Best Campgrounds near Morrison, CO

The foothills surrounding Morrison, Colorado feature a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites within a 30-minute drive of Red Rocks Amphitheater. Bear Creek Lake Park's Indian Paintbrush Campground serves as a popular base for concert-goers, offering electric hookups and coin-operated showers just minutes from the venue. State parks dominate the developed camping landscape, with Chatfield State Park providing year-round access to full-hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located northwest in the mountains, offers a more remote experience with both Reverend's Ridge and Deer Creek campgrounds featuring cabins and yurts alongside traditional campsites. Private RV parks like Dakota Ridge in Golden and Clear Creek RV Park provide additional options for those seeking amenities closer to town.

High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed camping areas in the surrounding national forests. According to camper Jason F., "Bear Creek Lake is a great place to camp if you want to explore Morrison, Golden, or catch a show at Red Rocks." The park entrance closes at 9:30 pm, but a back gate accessible from I-470 allows campground access after hours. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 90°F during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Reservations are essential during concert season, particularly for campgrounds within 10 miles of Red Rocks. Fire restrictions frequently impact the area during dry periods, and campers should check county websites for current regulations before planning campfires.

Proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheater drives much of the camping demand in the immediate Morrison area. Campers report high satisfaction with Bear Creek Lake Park's facilities, noting the convenience of coin-operated showers ($2 for 10 minutes) and the ability to arrange rideshare services to concerts. Sites with electrical hookups are prevalent in the region's established campgrounds, though most lack full sewer connections. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed camping options become available in the mountains west of town, requiring longer drives but offering more privacy and natural settings. Cell service remains reliable at most established campgrounds near Morrison but becomes spotty in the higher elevation dispersed areas. Winter camping is limited primarily to Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks, which maintain year-round operations.

Best Camping Sites Near Morrison, Colorado (367)

    1. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."

    "This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!!

    Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."

    2. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    33 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    2 miles
    Website

    "We stayed here two nights and chose the campground due to its proximity to Morrison and the Red Rocks Amphitheater. They have showers for $1 that last 5min which is more than enough."

    "This was our first time staying at Bear Creek Lake. The park is not part of the Colorado Wilds or CPW State Park system, but daily vehicle fees are included with your camping reservation."

    3. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    5 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."

    4. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    8 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!"

    5. Chief Hosa Campground

    25 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "

    "The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."

    6. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    17 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."

    7. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."

    "It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it. "

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    12 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 872-7544

    "Good location close to interstate to access all the cool towns and site seeing west of Denver."

    "When I walked in the office, I was greeted by 5 wonderful sweet dogs. I love dogs so there couldn't have been a better greeting. Kathy was very friendly and helpful."

    9. Denver West-Central City KOA

    29 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3043

    "good location for cute old mountain towns! also close to Denver and other must sees in Colorado!"

    "8100’ high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don’t worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"

    10. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    21 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 367 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Morrison, CO

2382 Reviews of 367 Morrison Campgrounds



Guide to Morrison

Camping near Morrison, Colorado, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding: Chatfield State Park Campground is a great spot for paddleboarding. One visitor mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a perfect place to cool off on hot days.
  • Hiking: The trails around Golden Gate Canyon State Park are popular for hiking. A reviewer noted, "There are lots of trees if you like shade," which makes for a pleasant hike.
  • Fishing: Bear Creek Lake Park is ideal for fishing. A camper shared, "Great biking, hiking right from the campsite," which means you can easily combine fishing with other outdoor activities.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground mentioned, "Much jet noise from airliners leaving Denver," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Road conditions: If you're heading to Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, be prepared for rough roads. One review stated, "The road is in very poor condition," so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Limited amenities: Some dispersed camping areas, like Vasquez Ridge, lack basic amenities. A camper noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose sites wisely: When camping at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, a camper advised, "Choose your loop carefully," as some sites are closer together than others.
  • Bring quarters for showers: At places like Deer Creek Campground—Golden Gate Canyon, showers require quarters. One visitor said, "Showers take quarters so come prepared."
  • Plan for activities: Campgrounds like Cherry Creek State Park Campground offer various activities. A camper mentioned, "Easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir," which is great for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers at Dakota Ridge RV Park recommend checking site sizes. One camper said, "Pull-through sites are very practical to accommodate longer RVs."
  • Be cautious of theft: A visitor warned about safety issues, stating, "One vehicle stolen and several cars rummaged through," so keep valuables secure.
  • Look for full hookups: Campers at Denver West-Central City KOA appreciated the full hookups. One reviewer noted, "Full hook ups. Was below freezing at night," highlighting the importance of being prepared for cold weather.

Camping near Morrison, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Morrison, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Morrison, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 367 campgrounds and RV parks near Morrison, CO and 123 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Morrison, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Morrison, CO is Chatfield State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 76 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 123 free dispersed camping spots near Morrison, CO.

What parks are near Morrison, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Morrison, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.