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Best Campgrounds near Golden, CO

2,922 Reviews

Golden, Colorado hosts a range of camping options from fully developed sites to more basic accommodations. The immediate area includes Clear Creek RV Park located within walking distance to downtown Golden, and larger facilities like Golden Gate Canyon State Park approximately 15 miles northwest of the city. Accommodations vary from traditional tent sites to RV hookups, with some locations offering cabins and yurts. Chief Hosa Campground and Dakota Ridge RV Park provide additional options for visitors seeking established campgrounds with various amenities.

Reservations are strongly recommended for most developed campgrounds in the area, especially during the peak summer months from May through September. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers year-round camping opportunities, while sites like Chief Hosa typically operate seasonally from May through mid-September. Clear Creek RV Park enforces specific policies, including a three-day limit on tent camping and restrictions on certain setups. The region experiences variable mountain weather conditions with potential for sudden storms, particularly at higher elevations. According to a camper, "Clear Creek RV Park is right in the middle of everything. Kudos to the City of Golden for bringing campers right into the heart of your city."

Several visitors note the convenient proximity of Clear Creek RV Park to Golden's downtown area as a major advantage. The campground provides direct access to walking paths, Clear Creek, and recreational opportunities despite its smaller size and limited amenities. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground is clean and well looked after. Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to many hikes and mountain trails." The sites at Golden Gate Canyon State Park receive consistently positive feedback for their natural setting. Campers should note that some facilities have specific restrictions, such as Clear Creek RV Park's rules regarding pets in tents and rooftop tent setups, which several reviews highlighted as potential issues for certain camping styles.

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Best Camping Sites Near Golden, Colorado (403)

    1. Chatfield State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."

    "This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!! Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."

    2. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    "This campground allows easy access to Denver, Golden, and the foothills. Campers are close together, but there are some mature trees."

    3. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

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

    $18 / night

    "The drive from Golden up into the park is beautiful and you truly feel like you are leaving the noise of Denver and the metro behind."

    "We love to visit Golden Gate Canyon State Park early in the season because it is very busy all summer.  This is our second stay at the park in March, and we have had wonderful snow both times.  "

    4. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "This was our first time staying at Bear Creek Lake. The park is not part of the Colorado Wilds or CPW State Park system, but daily vehicle fees are included with your camping reservation."

    "Note: If the GPS takes you to a dirt road with a closed gate at the end, get back on the highway and take the next exit to the park entrance."

    5. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 278-1437

    $32 - $80 / night

    "Had a great spot right next to the Clear Creek walking path. The campground is clean and well looked after. Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to many hikes and mt trails."

    "Perfect for visiting the iconic Golden, Colorado!"

    6. Chief Hosa Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "There is a bike path as well as some mountain biking nearby. Downtown Golden is a super cute town and it is only about 15 minutes away."

    "We had only a couple of days in the area and so we’re on the go all the time, saw the Buffalo, saw elk nearby and enjoyed the ride up to Golden gate Canyon State Park."

    7. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

    "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    14 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 872-7544

    "If you want to be close to the city and have easy access to any kind of shopping imaginable, this will meet your needs."

    "Good location close to interstate to access all the cool towns and site seeing west of Denver."

    9. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."

    "It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "

    10. Denver West-Central City KOA

    30 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    17 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!!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Golden, CO

1016 Photos of 403 Golden Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Golden, CO

2922 Reviews of 403 Golden Campgrounds

  • ncgirl 0.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Monument Glamping

    Unforgettable Glamping Experience!

    Highly recommended! From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully designed. The tent was spacious, clean, and cozy — with all the comforts of a hotel, but surrounded by nature. The hosts made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re looking to disconnect and unwind or just enjoy nature (we saw several deer right outside our tent) without sacrificing comfort, this is the place to do it.

  • 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.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    Good spot close to city

    Nice park with lots of things to do here. Bathrooms and showers are nice and kept clean every morning. Laundry wash $1.50 to $2.00 and dry for $1.50! Cell Verizon and att decent with up to 20Mb download Spots are level (101) Water to fill a jug but some spots have full hookups. Free dump station. You can hear the freeway and road traffic but it’s not terrible. Over nice park.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great hiking and biking trails

    The park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.

Guide to Golden

Camping near Golden, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options that cater to different camping styles.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer from Moraine Park Campground mentioning, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Golden are great for fishing. A visitor at Stoll Mountain Campground shared, "Take a canoe, kayak, or fishing poles and enjoy a day on the lake with a great view of the mountains."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Every day I had mule deer visitors."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground said, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Mueller State Park Campground stated, "Park staff are very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground noted, "It's a bit overcrowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A camper at Prospector Campground mentioned, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds or pools. A reviewer at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Well-stocked camp store with ice, wood, laundry, and all the essentials, and a pool for the kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "Loved the paddle board experience."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground noted, "Great Campground, Incredible Dog Park," which suggests a family-friendly atmosphere.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Some campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The group campsite was spacious."
  • Check for Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Mueller State Park Campground noted, "Sites have electric. Water is available in the campground."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. A visitor at Eleven Mile State Park warned, "Winds in the evening almost made me leave site."

Camping in Golden, CO, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From stunning views to family-friendly activities, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Golden, Colorado?

Clear Creek RV Park stands out as a top choice in Golden with its prime location along the Clear Creek walking path. Visitors praise its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and ideal proximity to downtown Golden - all within walking distance to restaurants and stores. For a more rustic experience, Reverend's Ridge Campground in Golden Gate Canyon offers a secluded setting with clean facilities, though finding it requires some navigation. Those seeking dispersed camping should explore Gordon Gulch, where unnumbered sites offer spectacular views. For the true Colorado mountain experience, Camp Dick Campground delivers stunning scenery, river access, and hiking trails accessible directly from the campground. Each offers distinct advantages depending on whether you prioritize convenience, amenities, or natural surroundings.

What amenities are available at Golden, Colorado campsites?

Golden area campgrounds offer varying amenities based on their type. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground provides well-maintained fire pits, hiking trailheads, and a beautiful rolling river. For more developed options, Moraine Park Campground in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park offers scenic mountain views and access to extensive hiking trails. RV parks in Golden typically provide full hookups, clean restrooms and showers, with some offering additional amenities like pools and hot tubs. Clear Creek RV Park includes access to walking paths and is within walking distance to downtown Golden. Dispersed camping areas like Fall River Reservoir and Gordon Gulch provide minimal to no amenities but offer more privacy and natural settings. Most established campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets at minimum.

How much does camping cost near Golden, CO?

Camping costs near Golden vary by type and amenities. Dakota Ridge RV Park is on the higher end, with winter rates still described as pricey for Colorado standards. More affordable options include public campgrounds like Deer Creek Campground in Golden Gate Canyon, where you'll find reasonable rates with beautiful surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere away from Denver's noise. For budget-conscious campers, dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch offer free camping options, though these lack facilities. RV parks in Golden typically range from $45-85 per night, while state park campgrounds run $20-35 per night. National Forest campgrounds are often $15-25 nightly. Remember that holiday weekends and summer months command premium rates at most established campgrounds.

When is the best season for camping in Golden, Colorado?

The ideal camping season in Golden runs from late May through early October when weather conditions are most favorable. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is particularly popular during summer months, though accessing it requires 4x4 capabilities due to rocks, bumps, and water crossings. Early June at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers a perfect escape from Denver's noise while avoiding summer crowds. While summer provides reliable weather, early fall brings stunning colors and fewer visitors. Winter camping is possible at some locations like Dakota Ridge RV Park, which offers on-site propane for cold-weather stays, but many campgrounds close seasonally. Spring camping can be unpredictable with rain and occasional snow, as experienced by visitors to Moraine Park Campground. Always check road conditions and campground closures before planning early or late-season trips.

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