Best Campgrounds near Lone Tree, CO

State parks and national forests surrounding Lone Tree, Colorado provide a strategic basecamp for exploring the Front Range. Within a 30-minute drive, Chatfield State Park Campground offers year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites near a reservoir popular for water recreation. Cherry Creek State Park Campground, located in Aurora, similarly provides developed camping with modern amenities including electric, water, and sewer connections. For those seeking more rustic experiences, the Pike National Forest to the west contains dispersed camping areas like Buffalo Creek Recreation Area and Rampart Range Recreation Area, where primitive sites require self-sufficiency but offer greater solitude among ponderosa pines.

Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping accessibility in the region. Many dispersed sites in the foothills require high-clearance vehicles, as one camper noted: "It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It's a lot like off-roading on some parts." Elevation changes bring cooler temperatures even in summer months, with nighttime temperatures at higher elevations frequently dropping into the 30s even in September. Reservations are essential for state park campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, with bans typically implemented from late spring through early fall depending on conditions.

Campers consistently mention the contrast between developed and primitive sites in the area. State park campgrounds provide reliable amenities but less privacy, with one reviewer noting: "If you're looking to get into the wilderness and away from civilization for a while, this place is not for you." Conversely, dispersed camping areas offer greater seclusion but require preparation. Cell service remains surprisingly strong throughout much of the region, with AT&T and Verizon providing coverage at most established campgrounds. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near I-25 and C-470, though sites deeper within park boundaries typically offer quieter surroundings. The proximity to Denver makes these camping areas popular for weekend trips, with Friday arrivals recommended to secure preferred sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Lone Tree, Colorado (278)

    1. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    11 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. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    7 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. "

    3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Note: If the GPS takes you to a dirt road with a closed gate at the end, get back on the highway and take the next exit to the park entrance."

    4. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    22 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."

    5. Rampart Range Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Sedalia, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."

    "Fun place to camp lots of sites and pretty trails, however this is known for its off-road ATV riders. If you're staying for a night or you're ATV for the weekend this is your spot."

    6. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur

    19 Reviews
    Larkspur, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 325-2393

    $50 - $170 / night

    "We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."

    "When we arrived we found out our spot was by the train we asked to be moved and they were extremely accommodating and put us in another spot up higher away from train."

    7. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    25 miles

    "There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."

    "The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."

    8. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    24 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!"

    9. Denver Meadows RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Denver, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 364-9483

    "Lots of good food nearby."

    10. Indian Creek Equestrian Campground

    5 Reviews
    Louviers, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 275-5610

    $30 / night

    "Indian Creek is lush and wooded, while still being close to Denver. The drive in is easy, following a paved road most of the way. Great spot for car camping."

    "Water spigots next to the bathroom. There are a few trails here, some are horse trails. Overall a beautiful spot with some shade!"

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Recent Reviews near Lone Tree, CO

1894 Reviews of 278 Lone Tree Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    A-Lodge Boulder - Car Camping

    Quiet, cozy, very close to Boulder. Only 3 van/car spots

    Although there was a wedding in evening one night, it was over and folks dispersed by around 8pm, minimal bugs so we did not use screens for a good part of the time, the overall site is long and narrow and so parking/car traffic can be a little tight. We did go out the exit on far side to come back in to the entrance and that was >180 degree turn so try to avoid that. Three clean bathrooms, 1 mens with 2 toilet stalls and shower (toilet stall were very small--knees bumped against door), 2 co-ed bathrooms (one with toilet/sink/shower, one with toilet & sink only). One sink in co-ed had very hot water coming out of both faucets (no cold from this sink). Paper towel dispensers ran out and were empty for a day but then roll of paper towels appeared. 

    Wifi was spotty & disconnected regularly, no Verizon service. There is a small 'store': A fridge with drinks and burritos, shelves with some Mountain House dinners, and snack bars. There is a pool, dry sauna with great LARGE window looking at creek, and hot-tub (sauna worked great). Did get chance to see any of the rooms. Tent sites are up a VERY steep path and on platforms on side of hill (perhaps 50-60' up the hill?). There's an area with some slack lines set up, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

  • 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.

  • k
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pikes Peak RV Park

    Older and close.

    Sites are very close together. Friendly helpful staff. Bathrooms clean well maintained.

  • 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.


Guide to Lone Tree

Camping sites near Lone Tree, Colorado vary widely in elevation, with options from foothills at 6,000 feet to mountain sites approaching 8,500 feet. Pine National Forest areas offer primitive camping with variable road conditions, while most established campgrounds maintain seasonal operation from May through September. Summer nights frequently drop to 40°F even during July and August at higher elevations.

What to do

Mountain biking opportunities: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks popular with cyclists. As one visitor notes, "Great camping spot, esp. if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels." The area shows regrowth from a 1996 fire with "sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals."

Water recreation access: At Chatfield State Park Campground, visitors enjoy proximity to the reservoir. One camper explains, "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos." Another notes, "Great for biking and all kinds of water sports."

Hiking nearby: Indian Creek Equestrian Campground connects to extensive trail systems. "The Indian Creek trail system is ideal for mountain biking or running, with access to the Colorado Trail running through it as well." One visitor mentioned, "The trail heading North out of the parking lot is great, well maintained and also has hidden 7 dwarfs along the trail to try and find."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Rampart Range Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with good separation. A camper shared, "We researched the spots in this area, and were surprised at how far spread the sites actually are." Another noted, "We found a safe spot for us to go shooting clays the next day and we had a blast just releasing some energy."

Family-friendly amenities: Nearby campgrounds provide facilities for children. At Bear Creek Lake Park, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding." Another visitor mentioned it offers "great views of the foothills. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas."

Convenient location: Most camping options sit within 30-60 minutes of Lone Tree. A camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground noted, "We stayed here for one night before heading back out on the road. This place is huge and has many amenities. It's very well maintained." Another mentioned, "There is definitely a lot to do!"

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds around Lone Tree have limited seasonal operations. At Indian Creek Equestrian Campground, the season runs "May 23 to September 7" with vault toilets and water spigots available during this period. Outside these dates, facilities close and water systems are winterized.

Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by location and current conditions. At Bear Creek Lake Park, some campers noted fire restrictions: "No fires allowed" despite having designated areas for them. Always check current fire bans before visiting.

Site availability challenges: Popular areas fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. A Buffalo Creek visitor shared: "This is a very nice area with many walking/biking trails. The area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day." Another camper warned, "We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated areas for children. A visitor to Chatfield State Park recommended: "This is one of our favorite spots to stay when visiting Denver area. Great for biking and all kinds of water sports." Another mentioned the "playground for kiddos" making it suitable for families.

Educational opportunities: Jellystone Park at Larkspur offers themed activities. A camper shared: "This place is great for little kids. From flag raising in the morning to hay rides, all day activities to the camp fire story times there is something for every kids to keep busy." Another mentioned, "My kids LOVED the activities they offered like the pancake breakfast, pool, hayride, Yogi Bear, and a kid 'escape room'."

Weather preparation: Temperature swings are common, with 30-40°F drops after sunset even in summer. One visitor to Rampart Range Recreation Area advised, "We arrived Wednesday morning and realized it was too far in than we would've liked so we landed at site 33 and it was AMAZING!" They recommended layers and proper sleeping gear.

Tips from RVers

Reservation timing: For RV sites with hookups, book well in advance. At Cherry Creek State Park Campground, "The sights were concrete and level. It was a little pricey, but we would stay again when visiting family, because there is definitely a lot to do!" Another noted, "Reservations can be made six months out. Two week limit."

Site spacing considerations: Some parks have tighter spacing between sites. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park stated, "Sites are not necessarily level & certainly aren't spacious. Grass is pretty sad or nonexistent except right at the office." Consider site dimensions when booking if your rig has slides or you need outdoor space.

Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. At Chatfield State Park, a camper explained, "There are no 'tent only' sites. The minimum has electric ($26). There are 3 different areas - each has multiple bathhouses, which have coin-laundry available." Most state parks around Lone Tree offer at least electric service at RV sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lone Tree campground?

Amenities at campgrounds near Lone Tree vary widely. At Colorado Campground, you'll find established campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and proximity to Manitou Lake for recreational activities. The campground provides access to numerous hiking trails in the Pikes Peak wilderness area while remaining just a 10-minute drive from Woodland Park for supplies. For those seeking more facilities, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur offers convenient highway access and modern amenities, though it's less secluded and wilderness-oriented.

Do I need reservations for camping at Lone Tree?

Reservation requirements vary by campground. At Kenosha East Campground, sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation option. Visitors note that arriving by Friday afternoon usually secures a spot, though it fills to 90% capacity by evening during peak season. In contrast, Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake requires advanced planning, especially for weekend stays during summer months. For dispersed camping options, no formal reservations exist, but popular areas fill quickly on weekends.

Where is Lone Tree camping located?

The Lone Tree area offers several camping options in Colorado's beautiful landscapes. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides dispersed camping with approximately 15 numbered sites along forest road 233.1, with additional unnumbered sites further down the road offering scenic views. For a different experience, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offers remote camping accessible via 4x4 vehicles due to rocky terrain and water crossings. These locations provide access to Colorado's wilderness while remaining within reasonable driving distance from urban areas.