Best Campgrounds near Watkins, CO

Camping near Watkins, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Paddleboarding: Many campers enjoy paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," highlighting the scenic views while you paddle around.
• Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Cherry Creek State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir, plenty of hiking and biking trails."
• Fishing: Bear Creek Lake Park is a great spot for fishing. One camper shared, "We spent most of our time fishing for trout," making it a perfect place for anglers.

What campers like:

• Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpful staff at Dakota Ridge RV Park. One guest said, "The staff was great and managed to get us a site at short notice."
• Clean Facilities: Many reviews mention the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spacious sites at Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park. One reviewer noted, "The group campsite was spacious. The site was also pretty clean."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at some campgrounds. A camper at Standley Lake Regional Park mentioned, "Apparently quiet time is just a phrase here — multiple groups around us were loud well past 10pm."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Clear Creek RV Park, have limited amenities. A visitor pointed out, "There is a public walkway, trail that moves along the boundary of the campground," indicating that while it's nice, it may not have all the facilities you expect.
• Seasonal Access: Check the seasonal access for campgrounds. For example, Rampart Range Recreation Area is open year-round, but some others may have specific seasons.

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur. One parent said, "The pools were great and the Waterpark was fun."
• Choose Sites Near Amenities: When camping at places like Denver East-Strasburg KOA, pick sites close to bathrooms and showers. A camper noted, "The restrooms were clean & well stocked."
• Plan for Shade: Some campgrounds, such as Chatfield State Park Campground, may have limited shade. A visitor mentioned, "The sun beat us down pretty bad during the high part of the day," so bring canopies or umbrellas.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: At Dakota Ridge RV Park, one RVer noted, "The site was really bad. So uneven that no matter how much we tried we couldn't get level." Make sure to check site conditions before booking.
• Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Cherry Creek State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The Gold Rush loop is all full hookups."
• Laundry Facilities: If you need to do laundry, check for facilities. A visitor at Clear Creek RV Park said, "A load of laundry will cost you $3 in quarters," so be prepared with change.

Camping near Watkins, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details to make the most of your trip!