60 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Summer fills the more popular tent campgrounds in this corridor fast, and sites within reasonable range of Denver often book 4–6 weeks out through June and July. Developed campgrounds with designated tent pads, vault toilets, and fire rings are the standard format here, spread across state parks and national forest land west and southwest of the city. Free dispersed camping outside Denver is the no-reservation fallback for those willing to bring their own water and pack out all waste.
Most have numbered sites, reservation windows through recreation.gov or ReserveAmerica, and level pads that work for most tent setups. The Dyrt check-ins for this stretch run heaviest from late May through August. Golden sits about 15 miles west and is a practical staging point for national forest tent sites further up Clear Creek Canyon.
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."
"Came here for my birthday a few years ago, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking—mountains, lake views, the whole deal!"
"Stayed at campsite 18, had great views and nice weather, no water though but there is a lake down the road. 4x4 Required as roads were rough"
"Nice big sites, open space without a lot of trees, beautiful views, clean restrooms, showers (pay for) water fill stations, dump station, several restrooms."
"Super close to Denver and offered through the City of Lakewood. The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area."
from $34 - $40 / night
Check Availability"However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."
"Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."
"This semi-primitive campsite requires a permit from the Open Space Office of Jefferson County, CO. The permit is free, however you must pick up the permit in person at their offices."
"Great hike in campground. It was our first hike in and we loved it! Spots aren’t too close to each other and there’s great views!"
from $12 / night
Check Availability"Nice spot with a metal fire pit (good for stage 1 fire ban), picnic table, and tent pad. Tent pad was big enough to squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely)."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."
"Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."
"The noise isn't bad at all, like your next to a heater running all night. The spots I stayed at are a bit up the road from the pin, in the curve of the road directly beneath the power lines."
"The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."
"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."
"Trash and Port a potties are provided. Site is right next to the Platte River. Picnic Table and Fire Ring is provided per site. Very relaxing, great views , and respectful neighbors."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Such a nice escape from denver, the lake is soooo beautiful!! We showed up on a Saturday morning in July around 10 AM and still found a spot. People, CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH🙃"
"I first camped in Colorado last year with a friend and we chose this dispersed due to it being close to travel too- yet still dispersed. I’ve come back 4 other times to camp here!"
Guide# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!
ScoutNice, level spots. Great mountain and lake views. Great views of all your neighbors. 😉
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
ScoutLake Wellington is a beautiful family and dog friendly campground just about 90 minutes from Denver. There are 75 sites, and even when it's pretty full they are decently spaced out that you don't feel too on top of other guests. We brought our dogs and a group of friends and had a great few nights, even seeing Bald Eagles mating!
TravelerIf you are going to camp at a lakefront spot definitely have something you can sit in else you will be attacked by flies. Super quiet during the week - got busy over the weekend.
GuideI was pulling a camper and couldn't make it to the higher up spots. the spots near the entrance are littered with gross trash. I cleaned my area but there's too much . Hiking around has beautiful views.
GuideTakes you to a private road. After walking around probably someone parking towards the back pinned the location Follow the coordinates on the other Gordon Gulch and its easy to find
ScoutRough road but doable in a minivan. About 12 minutes from Nederland, which had a lot of good restaurants, bars, and a fair size grocery store. Saw a moose and mountain lion.
ScoutI really enjoy this place, I’ve lived here for about 5 months and the staff are great and I like everyone who stays as well!
Primitive camping options near Denver create unique overnight opportunities in Colorado's Front Range wilderness. Dispersed campsites typically sit at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet with dramatic daily temperature fluctuations even in summer. Most sites require visitors to store food properly due to bears and other wildlife active throughout the camping season from May through October.
Fishing access points: Fall River Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities with quick limits possible. "With perfect views of the mountains and streams in all directions. Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly the only day we were there," notes Larry S. about the Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail.
Stargazing spots: Several remote sites provide unobstructed night sky viewing, though construction activities can impact some locations. "You can't beat the view. We sit at the edge of the boulders and watch the sunset," writes K.R. about Staunton State Park Campground.
Creek exploration: Many sites feature streams perfect for cooling off during hot days. "There is a beautiful creek right across the road that is great for filtering water and cooling off," explains Zack B. about Fall River Reservoir, adding "The reservoir itself is gorgeous. There are a few falls that flow in and some good bouldering routes towards the back."
Quick escapes: Sites within 45-60 minutes of Denver provide convenient weekend camping. "This was a close 1 night get away spot. Pretty area, the sites we saw were numbered," explains Nicci M. about Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area.
Aspen groves: Fall color changes create spectacular settings at higher elevations. "In the Fall this park is just stunning with aspen leaves all different colors so it brings a bit of solitude in nature too even with all the people in the park," notes Hayley K. about Staunton State Park.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate separation between established sites. "The campsites are well maintained and quite spread out from one another. So although there was a group of scouts, a group of friends, and a bigger youth group who all hiked in, it did not feel crowded or noisy," writes Jessica K. about Sawmill Hiker Campground.
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed areas require appropriate vehicles. "Note you will need a 4 x 4 vehicle to reach this campsite as the road starts to get bumpy due to boulders and rocks on the road towards the end of the end road. So be prepared for a little longer and bumpy 45 minute ride up to the top," warns Larry S. about Fall River Reservoir.
Early arrival necessary: Most sites fill quickly on weekends. "We tried to drive in Friday night and all the campsites were full so some kind people let us share theirs. I'd suggest getting their early to get a good spot!" advises Gillian S. about Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir.
Water challenges: Campers must either carry water or filter from natural sources. "The water spigots are at the base as well and not at or near the sites - 1/2 mile from the farthest site, Site 19. We had to carry up jugs and refill at night," mentions K.R. about Staunton State Park.
Wagon access: Some walk-in sites allow wagon use for hauling gear. "When camping with a whole posse of kids, we used a wagon to haul all that crap up. No problems with the wagon getting stuck. Trails are very clear," shares K.R. about their experience at Staunton State Park.
Boulder exploration: Kids enjoy natural features for climbing and play. "And, behind 19 are rocks and boulders. You could scramble up with or without kids (my kid was 2 and climbed with some help) and explore for about an hour just by the site," adds K.R. about Staunton Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible bear sightings. "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping," warns Ben O. about Allenspark Dispersed Camping.
Limited RV access: Most dispersed sites accommodate small vehicles only. "Gnarly ass road, not for trailers/sedans. Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power," cautions Graham S. about Winiger Ridge.
Established alternatives: Look for designated campgrounds with RV accommodations. "The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area. There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area, with access to trails to the lake, a boat launch and boat rental, equestrian stables, and archery," shares Kevin M. about Bear Creek Lake Campground.
Partial hookups: Many sites offer limited services. "Only drawback might be the bathrooms have no night lighting and you have a dumping station instead of sewage hookups. Also water is available but not at the site," adds Kevin M. about Bear Creek Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping spots near Denver?
Denver's surrounding mountains offer exceptional tent camping opportunities. Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon provides established sites with tent pads large enough for multiple tents, metal fire pits, and picnic tables within an hour of the city. Buckingham Campground is another excellent option with creekside sites and concrete picnic tables, perfect for those planning to hike nearby peaks. Only featuring five sites, Buckingham offers a more intimate experience. For those seeking something less developed but still accessible, consider Bear Creek Lake Campground, Sawmill Hiker Campground (great for backpacking beginners), or Staunton State Park. Many campsites fill quickly during summer weekends, so make reservations where possible or arrive early at first-come, first-served locations.
What amenities can I expect at tent campsites near Denver?
Tent campsites near Denver offer varying levels of amenities depending on their development status. Robbers Roost Campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and bear-proof trash facilities and food storage bins. Sawmill Hiker Campground offers a semi-primitive experience for backpackers. Most established campgrounds near Denver typically include tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, with access to vault toilets or restrooms. Many sites are equipped with bear boxes for food storage due to wildlife activity in the area. Water availability varies significantly—some campgrounds have potable water, while others require you to bring your own or filter from nearby streams. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. More developed campgrounds may offer additional amenities like shower facilities, but these are less common at tent-specific sites.
What's the best time of year for tent camping around Denver?
The prime tent camping season around Denver runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. At Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, summer camping provides beautiful lake views and mountain scenery, though it can get busy on weekends due to its proximity to Boulder. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping is ideal in summer months with accessible streamside spots. Be aware that mountain elevations mean nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer—many campgrounds sit above 9,000 feet. Early summer brings wildflowers but also mosquitos near water sources. Fall offers spectacular colors and fewer crowds but colder nights. Spring camping is possible at lower elevations but unpredictable with potential snowfall. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out.
Are there any free tent camping options around Denver?
Several free dispersed camping options exist within 1-2 hours of Denver. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers secluded, private camping for those willing to venture off-road, ideal for 4x4 vehicles though not strictly required. This area provides a more primitive experience without designated facilities. Allenspark Dispersed Camping is another free option near the town of Allenspark with drive-in access. These dispersed areas typically lack amenities like toilets, potable water, or garbage service, so campers must be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Sites are first-come, first-served and can fill quickly on summer weekends. Most dispersed camping in national forests follows a 14-day stay limit. Always check current regulations as fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and some areas may temporarily close due to wildlife management or environmental concerns.
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