Camping near Lakewood, Colorado offers diverse outdoor experiences in the foothills region where elevation ranges from 5,500 to 8,500 feet. Temperature variations can be substantial with summer days reaching the 90s while dropping to the 40s at night in mountain campgrounds. Late spring through early fall sees the highest visitor numbers at established campgrounds, with weekends often booking months in advance.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Cherry Creek State Park Campground provides extensive multi-use trails with varying difficulty levels. "The park is beautiful the views are truly amazing! The staff is fantastic and always willing to help! The clubhouse is spotless," notes one visitor who stayed in the upper section of the park.
Water recreation: Standley Lake Regional Park offers multiple water-based activities with equipment rentals available. A camper mentioned, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding."
Archery range exploration: Bear Creek Lake Campground maintains an archery range that's popular with families and beginners. "Great Campground. Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," writes Joshua H.
Mountain biking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features miles of mountain biking trails through pine and aspen forests. As one reviewer noted, "Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. There are facilities, ideal for car camping or families. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!"
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Visiting campgrounds outside summer months significantly reduces crowds. "If you go any time outside of the busy summer time it's quiet and not packed. It is beautiful though!" shares a camper at Frazer Meadow Campground.
Red Rocks proximity: Chatfield State Park Campground offers quick access to the popular amphitheater. "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos," a visitor commented about the location advantages.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide chances to see native wildlife. One camper at Reverend's Ridge shared, "This was a phenomenal state park. Many multiuse trails. Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view."
Yurt camping options: Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park offers climate-controlled yurt accommodations with comfort amenities. A camper noted the benefits: "Super clean campground. Close to Red Rocks and Denver. You have to drive a bit to get to the lake. Some nice hiking and biking trails off the campground. Beautiful views of the mountains."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds near Lakewood require advance reservations, especially during peak season. At Chatfield, "Without a reservation you put your name on a list that they start going through at 1pm to assign sites. As someone tent-camping this is no problem, just takes some time."
Day-use fees: Several parks charge separate day-use fees in addition to camping fees. One camper noted about Cherry Creek State Park, "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay."
Limited shade availability: Many campsites in the area lack substantial tree cover. At Standley Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Not a lot of shade, ground kinda pebbly. If you're looking for a quick post up near Denver or Boulder, sure. If you're looking for peaceful camping, you could do far better."
Shower coin requirements: Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon and other campgrounds operate coin-operated showers. "The bathrooms were very clean and recently remodeled, but require coins if you were going to shower," one camper noted.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly yurt options: Yurt camping near Lakewood, Colorado provides an excellent introduction to outdoor stays for families with young children. "I am a new camper but the cabins seemed exceptionally close together," mentioned one family at Base Camp, highlighting the social atmosphere.
Playground considerations: Several campgrounds maintain playground facilities for children. At Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon, a parent observed, "Our nine year old really liked the playground area."
Wildlife education opportunities: Denver West-Central City KOA and other mountain campgrounds offer chances to teach children about local ecosystems. "The sites all have great views. There is hiking galore in the area. You are super confidently located near Black Hawk and Central City while also being near i70," noted a family who enjoyed the educational aspects.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring appropriate clothing layers. "This place is huge and has many amenities. It's very well maintained. The bathrooms were very clean and the showers were pay only and only with a bank card," commented a family who appreciated the facilities during variable weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of hookup services. At Chatfield State Park, an RVer shared: "Clean bathrooms. Very friendly attendant. Level primative spots. $26 for primative."
Site leveling challenges: Some campground sites require significant leveling efforts. "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks. When we where there, there were bear in the campground," warned an experienced RVer at Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Extended stay limits: Most campgrounds enforce maximum stay durations. As one local Cherry Creek visitor noted, "Campground is usually fully booked all season. Reservations can be made six months out. Two week limit."
