Wellington Lake sits at around 8,500 feet elevation, providing a cooler summer camping experience near Evergreen, Colorado than lower elevation sites. The area's unique mix of pine forests and aspen groves creates distinct seasonal camping conditions. Tent sites and yurt accommodations often require advance booking, especially during peak summer months when temperatures can range from 40°F at night to 80°F during the day.
What to do
Paddleboard the lake: At Wellington Lake, non-motorized watercraft rule the day. "Great for paddleboarding (rentals available), kayaking, canoeing & kid's floats," notes a visitor. The lake is calm and perfect for water activities.
Hike mountain trails: Staunton State Park offers extensive trail systems suitable for day hikes while camping. "Behind 19 are rocks and boulders. You could scramble up with or without kids (my kid was 2 and climbed with some help) and explore for about an hour just by the site," explains one camper.
Visit historic sites: Within 30 minutes of most Evergreen campsites, the mountain towns of Central City and Black Hawk offer historic attractions. "You are super confidently located near Black Hawk and Central City while also being near i70," notes a camper at Denver West-Central City KOA.
Try tent-free camping options: Yurt camping near Evergreen provides a step up from traditional tent sites. Golden Gate Canyon offers these popular accommodations with amenities. "I've stayed here twice; once via tenting and another with a yurt full of fun people. Both stays were wonderful," shares a camper.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Chatfield State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities. "Laundry facility on each loop sites are spread out giving plenty of room between sites," mentions a visitor. The park provides coin-operated showers and laundry amenities.
Convenient location: Many campers value the proximity to Denver while still feeling removed from the city. "If you're looking for a great way to get away from the city but aren't quite able to make it to the mountains...this is the spot for you!" says a camper at Chatfield.
Privacy options: Echo Lake Campground offers varying levels of site separation. "Each site had a lot of room for tents and for your own set up. It was small and really close to the road but that was not bothersome at all," reports a visitor.
Yurt accommodations: Special yurt camping options near Evergreen provide comfort beyond tent camping. "The campground is very clean, bathrooms clean, campsites clean and quiet," notes a Staunton State Park visitor, where canvas structures offer additional comfort.
What you should know
Advance reservations essential: Most campgrounds near Evergreen book quickly, especially during summer months. Wellington Lake "books up fast and there's no question why." Reserve sites up to six months ahead for best availability.
Altitude considerations: Camping at Denver West-Central City KOA means adjusting to high elevation. "Oh by the way...it's 8,100' high. Don't worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!" warns one camper. Drink extra water and allow time to acclimate.
Weather variability: Pack for wide temperature swings. "We went in June and July. Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's," shares a Staunton State Park camper.
Hike-in requirements: Some camping options require carrying gear from parking areas. "Since hiking in, some backpacking items would be helpful in order to make the haul easier," advises a visitor to Staunton State Park, where sites are a short walk from parking.
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate sites: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. "The kids loved climbing the rocks and exploring the mountain. Really friendly staff," notes a Wellington Lake visitor.
Consider the walk-in distance: At Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon, families can find more accessible options. "Our nine year old really liked the playground area," mentions a visitor. This helps with smaller children who may struggle with longer walks to sites.
Pack for temperature swings: Family camping requires preparation for cold nights. "Make sure you bring a heater or good sleeping bag because it can get pretty cool at night here in the summer time," advises a Staunton State Park camper.
Budget for extra fees: Many parks charge daily vehicle fees in addition to camping fees. "You will need to pay the $9 day fee in addition to the camping fee," notes a Chatfield camper, which affects overall trip costs for families.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Many sites have size limitations. "The RV sites were on a big gravel lot, cleared of trees. It felt like a giant parking lot," reports a Denver West-Central City KOA visitor, highlighting the importance of knowing what to expect.
Electric hookup sites: Golden Gate Canyon's Reverend's Ridge offers practical RV amenities. "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you to situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs," shares an RVer.
Elevation considerations: Higher altitude camping affects RV systems. "It was still reaching freezing at night and so we didn't hook up our water," notes a Denver West-Central City KOA camper, pointing out practical cold weather adjustments needed for RV water systems.
Level site availability: Pay attention to site descriptions when booking. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks," warns an RVer at Golden Gate Canyon, an important consideration for larger recreational vehicles.
