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.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers multiple campgrounds, cabins, yurts, RV sites, group sites, and a guest house.
From Memorial Day to early October, there are 132 campsites in two campgrounds: Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadow.
Reverend’s Ridge offers 38 tent sites and 59 sites with electrical hook-ups. Facilities at Reverend’s Ridge include flush toilets, shower, ice machine, laundry facilities, and a dump station.
Aspen Meadow offers 35 tent sites and vault toilets.
As of January 1, 2019 both campgrounds will be Reservation Only.
Golden Gate also offers 20 backcountry tent sites and four backcountry shelters. Our backcountry sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis year-round. Please register for backcountry sites at the Visitor Center.
$18 - $90 / night
Located just south of Littleton, about 45 minutes south of Denver, Chatfield State Park is a 5,800-acre nature preserve and recreation area situated around the Chatfield Reservoir. Before the 1960s, there was no reservoir, and the South Platte River flowed freely through the wide valley. But after several disastrous flooding incidents, the Chatfield Dam was constructed on the river to prevent further damage to local homes and farms. The land around the new reservoir was developed into a recreation area, and the state park was opened to the public in 1975. The dam and park are named for Isaac W. Chatfield, who served as a Lieutenant of the Union in the Civil War. After the war, he migrated west and farmed this land along the Platte until the late 1800s. With its proximity to the wider Denver metro area and suburbs, Chatfield State Park is the place to go to get outdoors and beat the summer heat. Campers at Chatfield State Park have access to nearly 200 tent and RV campsites in four loops. The majority of sites are equipped with full hookups, with the rest having electrical hookups. Parking pads are both back-in and pull-through, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 45 feet. Some sites are ADA accessible. All campsites have picnic tables, cooking grills and tent pads, and have access to drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry facilities; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. There is also a group camp area with 10 sites that can accommodate up to 36 people each. Most sites are open and grassy, with minimal shade; all are within a short walking distance to the reservoir. Park residents include deer, elk, foxes, prairie dogs, songbirds, eagles, owls, snakes and salamanders. For water fun, there’s swimming, paddling, water-skiing, and fishing on the reservoir. Boaters have access to two launch ramps, and anglers can fish on the lake or from the fishing piers for walleye, rainbow trout, bass, perch and sunfish. During the winter season, trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and ice fishing is a popular pastime.
$36 - $41 / night
Peak One Campground is located on the Dillon Reservoir near the town of Frisco, offering an abundance of recreational activities. The reservoir is encircled by Swan Mountain and the dramatic Gore and Tenmile Ranges. This campground is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Due to the pine beetle infestation and removal of hazard trees, there is little or no shade in the campground.
Dillon Reservoir, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground. At 3,233 acres, and with 26.8 miles of shoreline, it is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. Anglers will find that the reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional cutthroat trout finding its way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in the area abound, including more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir.
Dillon Reservoir, often referred to as Lake Dillon, is the greatest draw to this campground. At 3,233 acres, and with 26.8 miles of shoreline, it is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. Anglers will find that the reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, with an occasional cutthroat trout finding its way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in the area abound, including more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Described as being more vertical than horizontal, nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, designated in 1976, is a playground of craggy cliffs, sheer rock faces, alpine lakes, and deep, forested valleys. Visitors will find foot travel across this pristine area challenging and often strenuous, but will be rewarded with spectacular scenery. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles of Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$50 - $54 / night
The Arapaho Bay Campground is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area on Lake Granby, southeast of Grand Lake. Visitors enjoy the area for its great boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.__
Lake Granby is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon and a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat. National Fishing Week is held the first week of June each year. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are located within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, including the Roaring Fork Trail, Monarch Lake Trail and the East Shore Trail (which is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail).
Lake Granby is part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area. It offers boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Anglers cast for kokanee salmon and a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown, mackinaw and cutthroat. National Fishing Week is held the first week of June each year. Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are located within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, including the Roaring Fork Trail, Monarch Lake Trail and the East Shore Trail (which is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail).
The campground is situated on Arapaho Bay, on the eastern tip of Lake Granby, at an elevation of 8,300 feet. Afternoon thunder showers should be expected during the summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and consequent hazardous tree removal, the campground offers little to no shade.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance is just north of Grand Lake. With lush valleys and craggy peaks reaching elevations over 14,000 feet, visitors are provided opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Scenic driving, hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the park.
$17 - $25 / night
The Indian Paintbrush Campground is located within the county-run Bear Creek Lake recreation area outside Denver, CO. In close proximity to the city of Denver and popular tourist destinations like Red Rocks amphitheater, the Bear Creek Lake Park camping blends urban and rural qualities to make one of the finest camping destinations around Denver. The campground has 47 campsites, 3 cabins, 2 yurts and 1 group site.
$35 - $65 / night
Echo Lake Campground is located on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in central Colorado near its namesake lake at the base of Mount Blue Sky along Hwy 103. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and taking scenic drives along Mount Evans Road.
Activities in the area include hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing. Several trails leave directly from the campground.
Activities in the area include hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing. Several trails leave directly from the campground.
Echo Lake sits in a spruce forest near the shores of Echo Lake. The campground's 10,600' elevation creates cool to chilly nights, even in summer, and its location on a mountain pass makes for windy conditions year-round. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland on the foothills and slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. The forests and grassland cover 1.5 million acres and extend north to the Wyoming border, south to Mount Evans and west across the Continental Divide. The area encompasses mountains, lakes and five scenic byways, designated by Congress for their scenery, wildlife or history, including the highest road in North America. Mount Evans Road, also known as Colorado Highway 5, allows visitors to drive from 10,500' to 14,130' above sea level in just 14 miles.
Nearby Idaho Springs, a former mining town, makes for a nice outing. History buffs will appreciate the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum. The City and County of Denver Mountain Park, Echo Lake and Echo Lake Lodge are located adjacent to the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
$16 - $23 / night
Glacier Basin Campground (8,500 feet) is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, along the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The entrance to Glacier Basin Campground is approximately 5.2 miles up Bear Lake Road and across the street from the Park & Ride Parking Area.____ There are 150 campsites available by reservation only. There are no first come - first served campsites available at Glacier Basin. Any sites that are open are listed as "A" for available. Any campsite listed as ___NR___ has Not Yet Released; this means that those campsites are not yet available to be reserved. A number of campsites are available to be reserved up to 6-months in advance on a rolling window. ____ Some campsites are available to be reserved 2-weeks prior to your desired camping date.__ Some campsites are available to be reserved 1-week prior to your desired camping date. Group campsites are available to be reserved 1-year in advance on a rolling window.__
Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs. One of the most popular activities in the park is wildlife viewing. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities to see elk, Mule deer, Bighorn sheep, hawks, a wide range of songbirds and more throughout the park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers some unforgettable scenic views along of the land above trees, over 1/3 of the park is alpine tundra. Enjoy incredible scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road.
Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs. One of the most popular activities in the park is wildlife viewing. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities to see elk, Mule deer, Bighorn sheep, hawks, a wide range of songbirds and more throughout the park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers some unforgettable scenic views along of the land above trees, over 1/3 of the park is alpine tundra. Enjoy incredible scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road.
A pleasant mix of Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine and the occasional Engelmann spruce forests the campground, offering equal amounts of sun and shade. Grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open meadows. Wildlife is plentiful in the park, and while mule deer and the majestic Rocky Mountain elk are the most commonly seen, black bear, coyote, bighorn sheep and moose inhabit the region as well.
The Town of Estes Park is a short drive from the campground, located outside of RMNP___s Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances. Dining, shopping, rafting, fly fishing, horseback riding, and golfing opportunities await. Lake Estes offers boating, sailboarding, and fishing.
$70 / night
$30 - $65 / night
Some of these spots have a decent shade parts of the day. Decent privacy on a few spots. Maybe 10% full on a Wednesday night in September.
Stayed the last night with a rental RV that we needed to return to Denver by 10;30 AM. Campground has an unusual lay out with "loops" being 3 rings of sites. Sites are spread out well. Lots of privacy, Within an hour's drive of the RV rental return location (with a Costco on the way to fill the gas tank). Some sites have elec/water/sewer at the sites. Some have just electrical - this was our site. A communal water/sewer was available with ability to handle two vehicles at the same time.
We loved this campground for the stunning views, super clean bathrooms, and the easy access to hiking in RMNP. So many trails to choose from, either directly from the campground, or across the Bear Lake Road to the Park N Ride. Can't say enough about the views, especially if your site is in the open center area like ours was at C119. There are lots of sites with shade as well. Sites are pretty close together but since we did not take our pups (they can't go on the park trails) we didn't mind.
Very difficult to snag a reservation but daily persistence paid off and we got one night which was the last night of their season. So glad we did. Will try again for next year!
If you are used to RV sites or KOA you will be ok with this. On a scale of 1-5 here are my impressions.
Overall esthetic 2. The lake is nice. The rest of the area is well compacted dirt with some scattered trees. City/road noise 2.
3 nights starting Thursday after Labor Day. Was able to get the reservation 2 weeks ahead as it was released for use. Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for bear lake road. After 1 pm the first day and then anytime on following days. They have planted many new pine trees a few years ago to replace the ones destroyed years ago. Even then the shade in much of C loop is nonexistent. Thus a tarp is a good thing. Sites are reasonably well separated. In a few years as the new trees mature the privacy between sites will be good or very good. Restrooms were clean. Their time actuated lights makes the campground dark if no one is using the head. That is very good because star watching was excellent (near a new moon). Evening ranger program was held in the amphitheater each night. Hiking trail to sprague lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys. At sprague lake around 9 am the local moose goes wading to eat. And of course you are in the park, so you can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more. Great place. T-Mobile varied from 2 bars LTE or 2 bars 5G. Sufficient connectivity
Lots of room to spread out but some weird regulations. Like only 3.2% alcohol?
We camped right on the reservoir and watched the sun set from our site. Nice allocated areas to set up tents on flat ground and a good sizes fire pit. Just know there’s no firewood left to scavenge on the grounds.
Just a couple small things: There was lots of big rigs (although not right next to you) and you could hear highway 34 for a good portion of the stay.
Beautiful views and a great spot of Bear Lake Rd.
Nice campground right along the lake. Friendly host that had a few supplies and provided firewood. We saw a bull moose too!
Super awesome fishing out here if you know where to go. Great camping. We’ve enjoyed this area!
Clinging to the side of the mountain, each well appointed site fits the camper's needs, from basic tent pads up to full water and electric connections for RVs. Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained. Sites are spread out a bit if also a little small. Every day I had mule deer visiters. I would definitely stay here again.
Good spot. County was in a burn ban so no fires or charcoal grills allowed. Lake had some weird rules. You have to buy a county park pass when making reservation.
The campground has spacious spots. Ours was large enough for a popup and very large tent. Our site was also a short walk down to Lake Dillon which was perfect for the kids and dogs to splash around in. Close proximity to Frisco is great too if you want to get some pizza for a meal.
Really cool campground! We were able to tube on the river and we were at site five so we had direct access to the river as well. Just as a heads up this is a walk in site, but your cars aren’t parked very far away. And if you have a rooftop tent, you can still use that. Just know that your car will be parked on the road. It’s also $10 extra per night for an additional vehicle past the two vehicle per site limit.
The campgrounds are spacious, with plenty of room between campsites. When we went the reservoir was full, and came right up to our site. The views are incredible and the bathrooms are clean. The only downside was the lack of shade.
People live here full time. Bathroom is constantly busy, low water pressure and barely any privacy. No place for your dogs to do their business. The grass that is there is for tents. No place to hang outside your campsite. Not even a nice view.
Stayed two nights in July. Apparently quiet time is just a phrase here — multiple groups around us were loud well past 10pm but nobody came around to check. Bathroom access was an issue in the AM due to only one stall.
Not a lot of shade, ground kinda pebbly. If you’re looking for a quick post up near Denver or Boulder, sure. If you’re looking for peaceful camping, you could do far better. I suppose it’d be different in an RV, but tenting wasn’t good.
Either way, if you stay here, bring good earplugs.
I have been a camper at Spruce Lake (1990’s) and Elk Meadow Campground (since 2000). So over 25 years with this company. This year I had to leave 3 days early due to a medical issue that my medical team recommend I return home ASAP. So I left 3 days early. After being a camper with them for over 25 years, sometimes more than once a season, they WOULD NOT provide a credit for the next season due to needing to leave. Even though they have done away with the General Store, a bathroom is usually out of service, no ice cream bars, scant RV supplies, cable TV, and now no WiFi….continuing to cut services for campers yet increase costs…..I will NOT be returning to this campground or sister campgrounds. Though they have wonderful views, I will choose to camp at other campgrounds in the area. This is pure greed on the owners and mangers part and no concerns about returning, loyal customers. One other note about this year’s stay, we were under a Red Flag Warning and a burn ban. Durning this high fire risk weather, there was a very large fire with sparks in the pit by the playground and a camper had one at their site. I witnessed and reported to the assistant manger who was walking her dogs long before there ban and warnings were lifted. The next day I asked her if she was able to get the fires extinguished. She said no because the fires were started after the bans and warnings were lifted. And that was an outright lie as I reported before the bans and warnings ran out and the fires were going full force when I reported. So this also tells me that the assistant manager and the campground really doesn’t wish to enforce laws to preserve the area from another catastrophic wild fire in the National Park and the surrounding mountain towns and citizens. As a past resident of Colorado this really should upset local people and visitors.
We stayed for a couple of nights because everything else was booked up, the site was fine, staff were friendly and helpful, didn't use the pool/facilities as we had our travel trailer, but really the only reason not 5 star is just needs more tree's/foliage and effort into the sites themselves, it's just a bit barren around the sites.
It wasn’t packed, even on the 4th of July. We were able to find spots no problem. The area is gorgeous and quick access to tons of off roading trails. People around are respectful, and there are tons of spots to camp at without feeling too close together. We had a blast. Only downside is the fact that a lot of the campsites are covered in broken glass.
PS - The stars at night are incredible!
Leave no trace 🥹
Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains! We loved the access to bear lake road. Bathrooms were clean. Site was large. Ice and firewood for sale. We loved our stay here!
Lake side camping, odd number campsites
We attempted to find a spot here for the week of the 4th of July. In hindsight, we should have known this would be difficult at a first come, first serve place. We arrived about 9am and hung out to see if anyone would be leaving but to no prevail. The sites are close together and it is definitely not made for super big rigs. There is a camp host available for questions. It’s on the pricey side at $28/night. We will be back!
This campground is pretty big, but fills up fast! There are two camping loops, both include pull-in & tent only sites. Each site has a fire ring with a grate & a bear box. There is a flushable bathroom & garbage bins available on each loop. They also have a camp host for each loop where you can purchase firewood. All sites are within walking distance to the water front but none are located directly on the water. All in all, a beautiful campground with friendly hosts & people! My only complaint is the rates are $25/night plus $8 for extra cars. Just a bit pricey in my opinion!
This is a really well run campground. They have tons and tons of activities on site and you could honestly spend your entire trip just at the campsite. They have horseback rides, ATV rentals, an animal farm, social events, pickle ball court, volleyball court, a nice general store, clean showers, bathrooms, laundry rooms, really everything you could ever want. The only downside is that it’s quite pricey, basically double what I would normally expect. But given the amount of amenities they have, it’s not surprising.
A cool fact is that you’ll be right next to the Colorado River. This is not far from where the river begins so its journey starts around here as a fairly unassuming creek.
Really easy to get to and the services were spot on. The views are also stunning and there is plenty of hiking to do.
Nicest bathrooms anywhere I have stayed for camping. Views are awesome, and super close to shuttle to go up to trail heads at Bear Lake. If you’re going to hike and there is snow, please wear traction like micro spikes.
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
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Empire, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Empire, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Empire, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 glamping camping locations near Empire, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
