Best Campgrounds near Lafayette, CO

Camping options around Lafayette, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites in nearby national forests. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Lafayette, offers multiple campgrounds including Reverend's Ridge and Deer Creek with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Nearby dispersed camping can be found at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland, providing more primitive options for tent and small RV camping. Additional developed facilities include St. Vrain State Park Campground to the north and Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground, both offering RV hookups and basic amenities within reasonable driving distance of Lafayette.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or snow events. The Gordon Gulch area features rugged forest service roads where 4WD may be necessary for accessing the best locations. Elevations in the nearby mountains range from 5,000 to 9,000 feet, creating variable weather conditions even in summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, typically from June through September. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the backcountry camping areas. One camper noted the challenging terrain at Gordon Gulch: "Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot."

Campers consistently rate sites with mountain views and water access highest among regional options. The established campgrounds within Golden Gate Canyon State Park receive positive feedback for their amenities and proximity to hiking trails. Dispersed sites offer greater privacy and fewer restrictions but require self-sufficiency and adherence to leave-no-trace principles. Proximity to Nederland, Golden, and other mountain towns provides convenient access to supplies and additional recreation. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, and various bird species throughout the area. Noise levels vary significantly, with RV parks and fairground camping experiencing more activity, while dispersed forest sites offer greater solitude. Winter camping is limited primarily to lower elevation sites due to snow accumulation and access limitations in the mountains.

Best Camping Sites Near Lafayette, Colorado (331)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $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."

    2. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    3. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    4. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 425-1097

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"

    "5 stars because of the lake, Mountain Views, and it not being far from town. Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake☀️"

    5. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."

    "The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."

    7. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "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."

    "Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."

    8. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 278-1437

    $32 - $80 / night

    "Had a great spot right next to the Clear Creek walking path. The campground is clean and well looked after. Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to many hikes and mt trails."

    "**Campground Review: **

    Golden, CO is a super cute town on the outskirts of Denver. The city has a campground in a prime location, and we were lucky to book a site!"

    10. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Lafayette, CO

2516 Reviews of 331 Lafayette Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    A-Lodge Boulder - Car Camping

    Quiet, cozy, very close to Boulder. Only 3 van/car spots

    Although there was a wedding in evening one night, it was over and folks dispersed by around 8pm, minimal bugs so we did not use screens for a good part of the time, the overall site is long and narrow and so parking/car traffic can be a little tight. We did go out the exit on far side to come back in to the entrance and that was >180 degree turn so try to avoid that. Three clean bathrooms, 1 mens with 2 toilet stalls and shower (toilet stall were very small--knees bumped against door), 2 co-ed bathrooms (one with toilet/sink/shower, one with toilet & sink only). One sink in co-ed had very hot water coming out of both faucets (no cold from this sink). Paper towel dispensers ran out and were empty for a day but then roll of paper towels appeared. 

    Wifi was spotty & disconnected regularly, no Verizon service. There is a small 'store': A fridge with drinks and burritos, shelves with some Mountain House dinners, and snack bars. There is a pool, dry sauna with great LARGE window looking at creek, and hot-tub (sauna worked great). Did get chance to see any of the rooms. Tent sites are up a VERY steep path and on platforms on side of hill (perhaps 50-60' up the hill?). There's an area with some slack lines set up, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

  • B S.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Idlewild Campground

    Fall stay

    Stayed two nights with my sons. Grabbed one of the walk-in sites Friday at 1pm.

    Pros: Availability (one of the only sites in Winter Park), beautiful surroundings

    Cons: Right next to the highway so traffic (trains at times) can be heard at all hours of the night, most walk-in sites don't have a tent pad

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Great view of the Lake + porta-potty

    We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.


Guide to Lafayette

Camping near Lafayette, CO, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake is a great spot. A visitor shared, "We saw over 100 elk in RMNP," highlighting the area's wildlife.
  • Water Sports: At Chatfield State Park Campground, you can enjoy paddleboarding and swimming. One reviewer said, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review for Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Dakota Ridge RV Park stated, "The staff was great and managed to get us a site at short notice."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some areas can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Moraine Park Campground said, "It's a bit overcrowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area lacks drinking water and toilets, as noted by a visitor who mentioned, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from May to September. A camper advised, "Check the website for seasonal closures."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with playgrounds and activities. East Portal Campground has a big playground, making it a great choice for families. One parent said, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, friendly hosts."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Be prepared to see wildlife. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items like tarps for shade and games for kids. A camper at Boyd Lake State Park suggested, "Bring a wagon to haul shade items, inflatables, and chairs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground noted, "We had plenty of room to center our rig while leaving room for our tow dolly."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground appreciated, "The Gold Rush loop is all full hookups."

Camping near Lafayette, CO, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lafayette, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lafayette, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 331 campgrounds and RV parks near Lafayette, CO and 92 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lafayette, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lafayette, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lafayette, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 92 free dispersed camping spots near Lafayette, CO.

What parks are near Lafayette, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lafayette, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.