Best Campgrounds near Niwot, CO

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Niwot, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Niwot. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Niwot, Colorado (342)

    1. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

    2. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

    3. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

    4. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "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."

    5. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."

    "This si the place my friends and I go to just for a night away from everything. It is just out of reach of the city and far enough away where we can find some peace and quiet."

    6. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."

    "The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."

    7. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    "The location is great, there’s about 10 designated camp sites to choose from and great hiking trails nearby. The drive in is easy."

    8. LaVern M. Johnson Park

    12 Reviews
    Lyons, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 823-6150

    $37 - $62 / night

    "On the edge of Lyons, this place is great for families. Tubing, playgrounds, and soccer field. Just blocks away from Main Street. A great family spot with small children."

    "Walking trails and river access was abundantly available. Easy walking or biking distance to various eateries in Lyons."

    9. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    10. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."

    "Take the road far enough and you’ll get past those with homes and find some decent BLM off road camping/overnight parking places. Road gets a bit more 4x4 like as you keep going"

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Recent Reviews near Niwot, CO

2479 Reviews of 342 Niwot Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

    Enjoyable Camp Site

    I stayed here for a couple of nights on a road trip through Colorado and I found it to be a nice place to relax. The views themselves weren’t spectacular (by Colorado standards) but it was quiet (on weekday, can’t speak for the weekend). The forest itself was pretty though.

    The one thing I did notice was that there were more black flies than I expected. It wasn’t overwhelming but they definitely buzzed the campsite a fair amount. I didn’t mind too much but my dog took great personal offense to the interlopers.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    A-Lodge Boulder - Car Camping

    Quiet, cozy, very close to Boulder. Only 3 van/car spots

    Although there was a wedding in evening one night, it was over and folks dispersed by around 8pm, minimal bugs so we did not use screens for a good part of the time, the overall site is long and narrow and so parking/car traffic can be a little tight. We did go out the exit on far side to come back in to the entrance and that was >180 degree turn so try to avoid that. Three clean bathrooms, 1 mens with 2 toilet stalls and shower (toilet stall were very small--knees bumped against door), 2 co-ed bathrooms (one with toilet/sink/shower, one with toilet & sink only). One sink in co-ed had very hot water coming out of both faucets (no cold from this sink). Paper towel dispensers ran out and were empty for a day but then roll of paper towels appeared. 

    Wifi was spotty & disconnected regularly, no Verizon service. There is a small 'store': A fridge with drinks and burritos, shelves with some Mountain House dinners, and snack bars. There is a pool, dry sauna with great LARGE window looking at creek, and hot-tub (sauna worked great). Did get chance to see any of the rooms. Tent sites are up a VERY steep path and on platforms on side of hill (perhaps 50-60' up the hill?). There's an area with some slack lines set up, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

  • B S.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Idlewild Campground

    Fall stay

    Stayed two nights with my sons. Grabbed one of the walk-in sites Friday at 1pm.

    Pros: Availability (one of the only sites in Winter Park), beautiful surroundings

    Cons: Right next to the highway so traffic (trains at times) can be heard at all hours of the night, most walk-in sites don't have a tent pad

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Great view of the Lake + porta-potty

    We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!


Guide to Niwot

Camping near Niwot, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and exploring: Rocky Mountain National Park is nearby, making it easy to hit the trails. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters" at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Wildlife watching: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A review from Moraine Park Campground noted, "I woke up to a lovely view and light snowfall... I saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Fishing and swimming: At Bear Creek Lake Park, visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming in the reservoir. One reviewer said, "Big campsites... Close to the highway but can hardly hear and traffic noise."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. A review for Cottonwood Campground highlighted, "Sites are level. No tent pads, but likely could set up on gravel or lawn in the site."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful hosts. One camper at East Portal Campground said, "The staff were helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy. A camper at Moraine Park Campground noted, "It's a bit overcrowded. Lots of beetle damage."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A review for Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area stated, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere. It is a homeless encampment."
  • Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A review for East Portal Campground mentioned, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for clean facilities: Families appreciate clean bathrooms. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake said, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers which are $2 for 6 minutes."
  • Bring entertainment: Some campgrounds have limited activities. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park suggested, "It’s not the campground for me... Lots of kids and bikes and playgrounds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Sites are reasonably well separated."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds don’t offer full hookups. A camper at Bear Creek Lake Park mentioned, "Sites are mostly level, electric only, and relatively close together."
  • Watch for noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A review for Dakota Ridge RV Park stated, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."

Camping near Niwot, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to check the specifics of each campground to find the perfect spot for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails near Niwot?

The Niwot area offers excellent hiking options with varied difficulty levels. For nearby trails, check out the Left Hand Valley Grange Trail that connects Niwot to the LoBo Trail system, offering gentle terrain perfect for casual hikers. More challenging options are available at Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground, which features stunning mountain views and trail access directly from the campground. For a truly Colorado experience, Olive Ridge provides access to demanding trails in Rocky Mountain National Park just 10 minutes walking distance through County Road 84. Nearby Button Rock Preserve offers moderate trails with rewarding reservoir views, while Heil Valley Ranch provides more challenging terrain with spectacular vistas of the Front Range.

What restaurants and dining options are available in Niwot?

Niwot offers a charming small-town dining scene with diverse options. The town's main street features local cafés serving breakfast and lunch, several family-owned restaurants offering American cuisine, and specialty eateries including Italian, Mexican, and Asian options. For those camping nearby at Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, Niwot makes an excellent day trip for a proper meal. The town also hosts a few pubs with craft beer selections and outdoor patios perfect for relaxing after exploring the area. Most restaurants are located along 2nd Avenue in Niwot's historic district, making it easy to walk between options while enjoying the town's quaint atmosphere.

Where is Niwot, Colorado located?

Niwot is a small community located in Boulder County, Colorado, situated between Boulder and Longmont along the Front Range. It sits approximately 5 miles northeast of Boulder and about 7 miles southwest of Longmont, with easy access via the Diagonal Highway (119). The town is nestled at the base of the foothills with views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. For campers, St. Vrain State Park Campground is nearby, offering a convenient base to explore the area. Niwot's proximity to Boulder allows easy access to outdoor recreation while maintaining a quieter, small-town atmosphere. The community is about 35 minutes from Denver and serves as a gateway to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.