Tent camping in the Indian Hills area provides access to both mountain terrain and forested settings at elevations between 6,000 and 8,000 feet. Overnight temperatures drop significantly here, even in summer months, with campers reporting lows in the 30s during June and July. The area's proximity to Denver and Boulder makes it a common weekend destination, with many sites filling by Friday afternoon.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The South Platte River offers excellent trout fishing near Osprey Campground, where the river is accessible directly from campsites. "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," according to one visitor. Anglers note the cold water temperatures and shallow areas in spring months.
Mountain biking: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features trail networks suitable for various skill levels with routes connecting directly to Aspen Meadows Campground. "Panorama Point offers amazing views that even my 70 year old parents were able to join us on. PP gets really busy but get there early enough after camping and you'll have it mostly to yourselves," one camper notes. The park's trail system accommodates both casual riders and more advanced technical terrain.
Boulder scrambling: Some sites provide natural rock exploration opportunities directly from camp. At Staunton State Park, campers report: "Behind 19 are rocks and boulders. You could scramble up with or without kids (my kid was 2 and climbed with some help) and explore for about an hour just by the site. We sit at the edge of the boulders and watch the sunset."
What campers like
Campsite privacy: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Staunton State Park Campground, where walk-in requirements create more separation. "This campground is very clean, bathrooms clean, campsites clean and quiet. The pit, very clean are at base, and there is a porta-potty by site 14, far enough away from 14 to not be a problem," notes one visitor. Sites 15-19 are described as "bonus sites" in "their own hidden section away from hikers and trails."
Night sky viewing: Gordon Gulch's elevation and distance from major light sources creates opportunities for astronomy. "I spent multiple days at this site due to its remote beauty. Campsites far apart, and it was quiet other than the occasional atv. Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers," reports one camper. The highest sites provide unobstructed viewing platforms.
City light views: Some campgrounds offer unusual perspectives of Denver's urban sprawl. At Sawmill Hiker Campground, a visitor noted: "At night you can see all the city lights of sprawling Denver, but then have a perfect view of the sunrise in the morning. Witnessing the sunrise from this spot will always be one of my favorite memories."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary significantly between sites and change seasonally. At Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2, fires are permitted when conditions allow, but Staunton State Park maintains a permanent fire ban despite what older information indicates. One camper advises: "No campfires allowed ever. I brought stoves no bigger than a jetboil/MSR dragonfly."
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites often require appropriate vehicles. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, "Road gets tougher the further back you go, but my low clearance vehicle made it by driving slow." For Hidden Wilderness, "Road is rough, as discussed in other comments. Make sure you have good clearance or you will bottom out."
Temperature fluctuations: The area experiences dramatic temperature drops at night. A Staunton Park visitor warns: "We went in June and July. Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's." Similarly, at Bear Creek Lake Campground, even in summer months, campers should prepare for significant overnight cooling.
Tips for camping with families
Gear transport strategies: For walk-in sites at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, families devise various hauling methods. A Staunton Park camper suggests: "When camping with a whole posse of kids, we used a wagon to haul all that crap up. No problems with the wagon getting stuck. Trails are very clear." Multiple trips between parking and campsite are often necessary.
Kid-friendly sites: Certain campgrounds feature natural play areas. At Bear Creek Lake Campground, "There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area, with access to trails to the lake, a boat launch and boat rental, equestrian stables, and archery." Aspen Meadows Campground also offers forested exploration areas with relatively safe terrain for supervised children.
Water access considerations: Water sources vary by location. At Staunton Park, "The water spigots are at the base as well and not at or near the sites - 1/2 mile from the farthest site, Site 19. We had to carry up jugs and refill at night." Families should calculate daily water needs and transport capabilities when selecting sites.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups without sewer: Several sites offer partial hookups for smaller RVs. At Bear Creek Lake Campground, "The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area. Only drawback might be the bathrooms have no night lighting and you have a dumping station instead of sewage hookups. Also water is available but not at the site."
Clearance limitations: Many roads to dispersed camping areas have challenging sections. At Winiger Ridge, one RVer cautions: "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power."
