Best Campgrounds near Thornton, CO

Searching for the best camping near Thornton, CO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Thornton, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Thornton camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Thornton, Colorado (300)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 690-1166

    $28 - $432 / night

    "I only gave it 4 stars because on the outskirts of the state park we have a lot of homeless camps popping up oblong Parker road and 225."

    "It is in the center of the city, but aside from the traffic on the dam in the distance you would not realize it.Ā "

    2. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 791-7275

    $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."

    3. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "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."

    4. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    20 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."

    5. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 425-1097

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Take a friend and a picnic for a lovely day on this beautiful lake right here in Arvada. Your worries fall away and you can experience the joy in nature around you. Maybe weird but true!"

    "5 stars because of the lake, Mountain Views, and it not being far from town. Rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lakeā˜€ļø"

    6. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 278-1437

    $32 - $80 / 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:Ā **

    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!"

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    13 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 872-7544

    "Good location close to interstate to access all the cool towns and site seeing west of Denver."

    "When I walked in the office, I was greeted by 5 wonderful sweet dogs. I love dogs so there couldn't have been a better greeting. Kathy was very friendly and helpful."

    9. Chief Hosa Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "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.Ā "

    "The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."

    10. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 678-9402

    $36 - $41 / night

    "Very convenient campground with great access to North Denver/Boulder area. Only downside is proximity to I-25 and traffic noise. But there are many nice trails and lakes to fish from."

    "It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it."

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Recent Reviews near Thornton, CO

2231 Reviews of 300 Thornton Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping šŸ• and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • E
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Denver East-Strasburg KOA

    Great location

    The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Campground is clean and quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bear Creek Lake Campground

    Location, Location, Location

    The Good: Very clean. Diligently maintained. Super friendly staff.

    The Bad: Day use Denverite humans on bicycles who run their mouths as the peddle past. (Get a job, Chad).

    The Ugly: national home improvement retail outlet neon serves as a directional reference from every vantage point.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Beautiful free camping outside of Idaho springs

    Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn’t that bad, but you’ll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir. Was mostly quiet and there’s a nice little trail around the lake. Plenty of spots for tent camping too.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    Good near city and lake access

    Clean, relatively quiet. During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake. We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town.


Guide to Thornton

Camping near Thornton, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Sports: At Chatfield State Park Campground, visitors enjoy paddleboarding on the lake. One reviewer mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Bear Creek Lake Park, offer trails for hiking and biking. A camper noted, "Great biking, hiking right from the campsite," highlighting the convenience of outdoor adventures.
  • Fishing: If you’re into fishing, check out Beaver Park Reservoir. One visitor shared, "The location is great...great hiking trails nearby," perfect for a day of fishing and exploring.

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at places like Denver West-Central City KOA. One guest said, "Every staff member was so helpful and nice," making for a welcoming experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A reviewer at Cherry Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained," which is always a relief when camping.
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Reverend's Ridge Campground offer stunning views. One camper noted, "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden," making it a picturesque spot to relax.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park reported, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Road Conditions: If you're heading to Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, be prepared for rough roads. One camper mentioned, "The road is in very poor condition," so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Limited Amenities: Some dispersed camping areas, like Beaver Park Reservoir, lack facilities. A reviewer noted, "There’s about 10 designated camp sites to choose from," but amenities are minimal, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Cherry Creek State Park Campground, which offers activities for kids. One parent shared, "Great Campground, Incredible Dog Park," making it a fun place for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, "Much more so in E loop," indicating that some areas are better suited for family fun.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Clear Creek RV Park said, "The location to downtown Golden...is incredible!" so you can easily grab supplies if needed.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: At places like Dakota Ridge RV Park, uneven sites can be a hassle. One RVer noted, "The site was really bad...so uneven that no matter how much we tried we couldn't get level."
  • Be Prepared for Costs: Some campgrounds have additional fees. A visitor at Denver West-Central City KOA mentioned, "It is pricey and there are many rules," so budget accordingly.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: At campgrounds like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, amenities are limited. One camper said, "There’s huge piles of trash everywhere," so be ready to pack out what you bring in.

Camping near Thornton, CO, has something for everyone. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any camping sites with bathroom facilities near Thornton?

Several campgrounds near Thornton provide bathroom facilities for campers. Glacier Basin Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park offers accessible bathrooms, though no showers, along with nice pads and fire rings. Jellystone Parkā„¢ at Larkspur provides bathroom facilities while offering easy access to attractions in both Denver and Colorado Springs. Chief Hosa Campground and Standley Lake Regional Park also feature toilet facilities. If you're looking for more developed amenities, many of the state parks in the area like Cherry Creek and Chatfield offer modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and sometimes shower buildings, making them comfortable options for families or those who prefer camping with conveniences.

Where can I find campgrounds near Thornton, Colorado?

Thornton offers convenient access to numerous campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Cherry Creek State Park Campground is one of the closest options, offering drive-in sites that are reservable and accommodate RVs. For those seeking a true Colorado experience with stunning mountain views, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground is worth the drive, featuring well-maintained fire pits, access to hiking trails, and a rolling river. Other nearby options include St. Vrain State Park, Chatfield State Park, and Dakota Ridge RV Park. For a more rustic experience, dispersed camping areas in the nearby national forests provide alternatives for those willing to venture a bit further from Thornton.

Can I find lakeside camping options near Thornton, Colorado?

Thornton has several excellent lakeside camping options within driving distance. South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir offers some of the best views in Colorado according to regular campers, with both traditional campsites and cabin rentals available. Though the lake gets busy in summer, the spectacular setting makes it worthwhile. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake provides beautiful lakeside camping just outside of Denver with bathroom facilities and a visitor center where you can purchase firewood. Other options include Standley Lake Regional Park, Chatfield State Park, and St. Vrain State Park, all offering water access and various camping amenities within reasonable driving distance from Thornton.