Best Campgrounds near Firestone, CO

Camping options near Firestone, Colorado range from state park facilities to dispersed camping areas. St. Vrain State Park Campground, located at 3785 Weld CR 24 1/2 in Firestone, provides developed camping with full hookup sites for both tent and RV camping around several fishing ponds. About 10 miles west, Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont offers year-round camping with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities. These established campgrounds contrast with more remote options like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland, which provides primitive camping opportunities on public land.

Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. St. Vrain State Park requires advance booking up to six months ahead for its electric and full-hookup sites. Most campgrounds in the area are open year-round, though winter camping requires appropriate gear for Colorado's variable conditions. The proximity of I-25 affects some camping experiences in the area, particularly at St. Vrain State Park. A recent review noted, "I-25 is so close that as I type this I can hear in my travel trailer every truck, motorcycle, and car. Going to have to use earplugs tonight to sleep."

Many campers appreciate the amenities and water features at the developed campgrounds despite highway noise. The fishing ponds at St. Vrain State Park receive consistent praise, with several visitors mentioning wildlife viewing opportunities, including bald eagles. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The park has nice trees in most of the loops and fishing ponds scattered around the grounds." For those seeking quieter experiences, campgrounds farther from the interstate provide more solitude. The campground infrastructure typically includes concrete pads, covered picnic tables, and fire rings at developed sites, while dispersed areas offer more primitive conditions with fewer amenities. Electrical hookups are common at established campgrounds, with many offering full utility connections for RVs alongside tent camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Firestone, Colorado (294)

    1. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    2. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    3. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    44 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    4. A Little Country in the City - County Line Hobby Farm

    3 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    5 miles
    +1 (303) 489-0447

    $65 / night

    "There are dump site's fairly nearby if you needed to empty your tanks."

    "The site is located so that all of longmont is quickly accessible yet out of the way enough that it's quiet and private. We are already planning our return visit!"

    5. LaVern M. Johnson Park

    12 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 823-6150

    $37 - $62 / night

    "On the edge of Lyons, this place is great for families. Tubing, playgrounds, and soccer field. Just blocks away from Main Street. A great family spot with small children."

    "Walking trails and river access was abundantly available. Easy walking or biking distance to various eateries in Lyons."

    6. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $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."

    7. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Tucked away at the South Marina. You're close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!!"

    "This was a campground located right on Carter Lake. We drove to the small swimming beach but could have easily brought our chairs and hung out on the lake at our campground."

    8. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

    10. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

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Recent Reviews near Firestone, CO

2309 Reviews of 294 Firestone Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.


Guide to Firestone

Dispersed camping options near Firestone, Colorado range from high plains reservoirs to mountain gulches within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation with significant temperature variations between seasons and day/night conditions. Winter camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below 20°F, while summer camping offers mild 70-85°F days that cool significantly after sunset.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: 45 miles of shoreline at Boyd Lake State Park provides year-round angling access. "Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe," notes Frank O. The park maintains stocked fishing areas accessible from multiple points around the campground.

Dog-friendly outings: Off-leash areas at A Little Country in the City accommodate pets with spacious running room. "The hosts were very friendly and went out of their way to be accommodating," reports Ben E., who appreciated the pet-friendly environment. Many campgrounds in the area require leashes on trails but provide designated pet areas.

Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours offer the best chances to spot animals. Deer regularly visit Riverview RV Park & Campground, as one camper noted: "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig." Wildlife sightings include eagles, deer, and occasionally black bears at higher elevation sites.

What campers like

Proximity to town services: Most camping options maintain a balance between accessibility and natural settings. At Boulder County Fairgrounds, campers appreciate "how close it is to stores and shops and such. Also not far from boulder," according to Jason B. This location provides urban amenities while maintaining a campground atmosphere.

Water recreation access: Several campgrounds feature direct water access for multiple activities. LaVern M. Johnson Park offers "a great playground and a fantastic river" according to Max B., who noted that "there is a playground for the kids and tons of picnic tables. The sites are cleared and make it really easy for putting up a tent."

Mountain views: The foothills and Front Range provide scenic backdrops at many campsites. Kate B. described St. Vrain State Park Campground: "My friends and I love this campground! Numerous ponds, stocked ponds, trails, biking, birds, paddle boarding. The view of the mountains is to die for!" Morning and evening hours offer the most dramatic lighting for photographs.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). Boulder County Fairgrounds has strict stay limits, as Nicole G. discovered: "14 day max per year and they are a real stickler. We stayed here 13 days total on and off during weekends when we can't get a spot at campgrounds and they just kicked us out for the year."

Fire restrictions: Conditions often trigger fire bans from June through September. One camper at Carter Lake South Shore Campground reported: "County was in a burn ban so no fires or charcoal grills allowed." Always check current fire status before planning cooking methods or campfires.

Highway noise impacts: Traffic sound affects some campgrounds more than others. Campers seeking quiet should research site locations carefully. "Getting to the park from the interstate is quick (1 mile) and easy (all paved until the last 1000 ft.)," noted one reviewer about proximity to roadways.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides structured play areas alongside natural exploration. "This campground was tiny and a little cramped but was very clean and had running showers that was a plus. It was surrounded by trees but they were small which didn't help block the wind. We would stay here again because the staff was very friendly and they had a nice little store and playground," mentions Pam B.

Swimming spots: Several locations offer safe water play areas during summer months. LaVern M. Johnson Park features "a river that runs right behind it and it's so pleasant to listen to and fun for the kids to play near. It was fast flowing though so we didn't let them in," according to Lindsay R.

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly at water-adjacent sites. One camper noted: "Took off a point for the exceptional amount of mosquitoes and lack of shaded area (for the love of God bring deet). Otherwise, great place to check out." Pack repellent and light-colored clothing for all campers.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary widely between campgrounds. Larry E. notes about Carter Lake South Shore Campground: "Sites were well maintained and level. Good separation. Close proximity to lake and easy access. No fresh water in campground in April. But available nearby. Dry dump station."

Weather preparation: Wind conditions can affect awnings and outdoor setups. "It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings," observed one RVer. Secure loose items and consider wind direction when positioning your vehicle.

Campsite selection strategy: Request sites away from highways for better noise reduction. At Riverview RV Park, campers suggest requesting riverside sites: "Beautiful river going beside many of the sites. Newer bathrooms. Huge park with playground for kids. Our site was very wide and open, but we might just have been lucky."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Firestone, CO?

While there are no campgrounds directly in Firestone, several excellent options exist within a reasonable driving distance. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir offers stunning reservoir views and cabin rentals. Boulder County Fairgrounds near Longmont provides convenient facilities with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. Other nearby options include LaVern M. Johnson Park in Lyons and several campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park, all offering unique Colorado camping experiences within an hour's drive of Firestone.

Is there tent camping available near Firestone, Colorado?

Yes, there are several tent camping options near Firestone. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers primitive tent camping with around 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered sites with great views. For a more developed experience, Olive Ridge provides shaded tent sites with good tree coverage and convenient access to Rocky Mountain National Park trails. Dispersed tent camping is also available at Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir and throughout Roosevelt National Forest, offering budget-friendly options for tent campers looking to experience Colorado's natural beauty.

How is cell service at Firestone camping areas?

Cell service varies significantly at camping areas near Firestone. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, cell service is generally excellent due to its proximity to highways and urban areas. In contrast, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail has limited to no cell reception in many areas due to mountainous terrain. Signal strength typically decreases the further you venture into wilderness areas or national forests. For reliable connectivity, campgrounds closer to Firestone and major highways tend to offer better service. Consider downloading offline maps and informing others of your plans when camping in more remote areas.