Camping spots near Longmont, Colorado sit primarily within Boulder County, where elevations range from 5,000 feet in town to over 9,000 feet in nearby mountain terrain. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing nights, while summer temperatures average 85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August. Many local camping areas require advance entrance permits purchased separately from camping fees.
What to do
Water activities at reservoirs: Fishing, paddleboarding and swimming options exist within 30 minutes of Longmont. At St. Vrain State Park Campground, campers can enjoy multiple fishing ponds. "Numerous ponds, stocked ponds, trails, biking, birds, paddle boarding. The view of the mountains is to die for!" notes Kate B. The park also has wildlife viewing opportunities with several water bodies where "one even had a nest of eagles."
Hiking nearby trails: The area offers trails of varying difficulty, from family-friendly paths to challenging mountain routes. At Pinewood Reservoir Campground, visitors can access a 3-mile loop trail around the lake. "The view was great and the trail hike was nice and not difficult to navigate," comments Daniel. For more adventurous hiking, Gordon Gulch near Nederland connects to numerous forest service trails.
River activities: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for tubing, wading, and relaxation. At LaVern M. Johnson Park, "There is a river that runs right behind it and it's so pleasant to listen to and fun for the kids to play near," according to Lindsay R. The park also offers "tubing, playgrounds, and soccer field" with access just "blocks away from Main Street."
What campers like
Mountain views: The proximity to the Front Range provides scenic backdrops at most area campgrounds. At Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park, campers appreciate the vista. "Clean, relatively quiet. During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake," says Michael. The park remains accessible year-round with some campers noting winter stays.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities across various campgrounds. St. Vrain State Park offers eagle watching with Alli J. noting, "There are a couple of bald eagles nesting in the tree in the middle of the lake that is amazing to watch!" At Pinewood Reservoir, campers reported seeing bears with one reviewer mentioning, "Bear warning was on, but smokey left us alone for the weekend."
Proximity to towns: Many campers appreciate the balance between natural settings and access to services. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake earns high marks for its location. "Location good for rocky mountain national park & brewery nirvana: Longmont, berthoud, loveland, & ft Collins," according to George R. Sites cost "$36/nite+$9/day entry. Electric only, vault toilets."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during summer months. Boulder County Fairgrounds limits total stays to 14 days per year, with one camper reporting, "We stayed here 13 days total on and off during weekends when we can't get a spot at campgrounds and they just kicked us out for the year."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. At St. Vrain State Park, noise from I-25 can impact the camping experience with Paul Z. warning, "I-25. The interstate is so close as I type this I can hear in my travel trailer every truck, motorcycle, and car. Going to have to use earplugs tonight to sleep." Similarly, Ronda C. advises to "Check the map of the campground and choose a spot far from the Interstate highway, it's closer than you think!"
Seasonal changes: Facilities vary significantly depending on time of year. Several campgrounds shut off water systems during colder months. At Riverview RV Park & Campground, winter visitors note certain limitations: "We stayed in Nov so water and bathrooms were closed. But it's a safe place to hook up to electricity so we enjoyed it," explains Lanie M.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. LaVern M. Johnson Park provides extensive recreation options with Max B. noting, "This campground has everything. Full hook up, shower, restrooms, a great playground and a fantastic river." Another camper mentions the park features "Two playgrounds, splashpad, and kid zip line."
Swimming access: Look for designated swimming areas with gentle water entries. Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers varied family camping options including cabins and yurts. A reviewer mentions it's "Great for families" with "nice facilities for bathrooms and even dishwashing."
Spacing between sites: Family privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. At Boulder County Fairgrounds, sites can feel cramped with little separation, while South Shore at Carter Lake offers more generous spacing. "The tent sites were well spaced for privacy, and even on a busy weekend, we felt like we had our own space to enjoy nature," reports one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Electric hookups are common at most established campgrounds, but full hookups are limited. Riverview RV Park offers complete services for RVers, with one camper noting, "Beautiful river going beside many of the sites. Newer bathrooms. Huge park with playground for kids. Our site was very wide and open, but we might just have been lucky."
Leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the foothills have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. Cottonwood Campground at Boyd Lake State Park features "pull through and back in spots" with relatively level concrete pads according to reviewers, making it suitable for larger rigs.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer on-site dump stations. Carter Lake campers mention the availability of "sanitary-dump" facilities, while visitors to Pinewood Reservoir need to plan for off-site dumping as no sanitary services are available on the grounds.
