Tent camping options near Highlands Ranch, Colorado extend well beyond established sites. Located at an elevation of about 5,800 feet, Highlands Ranch experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer nights dropping into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. First-time campers should note that many dispersed areas require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough access roads.
What to Do
Trout fishing access: Osprey Campground sits along the South Platte River with excellent fishing spots. "Right on the South Platte River where you can walk straight out your tent and into the streams. Very well supervised, clean bathrooms, trash dumps," notes Mitch A., adding the campground has "fire pits with grill grate, picnic table at each site."
Mountain biking preparation: Pack repair kits when staying at Staunton State Park Campground where trail networks accommodate various skill levels. "Beautiful park and gorgeous hikes - be aware there is not an insignificant amount of hiking necessary to get to your campsite; make sure you pack light or bring an all-terrain wagon since the trail can be arduous for heavy gear," explains Jim S.
Wildlife observation: Bring binoculars for viewing at dawn and dusk. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," reports Tessa S. about Lone Duck Campground.
What Campers Like
Creek-side tent spots: Many campers favor sites near flowing water for natural white noise. "The sites are nice and well established but pretty close to one another. Campsites 2/3/4 are all pretty close to each-other and you can hear the other sites. It's a 0.5 mile hike in to the campsite, so plan and pack accordingly," notes Alex M. about Idylease Campground.
Bear boxes and wildlife safety: Reynolds Park provides secure storage between sites. "The Park Ranger lives at the base of the trailhead and replenishes regularly. Didn't see him/her once while we camped there for 3 nights," says Maria M., adding, "We saw deer all over the place, and heard reports of bear and/or lion sightings in previous years."
Seasonal timing: Mid-week camping before Memorial Day offers more solitude. "This spot was perfect for us because we were the only ones here mid-week. A few people stopped to use the bathrooms while traveling and a few fisherman stopped," writes Stacy O. about Osprey Campground, noting "There is zero cell reception."
What You Should Know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require careful driving. "The roads coming in can be scary if you aren't used to driving on mountain roads. They're narrow, with mostly no guard rails, sharp corners and dirt roads. Take it slow. The speed limit is 20 and really needs to be," warns Stacy O.
Weather preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's," cautions K R. about camping at Staunton State Park Campground.
Limited services: Most dispersed sites have minimal facilities. "Cell service- no T-Mobile, Water- no water, Toilets- long drop only no sink no lights. One men's, one women's. No camp host or firewood available on week days," explains CC C. about Platte River Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Child-friendly campgrounds: Some sites offer playground access and fishing. "Super close to Denver and offered through the City of Lakewood. The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area, with access to trails to the lake," says Kevin M. about Bear Creek Lake Campground.
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with additional activities. "Lone Duck had a pool, free wifi, and CLEAN, HOT, COIN-FREE showers! The camp hosts were very friendly, and provided nice home-cooked breakfast in the morning for only $5," shares Amanda M.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer nature programs. "They have a little trout pond is nice for the kids (you have to pay $6 for each fish that you catch, though, and there is no catch and release), and they have a really great arcade in the main office game room," notes Danielle V. about Lone Duck Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on level ground and turning radius. "Sites are super close together. The bathrooms are not very big and they smell dirty," warns Lynnae C. about Lone Duck Campground, highlighting the importance of researching site layouts.
Dispersed options: Gordon Gulch offers primitive camping alternatives. "We went on a Sunday, the weekend after the 4th of July. It was quite easy to find a campground for dispersed camping with other sites marked. Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather," advises Quinton T. about Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area.
Utility access considerations: Many campgrounds have limited hookups. "It should be noted the higher up sites are right on the road, and the ones closest to the river are by no means far enough to deafen the road noise," reports CC C. about Platte River Campground.
