Best Campgrounds near Tabernash, CO

Dispersed and established camping options near Tabernash, Colorado range from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds across the Fraser Valley. St. Louis Creek Campground, situated near Fraser, provides tent and RV sites with drinking water and toilets but no electric hookups. Several national forest campgrounds dot the surrounding mountains, including Vasquez Ridge dispersed area, which offers primitive camping along forest roads. For those seeking more amenities, Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain in Granby provides full hookups with water, sewer, and electric for RV campers, plus cabin accommodations.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping access in this region, with most established campgrounds operating from May through September or early October. Many forest roads leading to dispersed sites close during winter months, particularly at higher elevations. The area experiences significant beetle kill that has removed tree cover from several campgrounds, creating more open, exposed sites with less shade. Water sources are generally available at established sites, though dispersed camping areas require visitors to bring their own supplies. A camper noted, "Beetle kill has made the area open with little shade in the campground. Surrounding forest is quite nice."

Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy and shade throughout the region. St. Louis Creek Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness and access to recreational opportunities, including mountain biking trails and creek access. As one reviewer mentioned, "There are many trails and roads for mountain biking and hiking. The trails leave right from the campground." Several campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage, indicating active wildlife in the region. Despite some sites having limited tree cover, visitors appreciate the mountain views that have become more visible after beetle kill clearing. Areas farther from towns offer more solitude but with fewer amenities, while campgrounds closer to Winter Park and Fraser provide easier access to services but tend to fill quickly during summer weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Tabernash, Colorado (453)

    1. Vasquez Ridge

    31 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "There are different types of sites, including some pull-offs for campers, some sites you could drive into off the road, and some with parking on the road and a small hike down to the site."

    "The site we found was tucked back away from the road giving us nice privacy. We could barely see our neighbors from our campsite, but we could hear them."

    2. Arapaho Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    $29 - $58 / night

    "Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"

    "This is true wilderness camping at its best overlooking beautiful Colorado waters with the Mountains peaking down upon you is where you will find yourself camping with great amenities and water available"

    3. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 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."

    4. Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    29 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    $32 - $73 / night

    "The entire campground is basically two loops next to the water so pretty much every campsite has gorgeous view of the lake and the mountains. I visited in July of 2020 and it was beautiful."

    "This campground is well-laid out and has some great views of the mountains and Lake Granby, but there are few trees, which means little to no shade and little to no windbreaks."

    5. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving. Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    6. St. Louis Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Fraser, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 887-4100

    "There are many trails and roads for mountain biking and hiking. The trails leave right from the campground. St. Louis Creek runs adjacent to the campground with easy access and good trout fishing."

    "Beautiful location, more remote than many of the other campgrounds near Winter Park / Fraser area. Byers Peak hike is nearby which gives great views of the valley and surrounding areas."

    7. Green Ridge Campground

    27 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    $29 - $88 / night

    "Our campsite was great and pretty quiet, kind of tucked away from people. The pit toilets were really clean. Very close to Grand Lake for dining."

    "There is a boat ramp and dock The campground is nestled at the base of Shadow Mountain with the Colorado River running alongside the campground. "

    8. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain

    14 Reviews
    Granby, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 557-0200

    $51 - $350 / night

    "Pool, hot tubs, bar/restaurant, general store, arcade, mini bowling alleys, lake for paddle boarding, access to fishing on the Colorado River. Views are beautiful and a very easy drive from Denver."

    "There are all kinds of things to do on the grounds, plus you have quick and easy access to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho National Forest, and Roosevelt National Forest."

    9. Sunset Point Campground

    15 Reviews
    Granby, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Plenty of trees for privacy especially if you're on the lake side. Typical NFS vault toilets but clean. Dumpsters for trash."

    "I arrived around noon on a Monday and there were a few spots. I stayed at 15 which was spacious and had a little trail to the lake. Plenty of room for two tents."

    10. Cr 47

    13 Reviews
    Winter Park, CO
    7 miles

    "You won’t be able to get to these sites without a car with four wheel drive. We drove up to some of the higher spots with an awesome view of mountains, a lake and Longmont in the distance."

    "This will be one of few free camping spots around Rocky Mt. National Park. The road in begins easy but gets more difficult as you get onto National Forest Land."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 453 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Tabernash, CO

2829 Reviews of 453 Tabernash Campgrounds


  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Nice location

    There are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying

  • a
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Good dispersed road

    Good spot for dispersed camping. Maybe 6 spots total going all the way up the road. 4x4 recommended. Fires allowed in established rings only, always check with Roosevelt National Forest website to see if fires are allowed during your stay as this varies by season.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Nothing special

    This place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    St. Vrain State Park Campground

    Great Stop Through State Park

    We were surprised how nice this was. Great little walks around ponds with Mountain View’s in the background. Only stayed a night on way to Tetons, but definitely was a surprise of the trip being right off the high. Would definitely use this as a stop again.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Peak One Campground

    Convenient and beautiful

    Convenient to town and all that Frisco/Dillon has to offer, but also right on the perimeter trail (6-mile dirt) and also the Dillon Reservoir loop (18-mile paved). Our site had a small path right to the beach.

    No hammocks are allowed here (we learned this by having one). There are bathrooms, but they were locked during our stay. Potable water was still available.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Creekside Along Georgia Pass

    Nice and quiet with trees and creek

    Camped here on off-season. Wonderful babbling brook, lots of trees, peaceful quiet

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.


Guide to Tabernash

Camping near Tabernash, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Stayed one night in mid May in a drive-up site. Chilly, clear starry night. Tall trees. Close to town but quiet." This campground provides easy access to hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Timber Creek Campground, you might spot moose and elk. A camper shared, "Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night." It’s a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: Head to Arapaho Bay Campground for some fishing on Lake Granby. One visitor noted, "Stopped by to SUP after some nights in the Arapaho National Forest," highlighting the water activities available.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Glacier Basin Campground states, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!" The picturesque landscape is a big draw for many.
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a common theme. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Friendly hosts, clean bathrooms with hot pay showers." Clean facilities make for a more enjoyable stay.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One review for East Portal Campground said, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!" This makes it a great spot for relaxation.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Prospector Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Arapaho Bay Campground mentioned, "The whole campground was full by the time we got there at 8pm on Friday." Arriving early is a good strategy.
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open during specific months. A review states, "Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for Bear Lake Road," so check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. East Portal Campground has a "big playground," making it a hit with kids.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love spotting wildlife. A camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions." It’s a fun way to connect with nature.
  • Easy Access to Activities: Choose campgrounds close to attractions. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake is noted for its "easy access to the Rocky Mountain National Park," making it convenient for family outings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for Big Rigs: If you're traveling in a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate them. Glacier Basin Campground is "big rig friendly," according to a review.
  • Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Golden Gate Canyon State Park, offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "Great place to RV camp with a good amount of hookups."
  • Reservations Recommended: For popular spots, make reservations ahead of time. A visitor at Prospector Campground noted, "If you have one of the US Park lifetime senior lifetime whatever’s then it’s only $13," highlighting the benefits of planning ahead.

Camping near Tabernash, Colorado, has something for everyone, from breathtaking views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at The Berm Pit camping area near Tabernash?

While specific information about The Berm Pit is limited, nearby developed campgrounds can give you an idea of typical amenities in the Tabernash region. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground features well-maintained fire pits, access to hiking trails, and stunning mountain views alongside a rolling river. For a more resort-style experience, Winding River Resort offers family-friendly activities and direct access to the Colorado River headwaters. Most established campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For The Berm Pit specifically, it's advisable to contact local ranger stations or check the Arapaho National Forest website for the most current and accurate amenity information.

Where can I find free camping spots in Tabernash, Colorado?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Tabernash. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites, with additional unnumbered sites further down road 233.1 that provide excellent views. For those with 4x4 capabilities, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is another excellent option, though it requires navigating rocky terrain and water crossings. While not directly in Tabernash, these areas are within reasonable driving distance and provide authentic Colorado dispersed camping experiences. Additionally, Vasquez Ridge near Winter Park offers free camping that's more proximate to Tabernash. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current regulations before setting up camp.

Is winter camping possible in Tabernash, and what should I prepare for?

Yes, winter camping is possible in Tabernash, though it requires thorough preparation for extreme conditions. Timber Creek Campground in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park remains accessible in winter with proper vehicle equipment. Winter temperatures frequently drop well below freezing, so bring a 4-season tent, sleeping bag rated for at least 0°F, and insulated sleeping pad. A proper snow shovel is essential for clearing tent sites. Pack multiple heat sources, including a reliable stove for melting snow as water sources may be frozen. Layer clothing appropriately with moisture-wicking base layers and waterproof outer shells. St. Louis Creek Campground near Fraser can be accessible depending on snowfall amounts. Always check road conditions and campground closures before departure, as winter storms can cause rapid changes.