Best Tent Camping near Jefferson, CO

Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape around Jefferson, Colorado, with several primitive options in Pike National Forest. Boreas Pass Road offers designated dispersed tent camping at 10,600 feet elevation, providing access to high-alpine terrain with established fire rings but no facilities. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping and McCullough Gulch sites offer similar primitive tent setups within driving distance of Jefferson, while Lodgepole Campground provides more established tent sites with drinking water and vault toilets for those seeking minimal amenities.

Most primitive tent sites require campers to be self-sufficient with water filtration systems and waste disposal plans. Fire restrictions are common throughout summer months, with one camper noting that "a permanent fire ban has recently been put into place and all the fire rings and wood piles have been removed from the area." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many backcountry tent areas, particularly after snowmelt when forest roads can become rutted and washed out. Tent pads vary from packed dirt to rocky surfaces, with limited grading at most sites. Bear-proof food storage is essential, as wildlife activity remains high throughout the camping season, and some designated areas provide bear boxes at each site.

The tent camping experience near Jefferson offers exceptional solitude compared to more developed areas closer to Denver. Areas along Boreas Pass provide expansive mountain views with sites situated between 9,000-11,000 feet elevation, creating crisp nights even during summer months. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "sites are nice right next to a creek, with very few mosquitos" at many of the primitive camping areas. Tent campers frequently use these zones as bases for hiking to nearby alpine lakes and 14,000-foot peaks. Morning wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with moose sightings reported at several backcountry tent locations. Weather changes rapidly at these elevations, so tent campers should be prepared for overnight temperatures dropping into the 30s even during summer months, particularly at the higher elevation primitive tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Jefferson, Colorado (96)

    1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Found this spot at about 7PM on a Friday night near the Breckenridge end of the Boreas Pass Trail (39.451441,-106.014294)."

    "This this is a long Winding Road up the mountain that has many nice places to pull over and Camp right off the road. Some are a bit further back than others. Most are accessible to any vehicle."

    2. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "We stopped at one that had a fire ring made from rocks but it wasn't 100' from water. we parked at night so we didn't see the  sign that said it wasn't a legal camping spot, then the next day we got a"

    "We have an off-road teardrop trailer with rooftop tent and travelled with another family with rooftop tent and we were able to spread out with plenty of level ground for our vehicles/sleeping quarters."

    3. McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "I would recommend a 4x4 or offroad vechicle for most of the pull off roads in the area. Campsites have signs designating them and fire rings. Look for signs and pull offs from the main road."

    "As the other reviews describe, it’s a groomed dirt road entrance near the parking lot for the Mount Quandary trail."

    4. Lodgepole Campground

    3 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 836-2031

    "The drive in was also amazing. When you get to the gate make sure you have 7$ cash.

    One of many stops we made in Colorado."

    "There is access to the Colorado Trail right in the campsite."

    5. A-Lodge-Denver

    4 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 444-0882

    $49 - $149 / night

    "Tent sites are neat. Didnt think from the pictures I'd have to navigate up like I did. It was good though, quite."

    "The A-Lodge just outside of Boulder is the ultimate adventure home base."

    6. Kenosha East Campground

    2 Reviews
    Jefferson, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $20 / night

    "We were thankful that they put our safety first.

    Kenosha East is designed primarily for tent camping. A small trailer or camper van can be accommodated."

    7. Jefferson Lake Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Jefferson, CO
    6 miles

    "But- id definitely suggest setting up “camp” for the day.

    There are a few other campgrounds in this rec area including Lodgepole and Aspen. Michigan Creek is also nearby."

    8. Pike National Forest Handcart Campground

    1 Review
    Jefferson, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $22 / night

    "We decided to stop here on the last leg of our two week Colorado trip."

    9. Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "We were at Lower Crystal Lake on July 27-28, 2022.  This was our first overnight backpacking trip with our 9 and 12 year old. "

    "The road up can be a bit challenging, especially for novice offroaders, but it's doable. The lake is beautiful but can be very windy."

    10. Pike National Forest Whiteside Campground

    1 Review
    Grant, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    "It is super helpful to grab a map of BLM land and public use areas from the ranger stations in Grant or Bailey CO. You can also use The Dyrt!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 96 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Jefferson, CO

2635 Reviews of 96 Jefferson Campgrounds



Guide to Jefferson

Tent camping near Jefferson, Colorado offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience the breathtaking scenery and hiking trails at Kite Lake, perfect for those looking to explore the area around Mount Democrat.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and fishing opportunities at Lodgepole Campground, where you can access the Colorado Trail right from your campsite.
  • Discover the beauty of the aspen groves and wildflowers while hiking the Colorado Trail from Kenosha East Campground, a great spot for both tent camping and day hikes.

Tips for tent camping near Jefferson

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $30

  • Camping at Kite Lake typically costs around $15 for an overnight stay, making it an affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Expect to pay about $30 for a night at Lodgepole Campground, which offers well-maintained facilities and access to nearby trails.
  • For a budget-friendly experience, McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping is free, though it requires some preparation for a more rustic camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jefferson, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jefferson, CO is Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jefferson, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 96 tent camping locations near Jefferson, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.