102 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Idaho Springs, Colorado range from dispersed primitive areas to established campgrounds with basic amenities. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area and Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offer tent camping opportunities in natural settings, while Pickle Gulch provides a more structured camping experience just outside Idaho Springs in the Arapaho National Forest. Most sites accommodate tents with designated spaces set back from access roads, allowing campers to experience the mountain environment without extensive development.
Most primitive tent camping areas require campers to be self-sufficient, as amenities are minimal or nonexistent. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire bans frequently restrict open flames during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Pickle Gulch, but many dispersed areas have no facilities whatsoever. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent sites, particularly at Gordon Gulch where rough forest roads can become challenging after rain or snow. One camper noted, "The Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites, but if you keep driving further down you will find many more unnumbered campsites with better views."
The tent camping experience near Idaho Springs offers varying levels of seclusion depending on proximity to popular trails and roads. Areas closer to town tend to fill quickly on summer weekends, while more remote tent sites provide greater solitude. Many campsites sit at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet, creating cool overnight temperatures even in summer months. Tent campers should be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather conditions and afternoon thunderstorms. The surrounding forest provides shade at most sites, though some dispersed areas may have limited tree cover. A review mentioned that "Gordon Gulch is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds," making it ideal for spring and fall tent camping when temperatures drop at night.
"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."
"Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."
"I first camped in Colorado last year with a friend and we chose this dispersed due to it being close to travel too- yet still dispersed. I’ve come back 4 other times to camp here!"
"This campground is just above Idaho Springs, which made it a relatively quick trip from Denver. Tons of dispersed campsites in various places all the way up to the reservoir."
"Gorgeous campsite overlooking Idaho springs and multiple mountain ranges. I visited at the end of May ‘24 and the roads were all clear of snow and ice."
"Drive, it overlooks the town of idaho springs in faces.Mostly westbound at the continental divide. It was peaceful and beautiful, but extremely windy. We stayed there may 15, 2025."
"Came here for my birthday a few years ago, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking—mountains, lake views, the whole deal!"
"Stayed at campsite 18, had great views and nice weather, no water though but there is a lake down the road. 4x4 Required as roads were rough"
"Nice spot with a metal fire pit (good for stage 1 fire ban), picnic table, and tent pad. Tent pad was big enough to squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely)."
"This site is surrounded by pine trees, aspens and boulders. Parking is a bit tight and the some of the sites pretty steep. Dude's Fishing Hole is within walking distance."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"We saw neither picnic table nor toilet as mentioned in the introductory paragraph. Still, it is a good place to pull over for a night or two of dry camping."
"Great spot close to town. There are around 10-15 designated spots on this road."
"However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."
"Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."
"Stayed 2nd night on Santa Fe trail up top. Took a hike and scouted an open site further up so moved camp. This site is a less protected from wind and somewhat less private but stellar views."
"The first time we didn't have bug spray and had to pack up after the first night- the mosquitos were literally swarming around us."
"Plenty of campsites available just pass the trail markers for Mount Flora and Mill Creek Ridge Trail."
"There are tent pads and groomed areas for camping. The group sites are large and there are bathrooms provided in the group camp area."
from $69 - $263 / night
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Guide# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!
TravelerIt’s awesome, but only if you have a very capable 4wd. There’s a great spot to camp at as soon as you start going up the hill. Past the first spot, the road becomes REALLY rough. So just be aware.
ScoutNice easy access right off the highway with nice views… perfect overnight rest stop.
RangerBathrooms were very nice and clean. Lots of sites with minimal privacy. Pretty packed and noisy in October. Our site had electrical hookups and its own water. Picnic tables and fire rings available as well. Looks like a very family friendly campground. Stayed one night.
GuideThe campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
ScoutLake Wellington is a beautiful family and dog friendly campground just about 90 minutes from Denver. There are 75 sites, and even when it's pretty full they are decently spaced out that you don't feel too on top of other guests. We brought our dogs and a group of friends and had a great few nights, even seeing Bald Eagles mating!
TravelerIf you are going to camp at a lakefront spot definitely have something you can sit in else you will be attacked by flies. Super quiet during the week - got busy over the weekend.
Tent camping options near Idaho Springs, Colorado accommodate various experience levels from primitive sites to developed grounds with basic amenities. Most dispersed camping areas around Idaho Springs sit at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet, creating temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night. The area features a mix of pine and aspen forests with several camping locations situated near alpine lakes or mountain streams.
Mining history exploration: The Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping area provides access to abandoned mining structures. "We made it all the way up to the old mine, and used it to turn around and head back down as we scouted sites," notes one camper who appreciated the historical elements.
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites offer direct access to fishing spots. At Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail, one visitor reported, "Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly the only day we were there."
Hiking access: Many tent sites serve as gateways to hiking trails. "Plenty of hiking trails nearby for good views," reports a camper at Peru Creek. Another camper at Aspen Meadows noted, "Panorama Point offers amazing views that even my 70 year old parents were able to join us on."
Creek-side camping: The sound of running water enhances the tent camping experience. At The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite, one camper shared, "I parked next to a river (love the sound of flowing water)," highlighting the relaxing atmosphere created by proximity to moving water.
Privacy between sites: Despite being close to urban areas, some sites offer seclusion. At Aspen Meadows Campground, "We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished," wrote a camper who appreciated the spacing between sites.
Year-round accessibility: While many high-elevation sites close during winter, some remain accessible during colder months. "It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable. My RAV4 AWD made it just fine to most of the sites," mentioned a winter camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area.
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require careful driving on rough forest roads. For Dream Canyon Campsites, one camper warned, "The ditch getting into the parking lot is bruuutal so 4WD is necessary." Similarly at Fall River Reservoir, "you'll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping lacks amenities. "There are no toilets, showers, facilities, or waste bins. Pack accordingly to minimize impact," advises a Peru Creek visitor.
Campfire restrictions: Fire bans frequently affect the area during dry periods. As one camper noted at The Lost Site, "Nothing spectacular, quite a few spots along the road and a nice view of winterpark down below. We only stopped for a night, it was a Friday so fairly busy."
Best tent camping near Idaho Springs for kids: For families seeking the best tent camping near Idaho Springs, Colorado with children, choose sites with easy terrain. At Clear Creek Getaway, one family found "Our yellow A frame was the perfect little home with the most gorgeous view of the sunset."
Bring entertainment: Some areas have limited natural features to keep children engaged. "We really enjoyed it! The lake was low but still beautiful," noted a family at Fall River Reservoir about finding enjoyment despite conditions.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "It snowed during the evening," reported a May camper at Hidden Wilderness, emphasizing the need for proper gear regardless of season.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Many dispersed sites have limited space for RVs. "We have a 4wd Sprinter with slightly larger tires, and pulling an off-road trailer. We made it with ease," reported a Peru Creek camper about finding suitable parking.
Turn-around points: Narrow forest roads may lack turning areas for larger vehicles. "It was good to find plenty of places to turn the trailer around once we got up further in case we couldn't find anything," shared an RVer at Peru Creek, highlighting the importance of scouting ahead.
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain often means uneven sites. A camper at The Lost Site noted there are "a lot of places to park" though finding level ground can require searching several spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Idaho Springs, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Idaho Springs, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 60 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Idaho Springs, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 102 tent camping locations near Idaho Springs, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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