Best Campgrounds near Louisville, CO

The mountains and foothills surrounding Louisville, Colorado feature a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within a 30-minute drive. Campers can find both developed facilities like Golden Gate Canyon State Park with cabins and yurts, and primitive backcountry sites at locations such as Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area. The region includes designated campgrounds with amenities ranging from basic tent sites to full RV hookups, while the nearby Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest provide more remote options for those seeking solitude. Many campgrounds balance accessibility with mountain views, particularly along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

Road conditions and elevation changes significantly affect camping access in this region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. The Nederland area provides several free camping zones, though visitors should prepare for rough forest roads. Camping availability peaks from late May through September, with some established campgrounds like St. Vrain State Park remaining open year-round. Most dispersed camping areas close with the first significant snowfall. Fire restrictions commonly affect summer camping, particularly during drought years. A visitor noted that "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," highlighting the need for proper vehicles when accessing backcountry areas.

The highest-rated camping experiences near Louisville tend to be sites with mountain views or water access. Campers consistently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a major benefit, with several campgrounds providing direct trail access. Developed campgrounds in the region typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, while dispersed sites offer more privacy but fewer amenities. Several visitors mentioned the value of camping in this area as a base for exploring nearby public lands. A camper at Sugarloaf Campground shared that it's "perfect for those who live in Boulder or the nearby surrounding areas" and noted that "the best [sites] are found only where you can drive with a high clearance vehicle." Cell service varies widely throughout the region, with coverage more reliable at established campgrounds closer to towns.

Best Camping Sites Near Louisville, Colorado (344)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    13 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."

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 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."

    3. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."

    "The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."

    4. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 425-1097

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"

    "5 stars because of the lake, Mountain Views, and it not being far from town. Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake☀️"

    5. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    17 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."

    6. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    16 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!"

    7. Boulder County Fairgrounds

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

    $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."

    8. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

    9. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."

    "This si the place my friends and I go to just for a night away from everything. It is just out of reach of the city and far enough away where we can find some peace and quiet."

    10. St. Vrain State Park Campground

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

    $36 - $41 / night

    "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."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

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Recent Reviews near Louisville, CO

2584 Reviews of 344 Louisville Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    Good spot close to city

    Nice park with lots of things to do here. Bathrooms and showers are nice and kept clean every morning. Laundry wash $1.50 to $2.00 and dry for $1.50! Cell Verizon and att decent with up to 20Mb download Spots are level (101) Water to fill a jug but some spots have full hookups. Free dump station. You can hear the freeway and road traffic but it’s not terrible. Over nice park.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great hiking and biking trails

    The park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Stayed here again! 34+ dispersed spots

    Just wanted to write another review of this spot, love it, easy road in but extremely busy even in late September on an early Friday afternoon. Completely full by Friday 6pm I wouldn’t even try after unless it’s November-April. Seriously. Lots of big spots for multiple cars and tents, fire pits in every numbered spot. Trails nearby, even found an old horseshoe! Get there early, but that’s known if you ever been there.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    Eh… it’s ok

    For what you’re paying for it could be better. Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful. Look I know they smell and are dirty but people do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards. Showers are good but you have to pay $2 per shower Dump is $15 too! Good cycling around here Cell service is ok. Sometimes drops. Verizon and att People working here are very friendly and helpful. Leave it better than you found it.


Guide to Louisville

Cabins, tents, and RVs offer varied camping options near Louisville, Colorado at elevations ranging from 5,400 to 9,000 feet throughout the area. Most primitive sites lack potable water, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies. Seasonal closures affect availability with many dispersed sites becoming inaccessible after October due to snow accumulation.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At St. Vrain State Park Campground, multiple stocked ponds provide accessible fishing. "Numerous ponds, stocked ponds, trails, biking, birds, paddle boarding. The view of the mountains is to die for!" reports Kate B., who visited in 2025.

Hiking trails: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trail systems for day hiking. A visitor notes, "The park has great trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a high elevation lake as well as fantastic views of the continental divide."

Paddling: Non-motorized boating at Gross Reservoir provides water recreation minutes from Boulder. A camper at Winiger Ridge shares that it's "a great place for water activities, but no swimming allowed." The area requires adherence to specific regulations as "you can only launch your boat at the boat launch on the southeast side of the reservoir that is monitored by a ranger."

What campers like

Mountain access: The proximity to trails and outdoor recreation makes Reverend's Ridge Campground popular despite crowds. "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike," according to Meghan H.

Urban convenience: Clear Creek RV Park offers walkable access to Golden's amenities. A long-term visitor reports it's "within immediate walking distance to multiple breweries and restaurants, and extremely accessible to the mountains."

Wildlife viewing: Eagles and other birds attract nature photographers. At St. Vrain State Park, campers can see "a nest of eagles" according to Michele W., while Alli J. mentions "a couple of bald eagles nesting in the tree in the middle of the lake that is amazing to watch!"

What you should know

Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather," according to Quinton T.

Site limitations: Certain campgrounds prohibit specific camping setups. Standley Lake Regional Park doesn't allow tent camping despite some listings suggesting otherwise. A frustrated visitor noted: "Clearly states on website and phone that there's no tent camping so idk why it says that on here but it's wrong."

Noise factors: Highway proximity affects sound levels at some locations. At St. Vrain State Park, a camper reported, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Park amenities: Campgrounds with playgrounds and facilities make family stays easier. Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides clean bathrooms and showers, though a visitor mentioned "Showers weren't warm at the end of a long day and will cost ya $1.00 for the first 4 minutes and 25 cents every minute after."

Site selection: Choose sites based on terrain and spacing for comfort. At Reverend's Ridge, a visitor noted that "Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables."

Swimming restrictions: Water access rules vary significantly by location. At Gross Reservoir, rules are "strictly enforced" as "There is no swimming in the reservoir, which is very tempting" and violations are "punishable by a fine."

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring equipment. One camper at Boulder County Fairgrounds mentioned, "Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

Hookup availability: Electrical connections vary widely between locations. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, visitors get "clean pool, laundry facilities, daily trash pickup and so many helpers on site," though "campsites are very close and showers could be a bit cleaner."

Reservation periods: Length-of-stay limitations affect long-term campers. Boulder County Fairgrounds has a "14 day max per year and they are a real stickler," with one camper reporting they "just kicked us out for the year" despite the campground being "totally empty."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Louisville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Louisville, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 344 campgrounds and RV parks near Louisville, CO and 96 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Louisville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Louisville, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Louisville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 96 free dispersed camping spots near Louisville, CO.

What parks are near Louisville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Louisville, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.