Best Campgrounds near Empire, CO
Camping options in the Empire, Colorado area range from high-elevation dispersed sites to established campgrounds with amenities. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping provides free primitive sites accessible via rough Forest Service roads, while the Denver West-Central City KOA offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins approximately 15 miles east of Empire. Several campgrounds in the area feature developed facilities within Golden Gate Canyon State Park, including Reverend's Ridge and Deer Creek, which both provide electric hookups, shower facilities, and reservable sites for tents and RVs.
Most dispersed camping areas require high-clearance 4x4 vehicles due to rocky, rutted access roads, particularly around popular high-altitude locations. A camper noted, "The road to get here especially once you get to the chinns lake turn off is definitely not by any means easy. Pretty narrow and especially with all the rain there's quiet a few places that are rough." Seasonal considerations significantly impact accessibility, with many mountain sites inaccessible until late June or early July due to snowpack. Temperatures at these elevations (9,000-11,000 feet) can drop into the 30s even during summer months, requiring appropriate cold-weather gear. Cell service throughout the area remains limited or nonexistent, particularly at dispersed sites in national forest lands. Fire bans are common during dry periods, so campers should verify current restrictions before arrival.
Campers consistently highlight mountain views and lake access as primary attractions in the Empire area. The proximity to alpine lakes creates scenic camping opportunities, though these areas often experience heavy weekend use during peak season. Visitors mention mosquitoes as a notable concern near water sources, particularly during early summer. Reviews emphasize the rewarding nature of more remote sites for those willing to navigate challenging terrain, with one visitor describing Chinns Lake as "pristine and quiet." Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings despite varying fire regulations. While developed campgrounds provide reliable amenities like picnic tables, toilets, and firewood sales, primitive sites offer greater solitude and direct access to fishing and hiking opportunities without fees, though they lack facilities like potable water and waste disposal.
