Unlike most Front Range gateway towns, Evergreen sits close enough to Denver to work as a day trip base but far enough into the foothills to have real dispersed camping access on nearby forest roads. The town is at around 7,000 feet, which keeps temperatures cooler than Denver and extends the appeal into late spring and early fall. Evergreen's dispersed options on national forest roads include free sites with no reservation requirements, though roads vary in condition and high clearance helps in wet weather.
The Dyrt campers in this stretch of the foothills flag that sites closer to the main highway see more foot traffic. Morrison is about 10 miles east and no-reservation camping outside Golden is about 15 miles in the same direction, both worth checking if Evergreen roads are crowded.
No water or restrooms at dispersed sites — developed campgrounds with those basics are a short drive back down toward the valley. Check-ins here run heaviest from June through August, with shoulder season visits in May and September offering noticeably more open sites.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$36 - $200 / night
"Chatfield State Park is a great mixture of access to the outdoors with availability of many of the benefits of a metro area close by."
"This is the first time I’ve found a state park so close to a major metro area!! Because of its proximity to Denver, Chatfield fills up quickly, so book well in advance."
"This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."
"Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."
"This was our first time staying at Bear Creek Lake. The park is not part of the Colorado Wilds or CPW State Park system, but daily vehicle fees are included with your camping reservation."
"Note: If the GPS takes you to a dirt road with a closed gate at the end, get back on the highway and take the next exit to the park entrance."
$33 - $40 / night
"Sits in Genesee Park, so there are hiking trails all around. Evergreen is next exit west with all kinds of convenient shopping and dining. Showers are a quarter every two minutes."
"They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "
$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."
$68 - $85 / night
"Had a great spot right next to the Clear Creek walking path. The campground is clean and well looked after. Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to many hikes and mt trails."
"**Campground Review: ** Golden, CO is a super cute town on the outskirts of Denver. The city has a campground in a prime location, and we were lucky to book a site!"
"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!!"
$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."
$26 / night
"Echo Lake campground is situated off Squaw Pass Rd next to Echo Lake and the start of Mt Evans Rd."
"RV sites are VERY close together and a little close to the main road. That is the only downside. Beautiful and spacious sites surrounded by spruce trees. Camp host was friendly and helpful."
"There's several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road. The area is popular with mountain bikers."
"The area was well kept and obviously beautiful, it's Colorado after all. There was no running water, however the camo host drives an ATV around offering water from giant containers. I loved it."
GuideStopped for 1 night. Sites are spacious, also lots of space between sites. Facilities are well cared for, clean and updated. Not too far from the interstate. Lake nearby if you have a boat or kayak. Our stay there was some strong winds during evening hours. Our site utilities on opposing side, luckily it was pull thru and we just reversed direction. Noticed the same issue with several other sites nearby.
GuideGreat spot close to town. There are around 10-15 designated spots on this road. It is close to a river, so there are a lot of mosquitos in the evenings (as of early June 2026) and is close to the highway. The highway noise didn’t bother us at all. It was a very peaceful spot with the sound of running water and great hammocking trees.
ScoutIt is now $15 a night or $65 for the week so make sure you bring cash if coming
TravelerNeeded a quick car camp out of society, Denver girly here. This is an awesome spot! Safe, good spots with space, and good service! Overall, can’t wait to come back!
ScoutNobody else here! Felt safe car camping as there was a thunderstorm. Beware of cows in the road as you enter the area, they’re kind if you are! Verizon cell coverage at the site I parked at was 1-3 bars.
ScoutJust up the hill and through a neighborhood. Lots of switch backs and narrow roads. Thank God I saw the review about the another guy wanting to turn around many time trees but sticking with it, because I legit hit a section in my Rav 4 that I thought I wasn’t going to make it through. To be fair I was here at dusk and I also had a cargo hitch on, which was getting tossed around on the rocks. The RAV4 made it up but highly freaked out my dogs who are fairly tolerant of this kind of stuff.
Someone was at the campsite when I got here, and I decided to pull in a private driveway across from it because there was no way I was driving back down the narrow stretch at night. (Edit: I went back down that narrow stretch later that night - it was easier on the way down)
There’s cell service with Verizon so at least I could call someone to talk me down after the not so fun adrenaline rush.
ScoutWas really looking forward to camping here but the road is still closed as of June 1, 2026.
RangerWe spent 2 nights here on spot 9 which does not have a post at the moment. There were no envelopes for the sites when we arrived but we made it work. This spot fades the river and is flat. It looked like a few of the spots would be an issue with a bigger tent. You have to walk into the sites a bit but not super far.
ScoutAll the directions posted for this location are wrong as of this writing (even from CPW) and most of our group got lost trying to get here this last weekend. The actual location of the Works Ranch Group Campsite is:
307 Damascus Rd
Or for the GPS folks:
39.88139791150872,-105.45215059340553
You need to turn onto Damascus road off of Gap road, travel down about a mile and the locked gate you need to go through will be on the left. There is generally good signage from both the intersection of Mountain Base and Gap road and at the intersection of Damascus and Gap road.
Place is amazing and really secluded! Not sure how you would park 12 cars but six seemed to fit pretty well. Running water at the site is uniquely "milky" so perhaps consider bringing water from home.
Hiking wise, you are not really close to any trails but you can walk along damascus road (north) for about half a mile and hook into the raccoon trail at its low point.
Camping sites near Evergreen, Colorado range from established campgrounds to free dispersed areas in the Pike and Arapaho National Forests. Located at elevations between 7,000-10,000 feet, the region experiences wide temperature swings, with summer nights dipping into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Mountain thunderstorms frequently develop during summer afternoons, requiring campers to secure tents and equipment before heading out for daytime activities.
Hike the Colorado Trail sections: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides access to multiple trail networks. "This free campground is perfect! We hiked out to the 96 burn area to explore and we ended up doing a nice 7 mile loop to get down to the creek for a cool down," notes a visitor to Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The trails around Buffalo Creek are particularly popular with riders. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," shares a camper who visited in February.
Fishing opportunities: Clear Creek offers accessible fishing spots right from town. "There is so much to do at this location; aside from the sectioned off RV area, there are lots of paths and locals parks to adventure around. Our favorite is the fishing, so much fun fishing in all the different spots along the creek," according to a reviewer at Clear Creek RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning drives provide opportunities for seeing local wildlife. "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," shares a camper who stayed at Reverend's Ridge Campground.
Less crowded hiking alternatives: While many tourists head to popular spots, local campgrounds offer quieter alternatives. "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," explains a camper from Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon.
Proximity to recreation: Many sites offer immediate access to outdoor activities. "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding," notes a visitor to Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park.
Altitude acclimation: Campers appreciate the mid-elevation locations for adjusting to higher altitudes. "We're getting ready to boondock for a bit. Instead of overnighting at a truck spot we snagged site 13 at about noon, same day. Weather was super pleasant and cool enough at night to have windows open on July 10th," shares a visitor to Chief Hosa Campground.
Water features: Many campgrounds offer access to lakes or streams. "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos," notes a Chatfield State Park camper.
Fire restrictions: Bans are common throughout summer months. "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk. If you are going to be camping in BLM or Wildlife Areas please follow the restrictions," warns a Buffalo Creek Recreation Area camper.
Site availability challenges: Free dispersed camping areas fill quickly. "Beautiful spot with easy access to lots of trails and Wellington lake. Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," explains a visitor to Buffalo Creek.
Weather preparedness: Conditions change rapidly at higher elevations. "It's high altitude, nestled in the pines. The camp host keeps the outhouses immaculate and even provided maps for the many hiking trails," mentions a visitor to Echo Lake Campground.
Limited services: Many campgrounds have seasonal water restrictions. "Water pump is not functioning as of 6/24, so bring your own water. Busy area with tourists and traffic to Mt Evans. Road noise settles down after dark," notes an Echo Lake camper.
Choosing family-friendly sites: Some campgrounds cater better to children than others. "There is a lodge close by in case you want a hot meal at some point as well. Pit toilets were exactly as you'd expect," shares a visitor to Echo Lake Campground.
Accessible activities for all ages: Look for campgrounds with varied recreational options. "This site got a little grungy for a couple of years, but it's been cleaned up and looking great!" notes a camper at Indian Paintbrush Campground.
Playgrounds and facilities: Some sites offer dedicated children's areas. "The campground has a pool and hot tub. The play set for kids is small. The bathrooms are very clean. The staff is helpful," mentions a Colorado camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer nature programs. "Walk up the hill to the open space adjacent to the campground for a view of the mountains and the city," suggests a Dakota Ridge visitor.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies significantly. "Reverend ridge is a favorite of ours. Plenty of space between sites, electricity. Wooded and scenic," shares an RVer who stayed at Reverend's Ridge.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer this service. "Great pricing with only about a $20 premium to dump/fill at Love's and electric/water hookups with dump station included. Really pretty spot," notes a camper at Chief Hosa.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. "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," explains a visitor to Reverend's Ridge.
Road access considerations: Not all camping areas have good RV access. "There are some sites that are better than others for group sizes and it isn't very RV friendly. 550 is a washboard road that ends up at Wellington Lake," warns a Buffalo Creek visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Evergreen, Colorado?
The Evergreen area offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Chief Hosa Campground sits at 7,600 feet elevation in Genesee Park, providing hiking trails and proximity to Evergreen's amenities. For a true mountain experience, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground features stunning views, well-maintained fire pits, and a rolling river with hiking trailheads accessible from camp. Other excellent options include West Magnolia Campground near Nederland and Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, which offers both numbered sites and additional unnumbered sites with spectacular views further down Forest Road 233.1. For those seeking lakeside camping, Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides secluded sites with water access opportunities.
What RV camping options are available in Evergreen, Colorado?
Evergreen offers several RV-friendly camping options. Travel Port Campground provides a peaceful setting tucked among mature evergreen trees with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. It's conveniently located near Eleven Mile State Park. For families seeking amenities, Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur offers a full-service RV experience. Additional options include Chatfield State Park Campground with full hookups and Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park. Most RV sites in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months. When booking, check each campground's specific RV restrictions regarding length limitations, hookup availability, and whether generator use is permitted.
What outdoor activities can you do while camping in Evergreen, Colorado?
The Evergreen area offers abundant outdoor recreation. Hiking trails abound, with West Magnolia Campground providing direct access to an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Water enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at nearby reservoirs. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail combines camping with water activities, though reaching prime spots requires 4x4 vehicles to navigate rocky terrain. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent throughout the region, with chances to spot deer, elk, and various bird species. During winter months, nearby areas offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Rock climbing, photography, and stargazing are also popular activities. Most campgrounds provide direct access to recreational opportunities, making Evergreen an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Is camping available at Evergreen Lake in Colorado?
Camping is not available directly at Evergreen Lake. The lake is primarily a day-use recreation area offering fishing, non-motorized boating, and picnicking, but overnight camping is not permitted on the lakeshore. For nearby lake camping alternatives, consider White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground near Dillon Reservoir, which offers stunning lakeside camping with mountain views. Another excellent option is Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake, located within reasonable driving distance from Evergreen. For those wanting proximity to water while staying near Evergreen, Colorado Campground situated next to Manitou Lake provides a great alternative with nearby access to numerous trails.
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