Best Campgrounds near Highlands Ranch, CO

Highlands Ranch is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Highlands Ranch, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Highlands Ranch camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Highlands Ranch, Colorado (322)

    1. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Very near relatives in Highlands Ranch, CO. It is a cool place to visit and relax. Even better if you want to fish and/or boat!!! Very great for day visits."

    "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."

    2. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    10 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. "

    3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    12 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."

    4. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    17 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."

    "Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."

    5. Rampart Range Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Sedalia, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."

    "Fun place to camp lots of sites and pretty trails, however this is known for its off-road ATV riders. If you're staying for a night or you're ATV for the weekend this is your spot."

    6. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    20 miles

    "There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."

    "The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."

    7. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    20 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."

    "**Campground Review: **

    Golden, CO is a super cute town on the outskirts of Denver. The city has a campground in a prime location, and we were lucky to book a site!"

    8. Chief Hosa Campground

    26 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "

    "The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."

    9. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur

    19 Reviews
    Larkspur, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 325-2393

    $50 - $170 / night

    "We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."

    "When we arrived we found out our spot was by the train we asked to be moved and they were extremely accommodating and put us in another spot up higher away from train."

    10. Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

    5 Reviews
    Louviers, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $30 / night

    "Indian Creek is lush and wooded, while still being close to Denver. The drive in is easy, following a paved road most of the way. Great spot for car camping."

    "Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 322 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Highlands Ranch, CO

2108 Reviews of 322 Highlands Ranch Campgrounds


  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • k
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Colorado Heights Resort

    Nice site, but very close to civilization

    We enjoyed are stay here. The site was well taken care of and the people were nice. The only cons for us were how loud the traffic sounds were and how close together the sites are.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Beautiful free camping outside of Idaho springs

    Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn’t that bad, but you’ll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir. Was mostly quiet and there’s a nice little trail around the lake. Plenty of spots for tent camping too.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Dispersed Site, Pull off with fire ring

    Very near Idaho Springs and road to location easy. Site is off road on broken but semi level asphalt. Small green patch with pines & aspen trees. There is nice rock formation across the road. Only 1 rock fire-pit (didn't use because it started to rain). Nice place to stop if traveling through as we are. Kinda bummed that we didn't see a fox. 🦊


Guide to Highlands Ranch

Camping near Highlands Ranch, CO, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Activities: Many campers enjoy paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Loved the paddle board experience," highlighting the fun you can have on the water.
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Golden Gate Canyon State Park. A reviewer mentioned, "Great biking, hiking right from the campsite," making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Relaxing by the Water: At Bear Creek Lake Park, you can fish and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. One camper noted, "Big campsites... close to the reservoir for swimming and fishing."

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpful staff at places like Denver West-Central City KOA. One guest said, "Every staff member was so helpful and nice," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Reverend's Ridge Campground. One review stated, "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park reported, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."
  • Site Availability: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area shared, "It is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared for coin-operated showers at some campgrounds. A reviewer at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, "Showers take quarters so come prepared if you plan to shower."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that allow pets and have activities for kids. Chatfield State Park Campground is noted for being "big rig friendly" and has plenty of space for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities like fishing or hiking. A family at Bear Creek Lake Park enjoyed the "great biking and hiking right from the campsite."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with amenities like laundry and showers. A camper at Denver West-Central City KOA appreciated the "nice hot shower, laundry, and a hot tub."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Make sure to choose level sites for a comfortable stay. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "The site was really bad... so uneven that no matter how much we tried we couldn't get level."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Clear Creek RV Park noted, "The RV park is beautiful and there is a major city park within 200 yards."
  • Be Mindful of Surroundings: Some RV parks may have issues with noise or safety. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park warned about theft, saying, "One vehicle stolen and several cars rummaged through."

Camping near Highlands Ranch, CO, has something for everyone. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Highlands Ranch, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Highlands Ranch, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 322 campgrounds and RV parks near Highlands Ranch, CO and 97 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Highlands Ranch, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highlands Ranch, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 76 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Highlands Ranch, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 97 free dispersed camping spots near Highlands Ranch, CO.