Camping options near Lyons range from 7,500-8,800 ft elevation with dispersed sites often situated on unpaved forest roads. Summer temperatures typically range 70-85°F during daytime with significantly cooler nights dropping to 45-55°F. Free dispersed camping areas require proper waste management as these locations don't provide garbage facilities.
What to do
Hiking from campgrounds: At Hermits Hollow Campground, access the Kruger Rock Trail directly from the campground. "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: Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting. "Deer wander in the morning," reports S M. about their stay at Moraine Park Campground. Early morning and evening provide optimal viewing times when animals are most active.
Fishing opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas provide access to fishing. At Beaver Park Reservoir, camping spots are positioned along the water. "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)," shares James S.
Off-road trails: Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers access to multiple off-road paths. "It is populated with people on ATVs, as well as other campers near you if you decide on an easy-to-access campsite," reports Quinton T. The area sits at approximately 8,800 ft elevation with sites positioned above the main road.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Hermits Hollow. "Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept," says Aliy L. The natural tree barriers create separation from neighboring campsites.
Clean facilities: Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Great staff and great people!! Big area and right across the road from the Lake so easy walk. Has super clean bathroom showers and facilities," Kim B. explains. The campground also offers a "clean outdoor pool, free outdoor large hot water sink areas to wash dishes."
Abundant wildlife: Glacier Basin Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park delivers on animal sightings. One camper reported, "Gorgeous views, tons of wildlife" and rated their experience highly. Another visitor, Vanessa C., noted they "saw a lot of wild life" during their stay.
Convenient location: Cottonwood Campground at Boyd Lake State Park provides easy access to town. "Easy to drive into town for shopping or dinner. The lake is not huge but is good for fishing, boating, skiing. Also an easy drive to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park," shares Randy W.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Hell Canyon Dispersed requires careful consideration. "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," says Jon S. Several reviewers recommend high-clearance vehicles.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season. At Hell Canyon, one camper noted, "There are no fire signs posted on the way up." Allenspark Dispersed Camping typically allows fires when restrictions aren't in place, with one visitor mentioning, "The pull offs are great and most of them have fire rings."
Reservation requirements: Gordon Gulch operates on first-come basis with numbered sites. "There are fifteen 'marked' campsites. Throughout the summer they are all frequently occupied so it may be hard to find a spot at times," explains Amanda V. Arriving mid-week or early in the day improves chances of securing a spot.
Bear activity: Proper food storage is essential at dog friendly campgrounds near Lyons. A camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camping reported, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Tips for camping with families
Quiet campgrounds: While many pet-friendly campsites near Lyons can get busy, timing matters. At Glacier Basin, a visitor noted: "While large, close sites, and full the CG was overall quiet. ATT cell service was pretty good, Verizon okay. CG was clean and well maintained."
Safety considerations: Hermits Hollow provides bear boxes at each site. "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it," advises Daisee Mae S.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. At Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, Kim B. mentions they have a "nice safe playground and relaxing pool." The campground also provides a store with "anything you might need from tons of camping gear to OTC medicines."
Trail accessibility: When camping with kids, look for sites with easy hiking options. Hermits Hollow offers accessible trails where one camper mentioned, "we watched the fireworks for 4th of July in Estes from one of the trails."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Cottonwood Campground, campers suggest: "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," according to Michael.
Hookup options: Boulder County Fairgrounds provides affordable RV camping. "Cheap and convenient. We needed a place to sleep while a parent was in the hospital. We were in the middle of a roadtrip so we had a big camper plus a trailer. We didn't need amenities so it was only $15/night," explains Cindy L.
Length restrictions: Glacier Basin has specific limitations. "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," notes Judy B., who also mentions the campground is open from late May to September with a maximum stay of 7 nights.
Dump station access: When staying at pet-friendly campgrounds near Lyons, RVers appreciate Cottonwood Campground's facilities. "Nice level sites. Clean and well maintained. Sites have Electric but are fairly close together. Good dump station," Randy W. reports.
Ranger
