RV parks in Golden, Colorado provide access to mountain recreation while maintaining proximity to Denver metro conveniences. Located where the plains meet the foothills at 5,675 feet elevation, Golden experiences significant temperature shifts between day and night—often dropping 30°F after sunset. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through October with limited winter options available primarily at lower elevations.
What to do
Hiking at Prospect Park: Near Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney, you can access miles of trails. "Located right behind it is a large green belt with ponds, a park, biking and walking path as well as Clear Creek," notes a visitor who appreciated these natural amenities despite the campground's urban setting.
River activities: The Big Thompson River offers recreation opportunities at several campgrounds. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, campers report "a river runs through it" with some sites positioned along the banks. "We enjoyed seeing the kids playing in the playground and riding around the park on their bikes. Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," one reviewer mentions.
Mountain access: Many Golden area RV parks serve as convenient base camps for exploring higher elevations. From Idaho Springs RV Resort, visitors report "beautiful surroundings. Great view of the mountains right outside our window," with easy access to mountain recreation areas without navigating difficult roads with large vehicles.
What campers like
Proximity to Denver attractions: The Idaho Springs RV Resort & Campground provides mountain ambiance with metropolitan convenience. "This is a great spot! We stayed at site 39 and it was perfectly level with beautiful surroundings," one camper noted, appreciating the balance between mountain scenery and accessibility.
Central Golden location: Clear Creek RV Park offers unmatched walkability to town attractions. "This small, but clean, campground is located perfectly a walk, or bike ride, away from the town of Golden," reports one reviewer. Another mentioned: "Beautiful place! We called ahead to reserve a site for the night. Arrived after the office had closed. Had a back-in full-hookups site that backed up to the walking path/sidewalk beside the river."
Urban conveniences: Staying near civilization provides practical benefits. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, a camper appreciated that it's "close to a lot of stores, restaurants, etc." Another noted the specific connectivity: "Cell Service: 3 bars of 5Ge on AT&T. My personal hotspot worked great here."
What you should know
Tight spacing: Most RV parks in this region feature compact sites. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, a visitor observed: "Campers are close together, but there are some mature trees. This campground is nicer than most that provide access to Denver."
Site leveling challenges: Several parks have uneven terrain. One reviewer at Applewood RV Resort warned: "The sewer is 6 inches above grade and slinky support wasn't tall enough. You might be lifting your hose to assist emptying."
Urban noise: City-adjacent locations mean dealing with traffic sounds. "Colfax Road is extremely busy & unfortunately loud," notes one Dakota Ridge visitor. Another mentions: "The park is right next to a major interchange where CR-6, I-70, 470, and US-40 all intersect. Expect some road noise as well as the sound of motorcycles from the bar across the street."
Tips for camping with families
Look for riverside recreation: Children enjoy water activities at several Golden area campgrounds. One visitor to Riverview RV Park described: "The campground is right on the banks of the Big Thompson river which does provide a soothing background for those fortunate enough to have sites on its banks."
Consider pet restrictions: Delux RV & Motel and most area parks allow pets but with varied rules. At Dakota Ridge, a camper warned: "Portable dog pens are not allowed. Tethering is not allowed... They have a dog 'area' instead of a fenced dog park where they can play a little."
Check for playground facilities: Some parks offer dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Riverview RV Park appreciated the "huge park with playground for kids" that keeps younger campers entertained.
Tips from RVers
Reserve bathroom keys: Some parks provide private facilities with dedicated access. At Prospect RV Park (now Applewood), "Bathroom and shower were private with a personal key - pure luxury! And everything was very nice and clean."
Verify hookup compatibility: Check electrical service requirements before booking. Regarding Peak to Peak RV Park, one camper cautioned it "only has 50 amp plugs," which requires adapters for many RVs.
Plan for weather protection: The Golden area experiences sudden weather changes. At Riverview RV Park, "It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings."
