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Best Campgrounds near Lakewood, CO

2,313 Reviews

Campgrounds near Lakewood, Colorado range from established state parks to dispersed camping areas in the surrounding mountains. Chatfield State Park Campground in Littleton provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, while Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and yurts from April through October. The region includes both urban-adjacent options with amenities and more remote forest service sites. Public lands within driving distance support primitive camping experiences, while several RV parks like Dakota Ridge RV Park in Golden cater to travelers seeking full hookups and facilities.

Road conditions and access requirements vary significantly across camping areas in the region. Many established campgrounds like Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park remain open year-round with reliable access, while mountain camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain or snow. Elevation plays a key role in planning trips, with higher sites experiencing cooler temperatures even in summer months. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during peak summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch require more preparation as they lack amenities. A visitor noted that at Gordon Gulch, "Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle."

Campers report mixed experiences with privacy and noise levels at campgrounds near Lakewood. Sites closer to Denver and major highways tend to have more ambient noise but offer convenience to urban amenities. "If you're looking to get into the wilderness and away from civilization for awhile, this place is not for you. If you want a place close to the highway and easy access to the beautiful attractions of Colorado Springs and/or Denver, then this is a great place," wrote one camper about a campground in the region. Bear Creek Lake Park receives positive reviews for its proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheater and urban convenience while still offering wildlife viewing opportunities. Several campgrounds in the area feature access to hiking trails, fishing, and water recreation, with many campers highlighting the ability to enjoy outdoor activities while remaining close to city amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lakewood, Colorado (374)

    1. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."

    "This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!!

    Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."

    2. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    4 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."

    3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    3 miles
    Website

    "We stayed at Indian Paintbrush Campground in Bear Creek Park in Lakewood, CO right next to Red Rocks Amphitheater. We went to a concert (Old Dominion) and it was a perfect set up."

    "This was our first time staying at Bear Creek Lake. The park is not part of the Colorado Wilds or CPW State Park system, but daily vehicle fees are included with your camping reservation."

    4. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    7 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!"

    5. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."

    "It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "

    6. Chief Hosa Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "

    "The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."

    7. 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."

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    13 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 872-7544

    "Good location close to interstate to access all the cool towns and site seeing west of Denver."

    "When I walked in the office, I was greeted by 5 wonderful sweet dogs. I love dogs so there couldn't have been a better greeting. Kathy was very friendly and helpful."

    9. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    13 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☀️"

    10. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    21 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 Camping Photos near Lakewood, CO

831 Photos of 374 Lakewood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lakewood, CO

2313 Reviews of 374 Lakewood Campgrounds

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Kevin C.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Nice Campground but Terrible Neighbors

    It is a nice spot to make camp.  We had plenty of spots to choose from.  We thought it was perfect at first.  Then the people with the ATVs started showing up and it got loud.  And stayed loud all night long.  Loud, with massive lights that would light up our tent every time they drove by all night long.  We will not be going back, purely because of the other people.

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

Guide to Lakewood

Camping near Lakewood, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Sports: Head to Chatfield State Park Campground for some great paddleboarding spots. One camper mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Golden Gate Canyon State Park where one visitor said, "Great biking, hiking right from the campsite." It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Fishing and Relaxing: At Bear Creek Lake Park, you can fish and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. A reviewer noted, "Beautiful sunset," highlighting the park's scenic views.

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers at Denver West-Central City KOA rave about the helpful staff. One guest said, "Every staff member was so helpful and nice," making your stay more enjoyable.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Reverend's Ridge Campground. One reviewer said, "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado," which adds to the camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park noted, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Road Conditions: If you're heading to Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, be prepared for rough roads. One review stated, "The road is in very poor condition," so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.
  • Limited Amenities: Some spots, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, lack basic facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Not a single site felt safe or clean enough to camp there," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Bear Creek Lake Park that offer swimming and fishing. A reviewer said, "Reservoir in the park for swimming and fishing," making it family-friendly.
  • Check for Kid-Friendly Amenities: At Cherry Creek State Park Campground, families can enjoy a sand beach and hiking trails. One camper noted, "Easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds, like Reverend's Ridge Campground, are quieter, which is great for families needing downtime. A visitor mentioned, "Very nice, quiet and quaint camping spot!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: Campers at Dakota Ridge RV Park appreciate the full-service sites. One reviewer said, "Pull through sites are very practical to accommodate longer RVs."
  • Be Prepared for Coin-Operated Showers: Many campgrounds, like Golden Gate Canyon State Park, have coin-operated showers. A camper advised, "Showers take quarters so come prepared."
  • Check Site Levels: At Clear Creek RV Park, some sites can be uneven. A visitor noted, "The site was really bad. So uneven that no matter how much we tried we couldn't get level."

Camping near Lakewood, CO, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there camping spots with lake access near Lakewood?

Several campgrounds near Lakewood offer excellent lake access. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake provides beautiful lakeside camping with bathroom facilities and a visitor center. Though sites are somewhat close together, it's perfect for groups wanting water access. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers more secluded camping with reservoir access, particularly at Site 5 which is tucked away in a corner providing privacy while still allowing easy access to the water. Both locations offer fire pits for campfires and nearby hiking opportunities, making them ideal for water-oriented camping experiences within driving distance of Lakewood.

Where are the best campgrounds near Lakewood, CO?

Lakewood offers excellent nearby camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Bear Creek Lake Campground is the closest option, located within Lakewood city limits with electric hookups, playgrounds, and easy access to trails, lake activities, and archery. Just a short drive away, Chatfield State Park Campground provides well-maintained sites with various amenities. For those seeking more of a wilderness experience, the Roosevelt National Forest and Golden Gate Canyon State Park have multiple campgrounds within an hour's drive. Many sites are reservable, which is recommended during peak summer months when campgrounds fill quickly.

Is there RV camping available in Lakewood, Colorado?

Yes, Lakewood and its surrounding areas offer several RV camping options. Dakota Ridge RV Park provides dedicated RV sites, though it's noted to be somewhat pricey even in winter. For a family-friendly option, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur offers easy highway access and is strategically located between Denver and Colorado Springs. Bear Creek Lake Park also accommodates RVs with electric hookups at their sites. Most RV parks in the area offer water and electric hookups, with many providing full hookups including sewer. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months when parks fill quickly. Some parks impose quiet hours (typically 10pm-8am) and may have length restrictions for larger rigs.

What camping facilities have bathrooms near Lakewood, Colorado?

Several campgrounds near Lakewood offer bathroom facilities. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park provides bathroom access and is conveniently located next to Red Rocks Amphitheater, making it perfect for combining camping with concerts. Colorado Campground near Woodland Park offers bathroom facilities while being situated close to Manitou Lake and the Pikes Peak wilderness area. For those seeking more amenities, Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks both feature modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and shower buildings. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months, and typically charge a daily fee plus park entrance fees where applicable.

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