Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located 40 miles northwest of Firestone, Colorado, ranges in elevation from 7,600 to 9,400 feet. The park features 35 miles of trails through forests of lodgepole pine, aspen, and spruce with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Firestone. Camping options near Firestone include established campgrounds with full amenities and luxury glamping sites with canvas accommodations.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides extensive trail networks suitable for day hikes. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful. The drive up can be a bit breathtaking, but it can be done!" shares Minette and Ron G. about Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Water activities on local reservoirs: Horsetooth Reservoir offers water-based recreation including paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. "This is a great location to bring your boat for wakesurfing, kayak or SUP. I recommend the South Bay. The campground is nice and the natives are chill," notes Tom D. about South Bay Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds in the region host diverse wildlife. At Carter Lake, Larry E. reports: "Sites were well maintained and level. Good separation. Close proximity to lake and easy access. Wild turkey sitings." While at Riverview RV Park, a camper mentioned: "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig."
What campers like
Mountain views from campsites: Many campgrounds offer scenic vistas of the Front Range. "The sites were well spaced for privacy, and even on a busy weekend, we felt like we had our own space to enjoy nature. We were right on the waters edge, and the view in the morning was incredible, looking out over the lake with mountains in the background," Sarah L. shares about South Shore Campground at Carter Lake.
Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring RMNP. At Glacier Basin Campground, one reviewer noted: "Wildlfe is very abundant. Bear Lake and Fern Lake are amazing hikes for the fam." This campground sits within the national park boundaries.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained amenities. "Bathhouse and full hookups available. Dogs allowed on a leash and you're within minutes of a boat ramp, hikes, and awesome views!" Caitlin D. shares about Horsetooth Reservoir. Similarly, at Riverview RV Park, guests appreciate "clean bathrooms" and that "the facilities were clean."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Glacier Basin Campground only runs from "May 23 to September 11," while Standley Lake Regional Park operates "May 1 to September 29." Winter camping options are limited primarily to year-round sites like Eagle Campground at Carter Lake.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially during summer months. At Standley Lake Regional Park, Mark S. advises: "Seems like there's almost always a spot open during weekdays." However, weekend availability is much more limited throughout the region.
Additional fees: Many campgrounds charge day-use fees beyond camping costs. One camper at Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay warns: "We did not see anywhere in the booking process that there would be additional fees once we arrive at the campground." Some shower facilities also require quarters for operation.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "We would stay here again because the staff was very friendly and they had a nice little store and playground," notes Pam B. about Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Similarly, Chatfield State Park features "a playground for kiddos."
Swimming access considerations: Not all waterfront campgrounds permit swimming. At Standley Lake Regional Park Campground, one camper cautions: "The ramp is very short and you cant go into the water. If you planned on taking the kiddos :(." Check specific lake regulations before promising water activities.
Noise levels vary widely: Family-friendly atmosphere depends on timing and location. Jennifer S. notes at Golden Gate Canyon State Park: "such a beautiful place. trails are amazing. although the sound of screaming children that pervades the campsite kind of ruins the experience." Weekdays typically offer quieter camping experiences throughout the region.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Electric sites are common but full hookups are limited. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, Aaron explains: "We booked a water/electric online, but got bumped up to full hookups. Beautiful river going beside many of the sites."
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain and foothill campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Eagle Campground at Carter Lake, Suzanne M. warns: "The sites are also old and very sloped." Similarly, at Standley Lake, Shannon S. cautions that site #47 "doesn't have even a hint of a levelable spot."
Size restrictions apply: Several campgrounds limit RV length. Glacier Basin Campground has "a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length" and narrow access roads can complicate maneuvering larger rigs at many mountain campgrounds in the region.
