366 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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RangerWe took skill hill road, south of lens park. There is a sign before entry into the national forest stating the limitation of 30 feet on this road. We found a place by the Y in the road and decided to camp. The lot was by no means flat. And it took us a while to even attempt to level. But it is super quiet and beautiful.
LegendThe hosts are super nice and the RV park they have built is impressive. Sites are a good size and the amenities are great (and clean!) if you're hanging out for a few days or longer and can take advantage of them. Not much privacy and no shade due to the park being new and having no trees, but they have planted them.
The only downside is road noise. Colorado 66 is right over the fence and it seems busy and loud all the time. So what could be a peaceful getaway is bombarded with highway noise. But the highway connects to I-25 so getting to and from the park is easy. I guess that's the tradeoff you make sometimes.
Overall, though, this is a park I'd recommend and not hesitate to stay at again.
TravelerLike many Colorado disperse camping spots. I like this one in particular because there was a clearing near the lake that was perfect for us to get plenty of solar charge and clear sky for stargazing and Starlink. At the time review we got out here with a ram Pro Master. I recommend not going any further past the lake on the road.
TravelerEasy to get to for a truck or van. Forested sites then more open as you get to the lake. Pretty area. None of the spots have lake views. Lake is drawn down because of draught. Decent amount of trash. Neat geology, lots of metamorphic rock some with garnet clusters.
GuideWe were in spot #19 which was pretty cool! Plenty of space and we were able to park really close and the drive the reservoir was really close! Getting down to the reservoir was hard because the water is low right now. We weren't too close to other people but could still here them.
TravelerWe stayed here for a total of four weeks this year (two weeks at a time) and it was 100% worth it. Park is kept very clean, many outdoor activities, and the rv spaces were very spacious pull through sites.
ScoutThe drive in was pretty rugged. Drove a stock Tacoma with big tires and was totally fine. Tons of spots around the lake, some you have to walk into. Got there on a Saturday morning and it was busy but we still got a sweet spot right on the water. Tight small campsite with not a lot of flat land. Small tent would’ve been great. Would recommend high clearance. Tons of fish.
TravelerQuiet campground. Beautiful scenery next to a stream. They also have a toilet without shower and a potable water
TravelerLots of sites but was busy. Some people seem to save spots. Very windy and open due to the fire. Aspens are growing though
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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