Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Empire, CO has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Empire, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Empire. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Dispersed Camping Black Hawk
1 hr 1 min away
Robbers Roost Campground
1 hr 59 min away
"good location for cute old mountain towns! also close to Denver and other must sees in Colorado!"
"8100’ high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don’t worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"
"Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."
"It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "
"There are different types of sites, including some pull-offs for campers, some sites you could drive into off the road, and some with parking on the road and a small hike down to the site."
"The site we found was tucked back away from the road giving us nice privacy. We could barely see our neighbors from our campsite, but we could hear them."
"I first camped in Colorado last year with a friend and we chose this dispersed due to it being close to travel too- yet still dispersed. I’ve come back 4 other times to camp here!"
"It is a light off road trail and would recommend having high vehicle clearance and 4x4. We were unable to park right next to the reservoir because it was closed off."
$18 / night
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
$28 - $90 / night
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"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."
"Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"
"Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."
$26 / night
"There are 4 sites that are down by the creek in the trees that are walk-in only but have the most space between them and are right on the creek. They are my favorite spots on site."
"Close hikes near by including one of Colorado’s 14ers."
$25 / night
"Sites 7, 9, and 11 have trails that connect back to Chicago creek just a short distance away. Hiking trails are close by to nearby forests land. No cell service."
"It's close enough to civilization that there was a LOT of activity both in the campground and at the nearby picnic area. Choose a site on the outside."
"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."
"Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."
RangerBeautiful 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
TravelerCamped here in order to do the hike to the Radium Hot Springs down the road.
The access track (off Trough Rd) had one huge rut that a smaller car might find a bit hairy but we saw a small SUV had gotten in there.
TravelerThere is now a lot of signage prohibiting camping. Go to Pinion Pine Dispersed Camping up the road to the north east.
Definitely come here for the hike to th hot prongs though. The road accommodated our big Revel van easily.
RangerAdjacent 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.
GuideI stayed at the first pull out up the road. It’s quite bumpy road but was quite at night and conveniently off of i70. It’s a busy road during the day though. I didn’t go past the first pull out so idk how many spots there are.
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutThis is a great campsite 30-40 minutes outside Minturn.
There is no cell service (which is great), and the sites were easy and spaced pretty well apart. Access to the creek made great fun for the kids.
First Come, First Served, so we rolled in on Thursday in Midsummer and there were only a few spots left.
Camp hosts were awesome
GuideStayed for an annual gathering of Timberleaf trainer owners. Great site. Lots of things to see and trails to hike. Lots of nice sites. Three pit toilets well maintained. Kudos!
RangerThis group site has space for about 15-20 small campers/tents. There are two pit toilets that are clean. There is no water or electric. There is a small beaver pond nearby that has some trout. The campground is located between Leadville and Minturn.
Camping near Empire, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Empire, Colorado, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best camping in Empire?
The Empire area offers excellent camping options with stunning mountain scenery. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail provides a true wilderness experience with beautiful views, though 4x4 vehicles are recommended to navigate the rocky terrain. For those seeking established campgrounds, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground delivers the authentic Colorado experience with stunning views, well-maintained fire pits, and riverside sites. Both options offer excellent access to hiking trails. Additional options include Gordon Gulch for dispersed camping or Timber Creek for a more developed experience within Rocky Mountain National Park.
What amenities are available at Empire camping sites?
Camping amenities near Empire vary by location. Winding River Resort offers family-friendly facilities with direct access to the Colorado River headwaters, perfect for fishing and water activities. White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground provides lakeside camping with mountain views and facilities for water activities. For more rustic options, dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch offer numbered sites with minimal amenities but maximum privacy. Most established campgrounds provide fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while developed sites like Moraine Park and Timber Creek include running water, flush toilets, and ranger programs. Dispersed camping typically requires self-sufficiency with no facilities.
What camping is available near Empire, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Empire, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 470 campgrounds and RV parks near Empire, CO and 153 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Empire, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Empire, CO is Denver West-Central City KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Empire, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 153 free dispersed camping spots near Empire, CO.
What parks are near Empire, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Empire, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Keep Exploring
