82 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Drake, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed wilderness areas in the surrounding national forests and open spaces. Hermits Hollow Campground in Hermit Park offers designated tent sites with bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings from April to October, while Forest Road 119 provides more primitive tent camping options with fewer amenities but greater seclusion. Several dispersed camping areas in the Roosevelt National Forest also accommodate tent campers seeking a more remote experience.
Most tent sites in the Drake area require careful planning as amenities vary significantly between locations. Established campgrounds like Hermits Hollow provide vault toilets and bear-proof food storage, while dispersed areas typically have no facilities whatsoever. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the primitive tent camping areas, particularly along Forest Road 119 and in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region, especially during summer months, and many areas implement complete fire bans regardless of season. A visitor commented, "The sites are nice right next to a creek, with very few mosquitos. Make sure to stay close to the designated areas as Rangers monitor the site."
Tent campers in the Drake area benefit from proximity to numerous hiking trails and natural features. The surrounding Roosevelt National Forest provides access to multiple wilderness areas where backpackers can find solitude away from more developed sites. Many tent sites offer creek access and mountain views, though weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations. Areas near Allenspark provide walk-in tent sites with greater privacy than drive-in locations, though they require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. According to one review, "The campsite was secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers. It has a nice view of Horsetooth Reservoir and you are surrounded by the trees/rocks." Early morning wildlife sightings, particularly elk and moose, are common at many of the tent camping locations throughout the region.
"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."
"Clear skies at night, but tree cover if you prefer. Quick drive to Estes Park. No Verizon cell service."
"Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road."
"The camp sites near the top of Longs Peak in the Boulderfield are worth the long hike (6 miles up steep terrain)."
"Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything."
"There are quite a few little spots right off the road that have plenty of space. The road is pretty rough and high clearance is recommended. A Subaru need our help a little bit."
"This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve."
"Great sunrises and away from traffic noise tho you may have to deal with a little bit of noise from the hiking trail but other than that horse tooth has 3 back country sites that are perfect. highly recommend"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The campsite had a bench and a bear box, and was only .9 miles away from Arthur's rock. We walked to the rock at night and for sunrise and the view was beautiful."
"We did a quick overnight backpacking trip to one of the backcountry sites at the top of the Timber trail. It’s a beautiful meadow with wildflowers in the summer."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"The water also will go from so far above the trees that there is no shade to so far below that you're hoofing your gear 100 yards from the boat in the mud up to your campsite."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"No water source that I know of."
"We arrived at around 10pm on a Saturday night and were able to find a spot way back, but it did require AWD. The site was small, but secluded."
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!
TravelerIt’s awesome, but only if you have a very capable 4wd. There’s a great spot to camp at as soon as you start going up the hill. Past the first spot, the road becomes REALLY rough. So just be aware.
GuideIt was a great site. Not hot surrounded on three sides by rocks. Lake was dried up but Colorado was dry this year.
ScoutNice, level spots. Great mountain and lake views. Great views of all your neighbors. 😉
GuideThe campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
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
Tent camping near Drake, Colorado takes place at elevations ranging from 6,000-8,000 feet in the Roosevelt National Forest, with alpine terrain characterized by pine forests and seasonal creek access. Many sites experience temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, even in summer months. Water sources are limited at dispersed sites, requiring campers to pack in all drinking water.
Trail access: Hermits Hollow Campground offers hiking with multiple trailheads directly from the camping area. "Lots of trails for hiking and biking in the park. Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. There are plenty of trees for shade and some privacy, but you are still near other campers," shares Hannah F. about Hermits Hollow Campground.
Night sky viewing: The backcountry areas at higher elevations provide excellent stargazing with minimal light pollution. A camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camping reported, "Decent drive and not hard to find. Follow the directions on Google and you'll be fine. The best spots are a little further back." Clear skies offer stellar views once you get away from populated areas.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot elk, moose and smaller mammals. Wade R. mentions at Hermits Hollow: "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Moose and black bear apparently frequent but haven't caused any problems."
Creek-side camping: Many dispersed sites near Drake offer spots alongside mountain streams. Brett A. notes about Allenspark: "It was gorgeous! Lots of spots, and also lots of people. Some folks coming in late night. It's definitely a bumpy ride in." The sound of running water adds to the camping atmosphere while providing white noise that masks other sounds.
Seclusion without isolation: Dispersed camping areas balance privacy with reasonable access to towns. According to Jason H., "About 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access. Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already build and most camp spots are along the creek."
Forest surroundings: Pine and aspen groves provide natural shade at most tent sites. A camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area shared: "I spent multiple days at this site due to its remote beauty. Campsites far apart, and it was quiet other than the occasional atv. Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."
Bear activity: Bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. One camper at Longs Peak Campground advises: "Bring a good sleeping bag and a tent you trust in high winds, as the wind will howl and shake your tent all night. Rent a bear canister from the Estes Park Mountain Store right outside of town, cheap ($3) and necessary."
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. Quinton T. notes about Gordon Gulch: "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather."
Seasonal closures: Several camping areas close during winter months or have limited access. According to the reviews for Forest Road 119: "Road is open for summer and it's kinda rough getting up, but once your there, it's a pretty nice view. Went up in a campervan and felt kinda scared but made it."
Ranger presence: Some established sites have regular ranger patrols enforcing regulations. "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it. Sprays, lotions, deodorants… etc," explains a camper at Hermits Hollow.
Short hike-in options: The Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space provides an easy introduction to backpacking. "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! From the parking lot, it's only about a mile and a half. The site is off the main trail and is secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers," says Miranda K.
Wildlife education: Many sites offer chances for wildlife sightings - use as teaching moments. "Kids have a blast swimming, kayaking and just goofing off. Adults chill and drink and fish. Most spots do not have bathrooms (bring a shovel, bag/remove your solid waste and keep it clean) or any other facilities except a fire ring," notes a camper about boating sites.
Temperature preparation: Pack extra layers as nighttime temperatures drop significantly. Daisee Mae S. advises: "We stayed in the month of November. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep." Temperature changes can surprise unprepared families, especially at higher elevations.
Length restrictions: Many forest roads near Drake have tight turns unsuitable for larger trailers. "We took our car and tent camped. We didn't take our camper as the switchbacks are very tight and the road is very steep," shares a reviewer about Lory State Park Backcountry.
Dump station access: Limited sanitary facilities exist in dispersed areas. Plan trips around available dump stations at established campgrounds.
Parking challenges: Many primitive tent camping sites require backing skills and scouting. "We just hauled our trailer down this road to find out it's closed and had no where to turn around. Ended up having to back way down the hill before finding a spot and it still was a mess," warns Angie S. about Forest Road 119.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Drake, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Drake, CO is Allenspark Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Drake, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 82 tent camping locations near Drake, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
