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.
$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."
$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."
$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."
"We enjoy Boyd Lake because it’s so easy to bike to town. A major northern Colorado bike path system goes through the park."
$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!"
$52 / night
"Tents sites 1-8 are “car camping” sites, but those are adjacent to the rec field so lots of people walking by in the daytime. The park is in town so easy access to stores restaurants and an arcade!"
"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."
$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."
"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."
$25 - $35 / night
"Carter lake is a staple visit in our family."
"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."
$35 - $55 / night
"It’s $35 a night for a spot super close to the water. The spots are pretty spread out. We are taking our toddler and dogs swimming 100 times a day."
"Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"
"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."
TravelerIdk how anyone thinks this place isn’t awesome. It’s $35 a night for a spot super close to the water. The spots are pretty spread out. We are taking our toddler and dogs swimming 100 times a day. Picnic tables, beautiful views, water spigots, bathrooms, etc.
GuideCampground is along the Fraiser River Trail, a local Greenway which sees a fair amount of bike and foot traffic. Easy access from the road, sites are close together. Vault toilets were well maintained. Site 19 is directly on the river, listened to the water all night.
TravelerWe had a hard time deciding what to rate this because there truly were so many pros, however the cons were fairly plentiful as well. We had a great time don’t get us wrong but… decide for yourself.
The pros: -Honestly I loved the location in relation to fellow campers. We had nobody to the south of us and our neighbors north of us were blocked by a bush. We were up the hill overlooking to the reservoir above the neighbors west of us. However to the east of us was the main road in and out of the area. So expect road noise over neighbor noise. -Shower house and flushing toilet that were clean and very well maintained. Climate control and comfortable and very well lit. However the shower token system didn’t take our bills so we couldn’t use our showers (I note a camper passing by on our first day telling us about the shower house “it’s a pain in the ass…”) -close to the dumpster and literal feet from the water. -could walk down to the water (even got picked up by some friends on a boat)… or travel north for a social trail along the water with some killer fishing areas.
The cons- while not deal breakers for us we couldn’t give this site any more stars because of them -The road noise is a lot. We were lucky to be in an RV however tent camping would be a different story. -again with tent camping although this site felt private you would be amongst only rvs and trailers.
Well that’s my review for site S46 at south bay campground of Horsetooth… attached are some videos of the site as well as a spot I was able to walk to just north of this site.
GuideThis campground is stunning, even with lower than normal water levels. The camp hosts were so sweet and helpful. We were only 17 minutes away from Adams Falls trail in RMNP. Easy hike and also beautiful. Spots are close together, but the view more than makes up for it. 109 has the flush toilet right behind it with small walking paths to it.
ScoutGreat location for RMNP, friendly staff, locals and free music on Saturdaysin the summer, clean restrooms. Dirt roads and sites are rough. Ground squirrel holes everywhere. No mail delivery. No wifi or other amenities.
ScoutThe road isn't too bad all the way around if you have decent clearance and even easier with 4wd. There are spots in every direction once you enter the campground service road.
ScoutBeautiful location with views of the mountains and walking trails throughout the property. Clean, large bathrooms, showers, laundry and game room on site. They also offer breakfast for a small price but we did not try this. The camp sites are very close together but have a nice table and chairs, bench, and brand new propane grill with propane tank. I don’t think our grill had even been used yet.
ScoutCame here for Memorial Day weekend and it was easy to get to. Enjoyed being right in the canyon with river views. Close to a ton of trails and good fishing. And hummingbirds everywhere.
Because the campsite has electric hookups, it was very quiet as there were no generators.
GuideDecent state park campground with easy access and trailer parking and hookups. Plenty of noise from I-25 to remind you how easy it was to get to.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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