Camping near Morrison, Colorado offers abundant options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking pet-friendly accommodations. The area sits along the Front Range at elevations between 5,700 and 8,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley and mountain campgrounds. Summer temperatures in lower elevation sites typically reach 85-95°F during daytime hours, while higher elevation options provide relief with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks popular with cyclists. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking... plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes Andrew B. The area shows regrowth from a 1996 fire, with "sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals."
Hiking with panoramic views: Golden Gate Canyon State Park features numerous trails with spectacular mountain vistas. "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful," shares Minette and Ron G. The park encompasses over 12,000 acres with 35+ miles of trails.
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer water access for cooling off during hot summer months. "Chatfield is such a great park; I've spent so much time biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, spending time with family," reports Jenny P., highlighting the variety of water activities available beyond just swimming areas for pets.
What campers like
Access to trail systems: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area connects to numerous hiking paths, including the Colorado Trail. "There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers," explains Marissa K., pointing out the hiking diversity.
Reasonable site spacing: Many campers appreciate sites that aren't overcrowded. At Reverend's Ridge Campground, "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs," according to Dennis G.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom facilities make a significant difference for campers. At Chief Hosa Campground, "The bathrooms were VERY clean and seemed to be pretty new - plenty of bathroom stalls, sinks, and large showers. They were quarter showers for 2 minutes of hot water, so basically less than $1 per shower, which is great," describes Danielle V.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Buffalo Creek "fills up very fast on the weekends. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," reports Keiko F.
Fire restrictions: Check current restrictions before planning campfires. At Buffalo Creek, "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk. If you are going to be camping in BLM or Wildlife Areas please follow the restrictions," advises Hayley K.
Highway noise considerations: Chief Hosa Campground sits close to I-70, affecting the camping experience. "The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two," notes Theresa G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Chatfield State Park, families appreciate having "nice facilities and a playground for kiddos," according to Jessica V., making it easier to keep children entertained between outdoor activities.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of natural areas for learning experiences. At Buffalo Creek, families can observe forest regeneration. "Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals and is ultimately uplifting," notes Andrew B.
Campground noise policies: Denver West-Central City KOA maintains noise restrictions to help ensure family-friendly sleeping conditions. "Big camping spots, fun campground vibes, noise restrictions so don't worry your kiddos won't be able to hit a reasonable bed time," mentions Andrew B. when discussing Buffalo Creek's atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Chief Hosa, "The sites are not very level so be prepared to use your blocks," advises Rich M., highlighting the importance of bringing adequate leveling gear for RV stability.
Hookup availability variations: Clear Creek RV Park offers various hookup options but with limitations. "Stayed here for a month and a half with electric only (full hook up spots for extended stays were already taken but that was okay)," notes Janine R., adding that "Sites 8 & 9 are extremely unlevel, but the other sites are pretty fine."
Water pressure considerations: Some parks have unusually high water pressure. At Prospect RV Park (now Applewood), "Be sure to have a water pressure regulator or you'll come back to a flooded RV," warns Love4travel T., emphasizing the need for pressure regulation equipment at pet-friendly camping near Morrison.
