Searching for the best camping near Idaho Springs, CO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Idaho Springs is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Idaho Springs, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$18 / night
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
"8100’ high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don’t worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"
"This location is about 39 miles from Downtown Denver or about 45-60 mins (with traffic). They should just say Central City KOA in the title."
$28 - $90 / night
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."
$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."
"Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."
"It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."
$26 / night
"Tons of forests to explore nearby. It was very busy- sign said campground full but after a drive around all the sites we found one that was open!"
"The proximity to Central City/ Black Hawk is crazy ( less than 2-3 miles) but the proximity to i70 is what makes it a hidden gem."
"Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"
"Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."
"If you’re looking for a solid RV park near Golden that’s clean and dog friendly, this place is for you. Staff were very polite and helpful."
"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."
$26 / night
"This was a great place for a quick getaway, as its only 14 miles south of Idaho Springs. The campground is best suited for tent or small trailers. Its high altitude, nestled in the pines."
"Echo Lake campground is situated off Squaw Pass Rd next to Echo Lake and the start of Mt Evans Rd."
Travelerright off the highway you pull onto a dirt road, path is pretty rutted but my van made it no problem. Bigger rigs would have issues. Some highway noise but to be expected so close to the road. Open space for dogs to roam while at site. Good Mountain Views! Decent place about 10 min from Leadville.
LegendOverall vibe and convenience to Boulder rate 4 stars. Although there was a wedding one evening, it was mellow & over, with folks dispersing, by around 8pm. Minimal bugs so we did not use screens for a good part of the time, the overall land the site is on, is long and narrow and so parking/car traffic can be a little tight. We did go out the exit on far side and drove down the hill back to the entrance which necessitated more than 180 degree turn, so try to avoid that. Three clean bathrooms, 1 men's with 2 toilet stalls and shower (toilet stall were very small--knees bumped against door), 2 co-ed bathrooms (one with toilet/sink/shower, one with toilet & sink only). One sink in co-ed had very hot water coming out of both faucets (no cold from this sink). Paper towel dispensers ran out and were empty for a day but then roll of paper towels appeared.
Wifi was spotty & disconnected regularly, no Verizon service. There is a small 'store' in office: A fridge with drinks and burritos, some shelves with some Mountain House dinners, and snack bars. There is a pool, dry sauna with great LARGE window looking at creek, and hot-tub (sauna worked great). Did not get a chance to see any of the rooms. Tent sites are up a VERY steep path and on platforms on side of hill (perhaps 50-60' up the hill?). There's an area with some slack lines set up, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.
ScoutStayed two nights with my sons. Grabbed one of the walk-in sites Friday at 1pm.
Pros: Availability (one of the only sites in Winter Park), beautiful surroundings
Cons: Right next to the highway so traffic (trains at times) can be heard at all hours of the night, most walk-in sites don't have a tent pad
ScoutWe took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.
TravelerWent on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.
GuideHigh clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.
TravelerThe campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.
ScoutWhat a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!
GuideMy 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.
Camping near Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed adventure, there's something for you in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free or dispersed camping options around Idaho Springs?
York Gulch Road offers free dispersed camping about 10 minutes from I-70 and 15 minutes from Idaho Springs. This peaceful area has several camping spots with fire rings, though be aware of potential private property markers. Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, then connect to York Gulch. The road is well-maintained crushed dirt. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2 provides a beautiful secluded option overlooking Idaho Springs and the Continental Divide, but requires 4WD access due to rocky, bumpy roads. Other dispersed options include pull-offs with established fire rings near town. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and check for fire restrictions.
Is RV camping available near Idaho Springs?
Yes, RV camping is available near Idaho Springs. Denver West-Central City KOA is located about 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs at an elevation of 8,100 feet. This campground offers friendly staff, laundry facilities, a gift shop with food items, and even pizza service. For those seeking a location closer to Denver while still providing access to Idaho Springs, Dakota Ridge RV Park near Golden is clean, dog-friendly, and makes an excellent base camp for exploring the area. Both parks offer full hookups, though reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited.
What hiking trails can I access from Idaho Springs campgrounds?
Idaho Springs campgrounds provide access to numerous hiking opportunities across Clear Creek County. From Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site, you can access nice hiking trails with minimal traffic, especially after 9 PM. The area around Echo Lake Campground offers many hiking trails, with maps provided by the camp host. West Chicago Creek Campground features a pleasant hike directly from the campground. For more challenging hikes, consider the trails around St. Mary's Glacier, accessible from Fall River Road, or venture to nearby Mount Evans Wilderness. The Chief Mountain Trail offers spectacular views with moderate difficulty. Most trails in the area provide stunning alpine scenery, forests, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Where are the best campgrounds near Idaho Springs, Colorado?
Idaho Springs offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Echo Lake Campground stands out as a high-altitude gem just 14 miles south of town, perfect for tents or small trailers with immaculate facilities and access to numerous hiking trails. West Chicago Creek provides a clean, spacious campground close to town with direct trail access. For those seeking established campgrounds with more amenities, consider options in Golden Gate Canyon State Park or venture slightly further to Rocky Mountain National Park. Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer weekends, so reservations are recommended where available.
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