Best Campgrounds near Fraser, CO

The Fraser, Colorado area provides varied camping options from dispersed sites to established campgrounds throughout the surrounding national forest lands. St. Louis Creek Campground, located directly in Fraser, offers reservable tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Several dispersed camping areas can be found within a short drive, including Vasquez Ridge Dispersed area near Winter Park. Idlewild Campground serves as another developed option with seasonal availability typically running May through September. The region includes both free dispersed camping on Forest Service roads and fee-based developed campgrounds with more facilities.

Access to many camping areas requires driving on dirt roads that may become difficult in wet conditions. Public lands around Fraser range from easily accessible sites near highways to more remote locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. One camper noted, "We were looking for a nice campground for one night that was first come first serve. This worked out perfect." Seasonal availability varies significantly, with most developed campgrounds operating from late May through September or October. Winter access becomes limited as snow closes forest roads, particularly at higher elevations. Temperatures often drop significantly at night even during summer months, with frost possible well into June. Some dispersed areas have specific seasonal closures, as evidenced by Vasquez Ridge which operates from June 15 to November 15.

Campers report waterfront sites as particularly desirable in the Fraser area. Several visitors mentioned enjoying spots along creeks and rivers, which provide both scenic value and natural sound barriers from nearby highways or other campers. Sites near Winter Park offer convenience for supply runs while maintaining a natural setting. A visitor commented, "There were plenty of spots available, despite getting there around 2:00 on a Saturday, and the creek next to the site was a nice touch." Proximity to trails represents another highlight, with several campgrounds offering direct access to hiking and mountain biking routes. Noise can be a consideration for some campgrounds, particularly those near highways or train tracks. Wildlife sightings, including deer and moose, add to the camping experience in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Fraser, Colorado (458)

    1. Vasquez Ridge

    31 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "We actually were able to go around on the Fraser side with Road 72 and it ran right into the other side of Vasquez. Lots of dispersed camping in the forest and next to a creek. Super peaceful."

    "There are different types of sites, including some pull-offs for campers, some sites you could drive into off the road, and some with parking on the road and a small hike down to the site."

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    17 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."

    3. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving. Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    4. Arapaho Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"

    "This is true wilderness camping at its best overlooking beautiful Colorado waters with the Mountains peaking down upon you is where you will find yourself camping with great amenities and water available"

    5. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    18 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "I first camped in Colorado last year with a friend and we chose this dispersed due to it being close to travel too- yet still dispersed. I’ve come back 4 other times to camp here!"

    "It is a light off road trail and would recommend having high vehicle clearance and 4x4. We were unable to park right next to the reservoir because it was closed off."

    6. St. Louis Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Fraser, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 887-4100

    "There are many trails and roads for mountain biking and hiking. The trails leave right from the campground. St. Louis Creek runs adjacent to the campground with easy access and good trout fishing."

    "Beautiful location, more remote than many of the other campgrounds near Winter Park / Fraser area. Byers Peak hike is nearby which gives great views of the valley and surrounding areas."

    7. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    8. Cr 47

    13 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    3 miles

    "You won’t be able to get to these sites without a car with four wheel drive. We drove up to some of the higher spots with an awesome view of mountains, a lake and Longmont in the distance."

    "This will be one of few free camping spots around Rocky Mt. National Park. The road in begins easy but gets more difficult as you get onto National Forest Land."

    9. Denver West-Central City KOA

    30 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3043

    "good location for cute old mountain towns! also close to Denver and other must sees in Colorado!"

    "8100’ high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don’t worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"

    10. Idlewild Campground

    9 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    2 miles
    Website

    "This campsite was away from almost all the other sites with the most privacy. Site #18 is on the south side of the campground located along the Fraser River which has a nice sound to it."

    "This was a nice campground situated really close to Winter Park and Fraser. The mosquitoes can get pretty bad, definitely bring some bug spray."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 458 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Fraser, CO

2973 Reviews of 458 Fraser Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Nice location

    There are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Good dispersed road

    Good spot for dispersed camping. Maybe 6 spots total going all the way up the road. 4x4 recommended. Fires allowed in established rings only, always check with Roosevelt National Forest website to see if fires are allowed during your stay as this varies by season.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Nothing special

    This place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    St. Vrain State Park Campground

    Great Stop Through State Park

    We were surprised how nice this was. Great little walks around ponds with Mountain View’s in the background. Only stayed a night on way to Tetons, but definitely was a surprise of the trip being right off the high. Would definitely use this as a stop again.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Peak One Campground

    Convenient and beautiful

    Convenient to town and all that Frisco/Dillon has to offer, but also right on the perimeter trail (6-mile dirt) and also the Dillon Reservoir loop (18-mile paved). Our site had a small path right to the beach.

    No hammocks are allowed here (we learned this by having one). There are bathrooms, but they were locked during our stay. Potable water was still available.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Creekside Along Georgia Pass

    Nice and quiet with trees and creek

    Camped here on off-season. Wonderful babbling brook, lots of trees, peaceful quiet

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.


Guide to Fraser

Camping near Fraser, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, “The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys” at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake shared, “Every day I had mule deer visitors.”
  • Water Activities: Enjoy paddle boarding or swimming at nearby lakes. One reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground said, “Very pretty paddle boarding sites.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for Moraine Park Campground states, “Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A camper at Golden Gate Canyon State Park noted, “Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A visitor at East Portal Campground mentioned, “Super sweet hosts that checked in on me. I felt wholly welcomed.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Cottonwood Campground said, “There were a LOT of spots but they were right on top of each other.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Prospector Campground pointed out, “There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets.”
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A camper at East Portal Campground mentioned, “Big playground and not crazy expensive.”
  • Clean Facilities: Choose campgrounds known for cleanliness. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, “Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love seeing wildlife up close. One camper at Moraine Park Campground shared, “You can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground noted, “The group campsite was spacious.”
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups if needed. A camper at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, “Great place to RV camp with a good amount of hookups.”
  • Check for Noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby activities. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground said, “We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes.”

Camping near Fraser, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful scenery, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish along the Fraser River while camping in the area?

Yes, the Fraser River offers excellent fishing opportunities for campers in the area. The river is accessible from several nearby campgrounds and is known for good trout fishing. At Idlewild Campground, some sites (like #18) are located directly along the Fraser River, providing convenient fishing access right from your campsite. St. Louis Creek Campground also offers good trout fishing in St. Louis Creek, which feeds into the Fraser River system. The Fraser area has numerous access points for anglers, making it possible to find both busy and secluded fishing spots depending on your preference.

Where are the best campgrounds in Fraser, Colorado?

Fraser offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. St. Louis Creek Campground is a favorite for its proximity to mountain biking and hiking trails, with the creek providing good trout fishing. It's more remote than other options but still only 15 minutes from Fraser. For riverside camping, Idlewild Campground offers sites along the Fraser River with picnic tables and fire rings. For those seeking more primitive options, Vasquez Ridge offers peaceful dispersed camping in the forest near a creek, while Robbers Roost provides a secluded retreat close to town amenities.

Are there RV rental options available in Fraser, Colorado?

While Fraser itself has limited RV rental services, the nearby Winter Park area offers several options. Local outdoor outfitters and specialty rental companies can provide RVs for your Fraser adventure. For RV-friendly camping, Robbers Roost Campground near Fraser accommodates RVs and provides a peaceful setting close to town. The Winding River Resort is another option that welcomes RVs and offers full hookups. For the best selection and competitive rates, consider booking in advance during peak summer months, and check with Fraser visitor centers for current local rental providers.