Best Tent Camping near Morrison, CO
Tent campsites in the foothills near Morrison, Colorado range from established campgrounds to hike-in backcountry options. Bear Creek Lake Campground offers tent sites with electric hookups and picnic tables, while Staunton State Park Campground provides more secluded walk-in tent camping experiences approximately 20 miles southwest of Morrison. Sawmill Hiker Campground represents a true backcountry tent camping experience, requiring a short hike to reach the designated tent sites. These areas provide varying degrees of amenities and natural settings for tent campers seeking proximity to Denver while enjoying mountain landscapes.
Most tent campgrounds require advance planning as reservations are often necessary, particularly for established sites at Bear Creek Lake and Staunton State Park. The terrain varies significantly among tent campsites, with most offering dirt or gravel tent pads. According to one visitor at Sawmill Hiker Campground, "It is a 1 mile, easy hike. The first 1/3 of a mile is dirt, the remainder is gravel." Bathroom facilities range from flush toilets and showers at Bear Creek Lake to vault toilets at walk-in sites. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region, with some areas maintaining permanent fire bans. Campers should verify current restrictions before arrival, as several reviews note unexpected fire prohibition.
Areas farther from Morrison typically offer more primitive tent camping experiences with greater solitude. Staunton State Park features tent-only sites stretched along short trails, providing separation between campers. A recent review noted, "Sites are stretched out along two short trails. Most far enough that it makes sense to treat it a bit like backpacking so you have fewer trips to make." Many tent campsites in the region sit at higher elevations, resulting in cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months. Tent campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations and potential wildlife encounters, including bears, as bear boxes are provided at several backcountry tent camping locations. Sawmill and Idylease campgrounds represent excellent options for backpackers seeking a short hike-in experience without venturing too far from their vehicles.
