416 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds encircle Jamestown, Colorado, providing both backcountry and amenity-rich options for outdoor enthusiasts. The region includes Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland and Allenspark Dispersed Camping, which consistently receive high ratings from visitors seeking primitive camping experiences. Several Forest Service and National Park sites, including Moraine Park and Glacier Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park, offer developed camping with various amenities. Tent camping predominates in dispersed areas, while both tent and RV accommodations are available at established sites throughout Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Road access varies significantly across the camping landscape, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or short hikes from parking areas. The Ceran St. Vrain Trail area exemplifies this pattern, with campsites spread along hiking trails that follow creeks and rivers. Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities such as running water, restrooms, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out waste. Weather conditions change rapidly in this mountainous terrain, with campers reporting significant temperature drops at night even during summer months. One visitor noted, "We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter—only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."
Gold Lake Area Dispersed camping receives particular attention for its balance of accessibility and natural beauty. Several campers mentioned the area provides reliable weekend availability compared to other Boulder-area locations. "Gold Lake Road is one of the best spots for dispersed camping in the area. There are a ton of spots on the way to the lake. I've been able to find a spot even on a summer Saturday, which can be hard to do in many of these dispersed camping zones outside of Boulder," wrote one camper. Wildlife sightings, including moose and fox, enhance the camping experience throughout the region, though visitors should practice proper food storage and wildlife awareness. Fire restrictions frequently apply, especially during dry summer periods, requiring campers to check current regulations before planning trips.
"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."
"You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
"The location is great, there’s about 10 designated camp sites to choose from and great hiking trails nearby. The drive in is easy."
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."
"Take the road far enough and you’ll get past those with homes and find some decent BLM off road camping/overnight parking places. Road gets a bit more 4x4 like as you keep going"
"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking for the true Colorado experience-look no further. "
"While there are some hiking trails stemming from the main camping area, Camp Dick is not the best option for those who want to enjoy quiet nature walks since most of the trails also accommodate off-road"
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."
"This si the place my friends and I go to just for a night away from everything. It is just out of reach of the city and far enough away where we can find some peace and quiet."
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."
"Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Pawnee Campground is a basic, no frills campground with a fantastic location next to Brainard Lake. The most incredible lake hikes are within easy access of the campground."
"The Pawnee campground is one of the best for those who like to get on the hiking trails early, but don't want to stress about the crowded parking lots!"
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI really like campgrounds that offer easy access to both water activities and basic amenities. Cottonwood Campground seems like a solid option for a relaxing weekend, especially if you enjoy boating, fishing, or simply spending time outdoors with family and friends.
ScoutGreat if you’re a family looking for a campsite with lots of amenities, but at $28 a night plus $12 park fee, it’s not for “primitive” camping. The ice machine was broken and the laundry is coin operated, and they don’t let you hang hammocks from the trees. Not great areas for rtt. Kinda sucked for us just looking for a place with a shower.
ScoutTerrible luck. No access from the 36 side anymore. It is gated off and if you want to camp, you’re going to have to park and hail everything in.
ScoutThis is the fourth KOA site I have visited in the past week and it's probably the best. Staff is nice. Place is quiet but still cost $70 just to park near a bench.
TravelerBeing RV campers there is something to be said about pulling up to a site and it being already level. Already off to an amazing start.
This spot was well maintained, had just enough shade, incredibly close to hiking trails, close to the water, and walking distance to the camp store, and also close to a vault toilet. All in all I have no real complaints about inlet bay campground and absolutely loved this site :)
ScoutThis campground has always been a favorite campground of mine (been coming here 30+ years), but frankly, I’m questioning if I want to visit again. The new management company seems to place profits over maintaining anything.
It’s the beginning of the camping season and already, the place is a mess. Trash in most of the fire pits, poop smeared all over the outhouse floor and seats, and the site we had reserved looked like someone had shaved a full head of looooong hair around the table and disposed of most of it, you guessed it, in the fire pit. We brought up the issues with one of the hosts and they graciously let us switch spots, but instead of cleaning the outhouse, they slapped an out of order sign on the door.
There’s also no water (a common issue here, granted), but they are still charging the full $35 a night!! I’ve never paid so much for a campground with no amenities.
So beware, the toilets are disgusting, there’s no water, the camp hosts don’t seem to care much about cleaning up anything, and they are charging an arm and a leg.
ScoutClean. Just off the highway. Convenient for that reason.
RangerThe North Park campground at State Forest State Park has just been renovated with full hookups and a brand new bath house! The hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing & other outdoor activities are second to none! And you’re surrounded by snow capped peaks to boot! Highly recommend North Park campground if amenities are of importance!
RangerThere’s something truly special about staying inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The surroundings are absolutely beautiful, and having breakfast in the morning while looking out at the mountains is an amazing experience. The free shuttle system also makes it very easy to access a variety of great hiking trails directly from the campground. The only small downside, in my opinion, is that there are no showers, besides of solar showers and the restrooms are not flush toilets. On the other hand, getting fresh water is easy and convenient. Overall, we would highly recommend staying here. The location and the incredible scenery make it a fantastic place to experience the park.
Dispersed camping sites near Jamestown, Colorado range from high-elevation forest locations to creek-side retreats, with most situated between 7,000 and 10,500 feet. Temperatures at these mountain campsites can drop dramatically after sunset even in July and August, often falling 30-40 degrees from daytime highs. Sites along roads like Ski Road in Allenspark feature established fire rings near creeks, while higher elevation campsites offer more seclusion but require better vehicle clearance.
Stream fishing access: Multiple campsites in the area provide direct creek access for fishing. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, sites are positioned near water. "Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski Road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already built and most camp spots are along the creek," explains one camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime animal sighting times. Dream Canyon provides canyon views where wildlife congregates. A visitor noted, "This spot is super cool, def a little busy but some really awesome canyon views. Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."
Mountain biking trails: Several trail systems connect with camping areas. At Golden Gate Canyon State Park, trail options abound. "The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. There are facilities, ideal for car camping or families. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!"
Creek-side campsites: The sound of running water provides natural white noise for sleeping. At Camp Dick Campground, sites border a stream. One camper reported, "It was awesome! The dogs loved the creek. It was quiet and beautiful. We stayed at site #41 right by the entrance after you cross the bridge. Not a lot of shade so our coleman canopy came in handy."
High-elevation lakes: Several camping areas sit near alpine lakes with fishing access. At Beaver Park Reservoir, visitors enjoy lake views. "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feel nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some spots are close to each other and others have more space. Will definitely be back," shares a camper.
Fire ring availability: Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, visitors note pre-built fire areas: "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."
Weather preparation requirements: Mountain conditions change rapidly at these elevations. At Pawnee Campground, altitude affects weather patterns: "The views are absolutely breathtaking, as was the altitude (10,600'). Summertime temperatures are warm in the day and cool at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common."
Road condition challenges: Many access roads deteriorate further from main highways. At Beaver Park Reservoir, road conditions vary: "Road is passable by standard cars. Layout can be crowded with little space between but was pretty empty through the week. You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
Bear activity reports: Proper food storage is essential in this area. Multiple Allenspark campers reported bear encounters: "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he came back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Playground access: Some established campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Mary's Lake Campground, facilities include family-friendly options: "Great staff and great people! Big area and right across the road from the Lake so easy walk. Has super clean bathroom showers and facilities. Cute very well stocked store with anything you might need. Nice safe playground and relaxing pool."
Short hiking trails: Several camping areas feature family-appropriate walks. At Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park, trails begin near campsites: "We camped in Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park in September 2017, and had a lovely experience! The site was in the very back of the campground, had a large distance between the two neighboring sites, and faced the mountains. There were horse trails and game trails - we saw some horseback riders and some deer wandered through our campsite."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Scheduled times for animal sightings help keep kids engaged. Dream Canyon offers wildlife encounters: "Beautiful, secluded and right next to a creek. BUT a huge bear got into my tent while I was gone for 2 hours and absolutely destroyed it. Very easy to find and spacious."
Site size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs only. At Beaver Park Reservoir, size constraints exist: "There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad."
Generator restrictions: Many areas prohibit generator use. At Glacier Basin Campground, quiet hours are enforced: "Glacier Basin campground is one of three in RMNP. There are 150 standard and 12 group campsites. The sites are distributed in 4 loops with each site having a picnic table, tent pads, and fire grates. There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length. Campsites are quite close together, but there are quiet hours and limits to generator use."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management in advance. Mary's Lake Campground offers facilities: "Clean and well maintained campground. Price is good compared to other campgrounds near by. A couple down falls, no shade trees for RV full hookup sites and lower sites are a little crowded when filled up."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jamestown, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 416 campgrounds and RV parks near Jamestown, CO and 126 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jamestown, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 55 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 126 free dispersed camping spots near Jamestown, CO.
What parks are near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Jamestown, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Keep Exploring
