Tent campsites near Littleton, Colorado provide access to diverse wilderness experiences at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet. The camping season generally runs from May through October, with higher elevations experiencing frost even during summer months. Mountain weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Platte River Campground, tent campers have direct river access for fly fishing. One visitor noted, "John the site manager was very friendly and not an uptight site manager. Had a nice little hike around the area. My lab loved being able to swim in river."
Hiking trails: Staunton State Park Campground offers well-maintained trails accessible from campsites. A reviewer mentioned, "This park was incredible for just getting away with my pup for a night. We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot."
Stargazing: The area's mountain location provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from Denver's light pollution. A camper at Platte River Campground reported, "The stars here are incredible. However if the breeze is up it's gone chilling."
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds report deer, moose, and bird sightings. A Gordon Gulch camper observed, "Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."
What campers like
Wilderness access with urban proximity: Bear Creek Lake Campground balances natural settings with convenient location. A visitor described it as having "Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff," though noting "Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past."
Spacious sites: Many tent campsites offer good separation between neighbors. At Sawmill Hiker Campground, a camper reported, "Spots aren't too close to each other and there's great views!" Another visitor noted that "although there was a group of scouts, a group of friends, and a bigger youth group who all hiked in, it did not feel crowded or noisy."
Morning views: Several campsites provide sunrise vistas over the Front Range. A Sawmill camper shared, "At night you can see all the city lights of sprawling Denver, but then have a perfect view of the sunrise in the morning. Witnessing the sunrise from this spot will always be one of my favorite memories."
Pre-cut firewood: Some campgrounds provide wood for campers, reducing the need to gather or transport fuel. This service varies by location and season.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, visitors advise, "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy" and "campsite 18, had great views and nice weather, no water though but there is a lake down the road. 4x4 Required as roads were rough."
Seasonal closures: Lower elevation campsites typically open earlier in spring and remain accessible later in fall. Higher sites may have limited access outside summer months.
Cell service limitations: Most tent campsites have minimal or no cellular coverage. A camper at Staunton State Park noted the campground is "pricey but honestly if you are in Denver and just looking for a nice site to stay in the mountains and want to do some hiking or biking and have easy access to the city this is great."
Site competition: Proximity to Denver means weekends fill quickly. A reviewer at Winiger Ridge advised, "Given that this is so close to boulder, a ton of people come here... We tried to drive in Friday night and all the campsites were full so some kind people let us share theirs. I'd suggest getting their early to get a good spot!"
Tips for camping with families
Educational experiences: Some areas offer ranger programs during summer months. Bear Creek Lake Campground provides diverse activities for children, with one camper noting, "There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area, with access to trails to the lake, a boat launch and boat rental, equestrian stables, and archery."
Safety considerations: Many campsites are at higher elevations with potential hazards. A family at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area commented on terrain advantages: "The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds."
Short hiking options: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly trails under 2 miles. One parent described Sawmill as "an excellent 'beginner' foray into backpacking" noting "It is a 1 mile, easy hike. The first 1/3 of a mile is dirt, the remainder is gravel. It is fairly hilly, but easy enough that we actually opted to push our Jogging Stroller with our kid the entire way."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about proper food storage in bear country. Multiple campgrounds provide bear boxes for secure storage.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Only a few campgrounds near Littleton offer electrical connections. Bear Creek Lake Campground provides "sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area... 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."
Size restrictions: Many forest roads have width and clearance limitations. Larger RVs should stick to established campgrounds rather than dispersed areas.
Parking considerations: Some tent-focused areas separate parking from campsites. At Osprey Campground, "the parking is barred off from being able to pull an rv or van into the actual spot."
Alternative arrangements: When dedicated RV sites are full, some locations permit limited overnight stays. One camper noted, "According to a camp host at lone rock, you can park and camp in your roof top tent in the lot for the same price. However, no trailers are allowed."
