Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers camping options at 9,000 feet elevation, 30 miles from Rollinsville. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing at night, while summer daytime highs average in the 70s. The park spans 12,000 acres with over 35 miles of trails through forests of lodgepole pine, aspen, and spruce.
What to do
Hiking at Reverend's Ridge: Access over 35 miles of trails directly from your campsite at Reverend's Ridge Campground. "The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to. Great for families with little ones," notes Meghan H.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at nearby mountain lakes during summer months. "Mother Nature: This was a phenomenal state park. Many multiuse trails. Get up early and drive mountain base road...we caught a great view of a moose. Panorama Point had a breath taking view," shares Diana M.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best chances to spot moose, deer, or eagles. At Denver West-Central City KOA, one camper reports, "Great place! the park is beautiful the views are truly amazing! The staff is fantastic and always willing to help! The clubhouse is spotless."
What campers like
Proximity to Denver: Experience mountain glamping near Rollinsville without driving far from urban amenities. "Golden Gate Canyon State Park is enormous. The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. There are facilities, ideal for car camping or families. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!" says Steph A.
Scenic drives: The roads leading to glamping spots offer stunning views. At Echo Lake Campground, visitors appreciate the nearby attractions: "Beautiful and spacious sites surrounded by spruce trees. Camp host was friendly and helpful. No potable water or electric, so plan ahead. Vault bathrooms. The lodge is within walking distance of all sites and had GREAT food."
Fall colors: September and October transform the landscape with golden aspens. "We came up for an adventure and an adventure we had! Beautiful scenery, solid campsite, the drive out was lovely with the turning aspens. 10/10!" writes Cordelia T. about her autumn glamping experience.
What you should know
Campsite spacing: Many glamping locations have sites positioned close together. At Frazer Meadow Campground, "Camping here is more spread apart than Reverend's Ridge. The bike trails are awesome and a sweet pond tucked in the meadow to fish at," says Meghan H.
Altitude considerations: Most camping areas sit above 8,000 feet elevation. "This KOA is perched up in between the most beautiful outlooks. The staff is so kind and welcoming, and the amenities are well kept!" notes Saige M.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures can drop substantially at night even during summer months. "We went with friends with adjacent campsites, so that made it fun. However, if we were camping alone it would have been a little close next door. The bathrooms are clean and park rangers monitored the area often," reports a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with accessible trails and playgrounds. "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. Great for families with little ones," shares a visitor to Reverend's Ridge.
Beginner camping options: Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon offers amenities that ease first-time campers into the experience. "Stocked general store with beer and liquor, plus food. Spots are a little small, I don't suggest bringing a large tent or truck. Restrooms are clean, but be sure to bring your quarters," advises Will T.
Wildlife education: Use wildlife sightings as teaching moments. "We stayed here in early June to avoid the chaos of RMNP and were not disappointed. The drive from Golden up into the park is beautiful and you truly feel like you are leaving the noise of Denver and the metro behind," reports a camper at Reverend's Ridge.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Review campground maps to find pull-through sites. "Campground is very clean. 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. Enormous amount of room," reports Dennis G. about his RV glamping experience at Reverend's Ridge.
Road conditions: Some access roads to glamping sites can be challenging. "Site was fantastic, with a nice host, good access to the lake, and just a good location overall. Clean, well maintained site. Be warned: road in across the dam is ROUGH to the point of hazard, and lacks guardrail. Significant safety concern for others or those with large or unwieldy vehicles," cautions Chris E.
Hookup details: Not all glamping sites offer full hookups. "This was great in that the hookups work, the sites were level and the access to Golden Gate Canyon State Park was amazing. However, the campground is right on a busy road into the State Park so road noise is almost constant," notes a visitor to Base Camp.
