Best Tent Camping near Greeley, CO
Public lands west of Greeley, Colorado provide tent campers with access to both established campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites within a 30-60 minute drive. Hermits Hollow Campground in Hermit Park offers spacious tent campsites with bear boxes and fire rings from April through October, while Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space provides walk-in tent sites with views of Horsetooth Reservoir. For those seeking more seclusion, Allenspark Dispersed Camping areas feature free primitive tent camping along creeks approximately 50 miles southwest of Greeley in the Roosevelt National Forest.
Most tent campgrounds require entrance fees or camping permits, with prices typically ranging from $20-30 per night at established sites, while dispersed camping areas are generally free but lack amenities. Tent pads vary from well-maintained gravel surfaces at Hermits Hollow to natural forest floor at dispersed sites. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes or personal bear canisters. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent sites, particularly at Gordon Gulch and Winiger Ridge. Seasonal fire bans frequently restrict campfires during summer months, making camp stoves essential equipment for tent campers.
According to reviews, weekday visits offer the best experience for tent camping near Greeley. One camper at Horsetooth Mountain noted, "The site is off the main trail and secluded enough so you don't see hikers or bikers," making it ideal for those seeking privacy. At Allenspark, visitors reported, "Most spots sit on a creek that gives a good ambiance," with tent sites that accommodate various group sizes. Early arrival is essential for securing prime tent locations, especially at popular areas like Winiger Ridge where a visitor observed, "We tried to drive in Friday night and all the campsites were full." Primitive tent camping areas typically offer more solitude but require self-sufficiency with water and waste management.