Ryan N.
Scout
ScoutDenver West-Central City KOA
Quiet, nice views, friendly staff
This is the fourth KOA site I have visited in the past week and it's probably the best. Staff is nice. Place is quiet but still cost $70 just to park near a bench.
Camping near Rollinsville, CO
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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 Campgrounds near Rollinsville (444)
1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
"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
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability3. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
"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."
from $28 - $90 / night
Check Availability4. West Magnolia Campground
"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."
5. Denver West-Central City KOA
"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!!"
6. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
"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
"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."
from $29 / night
Check Availability8. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
"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
"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
"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."
Drive Time
- 35 min from Boulder, CO
- 59 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 24 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 25 min from Fort Collins, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Rollinsville, CO
1054 Photos of 444 Rollinsville Campgrounds
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West Magnolia Campground
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Kelly Dahl
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Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
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Five Points Dispersed Area
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North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping
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N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping
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Pickle Gulch
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Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt Nf (CO)
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Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
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Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
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Forest Road 332 Dispersed
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Recent Reviews near Rollinsville, CO
3169 Reviews of 444 Rollinsville Campgrounds
Aza R.
TravelerInlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir
A cute spot
Being RV campers there is something to be said about pulling up to a site and it being already level. Already off to an amazing start.
This spot was well maintained, had just enough shade, incredibly close to hiking trails, close to the water, and walking distance to the camp store, and also close to a vault toilet. All in all I have no real complaints about inlet bay campground and absolutely loved this site :)
Erica J.ScoutProspector Campground
Used to love this campground but…
This campground has always been a favorite campground of mine (been coming here 30+ years), but frankly, I’m questioning if I want to visit again. The new management company seems to place profits over maintaining anything.
It’s the beginning of the camping season and already, the place is a mess. Trash in most of the fire pits, poop smeared all over the outhouse floor and seats, and the site we had reserved looked like someone had shaved a full head of looooong hair around the table and disposed of most of it, you guessed it, in the fire pit. We brought up the issues with one of the hosts and they graciously let us switch spots, but instead of cleaning the outhouse, they slapped an out of order sign on the door.
There’s also no water (a common issue here, granted), but they are still charging the full $35 a night!! I’ve never paid so much for a campground with no amenities.
So beware, the toilets are disgusting, there’s no water, the camp hosts don’t seem to care much about cleaning up anything, and they are charging an arm and a leg.
- AAndi J.Scout
Dakota Ridge RV Park
Close to road lots of amenities
Clean. Just off the highway. Convenient for that reason.
- DDanielle N.Scout
Tiger Run RV Resort
Tiger Run - Great place!!
We had a great stay at Tiger Run RV Resort in Breckenridge! The mature trees throughout the resort make it feel private and relaxing, and the full-hookup sites were spacious and convenient. Our daughter especially loved the amenities, including the arcade, pool, and playground, which kept her entertained throughout our stay. The location is hard to beat—just a short drive to Main Street, where you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, shops, and things to do. We would definitely stay here again!
Kai Z.
RangerMoraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park
There’s something truly special about staying inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The surroundings are absolutely beautiful, and having breakfast in the morning while looking out at the mountains is an amazing experience. The free shuttle system also makes it very easy to access a variety of great hiking trails directly from the campground. The only small downside, in my opinion, is that there are no showers, besides of solar showers and the restrooms are not flush toilets. On the other hand, getting fresh water is easy and convenient. Overall, we would highly recommend staying here. The location and the incredible scenery make it a fantastic place to experience the park.
Ben G.TravelerRedskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite
Great spot!
A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place. Great access to trails for hiking or mountain biking. Arrived Thursday afternoon and there were still plenty of spots to choose from.
S M.TravelerYork Gulch Road
Somewhat Confusing
Vehicle: KIA Soul (FWD- slightly more clearance than a standard sedan, but not as high up as a full size SUV) Campsite type: TENT ONLY, not even mini trailer friendly! . Beautiful views on the way back down from camp, somewhat secluded- quiet. There are residences along the way up, on neighboring roads, AND there's a commercial camp of somekind nearby. Verizon service is largely non existent. You might get lucky and catch one bar. Might
ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD. Do NOT try to take some low riding car like a Tesla up this. Heck, dont even take a cybertruck (too big and clunky to fit in tight spaces). Signs say NO OFFROAD VEHICLES, meaning this is a road road, not a backwoods trail. You'll pass an old (but functioning) fire station on the way up, the pinned location on this post is where camp sites are. It doesnt "look like it" so you might get confused and keep going. If you do, you end up in a turnaround area out by that "Camp Always Choose Adventure" place that shows up on the gps map, a field, more housing, and a road that goes off to somewhere else in the mountains. Theres lots of roads out here so make sure you dont turn off the gulch road once youre on it. Without a high clearance vehicle, youre going to go about 15mph tops due to the washboard and dips once you get up higher. The first half is pretty smooth. If its rainy/muddy, I wouldnt chance it without a 4WD or AWD. Drive safely/carefully- ROAD DOES NARROW IN SOME PLACES/AROUND SOME CORNERS. Do not drive like Denver drivers in town. You'll either hit someone going the opposite way or force them over the edge and off the mountain side. I had a couple of 4WD vehicles come racing around corners. Be kind. Be smart. Respect that this is not a normal road and just BEHAVE.
SITES: There are rock stacked fire rings and some cleared space among the trees around them. Thats it. Woods camping. Nothing is marked, so I couldnt tell if there were others than the few where I stayed. There are signs up saying private property around the camp sites, but theyre not blocked off and are supposed to be on Forestry Service land 🤷♂️ Nobody came out to say anything. During the day some people take their 4WD vehicles out on the other roads and you might run into them leaving when youre going up the gulch road. At night its dead silent. Some people do take dirtbikes thru the area to get out to their trails, but they didnt stay in the area running laps or anything like that.
PETS: If you bring them, I wouldnt let them run off leash. There is hunting land further down the road, that Camp Always Choose Adventure place, lots of houses, and lots of roads that ARE well used. Its not safe for dogs etc to run free any more than on a neighborhood block in town. Besides, if other campers set up, you dont want your pets running over to strangers. Long tie out ropes/cables will be just fine. Wrap one end around the base of a tree and now your pet goes nowhere.
WILDLIFE: Considering all of the human settlements and activity, there doesnt seem to be that big of a threat. Youre not that isolated or "remote". Idaho Springs is a short drive of about 15 min or so.
- CChris A.
LegendCottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park
Adequate
Just get job done for a decent price or passing through
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?
What camping is available near Rollinsville, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Rollinsville, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 444 campgrounds and RV parks near Rollinsville, CO and 140 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Rollinsville, CO?
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 55 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rollinsville, CO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rollinsville, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 140 free dispersed camping spots near Rollinsville, CO.
What parks are 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.
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