Cherry Creek State Park sits at approximately 5,550 feet elevation and offers year-round camping just 20 miles from Eastlake. The park experiences over 300 days of sunshine annually with summer temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F. Winter camping requires preparation for freezing nighttime temperatures, with sites remaining accessible during snowy periods.
What to do
Water activities at multiple reservoirs: Cherry Creek State Park provides boating, fishing and swimming opportunities at its 880-acre reservoir. One visitor notes, "Nice Swim Beach with brand new Bldg. Many covered Picnic sites, but again, you MUST arrive at the break of day to secure one" (Kay S., Cherry Creek State Park Campground).
Hiking near Eastlake: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features numerous trails for hikers of all skill levels. A camper observes, "The park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts" (Steph A., Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon).
Fishing opportunities: Standley Lake offers excellent fishing with mountain views. According to a visitor, "I don't know how you could not like a place with a huge lake that bald eagles nest beside. With a rookery, this is the spot for bird enthusiasts" (Blair S., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Off-leash dog areas: Chatfield State Park includes a designated dog recreation area. One camper shares, "The dog park is by far the best. Off leash- so much room; well taken care of and big lake for the dogs to swim" (Jenny P., Chatfield State Park Campground).
What campers like
Expansive campsites: Reverend's Ridge in Golden Gate Canyon offers particularly spacious sites. A visitor confirms, "Campground is very clean. Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area" (Dennis G., Reverend's Ridge Campground).
Convenient city proximity: Bear Creek Lake Park provides camping with urban conveniences nearby. One camper reports, "Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Geared more towards RV camping. Pros: great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach" (Jennifer L., Indian Paintbrush Campground).
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds around Eastlake feature excellent wildlife observation opportunities. A visitor at Standley Lake notes, "Inside the visitor center there is a large 'Eagle Cam' TV with live footage of the endangered Bald eagles nesting their eaglets. Several times a day if you're patient you can view them being fed" (Nancy B., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Mountain scenery: Many campgrounds offer views of the Continental Divide. As one camper states, "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide" (Mike M., Golden Gate Canyon State Park).
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Eastlake require advance booking. According to a visitor at Cherry Creek, "Campground is usually fully booked all season. Reservations can be made six months out. Two week limit" (Kay S., Cherry Creek State Park).
Additional fees: Many parks charge day-use fees on top of camping costs. One camper notes, "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay" (Stephanie S., Cherry Creek State Park).
Shower facilities: Shower availability varies between campgrounds. At Standley Lake Regional Park, "The shower is an outdoor shower. Seems like there's almost always a spot open during weekdays" (Mark S., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Weather considerations: The area experiences rapid weather changes. A camper advises, "Wind was pretty intense since we were in the middle of the field, make sure if you have a tent it is well tied in" (Amy S., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon offers child-friendly facilities. A visitor mentions, "Our nine year old really liked the playground area" (Jason G., Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon).
Noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours. One camper reports, "Quiet hours start WAAAAY too early for an early fall Friday night" (Shawna G., Cherry Creek State Park).
Bathroom accessibility: Consider proximity to facilities when booking with children. A visitor cautions, "Bathroom access was an issue in the AM due to only one stall" (Bojangles R., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Site selection: When glamping in Eastlake with families, site location matters. One camper advises, "If you pick a tent site it's your best bet the electric sites are too close to RVs" (Paul R., Golden Gate Canyon State Park).
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A camper warns, "We got site 47, which is labeled as an RV site, but it is NOT suitable for pop up campers. The site doesn't have even a hint of a levelable spot" (Shannon S., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Hookup options: Full-service sites are available but limited. One RVer notes, "There's no hook ups for water, electric or dump sites although there are water spigots that can be used to fill fresh water" (Mark S., Standley Lake Regional Park).
Access routes: Some campgrounds have challenging roads. A visitor cautions, "The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" (Minette and Ron G., Golden Gate Canyon State Park).
Site spacing: Many RV sites are close together. According to one camper, "We showed up without reservations and there were many open sites but the only ones available without a reservation were in the middle of a field and shared a driveway with the site next door" (Amy S., Standley Lake Regional Park).
