Best Campgrounds near Lyons, CO

Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Lyons, Colorado. The region includes developed campgrounds like LaVern M. Johnson Park within city limits, as well as dispersed camping options in nearby national forest lands. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park, approximately 20 miles northwest of Lyons, provide established sites with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Several areas support both tent and RV camping, including Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont which offers electric hookups and water. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at locations like Allenspark Dispersed Camping and Hell Canyon Dispersed areas, where primitive sites accommodate self-sufficient campers seeking more remote experiences.

"This is one of my all-time favorite places to hike and camp in Colorado," noted one visitor about the dispersed camping options in the region. Many sites require advance reservations or permits, especially during the peak summer season from June through September. Road conditions vary significantly, with several dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. One camper mentioned that "plenty of sites [are available] if you have a high clearance vehicle and can make it up ski road." Elevation in the region ranges from approximately 5,000 feet in Lyons to over 8,000 feet at some dispersed sites, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most remote camping locations, though coverage improves near established campgrounds and towns. Seasonal closures affect many campgrounds, with most high-elevation sites closed from October through May due to snow.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites near water features, particularly those along the St. Vrain Creek in Lyons and near mountain lakes. According to one visitor, "RV and tent camping options within a lovely manicured park with the beautiful St Vrain creek running through it" make LaVern M. Johnson Park appealing for families and those seeking amenities close to town. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, deer, and various bird species, especially in the higher elevation sites near Rocky Mountain National Park. Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with dispersed sites offering more seclusion than developed campgrounds. Proximity to hiking trails represents a common highlight in visitor reviews, with several mentioning the convenience of trail access directly from campsites. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips that include campfires.

Best Camping Sites Near Lyons, Colorado (372)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    20 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."

    2. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."

    "The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."

    3. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    46 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $70 / night

    "There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."

    "Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."

    4. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    30 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."

    "Driving down to town during the day, there were some people (probably from the adjacent campground) hiking the road. Overall quiet at night (other than some road noise from 36). Not a bad spot!"

    5. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    9 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."

    6. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "All of the sites are awesome and have room for you to move around. We stayed Thursday-Monday and there were plenty of people every night. Close to Lyons and closish to estes."

    "We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."

    7. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    "The location is great, there’s about 10 designated camp sites to choose from and great hiking trails nearby. The drive in is easy."

    8. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

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

    $36 - $41 / night

    "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."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    9. Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    26 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-2090

    $35 / night

    "Best place to camp in Estes Park/Northern Colorado! Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept."

    "This campground has all the privacy you would expect yet provides easy access to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountian National Forest. The Laramie County Staff that were on site were kind and helpful."

    10. 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 372 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Lyons, CO

2605 Reviews of 372 Lyons Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Nice location

    There are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Good dispersed road

    Good spot for dispersed camping. Maybe 6 spots total going all the way up the road. 4x4 recommended. Fires allowed in established rings only, always check with Roosevelt National Forest website to see if fires are allowed during your stay as this varies by season.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Nothing special

    This place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    St. Vrain State Park Campground

    Great Stop Through State Park

    We were surprised how nice this was. Great little walks around ponds with Mountain View’s in the background. Only stayed a night on way to Tetons, but definitely was a surprise of the trip being right off the high. Would definitely use this as a stop again.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Comanche Peak View Campground

    Solitude

    Great spot near Red Feather Lakes and probably the only dispersed spot around that has AT&T service. Nobody else was here while I was camping and hardly anyone drove by, it’s pretty far out here. Good views at the end of the road of the meadow if you can make it up, other wise the lower spots have some cool rock formations to check out.

    Highly recommend for car camping instead of trailers or RVs, though it is do-able. I came up here with a small off-road trailer just fine, and my family made it up with a 25ft RV but did bottom out at the first turn into the campsite as it is really rutted (short tho). If you come in, come in through Red Feather Lakes on 74E, that way you only have 8 miles of dirt road. Otherwise if you come in from the north it’s like 20 miles + of dirt and gravel, not anything bad but it is washboard-y.

    Also go check out Elf Lane (Illy road) in Red Feather if you like weird stuff 🤓

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • 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.


Guide to Lyons

Dispersed camping options abound in the mountains near Lyons, Colorado, where elevations range from 5,300 feet in town to over 8,500 feet at higher sites. Access roads to many camping areas require careful navigation, with several primitive sites accessible only via unpaved forest service roads. Fire restrictions frequently change throughout summer months based on precipitation levels and drought conditions.

What to do

Hiking from campsites: At Hermits Hollow Campground, trails start directly from the camping area, including the Kruger Rock Trail with mountain views. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes Erin K.

Wildlife viewing: Glacier Basin Campground offers excellent opportunities to see elk, deer, and other animals. "Wildlife is very abundant. Bear Lake and Fern Lake are amazing hikes for the fam," reports Troy C. Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife viewing times across most campsites near Lyons.

Fishing at reservoirs: Beaver Park Reservoir allows fishing, though the water itself is technically private property. Nearby camping spots offer lake views and fishing access. "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025)," states James S.

Mountain biking: Multiple trails around Hermit Park accommodate mountain bikes on designated routes. The area offers both technical riding and more moderate options suitable for various skill levels. "Lots of trails for hiking and biking in the park. Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring," reports Hannah F.

What campers like

Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Moraine Park Campground serves as an ideal base for park exploration. "Great place to take the family, as it's in the middle of RMNP. They do not take reservations, so go early or during the week! It fills up! Gorgeous views of the mountains. Lots of wildlife!" shares Heather B.

Cost-effective options: Hell Canyon Dispersed camping offers free sites with basic amenities. "Road up is a bit rough but I saw many SUVs make it, the gate sign recommends 4x4. Great views and only got busy on the 4th of July," mentions Jon S. Most dispersed sites provide fire rings but few other facilities.

Clean facilities: Cottonwood Campground at Boyd Lake State Park maintains excellent restrooms and shower buildings. "The bathroom facilities are spectacular. Super clean, flushable toilets. Spaces are very close in proximity but everyone was very friendly," notes Nathan P.

Winter camping opportunities: Several camping areas remain accessible year-round, including Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area. "This dispersed site is pretty and is close to the highway, the road seemed a little sketchy in the snow but my RAV4 AWD made it just fine to most of the sites. It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable," reports Catalina H.

What you should know

Bear awareness: Bears are active throughout the region, especially at higher elevations. "You ARE in bear country - be bear smart and safe and use your bear box! We had our own bear box in our campsite - I believe each site has its own food locker," warns Amanda M. at Moraine Park Campground. Some dispersed sites don't provide bear boxes, so bring bear-resistant containers.

Road conditions: Many camping spots require careful driving on unpaved roads. "My 2wd van made it up a little but I couldn't get passed one of the big hills. Not very many sites," cautions Emily M. about Hell Canyon Dispersed camping. Always check recent road reports before heading to remote sites.

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds now operate on reservation systems. Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground has specific stay limitations: "14 day max per year and they are a real stickler. We stayed here 13 days total on and off during weekends," notes Nicole G.

Cell service limitations: Expect minimal to no connectivity at most sites. "ATT cell service was pretty good, Verizon okay," reports Paul Y. about Glacier Basin Campground, but this is an exception rather than the rule. Most dispersed sites have zero service.

Tips for camping with families

Select campgrounds with amenities: Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake offers facilities that make family camping more comfortable. "Very nice campground and clean facilities (note: you must pay to shower)! Woke up to elk outside of the tent! Such a cool experience. The campsite is close to town, which is very nice too!" shares Erin S.

Look for educational opportunities: Many established campgrounds host ranger-led programs. "Nightly talks/shows at the amphitheater," mentions Haley C. about Glacier Basin Campground. These programs typically run from June through August and cover wildlife, geology, and history.

Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds remain quieter than others. "Very well maintained campground. Price is good compared to other campgrounds near by. A couple down falls, no shade trees for Rv full hookup sites and lower sites are alittle crowded when filled up," reports Dary R. about Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake.

Pack for temperature swings: Mountain camping near Lyons means preparing for significant temperature changes. "Still some snow on the ground in late May," notes Megan B. about Moraine Park Campground. Even summer nights can drop below 40°F at higher elevations.

Tips from RVers

Know site limitations: Many campgrounds restrict RV length. "There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length. Due to pine beetle infestation in the area, many of the trees have been removed," explains Judy B. about Glacier Basin Campground. Always check specific site dimensions before booking.

Prepare for parking challenges: Some areas have limited turning radius for larger rigs. "Road up is a little rough for a pop up camper. More for tents," mentions Justin H. regarding Hell Canyon Dispersed camping. Call campgrounds directly for specific RV accessibility information.

Utilize hookup options: Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground offers affordable RV camping with essential services. "Clean, a little cramped but nice showers and bathrooms. Beautiful flowers on perimeter. Full hookups $25 or $15 for none. Pleasant surprise and on way to Estes Park," shares Uli C.

Consider weather impacts: High winds affect many camping sites near Lyons. "We loved our time in RMNP. The campground had a ton of spots so was very busy. It was well maintained and quiet despite how busy it was," reports Mary M. about Moraine Park Campground. Secure awnings and use stabilizers in windy conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Lyons, CO?

Lyons offers several excellent camping options with the most popular being LaVern M. Johnson Park, located right on the edge of town with easy access to Main Street. For a true Colorado mountain experience, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground is a nearby gem featuring stunning views, a rolling river, well-maintained fire pits, and hiking trailheads within walking distance. Both locations offer beautiful settings along water, with Camp Dick providing a more immersive forest experience while LaVern M. Johnson Park offers convenient access to town amenities and family-friendly facilities including playgrounds and tubing.

Can I camp at LaVern M. Johnson Park in Lyons?

Yes, camping is available at LaVern M. Johnson Park in Lyons. The park offers both RV and tent camping options within a beautifully maintained setting along the St. Vrain Creek. Campers enjoy access to walking trails, river recreation, playgrounds, and a soccer field. The park's location on the edge of Lyons means you're within easy walking or biking distance to various restaurants and shops in town, making it convenient for supplies or dining out. This campground is especially popular during the Lyons Outdoor Games, which features running races, biking, kayaking, beer, food, and music events within a short walk from the camping area.

What RV camping options are available in Lyons, CO?

Lyons offers several RV-friendly camping options. St. Louis Creek Campground is well-maintained with clean pit toilets and some longer RV sites, though it's best suited for RVs 25 feet or less. For larger rigs, Winding River Resort is a beautiful family-friendly option with direct access to the Colorado River headwaters and various activities. Both campgrounds offer different experiences - St. Louis Creek provides a more rustic setting with fewer amenities but good access to outdoor activities, while Winding River Resort offers more facilities and organized activities. Most RV sites in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months.

Is dispersed camping available near Lyons, Colorado?

Yes, several dispersed camping options exist near Lyons. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites, with additional unnumbered campsites further down road 233.1 that feature excellent views. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is another popular option, though it requires 4x4 capability to navigate the rocky, bumpy terrain to reach the best spots. Both areas provide free camping opportunities in beautiful natural settings, but come prepared with your own water and supplies, and remember to practice Leave No Trace principles.