.
From May until September this campground opens its doors to the masses for only$12 per night. Clearly a lot less expensive than some of the campgrounds offered in the area, this camp is quite appealing for those who wish to find inexpensive camping and can enjoy their time in nature without all the frills of an improved campground. This campground is first come first serve which is very important to know if you are wanting to stay in the area and will be arriving later in the day or near a weekend.
When I visited the season had just opened, literally the day of and there was no one on a weekday at the campground early in the day. I took a stroll around the campground and noticed there is an honor box for paying camp fees and that rangers were in the area driving through the various properties placing kiosk signage up and checking sites.
This campground offers no running water for those camping here. There are toilets but they are primitive and non-flushing. The sites looked comfortable and like they would be great for camping in a tent or mid-sized RV however they could become a little cramped if visiting in larger units.
The floor of the campground is blanketed with pine needles which give a fragrant welcome.
Each campsite has a picnic table and bear box on the site in addition to a fire ring with a small grill on top. You are encouraged to bring your own fire wood and not collect the fallen and absolutely cannot cut firewood in this area.
Just across from the campground is a pull off and picnic area for Roosevelt National Park which does not offer camping but does have additional areas for hiking and enjoying the nature of the area. There is also another restroom in this area.
One of the things I found to be very helpful about this campground for controlling traffic and also for accommodating groups was the placement of a few larger sites with additional parking toward the front of the campground. I noticed when I pulled in that in the front portion of the loop there were wider areas which made navigating a bit easier for RVs and also near the dumpsters in this area there seemed to be additional parking. Again during the first part of the season with no traffic passing through this might have been deceiving but it looked to be a great option.
TIPS:
Guide
I checked in. The wind was blowing. Too cold for tent camping. Will be back. 🎃
Scout
Great tent camping nice space. Beautiful area! The camp host was very nice made us feel welcome.
Legend
This is yet another super popular campground in the Denver area. We got super lucky and scooped up a last-minute cancellation. There are tent sites as well as RV sites with water/electric. There is a bike path as well as some mountain biking nearby. Downtown Golden is a super cute town and it is only about 15 minutes away. The campground isn’t very big or scenic, but the location is great! The showers here are coin operated and the bathrooms are kept really clean.
Legend
Pawnee is a scenic campground located north of Nederland and south of Estes Park. It’s much closer to Denver than many of the other places I’ve been camping. Reservations are required. Almost half of the campsites are not very good though because so many dead trees were removed that there’s no shade or privacy at those campsites. I got a glimpse of the walk-in tent sites and they look ok. The best campsites with some shade and privacy are 13, 14, 32, 35, 37 and 39.
Guideif you pick a tent site it’s your best bet the electric sites are too close to RV’s
Guide
Limited number of tent sites, which is wonderful, for privacy and enjoying peace and nature! Camp hosts were wonderful.
Guide
Right off the road! Super neat with walk in tent sites. Has a bear box for each site and a bathroom.
Scout
We had a blast and thanks to this site we plan on doing much more camping. Good tent sites, clean bathrooms, fire pits, and fun trails.
Ranger
Small campground with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Main building has camp store with a variety of items available for purchase. Nice bathrooms including showers available.
Guide
There are RV, Tent and Yurt camping sites. Bathrooms, showers, dishwashing area and laundry facilities but still in nature and beautiful views and trails, especially in the non-electric tent sites. Great staff at the check in area.
Scout
Site #7 was clean, maintained. One official tent site and a good spot for another two person tent. Partial sun depending on time of day. Between two other campsites so possibly noisy in the evening depending on your neighbors.
RangerNice clean campground right off the highway yet little traffic noise. About 40 min from Denver with tons of hikes nearby. Quarter showers, bathrooms and even a dish pit. They have rv spots and tent spots
Guide
Tent camped on a weekday. Walk-to site was well spaced from other sites and had some nice shade. Pit toilet could have been cleaner. A rowdy rv party was noisy in the day but calmed down at night. Could see it being noisy on the weekend
ScoutVery wooded area, lots of vaulted toilet and water access. If you are tent camping you can set up your tent anywhere in your space (not restricted to just a pad) Can easily camp 2 families (limit of 2 tents and 8 people) Close walk to a lovely little pond for fishing and plenty of beautiful trails and hikes nearby.
RangerStayed at a tent site one night and wish we had planned for two. Beautiful facilities and well-kept sites. Would love to explore all the trails next time. A place to go back to.
Guide
$22 for a very unlevel parking spot, a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground is very quiet midweek and is best suited for tent camping. A lot of one night camping traffic while we were there. Zero service on AT&T and Verizon. 17mi to nearest services.
Guide
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.
Tent camping near Denver, Colorado offers a fantastic escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.
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.
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