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."
RangerNice park with lots of things to do here. Bathrooms and showers are nice and kept clean every morning. Laundry wash $1.50 to $2.00 and dry for $1.50! Cell Verizon and att decent with up to 20Mb download Spots are level (101) Water to fill a jug but some spots have full hookups. Free dump station. You can hear the freeway and road traffic but it’s not terrible. Over nice park.
ScoutGreat little campground, right on the Colorado River.
Would be better if a freight train didn't pass through every 2-3 hours, blowing the train horn.
TravelerThe campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.
Men's side was even less private my husband said.
TravelerBeautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October
TravelerThe park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.
GuideGood spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.
GuideJust wanted to write another review of this spot, love it, easy road in but extremely busy even in late September on an early Friday afternoon. Completely full by Friday 6pm I wouldn’t even try after unless it’s November-April. Seriously. Lots of big spots for multiple cars and tents, fire pits in every numbered spot. Trails nearby, even found an old horseshoe! Get there early, but that’s known if you ever been there.
GuideThis is a good spot but confusing. You turn to go towards the trail. Once you get to the service road it starts at as what would look like a bike off. Yes you can drive on the path. Once you cross the road from the path you have to drive approximately 3/4 miles on trail. It’s pretty rough. I made it in my outback but I do have an Onyx XT with a 2 in suspension lift and 32’s. 2 creek crossings, rock bottom don’t be alarmed. After that there will be a sign said camping permitted passed this point. You’re good to go.
ScoutThere is no parking for RV around town in walking distance (Long Walk included). All parking only for cars.
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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