Best Campgrounds near Boulder, CO

You'll find several good camping options around Boulder, Colorado, within an hour's drive. Glacier Basin Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park has nice views of the mountains and puts you close to many trails. Chatfield State Park Campground sits near the Colorado River and works well if you want to paddleboard or do other water activities. The campgrounds at Chatfield have bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables that make staying there pretty comfortable. Boulder's weather changes a lot with the seasons - summers can get hot while winter often brings snow. Watch out for elk and deer around your campsite and store your food properly so you don't attract them. Some camping spots have trees for shade and feel private, while others are more open. Many campers think spring and fall are the best times to visit when temperatures are mild and the trees look great. If you want to take day trips from your campsite, the Great Sand Dunes and more of the Rocky Mountains aren't too far away. Boulder has good spots whether you're bringing a tent or an RV. Always check if there are any closures or special rules before you head out, especially in winter or early spring. The camping around Boulder gives you good access to both mountain and water activities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Boulder, Colorado (372)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "Our site had some big boulders nearby which was really cool. Beautiful hiking nearby with breath taking views. Lots of chipmunks! Great place to relax and do some yoga. Would love to go back!"

    "This campground is very close to the Denver / Boulder area so it is easy to get to for me.  The kids enjoyed camping here.  There are most of the basics and the restrooms are clean. "

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "The drive to this site from Boulder was phenomenally beautiful and an adventure in itself. There’s a small town about 5 minutes from the campsite."

    "There isn't much free camping to be had in the Boulder area. So, our family has been grateful for this spot (and Magnolia Ridge nearby)."

    3. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "We drove up around 8/9pm from Boulder. Most camps spots were already taken (1-8 sites only..) but we made our own site / shared with campsite #2. Roads are rough."

    "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy. Stayed in the last park-in campsite."

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "This camping spot is about a 30 minute drive from Central Boulder. I’m seeing a lot of reviews about the spot saying its not an actual campsite, but I had no trouble finding the campsites."

    "However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."

    5. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "It's about 50 minutes from Boulder, and you lose service about 40 minutes out, so it's great if you plan on staying for a least a couple days."

    "The lake was frozen. That’s okay other comments say that you can’t swim or drive nearby or the locals will be at you. We had no issues though. There’s some cool boulders to climb."

    6. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

    "Numerous hiking trails. Excellent facilities. Accommodating campground hosts. Nederland, Blackhawk, Boulder CO. Stayed on 46, 56, and 51 during a 5 nite stay. Great sites. All pull thrus."

    7. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    8. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    "Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "

    9. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "Great location north of Denver and Boulder but easy access to interstate. Very clean roomy sites. We were by Coot Pond and my husband fished several times."

    10. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 425-1097

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"

    "5 stars because of the lake, Mountain Views, and it not being far from town. Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake☀️"

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Recent Reviews near Boulder, CO

2642 Reviews of 372 Boulder Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    Low key but functional

    Full disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.

    There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot by the river

    Really pretty spot on the Williams fork river. I’ve had really good service here with T-Mobile. Road is a bit rough and rocky but not far to get back to the sites by the river. There is sadly a ton of trash at some of the sites (beer cans and boxes and such), I will be removing as much as I can fit in one trash bag on my way out!

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Beautiful free camping outside of Idaho springs

    Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn’t that bad, but you’ll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir. Was mostly quiet and there’s a nice little trail around the lake. Plenty of spots for tent camping too.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    Good near city and lake access

    Clean, relatively quiet. During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake. We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Dispersed Site, Pull off with fire ring

    Very near Idaho Springs and road to location easy. Site is off road on broken but semi level asphalt. Small green patch with pines & aspen trees. There is nice rock formation across the road. Only 1 rock fire-pit (didn't use because it started to rain). Nice place to stop if traveling through as we are. Kinda bummed that we didn't see a fox. 🦊


Guide to Boulder

Camping near Boulder, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters" at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in nearby lakes. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Tons of fishing in and out of the park."
  • Paddleboarding: Enjoy paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park. One reviewer noted, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites" at Chatfield State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Moraine Park Campground states, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Clean facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One camper at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."

What you should know:

  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can get busy. A reviewer at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "There were a LOT of spots but they were right on top of each other."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area noted, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere."
  • Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for clean facilities: Clean bathrooms are a must for families. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers."
  • Pack for the weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "Chilly, clear starry night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for big rig-friendly sites: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "The group campsite was spacious."
  • Check for hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "Full service with a very friendly staff."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park shared, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."

Camping in Boulder, CO, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to be prepared and know what to expect. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What free or low-cost camping options are available around Boulder?

The Boulder area offers several free dispersed camping options for budget-conscious campers. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides free camping with sites spaced far enough apart for privacy, though the dirt roads can be rocky and rough—high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Dispersed Camp Near Dream Canyon has numerous free sites available right off Sugarloaf Road, making it a convenient option close to Boulder. West Magnolia Campground is another free option, though road conditions can be challenging. Most dispersed areas have no facilities, so come prepared with water and supplies, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Where are the best campgrounds near Boulder, Colorado?

Boulder offers a variety of excellent camping options within a short drive. Rainbow Lakes Campground is highly recommended for its stunning views of snow-capped peaks and possible moose sightings, though it's first-come, first-served so arrive early. Camp Dick Campground provides a nice balance of accessibility and natural beauty, surrounded by trails and only a short drive from Boulder, though it can get crowded on weekends. For those seeking more seclusion, several campgrounds in Roosevelt National Forest offer beautiful mountain settings. Golden Gate Canyon State Park's campgrounds are also popular choices for Boulder residents and visitors, with well-maintained facilities and proximity to hiking trails.

When is the best season for tent camping near Boulder, CO?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best tent camping conditions near Boulder, with summer being the peak season. Beaver Park Reservoir provides excellent mountain views about 50 minutes from Boulder and is ideal during summer months. At higher elevations like Pawnee Campground, the camping season is shorter, typically from late June through September due to snow and cold temperatures. Early summer brings wildflowers, while September offers spectacular fall colors with fewer crowds. Summer weekends are extremely busy at most sites, so consider mid-week visits or making reservations well in advance where possible. Always check weather forecasts as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and early/late season camping requires preparation for cold overnight temperatures.

What amenities are available at Boulder area campgrounds?

Amenities at Boulder area campgrounds vary widely depending on the type of campground. Boulder County Fairgrounds offers convenient access to stores and shops, though water availability may be limited and the fee is around $35. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir features beautiful views and campfire spots, with access to water activities, though swimming is prohibited. Most dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch and Dream Canyon have minimal to no amenities—no running water, electricity, or restroom facilities. Established campgrounds in national forests typically provide vault toilets and fire rings, while some may have potable water during peak season. For full hookups and shower facilities, look to private campgrounds or RV parks closer to town.