Dispersed camping near Littleton, Colorado offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to escape city life while remaining close to urban amenities. Sites at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area and Rampart Range Recreation Area provide fewer restrictions than developed campgrounds, with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,500 feet. The foothills region experiences temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, particularly in spring and fall months when camping conditions can shift rapidly.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area contains an extensive network of trails popular with cyclists of all skill levels. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes andrew B. in his Buffalo Creek Recreation Area review.
Creekside exploration: Many sites provide access to flowing water during spring and early summer. "We hiked out to the 96 burn area to explore and we ended up doing a nice 7 mile loop to get down to the creek for a cool down," writes Hayley K. about her Buffalo Creek experience.
Fishing opportunities: Local reservoirs and creeks support various fish species. At Clear Creek RV Park, one camper shares that "There is so much to do at this location; aside from the sectioned off RV area, there are lots of paths and locals parks to adventure around. Tubing & swimming in the creek is wonderful especially in summertime. Our favorite is the fishing, so much fun fishing in all the different spots along the creek."
Shooting sports: Designated areas for target shooting exist within certain recreation areas. At Rampart Range, Hayley K. notes: "We found a safe spot for us to go shooting clays the next day and we had a blast just releasing some energy. We did clean up all of our trash as we went. Leave no trace!"
What campers like
Proximity to Denver: Chief Hosa Campground provides quick mountain access while staying close to the metro area. "This campground is very easy to get too right off of Interstate 70. It was nice but the sites are very close and you can hear the traffic on the interstate really well," reports Kimberly M.
Spacious dispersed sites: The free camping areas offer more room between neighbors than developed campgrounds. At Rampart Range Recreation Area, Taylor V. writes: "We were surprised at how far spread the sites actually are. No trail directly near the site, no sites surrounding, we could see the road but from the road the site area was mostly secluded."
Clean facilities: Many developed campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado C. mentions: "This campground allows easy access to Denver, Golden, and the foothills. The campground has a pool and hot tub. The bathrooms are very clean. The staff is helpful."
Off-leash dog areas: Beyond the dog parks mentioned in the existing description, other camping locations welcome pets with specific amenities. As ProfG999 notes about Applewood RV Resort, "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... right next to it is a nice lake and park which connects to hiking trails."
What you should know
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Dispersed camping areas fill quickly on weekends. Halee E. reports about Rampart Range: "We came up Sunday and drove around for an hour trying to find a spot. It was so busy with campers and there were dirt bikers everywhere! Sunday evening it cleared up and we were the only ones there mon-tues!"
Seasonal closures: Some pet friendly camping near Littleton, Colorado operates on limited schedules. Chief Hosa Campground only remains open "May 1 to 3rd week September," according to the campground information.
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects sound levels. As noted in one Bear Creek Lake Campground review: "The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point."
Fire restrictions: Rules regarding campfires change based on conditions and location. Monte P. explains about Rampart Range: "The road to the sites is pretty washboarded out but affords access your the sites for both 4x4's and grocery getters alike, RV campers may not be able to find a level, accessible site at this time of year (Mid-March)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Vicky G. mentions that Bear Creek Lake Campground has "several restrooms. Nice big sites, open space without a lot of trees, beautiful views... water fill stations, dump station."
Site selection for privacy: Choose spots away from main roads for quiet family time. At Chief Hosa Campground, Lisa K. observes: "Nice, clean campsite near Denver. All the sites are very close together. Would be great to camp near friends, but not strangers."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and historical sites provide learning moments for children. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area reviewer andrew B. notes: "Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals and is ultimately uplifting."
Cost considerations: Camping fees vary significantly between locations with some free options available. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area has "about 30 or so sites. First come first serve but are free. Nice large sites many have room for RV's. Good distance between sites for privacy as well," according to Matt T.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. Kevin M. notes about Bear Creek Lake Campground: "The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups... Only drawback might be the bathrooms have no night lighting and you have a dumping station instead of sewage hookups. Also water is available but not at the site."
Site leveling challenges: Some areas require significant work to level an RV. Carly G. reports about Chief Hosa: "We're getting ready to boondock for a bit. Instead of overnighting at a trick spot we snagged site 13 at about noon, same day. Great pricing with only about a $20 premium to dump/fill at Love's and electric/water hookups with dump station included."
Water pressure concerns: RVers should prepare for varying water systems. As Love4travel T. warns about Applewood RV Resort: "Be sure to have a water pressure regulator or you'll come back to a flooded RV... the sewer is 6 inches above grade and slinky support wasn't tall enough. You might be lifting your hose to assist emptying."
Late season considerations: Weather impacts access to dispersed camping for larger vehicles. Monte P. explains about Rampart Range: "The road to the sites is pretty washboarded out but affords access for both 4x4's and grocery getters alike, RV campers may not be able to find a level, accessible site at this time of year (Mid-March)."
