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Best Campgrounds near Longmont, CO

2,373 Reviews

Campgrounds near Longmont, Colorado range from established sites with full amenities to dispersed areas in nearby forests. Boulder County Fairgrounds provides a centrally located option with basic facilities within city limits, while St. Vrain State Park offers water access and more developed campsites just minutes away in Firestone. The region supports both tent and RV camping, with some locations like South Shore Campground at Carter Lake also offering cabin rentals and glamping options approximately 20 miles southwest of Longmont.

Many locations operate year-round, though facilities and amenities vary seasonally. The Boulder County Fairgrounds charges $15-25 depending on hookup requirements, with electric and water available at many sites. "We came late at 8:30pm. Enough space available for campervans. Could pay at the machine and stayed one night. Clean toilets and showers," noted one visitor about the fairgrounds. Several campgrounds implement strict stay limits, with Boulder County Fairgrounds capping visits at 14 days per calendar year. Higher elevation dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch near Nederland may have seasonal road closures or fire restrictions depending on conditions and time of year.

Established campgrounds in the region receive positive reviews for cleanliness and convenience. The proximity to town while maintaining a rural atmosphere appears as a recurring theme in camper feedback. "It's nice. I like how close it is to stores and shops and such. Also not far from Boulder," mentioned one camper about the fairgrounds. Sites with water access tend to be particularly popular, with locations like Boyd Lake State Park providing boating access alongside camping options. Fairground camping offers urban convenience with walkable access to stores and restaurants, while state parks and national forest sites provide more natural settings with wildlife viewing opportunities. Reservation requirements vary significantly between locations, with some operating strictly on a first-come, first-served basis while others require advance planning.

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Best Camping Sites Near Longmont, Colorado (326)

    1. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Plus it’s close to Longmont where we found a couple cute breweries/cideries."

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    2. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    3. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    44 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Had a really tough time getting an rsvp for a place near Longmont where my daughter lives. Online reserving said nothing available."

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    4. LaVern M. Johnson Park

    12 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 823-6150

    $37 - $62 / night

    "On the edge of Lyons, this place is great for families. Tubing, playgrounds, and soccer field. Just blocks away from Main Street. A great family spot with small children."

    "Walking trails and river access was abundantly available. Easy walking or biking distance to various eateries in Lyons."

    5. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

    6. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    7. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake

    10 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Location good for rocky mountain national park & brewery nirvana: Longmont, berthoud, loveland, & ft Collins. $$$36/nite+$9/day entry. Electric only, vault toilets."

    "Tucked away at the South Marina. You're close to paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Wildlife walks thru usually daily, shaded spots go quickly!!"

    8. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

    9. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"

    "Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."

    10. Pinewood Reservoir Campground

    16 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $35 / night

    "This was our second visit to Pinewood Lake and while some things stayed the same others were much the same.  Our first visit last fall was during the final stages of a blizzard. "

    "Even with the snow and us being novices we set up without a hitch and were soon enjoying the magical panorama of the lake below us and the hills and mountain tops around us."

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Recent Camping Photos near Longmont, CO

803 Photos of 326 Longmont Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Longmont, CO

2373 Reviews of 326 Longmont Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    Low key but functional

    Full disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.

    There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Beautiful free camping outside of Idaho springs

    Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn’t that bad, but you’ll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir. Was mostly quiet and there’s a nice little trail around the lake. Plenty of spots for tent camping too.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    Good near city and lake access

    Clean, relatively quiet. During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake. We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Dispersed Site, Pull off with fire ring

    Very near Idaho Springs and road to location easy. Site is off road on broken but semi level asphalt. Small green patch with pines & aspen trees. There is nice rock formation across the road. Only 1 rock fire-pit (didn't use because it started to rain). Nice place to stop if traveling through as we are. Kinda bummed that we didn't see a fox. 🦊

Guide to Longmont

Camping near Longmont, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Stayed one night in mid-May in a drive-up site. Chilly, clear starry night. Tall trees. Close to town but quiet."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Glacier Basin Campground, you might spot moose and elk. A camper shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Cottonwood Campground is near Boyd Lake, perfect for fishing and swimming. One visitor noted, "Like to come here to the beaches off of the campground."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One person said about Arapaho Bay Campground, "The sunsets were amazing, we saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers which are $2 for 6 minutes."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One reviewer of East Portal Campground said, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper advised, "Was able to get the reservation 2 weeks ahead as it was released for use."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area lacks drinking water and showers. One visitor noted, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash."
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. East Portal Campground has a big playground, making it a hit with families. A reviewer said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love seeing wildlife. One camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Every day I had mule deer visitors."
  • Easy Access to Activities: Choose campgrounds close to attractions. Cottonwood Campground is near a swimming beach and playgrounds, which is great for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Some campgrounds, like Dakota Ridge RV Park, are suitable for larger RVs. A visitor noted, "Pull-through sites are very practical to accommodate longer RVs."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. One RV user at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "Pit toilets, fine. Wish people would not use their generators."
  • Stay Alert for Security: Some RVers have had issues with theft. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park warned, "One vehicle stolen and several cars rummaged through."

Camping around Longmont, CO, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any lakeside camping options near Longmont?

Several stunning lakeside camping destinations surround Longmont. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir offers some of the best waterfront views in Colorado according to longtime campers. With both traditional campsites and cabin rentals available, it's a popular summer destination that requires advance reservations. South Shore Campground at Carter Lake provides electric hookups with convenient access to both water recreation and nearby attractions. Just $36/night plus a $9 daily entry fee, it's well-positioned for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. For a more remote experience, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offers lakeside sites, though 4x4 vehicles are necessary to navigate the rugged access road.

Where are the best campgrounds near Longmont, Colorado?

Longmont offers excellent access to diverse camping experiences within a short drive. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground delivers the quintessential Colorado experience with stunning mountain views, a rolling river, well-maintained fire pits, and hiking trailheads accessible directly from camp. For those seeking a more rugged experience, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides free camping with spacious sites and mountain views. The area features numbered sites along the main road, but venturing further on Forest Road 233.1 reveals additional unnumbered sites with even better views. Other excellent options include Ceran St. Vrain Trail for streamside dispersed camping and CR 47 for spectacular mountain views (though 4WD is recommended).

What RV camping facilities are available around Longmont?

RV campers near Longmont have several excellent options with varying amenities. Boulder County Fairgrounds offers big-rig-friendly sites with water and toilets just minutes from downtown Longmont. For those seeking a resort experience, Winding River Resort provides beautiful RV sites with family-friendly activities and direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River. The resort is particularly popular during summer months. Riverview RV Park & Campground near Loveland offers full-service sites with water and electric hookups in a convenient location. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer season, and typically offer at minimum electric hookups with dump stations available onsite or nearby.

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