Best Campgrounds near Parker, CO

Camping near Parker, Colorado includes several well-placed options within a short drive. Cherry Creek State Park Campground sits about 10 miles away and has full hookups that work well for RVers who want modern facilities while staying close to town. About 17 miles from Parker, Chatfield State Park Campground in Littleton gives campers electrical hookups and puts them right next to Chatfield Reservoir for water activities. Mount Herman Road has basic dispersed camping for people who prefer fewer neighbors and don't mind bringing their own water and following Leave No Trace practices. You should book spots at Cherry Creek and Chatfield ahead of time, particularly in summer when they fill quickly. The Rocky Mountains and Colorado River aren't far, giving campers good hiking trails and fishing spots beyond their campsites. During dry spells, fire bans often go into effect, so check current rules before packing your firewood. While it takes longer to reach them, the Great Sand Dunes make a worthwhile side trip for their unusual landscape. Parker-area camping works for both developed campground fans and those who like more remote spots without facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Parker, Colorado (219)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 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."

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Recent Reviews near Parker, CO

1550 Reviews of 219 Parker Campgrounds


  • Brittanie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Nice Pull Off Dispersed Site

    Easy access

    Easy to access spot with plenty of parking. There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks. Campfire ring and great views.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    Clean but cramped

    This campground is centrally located. We arrived around 5pm and were given a tight space that was a challenge to level with hookups on the wrong side of our unit. The office closed at 4:59 with no after hours phone number to call to request an alternative site. This is a very communal campground.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    A-Lodge Boulder - Car Camping

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

    Overall vibe and convenience to Boulder rate 4 stars. Although there was a wedding one evening, it was mellow & over, with folks dispersing, by around 8pm. Minimal bugs so we did not use screens for a good part of the time, the overall land the site is on, is long and narrow and so parking/car traffic can be a little tight. We did go out the exit on far side and drove down the hill back to the entrance which necessitated more than 180 degree turn, so try to avoid that. Three clean bathrooms, 1 men's 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' in office: A fridge with drinks and burritos, some 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 not get a 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.

  • 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.

  • Kevin C.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Nice Campground but Terrible Neighbors

    It is a nice spot to make camp.  We had plenty of spots to choose from.  We thought it was perfect at first.  Then the people with the ATVs started showing up and it got loud.  And stayed loud all night long.  Loud, with massive lights that would light up our tent every time they drove by all night long.  We will not be going back, purely because of the other people.

  • k
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pikes Peak RV Park

    Older and close.

    Sites are very close together. Friendly helpful staff. Bathrooms clean well maintained.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.


Guide to Parker

Camping near Parker, CO, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Activities: Many campers enjoy the chance to paddleboard at Chatfield State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Loved the paddle board experience," highlighting the fun on the water.
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails abound in the area, especially at Cherry Creek State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Great for a day or two," emphasizing the accessibility of trails for hiking and biking.
  • Fishing and Relaxing by the Water: At Bear Creek Lake Park, campers can enjoy fishing and swimming. One camper mentioned, "Big campsites... close to the highway but can hardly hear," making it a great spot to unwind.

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Chatfield State Park Campground. One review stated, "The staff is really nice and you have all the services that you need."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites at Bear Creek Lake Park. A reviewer noted, "We had plenty of room to center our rig while leaving room for our tow dolly and SUV."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park expressed frustration, saying, "The bathrooms never have soap and they are from the 70s."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Colorado Campground is open from May 23 to September 7.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Cherry Creek State Park Campground, which offers a variety of activities. A reviewer said, "Easy access to the sand beach on Cherry Creek reservoir."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along paddleboards or bikes to keep the kids entertained. One family at Bear Creek Lake Park enjoyed the "great biking, hiking right from the campsite."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has facilities that suit your family's needs. A camper at Colorado Campground appreciated the "multiple pit toilets and trash bins."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Dakota Ridge RV Park are noted for accommodating larger RVs. One reviewer mentioned, "Pull through sites are very practical to accommodate longer RV."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area noted, "No matter what day of the week... not one single spot has been open."
  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds require 4x4 vehicles to access. A camper at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping advised, "Four wheel drive is required."

Camping near Parker, CO, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.