Tent camping opportunities near Morrison, Colorado range from wilderness sites to state park campgrounds. Located at elevations between 5,800 and 9,000 feet, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations even in summer months, with nighttime temperatures dropping 20-30 degrees below daytime highs. Most sites require advance reservations during peak seasons from May through September, with walk-in sites filling particularly quickly on weekends.
What to do
Fishing access: 5 minutes from camp site: The South Platte River near Osprey Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Very relaxing, great views, and respectful neighbors. Site is right next to the Platte River," notes David H. Trout fishing is particularly productive in this area.
Canyon views: Short walk required: Dream Canyon Campsites offer dispersed camping with minimal facilities but exceptional scenery. "The views are incredible! Lots of climbing routes nearby and easy to find some good spots away from others," explains Hayley K. The site requires a short walk from the parking area to reach camping spots.
Mountain biking: Multiple trail systems: Campers near Morrison can access trail networks throughout Golden Gate Canyon State Park. "We brought out the bike and did some trails to find the perfect spot," shares Hayley K. about camping at Staunton State Park. Many trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing campers to ride without driving to trailheads.
What campers like
Winter accessibility: Year-round options: Some dispersed camping areas remain accessible in colder months. "It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable. It was pretty empty in January," reports Catalina H. about Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures dropping below freezing.
Privacy between sites: Walk-in tent sites at state parks offer better separation than drive-in options. "Sites are well maintained and quite spread out from one another. So although there was a group of scouts, a group of friends, and a bigger youth group who all hiked in, it did not feel crowded or noisy," explains Jessica K. about Sawmill Hiker Campground.
Distance from city noise: Despite proximity to Denver, several sites offer quiet surroundings. "This park was incredible for just getting away with my pup for a night... In the Fall this park is just stunning with aspen leaves all different colors so it brings a bit of solitude in nature too even with all the people in the park," shares a camper at Staunton State Park.
What you should know
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Most free camping areas lack basic amenities. "No bathrooms, so we definitely had to rough it. If you're up for the full backcountry experience, it's totally worth it," warns Amanda R. about Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some sites requires high-clearance vehicles. "Gnarly ass road, not for trailers/sedans... I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power," cautions Graham S. about reaching Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir. Several other campgrounds have similar access limitations.
Temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation sites experience cold nights even in summer. "We went in June and July. Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's," explains K R. when describing camping at Staunton State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking experiences: Families with young children can try backpacking at sites with minimal hiking required. "My husband and I came in through the West Trailhead. It is a 1 mile, easy hike... It did not feel crowded or noisy," shares Jessica K. about taking her 1-year-old to Sawmill Hiker Campground.
Pack for temperature changes: Even summer camping requires warm gear for children. "Make sure you bring a heater or good sleeping bag because it can get pretty cool at night here in the summer time," advises Doug C. about camping at Staunton State Park Campground.
Use transport aids: For gear-heavy family camping at walk-in sites, consider alternative transport. "Since hiking in, some backpacking items would be helpful in order to make the haul easier. Though, taking trips could be an option, if necessary. When camping with a whole posse of kids, we used a wagon to haul all that crap up," suggests K R. about Staunton State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups availability: For RVers wanting amenities while still accessing mountain environments, select established campgrounds. "The sites are for tent/RV and have electric hookups. Beautiful area. There's a few playgrounds within the campground and park area," explains Kevin M. about Bear Creek Lake Campground.
Dumping station locations: Plan for waste management needs. "Only drawback might be the bathrooms have no night lighting and you have a dumping station instead of sewage hookups. Also water is available but not at the site," notes Kevin M. about Bear Creek Lake Campground's services for RV campers.
Site layout considerations: Many campgrounds have sites that aren't designed for larger vehicles. "Parking is a bit tight and some of the sites pretty steep," explains Fabio O. about Aspen Meadows Campground, recommending careful site selection when bringing larger rigs to mountain campgrounds.