Best Campgrounds near Drake, CO
Dispersed camping options surround Drake, Colorado, a small mountain community along the Big Thompson River. The area features a mix of established campgrounds and backcountry sites, with Hell Canyon Dispersed camping providing free primitive sites for self-sufficient campers. Nearby developed options include Drake Campground, which offers riverside tent and RV camping with basic amenities, and several campgrounds within Rocky Mountain National Park like Moraine Park and Glacier Basin approximately 30 minutes north. Pole Hill Road also provides dispersed camping opportunities on public lands for those with high-clearance 4WD vehicles looking for more remote experiences.
Access to camping areas around Drake varies significantly by location and season. Many of the established campgrounds like Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months. Hell Canyon Dispersed camping areas demand self-sufficiency as they lack amenities like drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Pole Hill Road dispersed sites present significant access challenges, with several reviews emphasizing the difficult terrain. A recent review noted, "Don't believe the navigation apps and go through Lyons, it's private property; furthermore if you like I did make the drive through Estes Park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle... maybe you'll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads."
The riverside sites at Drake Campground receive consistently positive feedback for their scenic setting. "Loved this campground! My boyfriend and I stayed here one night and our site was overlooking the river. It was so calm and peaceful," wrote one camper, though they noted the relatively high price given the lack of electricity or showers. For campers seeking more amenities, several nearby options include Estes Park KOA and Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, both offering electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites. Families and RV campers often prefer these established campgrounds for their reliable amenities, while more adventurous campers gravitate toward the dispersed options for solitude and cost savings, despite the challenging access and lack of facilities.
