Best Tent Camping near Lafayette, CO
The mountainous terrain surrounding Lafayette, Colorado offers diverse tent camping options within a short drive. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland provides primitive tent campsites at elevations around 9,000 feet, while Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping offers walk-in tent sites along a stream just minutes from Longmont. Dream Canyon Campsites, located in Roosevelt National Forest, provides tent-only camping with spectacular canyon views. Sawmill Hiker Campground, managed by Jefferson County Open Space, features designated walk-in tent sites accessible via a one-mile trail, making it ideal for those seeking backcountry tent camping without a lengthy hike.
Most tent campgrounds in this region require campers to be self-sufficient. Sites typically feature dirt or gravel tent pads with minimal improvements. Water is scarce at dispersed sites, so tent campers should bring all necessary supplies or water filtration equipment. Bear activity is common throughout the area, with some established campgrounds providing bear boxes for food storage. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed camping areas, particularly Gordon Gulch where rough roads can be challenging after rain or snow. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Vault toilets are available at some established sites but entirely absent at most dispersed locations.
In early fall, tent campers find more solitude at higher elevation sites as crowds thin out. According to reviews, Sawmill Hiker Campground offers well-maintained tent sites that "are spread out from one another" making it feel uncrowded even when multiple groups are present. One camper at Dream Canyon noted that while parking areas fill quickly on weekends, "we had the dispersed camping areas almost all to ourselves" since most visitors were day-use only. At Gordon Gulch, a visitor reported that "spots are dispersed well enough for privacy" though cautioned that the area becomes difficult to navigate after dark. Walk-in tent sites at Staunton State Park provide a buffer from vehicle noise, with one camper noting that "there are no cars or car traffic, so that makes a big difference" in the camping experience.
