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.
"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. "
"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!!"
"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."
TravelerHave now camped here twice, in June & late September, both on Friday nights, and it has been perfect. Loads of well spaced spots, secluded, gorgeous views.
ScoutEasy to access spot with plenty of parking. There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks. Campfire ring and great views.
TravelerStayed here overnight and car camped before going into Estes Park. There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad.
TravelerI stayed at a small spot maybe a mile further down the road from where these coordinates lead you to. There was a fire ring and it was right on the lake. My spot was just before the large spot with the uphill drive that overlooks the lake. Perfect balance of solitude and presence of distant neighbors. Road to get in is a little rough but not the worst and I even saw some sedans doing fine. Easy one hour drive into RMNP in the morning.
TravelerSurprising amount of availability for a Friday night after work, big well spaced sites, beautiful views, quiet, and private!
GuideLocation is very nice right on the lake with beautiful views level rv spots for the most part. Down side was the shower closet to us was closed and the other shower was a bit of a walk and the women’s shower was only luke warm. Cell service was good Verizon and ATT. Leave it better than you found it.
ScoutLots of car noise from the highway but otherwise a good spot to park overnight and sleep in your car. Gravel/asphalt road, easy access, porta potties.
ScoutLoved this spot because it felt like a secret. Only 4 or 5 designated camping spots, but you can drive your car into the spot as well. I came from Kenosha Pass ($24 to camp there and you can’t drive your car to your campsite). The road up to the campsites starts out like a regular dirt road, but then it gets a tad rocky and then it gets slightly rough with several potholes. I drive a 2008 Prius and I went slow and it was not a problem for me at all, I cannot speak for the road coming from the other side though. There are bear signs so please be careful. There are also a couple spots along the way to park but not camp. Each of the campsites had makeshift rock style firepits as well. No bathrooms, no water, no trash cans. Private property on most of the rest of the land. No cellphone service for Verizon until you get to the highway again. Highly recommend!
ScoutWe saw neither picnic table nor toilet as mentioned in the introductory paragraph. Still, it is a good place to pull over for a night or two of dry camping. It is close to the highway but not much noise at night. It does seem to be frequented by locals walking dogs, mountain biking, pitching a tent or car camping. No privacy to speak of. It’s mostly pulling over to the side of the road. The dirt road was quite smooth.
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 Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 24 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.
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