363 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Wheat Ridge, Colorado offer camping options from urban RV parks to developed state park facilities. Applewood RV Resort (formerly Prospect RV Park) offers a convenient base with full hookups near Denver's city limits, while nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park provides more natural surroundings with both Reverend's Ridge and Deer Creek campgrounds offering tent and RV sites. The region includes a mix of privately managed RV resorts and public recreation areas like Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park, which feature both tent and RV camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance from Wheat Ridge.
Access to most developed campgrounds remains available year-round, though mountain parks like Golden Gate Canyon may have seasonal limitations during winter months. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months when Denver-area facilities fill quickly. The proximity to major highways makes most sites easily accessible without specialized vehicles, though higher elevation campgrounds may present more challenging conditions during inclement weather. RV parks near the city maintain consistent availability but often come at premium prices compared to more distant options. One camper noted, "This park is good for what it is. If you want to be close to the city and have easy access to any kind of shopping imaginable, this will meet your needs."
Campers frequently mention the trade-offs between urban convenience and natural settings when staying near Wheat Ridge. Several visitors highlighted the benefit of proximity to urban amenities while still having access to outdoor recreation. The Clear Creek greenbelt receives positive mentions from RV park guests seeking walking paths and open space without leaving the city. "Located right behind it is a large green belt with ponds, a park, biking and walking path as well as Clear Creek," noted one reviewer of Applewood RV Resort. Mixed-use campgrounds in the area typically feature gravel sites with standard hookups, while state parks offer more separation between campsites and natural surroundings. Sites with trees and shade are limited in urban RV parks but more common in the state park campgrounds surrounding the metro area.
"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."
from $36 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Note: If the GPS takes you to a dirt road with a closed gate at the end, get back on the highway and take the next exit to the park entrance."
"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!"
from $68 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $28 - $432 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It’s $35 a night for a spot super close to the water. The spots are pretty spread out. We are taking our toddler and dogs swimming 100 times a day."
"Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $28 - $90 / night
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ScoutThe drive is a bit rocky & confusing. just keep following ski road. do NOT take a regular car, the drive is too rough. -bring a bear vault & lock up all food! -watch for fallen treees
ScoutRecommend traction control and AWD. Saw plenty of sedans wth 2 wheel being able to handle a good majority of this fire service road 322. It was filled by Saturday ~4pm, spent some time driving around. Wide roads to turn around if you need. No amenities. Lots of fellow car campers nearby, well cared for/maintained
ScoutThis is a nice campground. They have two bath houses. One is good and the other is ok. They have a decent laundry mat. Store is good. Close to town without feeling close. Camp site are close together so buddy camping is good but if not with friends you will get to know your neighbors. I would recommend.
ScoutWe could only get to campsite 6 in our manual Subaru Crosstrek. The road did not allow us to make it past with how deep the holes were in the road. Our car became unbalanced in our third attempt to get up- whole driver side was in the air. But we still found a good spot. Just wish we were able to see the other 30 sites.
ScoutNice sites and definitely in the cut. Sites 20-24 are closed due to road closure.
RangerYou have to travel for several miles to find the disperse sites after you hit dirt road, but it's worth a trip. The first few miles are very rough and bumpy, but our 24 foot Sprinter made it fine. After a few miles the road becomes better to navigate.
RangerCloser to interstate 25 on the west side, so there's done road noise. We were at the far east side and looked out at plenty of homes. The east side no wireless supplied by the park. Issue the park is nice. Plenty of trees and facilities
Scout4-5 sites out of 12 have creek side camping spots. Our toddler loved to find worms and dip her feet in for hours on end. It’s been shaded, clean, and at the base of the tanglewood trail to take up to Mt. Rosalie.
TravelerNavigated to the coordinates and found a private driveway, gated. Drive a bit but didn’t find any camp sites near by. Ended up at the campground down the street.
Camping sites near Wheat Ridge, Colorado provide year-round access with elevations ranging from 5,300 feet in the city to over 8,000 feet at nearby mountain parks. Located just west of Denver along Clear Creek, this Front Range community serves as a gateway to both mountain recreation and urban amenities. Most campgrounds maintain accessible sites from April through October, with some facilities offering winter camping options during milder Colorado winters.
Hiking trails access: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive trail networks for all skill levels. "The park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts," notes one visitor. The park feels secluded despite its proximity to urban areas: "Golden Gate Canyon SP is absolutely gorgeous! We loved the experience at the park, the trails are great and the views are wonderful."
Water recreation: Bear Creek Lake Park provides multiple water activities within 20 minutes of Wheat Ridge. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," shares a camper. The park combines natural settings with recreational facilities.
Wildlife viewing: Chatfield State Park attracts diverse bird species and wildlife. A reviewer mentions, "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos." The reservoir and surrounding habitat support year-round wildlife observation opportunities with several miles of nature trails.
Clean facilities: Clear Creek RV Park maintains well-kept amenities. "Nice clean campground! Beautiful setting with lots to do nearby," notes one visitor. Another camper adds, "The spots are a little close, beautiful area w/lots of Hiking, biking, walking trails. Golden is an awesome area to explore & very close to Denver."
Convenient location: Reverend's Ridge Campground balances accessibility with natural surroundings. "We stayed here in early June to avoid the chaos of RMNP and were not disappointed. The drive from Golden up into the park is beautiful and you truly feel like you are leaving the noise of Denver and the metro behind," explains a reviewer. This location provides a mountain experience without long travel times from Wheat Ridge.
Family-friendly amenities: Standley Lake Regional Park offers dedicated spaces for children. "Perfect for a spontaneous overnight trip, we were wishing we would have brought paddleboard and fishing gear but next time! Bathrooms were clean even with all the campers everyone was very nice and quiet!" reports a visitor. The lake features rentable paddle craft and designated swimming areas.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during summer months. At Standley Lake Regional Park, "Trying to reserve online was a bit of a challenge (may have been user error) but I was able to call and the ranger I talked was very helpful in getting a reservation day of and answering all the questions I had."
Site conditions: Campground pads vary significantly in quality and levelness. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, "Sites are a pretty good size, it's close to a lot of stores, restaurants, etc, it has a small pool and hot tub, and it has a cool hill you can climb and see views of Denver." However, some sites require adjustment: "Smaller sites and not much grass for dogs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Wheat Ridge?
Wheat Ridge offers limited camping options within the city itself, with Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney being the primary option. This RV park is conveniently located in the city with reasonable rates around $42 plus tax. It provides easy access to stores, gas stations, and Denver. For more camping options, consider Chatfield State Park Campground just a short drive away, which offers both RV and tent camping sites, though it tends to fill up quickly on weekends.
How quickly can I find last-minute camping spots in Wheat Ridge?
For last-minute camping near Wheat Ridge, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area is a good option with around 15 numbered sites and additional unnumbered spots further down the road. Another option is Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail, which offers more flexibility for spontaneous trips, though 4x4 capability is recommended. Dispersed camping areas typically have better availability for last-minute plans compared to developed campgrounds, especially during weekdays.
What are the best campgrounds in Wheat Ridge for weekend trips?
For weekend trips from Wheat Ridge, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground offers a true Colorado experience with stunning views, a rolling river, well-maintained fire pits, and hiking trailheads you can walk to. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir is another excellent option, particularly Site 5 which provides privacy for larger groups. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Wheat Ridge and offer the perfect weekend escape into nature while still being accessible for a short trip.
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