Best Campgrounds near Drake, CO

Join the fun near Drake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Drake. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Drake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Drake, Colorado (325)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    89 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    2. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    44 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-1026

    $20 - $55 / night

    "There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."

    "Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."

    3. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    56 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."

    "The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."

    4. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-4188

    $35 - $50 / night

    "The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."

    "Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."

    5. Estes Park KOA

    25 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-2888

    "We didn't feel the "Oh, God... another tourist" vibes we got from basically everyone else in Colorado. On the contrary, they couldn't have been happier to see us and welcome us to their little city."

    "We have stayed here 3 or 4 times due to the close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park.  The campground is extremely well managed, clean and well maintained. "

    6. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    43 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    7. Pinewood Reservoir

    16 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $20 - $48 / night

    "This was our second visit to Pinewood Lake and while some things stayed the same others were much the same.  Our first visit last fall was during the final stages of a blizzard. "

    "Even with the snow and us being novices we set up without a hitch and were soon enjoying the magical panorama of the lake below us and the hills and mountain tops around us."

    8. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    20 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."

    "Driving down to town during the day, there were some people (probably from the adjacent campground) hiking the road.

    Overall quiet at night (other than some road noise from 36). Not a bad spot!"

    9. Hermit Park Open Space

    18 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 679-4570

    $30 - $120 / night

    "Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept."

    "This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."

    10. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    17 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

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Recent Reviews near Drake, CO

2163 Reviews of 325 Drake Campgrounds



Guide to Drake

Camping near Drake, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many campers rave about the easy access to trails from campgrounds like Moraine Park Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. Campers at Timber Creek Campground have spotted these majestic animals right in the campground, with one camper saying, "Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."
  • Fishing: Head to nearby lakes for some fishing. Campers at Arapaho Bay Campground enjoyed the beautiful views while fishing, with one noting, "The sunsets were amazing, we saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Glacier Basin Campground are praised for their breathtaking views. One camper shared, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Friendly hosts, clean bathrooms with hot pay showers."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the peacefulness of places like East Portal Campground. One reviewer noted, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!"

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some spots can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded. Lots of beetle damage."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area lacks drinking water and toilets, which some campers found challenging.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from late May to early September, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Campers at East Portal Campground enjoyed the big playground, saying, "Family-friendly campground at the end of a quiet road."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. One camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake appreciated the well-stocked camp store for essentials.
  • Plan for Wildlife: Teach kids about local wildlife. Campers at Timber Creek Campground enjoyed seeing elk and moose, making it a fun learning experience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Size Restrictions: Some campgrounds have size limits for RVs. A reviewer at Timber Creek Campground noted, "RV allowed up to 30 feet."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electricity, choose campgrounds like Cottonwood Campground that offer electric hookups. One camper mentioned, "Large sites. Some trees for shade."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Campers at Arapaho Bay Campground warned about wind, saying, "Beware the wind—would have paddled sooner on the water but the wind was fierce."

Camping near Drake, Colorado, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Drake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Drake, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 325 campgrounds and RV parks near Drake, CO and 101 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Drake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Drake, CO is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 89 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Drake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 101 free dispersed camping spots near Drake, CO.

What parks are near Drake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Drake, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.