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Best Campgrounds near Lyons, CO

2,417 Reviews

Lyons, Colorado sits just north of Boulder, serving as a doorway to the Rocky Mountains. Several good campgrounds dot the area, including Moraine Park and Glacier Basin inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Both places have tent and RV spots with flush toilets and drinking water available. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area gives you a more basic camping option where you'll find plenty of wildlife and trees for shade. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake works well for families with its playgrounds, activities, electric hookups, and clean bathrooms. You can also reach the Colorado River and Great Sand Dunes for more outdoor fun. You should make reservations ahead of time during busy seasons since these places fill up fast. It's smart to book early, especially for summer visits and holiday weekends. Be ready for changing weather - nights can get pretty cold. Late spring and early fall typically have the best weather for camping here. Lyons has camping options for short trips or longer stays. While you're there, check out the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for great views and outdoor activities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lyons, Colorado (357)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    89 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $30 - $60 / 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

    56 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

    45 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-1026

    $20 - $55 / 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. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    9 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."

    5. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    43 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."

    6. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 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."

    7. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    15 miles
    Website

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

    "We were hoping to walk around the lake but it was private and the locals were pretty protective as others have said. My friends RAV4 AWD made it up the road fine in early fall when there was no snow."

    8. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-4188

    $35 - $50 / night

    "The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."

    "Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."

    9. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    23 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."

    10. Pinewood Reservoir

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

    $20 - $48 / 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 Reviews near Lyons, CO

2417 Reviews of 357 Lyons Campgrounds

Guide to Lyons

Camping near Lyons, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. One camper mentioned, “The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters. We saw a weasel and a flock of turkeys.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground shared, “Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes. One camper at Arapaho Bay Campground said, “We saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Glacier Basin Campground noted, “Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at 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 peacefulness of the area. One reviewer at Moraine Park Campground said, “Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some areas can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, “There are a lot of spots for RVs so you are a little bit packed.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area pointed out, “No toilets, no trash, no water hookups.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at East Portal Campground said, “Big playground and not crazy expensive.”
  • Plan for Wildlife: Keep an eye on kids and pets around wildlife. One camper at Timber Creek Campground mentioned, “The elk never bothered us but it was a bit nerve-wracking in the moment.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, “It gets windy in the afternoon so might want to skip the awning/canopy.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, “Pull-through sites are very practical to accommodate longer RVs.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or bars. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park shared, “Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, “Showers take quarters so come prepared if you plan to shower.”

Camping near Lyons, Colorado, has something for everyone, from breathtaking views to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lyons, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lyons, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 357 campgrounds and RV parks near Lyons, CO and 107 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lyons, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lyons, CO is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 89 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 107 free dispersed camping spots near Lyons, CO.

What parks are near Lyons, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lyons, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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