Primitive camping options near Eastlake, Colorado range from walk-in tent sites to lakeside dispersed camping. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 7,500-10,000 feet, where overnight temperatures drop significantly even in July and August. Many sites require proper food storage methods as bears and other wildlife actively search for improperly stored food and scented items.
What to do
Paddleboard on Gross Reservoir: Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides access to paddle sports, though swimming is prohibited. "Gross Reservoir is not gross! It is an awesome SUPing, kayaking, or canoeing option close to Denver and Boulder... There are a lot of inlets to paddle into and trails to explore," notes Karl G. The ranger enforces safety rules, requiring "a life vest, whistle, and your name written on your boat."
Hike from your campsite: Tent campsites near Eastlake typically connect to trail systems. At Aspen Meadows Campground, campers can access nearby hiking options. Sierra T. from Dream Canyon mentions, "This is also a huge spot for recreation like climbing and fishing, so almost everyone we saw were there just for the afternoon and we had the dispersed camping areas almost all to ourself."
Fish in mountain streams: Many primitive camping areas provide stream access. The Ceran St. Vrain Trail features multiple camping spots along a creek with fishing opportunities. One camper reported they "caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep)." Sites are situated right next to streams, providing convenient water access.
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites: Several tent camping areas offer good separation between campsites. At Aspen Meadows, Taylor L. notes, "Tent pad was big enough to squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely)... We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished." Similarly, Dream Canyon Campsites offer dispersed camping with canyon views where "the dispersed camping areas almost all to ourself."
Running water sounds: Camping near creeks provides natural white noise. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, johny R. mentions, "Creek is loud and drowns out noise," providing a natural sound buffer. Another camper described finding "the perfect spot on a creek just below me down a hill. Very quiet and relaxing."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural settings attract various wildlife. At N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping, Eliza S. reports, "I also saw elk nearby," while at Gordon Gulch, one camper mentioned "lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."
What you should know
Vehicle access limitations: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, Quinton T. advises, "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather." Similarly, at Winiger Ridge, Graham S. cautions, "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts."
Bear activity is common: Multiple campsites report bear encounters. At Allenspark, one camper reported, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he came 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." Another camper at the same location experienced a bear getting into their tent while away.
Private property boundaries: Some camping areas border private land. At Dream Canyon, Raymond H. notes, "The road passes through lots of private property, which can trick you into thinking you're driving down the wrong road... Please be respectful as many people live within eyesight of the trailhead."
Tips for camping with families
Choose walk-in camping for beginners: Sawmill Hiker Campground offers an accessible introduction to backpacking. One reviewer described it as "an excellent 'beginner' foray into backpacking" with "a 1 mile, easy hike" where "the first 1/3 of a mile is dirt, the remainder is gravel." The trail is manageable enough that they "actually opted to push our Jogging Stroller with our kid the entire way."
Look for established facilities: Bear Creek Lake Campground provides amenities suitable for family outings. Kevin M. explains, "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."
Consider permit requirements: Some areas require permits even for primitive camping. Sawmill Hiker Campground "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."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Eastlake with RV access have minimal facilities. At Winiger Ridge, Daniel B. notes camping areas "are best accessed with a 4WD vehicle" and advises visitors to "bring in your own water as well." The site has "no bathroom - there are none located within the campgrounds."
High clearance requirements: Rough roads limit RV access to many sites. At Gordon Gulch, Mason M. advises, "I'd recommend the first couple spots as the road got pretty uneven and hilly shortly down the road," for those with lower-clearance vehicles. At Dream Canyon, another camper warns, "The ditch getting into the parking lot is bruuutal so 4WD is necessary."
Seasonal road conditions: Weather affects accessibility. At Allenspark, Catalina H. reports, "It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable" in a RAV4 AWD, but notes "the last few sites felt just a little too sketchy for my driving skills."
