Yurt camping in Golden, Colorado offers a mix of mountain scenery and developed facilities at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature changes with summer days reaching 85°F and nights dropping to 45°F, especially at higher elevations. Campsites typically open from May through October with some year-round options available for winter camping adventures.
What to do
Hiking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features numerous trails suitable for day hikes and mountain biking adventures. A camper noted, "This park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide."
Fishing spots: Several parks offer fishing opportunities within easy reach of camping areas. At Golden Gate Canyon, "Dude's Fishing Hole is my dog's favorite place in the world. We love GGC especially the Forgotten Valley hike. Feed the fish at the ranger station."
Water activities: Bear Creek Lake Park provides multiple water-based recreation options close to Denver. According to a visitor, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding."
Stargazing: The elevation and relative distance from city lights creates good conditions for night sky viewing. One camper at Bear Creek Lake Campground mentioned, "While this campground is minutes from the city and seconds from a highway, at night you feel like you are in a quiet, mountain campsite with stars to gaze for days."
What campers like
Uncrowded off-peak camping: Many campgrounds are significantly less busy outside summer months. A camper at Frazer Meadow Campground mentioned, "If you go any time outside of the busy summer time it's quiet and not packed. It is beautiful though!"
Variety of accommodation types: The area offers everything from basic tent sites to full yurt camping options. At Reverend's Ridge Campground, a visitor noted, "Reverend ridge is a favorite of ours. Plenty of space between sites, electricity. Wooded and scenic."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. At Bear Creek Lake Park, one camper reported, "This site got a little grungy for a couple of years, but it's been cleaned up and looking great!"
Wildlife viewing: The foothills ecosystem supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Chatfield State Park shared, "We caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, particularly during peak season. At Chatfield State Park Campground, "Without a reservation you put your name on a list that they start going through at 1pm to assign sites. As someone tent-camping this is no problem, just takes some time."
Site terrain considerations: Not all sites are level or suited for certain camping setups. At Standley Lake Regional Park, a camper warned, "We got site 47, which is labeled as an RV site, but it is NOT suitable for pop up campers. the site doesn't have even a hint of a levelable spot."
Fees and passes: Many parks require daily entrance fees in addition to camping costs. According to one camper, "You will need to pay the $9 day fee in addition to the camping fee."
Shower facilities: Showers often require quarters or payment. At Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon, "Restrooms are clean, but be sure to bring your quarters. I would give them 4 stars if you didn't have to pay for showers."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated beginner sites: Some locations are better suited for families new to camping. A camper noted, "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."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Standley Lake Regional Park, "Our nine year old really liked the playground area."
Child-friendly trails: Some parks have shorter, easier hiking options. One visitor at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, "such a beautiful place. trails are amazing. although the sound of screaming children that pervades the campsite kind of ruins the experience."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly campgrounds can be noisy at certain times. A visitor noted, "Apparently quiet time is just a phrase here — multiple groups around us were loud well past 10pm but nobody came around to check."
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Check specifically which hookups are available at each site. At Chatfield State Park, "There are 3 different areas - each has multiple bathhouses, which have coin-laundry available. Showers are coin-operated as well."
Pull-through availability: Some sites offer easy-access arrangements for larger vehicles. At Golden Gate Canyon, "Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables."
Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly in privacy levels. A camper at Cherry Creek State Park shared, "The sights were concrete and level. It was a little pricey, but we would stay again when visiting family, because there is definitely a lot to do!"
Seasonal considerations: Some sites close or reduce services seasonally. According to a visitor, "Our site had some great boundaries created by trees and it was easily fitting our two tents. The site parking spot could hold all 4 of our cars, but we only left 2 there since that is the limit."
