Best Campgrounds near Parker, CO

The Parker, Colorado area contains several campground options within an hour's drive, ranging from state parks with full facilities to dispersed camping in nearby national forest lands. Cherry Creek State Park, located in Aurora, provides developed camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites near a large reservoir, while Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping in more primitive settings. The camping landscape includes a mix of established campgrounds with reservable sites and off-grid options on public lands, particularly west of Parker toward the Front Range.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most established campgrounds like Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Park campgrounds open year-round, while higher elevation areas have more limited seasons. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months, especially on weekends when Denver residents seek outdoor escapes. The region experiences typical Colorado weather patterns with potential for sudden afternoon thunderstorms in summer and occasional snow as early as September in higher elevations. Full hookup sites at Cherry Creek State Park include electric, water, and sewer connections, with clean restrooms and shower facilities. One camper shared that, "The campground was very clean and all the hosts that I spoke with were very nice. The campground was very comfortable and I don't have anything bad to speak of about it."

Campers report Cherry Creek State Park offers an urban camping experience that still feels removed from the city. The park features a large reservoir with a swim beach, boating opportunities, and hiking trails. RV sites have concrete parking pads and full hookups, though some users note these pads can be surprisingly unlevel. Visitors mention the convenience of the location while still providing a natural setting. A review stated, "Located in the city, but once you're in the park you don't feel like you're in the city at all!" Traffic noise can be heard from nearby highways in some areas. For those seeking more primitive experiences, the dispersed camping areas like Buffalo Creek and Mount Herman Road provide free sites with minimal amenities but greater solitude, though these areas lack facilities such as running water or toilets.

Best Camping Sites Near Parker, Colorado (221)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "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."

    "Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth."

    2. Chatfield State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $36 - $200 / night

    "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."

    3. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur

    19 Reviews
    Larkspur, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 325-2393

    $50 - $170 / night

    "We’re a one night in each location maybe 2 as we tour the US in 4-6week chunks."

    "When we arrived we found out our spot was by the train we asked to be moved and they were extremely accommodating and put us in another spot up higher away from train."

    5. Rampart Range Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    Sedalia, CO
    20 miles
    Website

    "My 9 yr old son and I have been “jeeping” around Colorado for about 8 months now. We make it a point to wake up to a different view every day."

    "Fun place to camp lots of sites and pretty trails, however this is known for its off-road ATV riders. If you're staying for a night or you're ATV for the weekend this is your spot."

    6. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "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."

    7. Casey Jones RV Hideaway

    6 Reviews
    Cimarron, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 646-3599

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Just outside Elizabeth and an easy drive to Colorado Springs area and the Parker/Denver areas."

    "Quiet,small,friendly,close to town,walmart,Safeway. A little overpriced, but it's still pretty."

    8. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    29 miles

    "There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."

    "The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."

    9. Denver Meadows RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Denver, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 364-9483

    "Lots of good food nearby."

    10. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "30 minutes and kick back and please crack a cold one for Colorado being the best place."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 221 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Parker, CO

1559 Reviews of 221 Parker Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Divide, Colorado

    A little hard to find

    This place is a couple miles off the highway. The county roads getting here are no issue. Its a little hard to find in the dark. There is a green gate that says no parking, but thats actually the gate you drive through to get to the Forrest service road. So just open it up and close it behind you. The road is dirt and there are several spots before it may get bad. The first spot is a large pull through but it is covered in horse poop. Also the place gets very busy in the morning with people from town walking their dogs but they stay quiet and peaceful. 1 bar verizon signal. No bathrooms.

  • ncgirl 0.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Monument Glamping

    Unforgettable Glamping Experience!

    Highly recommended! From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully designed. The tent was spacious, clean, and cozy — with all the comforts of a hotel, but surrounded by nature. The hosts made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re looking to disconnect and unwind or just enjoy nature (we saw several deer right outside our tent) without sacrificing comfort, this is the place to do it.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Round Mountain

    Free site 200 yards down road

    Hard to stomach a paid site with no hookups when a free blm campground is within site. This place has picnic tables and bathrooms that is about thenonly difference. They do have a water pump but no hook ups at site. Low verizon signal. Sites are close together and open. Just save some cash and gondownnthe road 1/4 mile

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    North Round Mountain

    Cool rocks, can see Pikes peak

    This is a nice little dispersed campground. The main road is pretty good. You can see Pikes peak off in the distance behind the trees. The area is covered by these big rocks and boulders which makes walking around fun. There is atleast 1 very large site for a medium size rig when you first pull in on the left. Other than fire pit no real amenities. Was literally no one around for miles in october. 1-2 verizon bars depending.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    Clean, pretty, well cared for.

    I recently stayed at this campsite and was very impressed by how clean and well-kept it was. The bathrooms and showers were spotless, the picnic areas were tidy, and the grounds were clearly cared for on a regular basis. It made the whole camping experience much more enjoyable and comfortable.

    The campsite itself was beautiful, surrounded by tall trees and well-maintained trails. The natural scenery was stunning, and everything from the campsites to the common areas looked inviting and peaceful. It’s clear that a lot of effort goes into keeping the place both functional and pretty.

    One of the best features was the heated pool. It was clean, comfortably warm, and a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking or exploring. The pool area had plenty of space to sit and unwind, and it added a nice touch of comfort to the outdoor experience. Overall, this campsite perfectly balances cleanliness, beauty, and relaxation.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Rocky Top Motel & Campground

    Nice facility

    Spots are level. Cell Verizon and ATT is good. View to the east is nice. Propane refill available. Showers are clean and hot. 4 clothes washing and dryer machines. Downside is there’s not any trails to hike immediately from the site. You have to drive to them. Also it’s located on a bluff so it can get a bit windy. Overall I like this place and recommend it. Leave it better than you found it

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    Good spot close to city

    Nice park with lots of things to do here. Bathrooms and showers are nice and kept clean every morning. Laundry wash $1.50 to $2.00 and dry for $1.50! Cell Verizon and att decent with up to 20Mb download Spots are level (101) Water to fill a jug but some spots have full hookups. Free dump station. You can hear the freeway and road traffic but it’s not terrible. Over nice park.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great hiking and biking trails

    The park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    Stayed here again! 34+ dispersed spots

    Just wanted to write another review of this spot, love it, easy road in but extremely busy even in late September on an early Friday afternoon. Completely full by Friday 6pm I wouldn’t even try after unless it’s November-April. Seriously. Lots of big spots for multiple cars and tents, fire pits in every numbered spot. Trails nearby, even found an old horseshoe! Get there early, but that’s known if you ever been there.


Guide to Parker

Camping near Parker, Colorado provides access to varied terrain and elevations ranging from 5,900 feet in town to over 8,000 feet in nearby mountain areas. The region experiences a semiarid climate with approximately 15 inches of annual precipitation, concentrated mainly from April through September. Most dispersed camping options require self-containment as facilities are limited or nonexistent outside established campgrounds.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area has extensive trail networks ideal for riders. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels. Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals," reports one visitor.

Water recreation: Cherry Creek State Park Campground offers swimming and boating opportunities. "Nice Swim Beach with brand new Bldg. Many covered Picnic sites, but again, you MUST arrive at the break of day to secure one," advises a regular visitor. The reservoir gets crowded during summer months, with capacity limits enforced.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to see deer, rabbits, and various bird species. The campground areas report frequent rabbit sightings. "Lots of cute rabbits running around," notes a camper from Dakota Ridge RV Park.

What campers like

Easy mountain access: Campers appreciate locations that serve as convenient basecamps. "Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park" gets high marks for accessibility. "Close proximity to the highway. Clean level spots. Lots of park amenities like horse stables, archery range, swim beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas," reports a camper.

Variety of camping options: From primitive to full-service sites within short distances. "Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur" offers highly developed family camping. "This place is really cool (if you got the cash). Tons of amenities, pancake breakfast with characters for the kiddos. Water slides," reports a visitor.

Concrete pads at developed sites: Some campgrounds feature improved surfaces for easier setup. "The sites are also all concrete so leveling was very easy," notes a camper who stayed at Dakota Ridge RV Park.

What you should know

Seasonal crowding requires planning: Summer weekends fill extremely quickly at most sites. "Buffalo Creek Recreation Area" demonstrates this pattern. "Beautiful spot with easy access to lots of trails and Wellington lake. Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home."

Noise factors: Train tracks, highways, and other campers can impact experience. "The train was expected, so it didn't bother me too much. The site we were assigned did not have a fire pit in the site, it was up the road by another camp site," reports a camper from Jellystone Park.

Additional fees: Many parks charge day use fees on top of camping fees. "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay," warns a Cherry Creek State Park visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-specific amenities: Some campgrounds cater specifically to families. "So much to do for the littles!! Recently completely redone the entire park and it is all so wonderful! The campsites are amazing and the activities are so much fun," writes a visitor to Jellystone Park at Larkspur.

Arrival timing matters: Early arrival improves experience at popular sites. "If you want to get into the Park, suggest you go EARLY, EARLY, EARLY in the day. Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth," warns a Chatfield State Park Campground visitor.

Safety considerations: Glass and other hazards exist at some locations. "Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones," cautions a visitor to Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring equipment. "The A3 site chosen is gravel with a hole or two and significantly tilted low to the front left....requiring a 4 high stack," reports an RVer at Dakota Ridge RV Park.

Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited capacity for larger rigs. "Don't go up if you are pulling anything larger than a tear drop trailer," warns a visitor about Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping. The narrow switchback roads make navigation difficult for larger vehicles.

Hookup details: Availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "There are no bathrooms, showers, and sewer hookups. If you want to stay there for one or two days I think it's ok… But little pricey for no amenities," notes a visitor to Casey Jones RV Hideaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Parker, Colorado?

Cherry Creek State Park Campground is one of the most convenient options, offering well-maintained sites just minutes from Parker. The park features full hookups and modern amenities, though it's best to arrive early on weekends as entrance lines can be lengthy. For those willing to drive a bit further, Casey Jones RV Hideaway provides a peaceful alternative with clean facilities, shaded sites under pine trees, and convenient access to both Parker and Colorado Springs. Both locations offer easy accessibility while providing different camping experiences—Cherry Creek for water recreation enthusiasts and Casey Jones for those seeking a quieter woodland setting.

What types of camping facilities are available in Parker, CO?

The Parker area offers diverse camping facilities to suit different preferences. Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur provides a family-friendly RV park experience with easy highway access and proximity to both Denver and Colorado Springs attractions. For those seeking more amenities, Dakota Ridge RV Park offers full-service facilities including on-site propane, nearby trails, and accommodating staff. The region supports various camping styles, from fully-equipped RV parks with hookups to more rustic state park campgrounds. Most facilities in the area offer restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits, with many providing shower facilities and dump stations for longer stays.

Are there any lakeside camping options near Parker, CO?

Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake offers beautiful lakeside camping within a reasonable drive from Parker. The sites are somewhat close together but work well for groups. While there are no hookups, the area provides bathroom facilities and a visitor center where you can purchase firewood. Another option is Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, which features more secluded sites, including some corner spots that provide privacy while still offering lake access. Both destinations allow campers to enjoy water activities while being close enough to Parker for convenience.

Are there good fishing opportunities at campgrounds near Parker?

Chatfield State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities within a reasonable drive from Parker. The reservoir is regularly stocked and supports a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, bass, and walleye. Another good option is Colorado Campground near Manitou Lake, which provides fishing access in a scenic mountain setting. The location offers a peaceful fishing experience while still being close enough to Parker for convenience. Both locations require a valid Colorado fishing license. For the best experience, plan your fishing in the early morning or evening hours when fish are most active and the waters are less crowded.