Best Campgrounds near Rollinsville, CO

The mountainous terrain surrounding Rollinsville, Colorado features diverse camping options within Roosevelt National Forest and adjacent public lands. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, located just 15 minutes from town, offers primitive sites with fire rings but minimal amenities. Nearby Kelly Dahl Campground provides more developed facilities with drinking water and vault toilets during its May to September operating season. West Magnolia Campground offers free dispersed camping with sites suitable for both tents and smaller RVs. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Golden Gate Canyon State Park's established campgrounds with full amenities including electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites.

Many forest roads in the Rollinsville area require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for accessing remote dispersed sites. As one camper noted about Gordon Gulch, "This trail does require some 4x4 action to get to the top. Lots of rocks, bumps, and pools of water to travel through." The region sits at elevations between 8,000-9,500 feet, resulting in cool nights even during summer months. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through September. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with limited coverage outside town limits. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods, and seasonal closures affect many campgrounds from October through May due to snow accumulation.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank high among visitor experiences, with moose, elk, and black bears frequently spotted in the area. Campsites near Gross Reservoir provide water access, though one visitor mentioned, "It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It's a lot like off-roading on some parts." Hiking trails connect many camping areas to the Continental Divide and Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway offers access to additional camping options, with Rainbow Lakes Campground (open June-September) providing established sites at higher elevations. Campers consistently praise the area's night sky visibility and relative proximity to Boulder and Denver while maintaining a wilderness experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Rollinsville, Colorado (435)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    6 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."

    2. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    9 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."

    3. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    30 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $90 / night

    "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."

    4. Denver West-Central City KOA

    30 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3043

    "good location for cute old mountain towns! also close to Denver and other must sees in Colorado!"

    "8100’ high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs. 25 miles into outskirts of Denver. Don’t worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"

    5. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    2 miles
    Website

    "Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    6. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    8 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. Kelly Dahl

    20 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $19 / night

    "Kelly Dahl is a nice campground to get away from the heat of summer and be near Nederland and Blackhawk Colorado. It is quiet during the week and busy on the weekends."

    "Mountain biking and hiking are nearby. Nederland Colorado town is nearby (population about 8k) for supplies."

    8. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    13 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."

    9. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    8 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."

    10. Rainbow Lakes Campground

    17 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "The lake is lovely, and with hiking trail access to more than one trail, it offers fishing, hiking, and of course relaxing."

    "We happened to come across Rainbow lakes campground in a google search of nearby campgrounds."

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Recent Reviews near Rollinsville, CO

3051 Reviews of 435 Rollinsville Campgrounds


  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Pioneer Park

    Cute, but...

    Great little campground, right on the Colorado River.

    Would be better if a freight train didn't pass through every 2-3 hours, blowing the train horn.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • 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.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • 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.

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    Eh… it’s ok

    For what you’re paying for it could be better. Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful. Look I know they smell and are dirty but people do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards. Showers are good but you have to pay $2 per shower Dump is $15 too! Good cycling around here Cell service is ok. Sometimes drops. Verizon and att People working here are very friendly and helpful. Leave it better than you found it.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Miners Creek Rd Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great spot but have to drive a good ways back

    This is a good spot but confusing. You turn to go towards the trail. Once you get to the service road it starts at as what would look like a bike off. Yes you can drive on the path. Once you cross the road from the path you have to drive approximately 3/4 miles on trail. It’s pretty rough. I made it in my outback but I do have an Onyx XT with a 2 in suspension lift and 32’s. 2 creek crossings, rock bottom don’t be alarmed. After that there will be a sign said camping permitted passed this point. You’re good to go.

  • B R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Vail Area

    Super unfriendly town for RV

    There is no parking for RV around town in walking distance (Long Walk included). All parking only for cars.


Guide to Rollinsville

Dispersed camping near Rollinsville, Colorado provides options for remote sites at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet, with summer temperatures reaching highs of 75-85°F and lows frequently dropping to 40-45°F. Most established campgrounds operate from May through September, with early October closures common due to snow accumulation. Winter camping remains possible at dispersed sites but requires proper cold-weather gear and high-clearance 4WD vehicles.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at Rainbow Lakes: Located at nearly 10,000 feet elevation, this area offers excellent moose watching opportunities during summer months. At Rainbow Lakes Campground, one visitor noted, "I saw moose and beavers in this lake but I've only ever seen deer," while another mentioned, "The lakes next to the campground are beautiful and the train is easy to follow. Lots of wildlife and beautiful flowers."

Fishing access at Gross Reservoir: Fishing is permitted at Gross Reservoir, though swimming is prohibited as it's Denver's drinking water supply. A visitor to Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir shared: "Great place for water activities, but no swimming allowed. An hour from Boulder because of the rough roads." The campground offers approximately 30 well-spaced sites with varying proximity to the water.

Mountain biking near Nederland: The trail systems around West Magnolia provide excellent mountain biking routes through forest terrain. A camper described the area: "Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent." Another mentioned, "Plenty of space between sites, access to mtb bike trails and there were some campers with motorbikes/4-wheelers in the area."

What campers like

Privacy at higher sites: Several campers note that higher elevation sites provide more privacy and better views. A camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area mentioned, "I spent multiple days at this site due to its remote beauty. Campsites far apart, and it was quiet other than the occasional atv. Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."

Night sky visibility: The distance from urban areas makes for excellent stargazing. One camper at Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed reported: "This was a wonderful campsite, incredible views, fairly easy to access(we did it in a Honda civic), and was an overall great environment." However, they cautioned about weather conditions: "a storm with high wind caused us to have to tear down camp in the middle of the night."

Proximity to small towns: The short driving distance to Nederland (15 minutes) and Central City (30 minutes) allows for supply runs. A visitor to Denver West-Central City KOA shared, "Great KOA! The sites all have great views. There is hiking galore in the area. You are super confidently located near black hawk and Central City while also being near i70." Access to these small mountain towns provides options for groceries, restaurants, and other services.

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary by location: Many areas implement complete fire bans during dry periods. At West Magnolia Campground, a visitor cautioned: "Ole Johnny Green Jeans and Johnny law love to patrol the area multiple times a day, so do not violate the fire bans. The ticket is a million dollars($510). Do not discharge fire arms. They will hunt you down."

Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have very limited connectivity. One camper at Dream Canyon Campsites noted, "proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away," but the area has little to no cell service. Verizon typically provides the most consistent, though still limited, coverage in the region.

Early arrival crucial during peak season: Competition for sites intensifies from June through August, especially on weekends. A camper at West Magnolia observed, "Arrived at 5:30 to find all of the spots were full aside from one (#18), possibly because of the negative review of it on this app? It was a great site for someone just staying the night."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access at established sites: For families with young children, Kelly Dahl offers dedicated play areas. A visitor noted: "Nice campground bathrooms were very clean, not a lot of hiking or things to do. Prices fairly steep for no hookups ($23.00) per night. Good places for younger kids, nice little playground."

Weather preparation essential: Mountain weather changes rapidly even in summer. A camper at Beaver Park Reservoir warned: "Just be sure to check the weather before you get there as there is no service, and a storm with high wind caused us to have to tear down camp in the middle of the night."

Wildlife safety measures: Food storage protocols should be strictly followed due to bears and other wildlife. A visitor to Gordon Gulch reported, "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurance. Luckily my car alarm scared them off pretty easily."

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges common: Many sites sit on uneven terrain requiring stabilization equipment. A camper at Kelly Dahl observed: "Sites are not always great, and some of the larger campers are going to have problems with size, and level-ness of pads. I think that they are all dirt pads."

Hookup availability limited: Only select campgrounds offer electrical connections. At Reverend's Ridge Campground in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, one RVer noted: "Loop E (electric hookups) is very spacious and well laid out. Every campsite is a pull thru allowing you situate anywhere along the paved area to best suit your needs. Mostly level, fire rings, and very large metal picnic tables."

Road conditions restrict access: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. A camper at Winiger Ridge cautioned: "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy. Stayed in the last park-in campsite. Had to hike in to the lake, but was much easier that bringing in camping gear to the lake-side campsites."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rollinsville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rollinsville, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 435 campgrounds and RV parks near Rollinsville, CO and 136 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rollinsville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rollinsville, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 54 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rollinsville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 136 free dispersed camping spots near Rollinsville, CO.

What parks are near Rollinsville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Rollinsville, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.