Tent camping opportunities around Evergreen, Colorado range from primitive forest sites at elevations of 7,000-10,000 feet to established park campgrounds with amenities. Temperature variations can be significant, with summer overnight lows regularly dropping into the 40s°F. Seasonal closures affect access to many areas between November and May, requiring advance planning for weather conditions.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Several trail networks extend from camping areas, including those at Staunton State Park Campground where campers can access maintained bike routes. "This park was incredible for just getting away with my pup for a night. We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot," notes a camper who appreciated the accessibility.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife observation opportunities. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, campers frequently spot deer and larger wildlife. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," reports one visitor, highlighting the need for proper food storage.
Fishing opportunities: Several reservoir camping areas provide fishing access without requiring lengthy hikes. Anglers at Fall River Reservoir report productive catches, with one camper noting, "Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly."
Night sky observation: The elevation and relative distance from city lights create good stargazing conditions at many sites. Light pollution can be an issue at certain locations that face the Denver metropolitan area, so site selection matters for serious astronomy.
What campers like
Proximity to Denver: Many tent campers value the relatively short drive from urban areas. Bear Creek Lake Campground offers tent sites within 30 minutes of Denver. A visitor notes it's "pricey but honestly if you are in Denver and just looking for a nice site to stay in the mountains and want to do some hiking or biking and have easy access to the city this is great."
Varied terrain: The topography creates diverse camping experiences within small geographic areas. At Aspen Meadows Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting: "What I enjoyed about this campground is how the sites are distributed along the steep mountain incline."
Secluded walk-in sites: Many campers value the extra privacy gained by choosing sites requiring short hikes. A review of Staunton State Park notes, "Sites 15-19 are like bonus sites. They're on the other side of the trees and in their own hidden section away from hikers and trails."
Water features: Streams, small waterfalls, and reservoirs provide natural sound barriers between sites. At Fall River Reservoir, one camper appreciated that their "tent was literally right next to a stream of water," providing both ambiance and fishing opportunities.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires vehicles with higher clearance. The route to Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp presents particular challenges, with one camper warning, "The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by site and season, with complete fire bans at some locations year-round. One camper at Staunton State Park notes, "No campfires allowed ever. I brought stoves no bigger than a jetboil/MSR dragonfly."
Temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights can drop to near-freezing at higher elevations. A camper at Staunton Park advised, "Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed areas lack basic facilities like water or toilets. At Gordon Gulch, this creates a primitive experience with no facilities, while established campgrounds typically offer at minimum vault toilets and sometimes potable water.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose areas with natural features that provide built-in entertainment. At Staunton State Park, one parent recommends site 19, noting "This one is my favorite for size and for kids. It's a nice barrier to any dangerous cliffs, and you won't be bothered by anyone up there. There's nature to keep the kids busy."
Gear transport options: Many walk-in sites require equipment hauling. A family at Staunton Park offers this solution: "When camping with a whole posse of kids, we used a wagon to haul all that crap up. No problems with the wagon getting stuck. Trails are very clear."
Safety precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage and waste disposal. Bear boxes are provided at several locations, including Idylease Campground where a camper noted "Bear boxes sit between each campsite" and reported deer sightings throughout their stay.
Site spacing awareness: Noise travels at many campgrounds, affecting family camping dynamics. At Idylease Campground, one camper observed that "Campsites 2/3/4 are all pretty close to each-other and you can hear the other sites."
Tips from RVers
Parking constraints: RV access is severely limited at most tent-focused sites. At Dream Canyon, a visitor notes, "The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful."
Dispersed options: Several forest roads permit RV camping in designated pull-offs. Winiger Ridge provides some vehicle camping options, but one RVer cautions, "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts."
Advanced planning: Most RV-accessible sites fill quickly during summer weekends. Weekday arrivals significantly improve chances of finding available spots at popular areas like Gordon Gulch where campers report crowding during peak seasons.
