Best Tent Camping near Penrose, CO

Not a place for overlanding or tent camping, this site is strictly catered to RV’s. We had a “primitive tent” spot reserved for one night, but the site was not what we expected. You are not far at all from I-24, I mean maybe 200 yards? There is a house right beside the tent sites with a deck that overlooks the site, and they have a few (understandably) excitable large dogs who were watching our every move. We were tired and trying to make the best of it, so we started setting up our overland tent for the night, when I made the hike up to the restrooms and decided this wasn’t a place I wanted to stay. I don’t understand why the people who do not have restrooms readily available (tent campers) are positioned the furthest away from them. I won’t even get in to the motel crowd. For an RV lot, it’s crowded but convenient so if that’s what you need, this may work for you. For tent or overland campers, you can 100% do better than this place.

We had a great time in Site #24, camping in a tent.  This site is inadequate for an RV or even a camper, as the parking spot is just a widening in the road.  But the site was very private and  had beautiful views.  I left a day early as a new neighbor came to the site across the road and was running his generator a lot….so I just decided to leave….

Campground had lots of RV sites and fewer tent sites but nice tent sites. Beautiful views of the mountains and close to many of the rafting companies and other local attractions as well as to the Royal Gorge bridge ans hiking. Staff were very friendly. We were there for a few, big, afternoon thunderstorms, one of which caused a little flooding around the office. Tent sites are on slight hill so no flooding but lots of little rivers running through our campsite. We would stay here again- the kids loved thr go-karting, mini-golf and giant slide. There is also a pool onsight which we did not use.

There are several spots for tent camping in the Smith Creek Campground. Great area to hike and climb. Great stream that runs most of the year.

Enjoyed my site! Felt secluded enough in the tent sites.

Stayed a couple nights at a tent site and it was really nice set up.

This was my first time solo tent camping. It went well. The space had a fire ring and picnic table. I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful!

In my opinion this place is kind of rundown and dumpy. Maybe it hasn’t been maintained bc of covid closures? Idk either way I wasn’t impressed. We had a tent site. The tent sites were small and along a cliff with the Arkansas below. Our “large” tent site barely fit our big cabin tent, with enough room to park our vehicle. Our tent was literally a foot away from the road you pull in on. We had 2 young kids with us and I would not call it very kid friendly. We were Constantly having to keep an eye on them. Either they fall off a cliff into the river or worry about them getting into the main 2 way camp road that huge rvs and trucks drive by on. It was very hard to “relax” while kids were trying to play. The sound of the river at night was nice that’s about it. The encounters I had with staff weren’t great. A bit rude and unhelpful. I feel the prices are high considering you can’t use any amenities advertised due to covid restrictions. There were a lot of “rules” they had I haven’t encountered in other campgrounds. There are much prettier/nicer campgrounds along the Arkansas River I would stay at.

Another great Colorado State Park, it sits above Eleven Mile Reservoir. The sites offer everything from tent sites to full hook up. There is limited shade, but most sites are exposed.

Theres beautiful hikes around the lake and the fishing is awesome between the reservoir and Spinny Lake, and 11 Mile Canyon below the dam.

On our way down from 100-mile overlook one Colorado. We stopped off and got a spot at lone duck.

Very quiet & very clean 🧼 camp. I definitely recommend stopping here. Reservation only. And it seems to be always full. I was there on Thursday Friday and we were the last tent site to set up.

We tent camped here in late September. Beautiful location with well-kept sites and bathrooms. However sites are close to the road and we could hear the traffic all night. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.

Amazing view and location. The walk in tent sites offer a fire pit, lockout food box for bears, picnic table and camp tent area. The bathrooms were not up kept well and very cold. Showers are coin operated.

Tent camped in the dispersed area because Hayden creek was full, near Rainbow trailhead, entire area to ourselves 98% of the time besides two groups of hikers over 2 nights almost 3 days. Bring camp toilet for dispersed camp areas or walk to the vault toilet at Hayden creek (long walk). Camped right along the brook an filtered water.