Best Campgrounds near Lafayette, CO

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!