Camping options within 30 miles of Englewood, Colorado range from rustic to full-facility sites at elevations between 5,900 and 8,500 feet. Most local campgrounds require reservations from May through September when temperatures typically range from 55-85°F. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, creating conditions where both heating and cooling might be needed during a single camping trip.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park prohibits motorized watercraft, creating ideal conditions for paddlesports. "No motors allowed on lake. Great for paddleboarding (rentals available), kayaking, canoeing & kid's floats," notes one visitor. The calm waters accommodate all skill levels.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: The extensive trail system at Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon provides access to multiple difficulty levels. According to a camper: "Many multiuse trails. Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view."
Urban-adjacent recreation: Sites at Cherry Creek State Park Campground offer a combination of natural settings with city convenience. "It's a beautiful park just wasn't expecting a lot of people to be here," reports one camper. The park includes a swim beach, boat launch facilities, and equestrian activities while maintaining proximity to Denver.
What campers like
Accessible lake views: The shoreline camping options at Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake provide direct water access. "There are great sites right on the water with plenty of tree shade and privacy. Great for kayaking or SUP. This campground is located a short distance from downtown Denver but makes you feel hours away," writes a regular visitor.
Varied camping layouts: Campsites at Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon feature different levels of seclusion. "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide," notes one visitor who appreciated the terrain diversity.
Quick escapes from urban areas: Proximity to cities while maintaining natural settings ranks high among reviews. "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days," according to one Indian Paintbrush Campground visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Englewood require advance booking. At Chatfield State Park, "Without a reservation you put your name on a list that they start going through at 1pm to assign sites. As someone tent-camping this is no problem, just takes some time (site assigned ~1.5hours after arrival at 13:20)."
Site selection strategy: For glamping in Englewood, Colorado area, choose sites based on specific needs. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables," reports a Reverend's Ridge visitor.
Service limitations: Most campgrounds have restricted cell service and varying amenities. At Standley Lake Regional Park, "The campsites are very large. There's no hook ups for water, electric or dump sites although there are water spigots that can be used to fill fresh water. The shower is an outdoor shower."
Tips for camping with families
Structured activities: Many campgrounds offer specialized programs for children. "This place is great for little kids. From flag raising in the morning to hay rides, all day activities to the camp fire story times there is something for every kids to keep busy," notes a visitor to Jellystone Park at Larkspur.
Multi-activity sites: Facilities with diverse recreation options reduce travel needs. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," writes a visitor to Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Space considerations: For luxury camping or glamping near Englewood, sites vary in privacy. "I didn't love the campground feel... I felt like I was very close to other campers. Now that I know our camper van is in complete working order, we will be doing more dispersed camping," mentions one Cherry Creek camper who wanted more seclusion.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric and water availability differs across campgrounds. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks. When we where there, there were bear in the campground," advises an RVer at Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect comfort in different ways. At Denver West-Central City KOA, "It was still reaching freezing at night and so we didn't hook up our water," reports a winter visitor, highlighting the need for seasonal preparations for RV systems at higher elevations.
Site accessibility: Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. For Wellington Lake, a visitor notes: "The only downside was the road to get there. It wasn't maintained very well and there was only room for one vehicle at some points."
