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.
"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."
$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."
"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."
$28 - $202 / 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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$26 / night
"Tons of forests to explore nearby. It was very busy- sign said campground full but after a drive around all the sites we found one that was open!"
"The proximity to Central City/ Black Hawk is crazy ( less than 2-3 miles) but the proximity to i70 is what makes it a hidden gem."
ScoutBeautiful setting. Lake view. Mountain View. Good time.
GuideDue to tough road, the camping site was incredibly quiet. No services but plenty of space, Mountain View’s and locations near gurgling creek.
GuideSo worth the effort to travel the potholes to get to these sites. Almost no other campers mid week. Was cold at night but snow capped Mountain View’s and gurgling creek were beautiful. Later sites are better so worth heading up the road. No facilities so just be aware.
GuideLoved getting off the beaten path with our Bean Trailer. Perfect setting with views of snow capped mountains with a gurgling creek running next to camp. Some sites had cut wood, but no facilities to be prepared.
ScoutTitle
TravelerI loved this place! We had great views, it was a little on the colder side (May) with nights getting to 24, but the days where a cool, cloudy 50, which is a quite agreeable temperature in Colorado, even the native Texans we had visiting were warm with a sweater.
This is a great place to go, there are fire rings along rock creek road that where large. If you go into the trails, just know which trail you're on and look at a map!
We stayed down 129, it is essential that you have a high clearance 4x4/Truck to get back into those areas. There are dirt bikes and side by sides as well as 4 wheelers that ride through there but it is mostly a hunting area.
Camp at fire rings, and keep it clean, there are small creeks in the area you can find if you're willing to put in the walk! I will be going back here, again
GuideGreat spot near Leadville. This place is huge there is room for more than 20 sites. There is both shade and sun available. It is close to the highway (CO91) so access is very easy. Traffic noise really isn’t bad and the location is convenient. 2025.05.16
GuideI stoped and checked it out. Very easy access from CO91. The road was really wet and rutted so we decided fo move on. 2025.05.15.
TravelerI would’ve given 5 stars but there are no showers. Otherwise, perfect!
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Empire, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 436 campgrounds and RV parks near Empire, CO and 131 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Empire, CO is Denver West-Central City KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 131 free dispersed camping spots near Empire, CO.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Empire, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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