Best Campgrounds near Thornton, CO

This dispersed site is pretty and is close to the highway, the road seemed a little sketchy in the snow but my RAV4 AWD made it just fine to most of the sites. It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable. The last few sites felt just a little too sketchy for my driving skills. It was pretty empty in January, one big pile of trash that was unfortunate and a few people seemed to be there long term. No one bothered me and all the campsites were pretty clean.

What an incredible find! As a full-time RV traveler, I’ve stayed at countless places, but this ranch and animal rescue truly stand out as a hidden gem. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with the warmest hospitality and an immediate sense of calm. The wide-open spaces, breathtaking sunsets, and the sounds of nature provided the perfect backdrop for a peaceful night's rest in my RV.

What makes this place even more special is the heart behind it. The animals here are so well cared for, and it’s clear that the owners pour their souls into creating a safe haven for them. I had the privilege of learning about their rescue efforts, and it’s truly inspiring. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a place to connect—with nature, animals, and wonderful people.

The amenities were thoughtfully designed for RV travelers like myself—plenty of room to park, and even a chance to lend a hand at the ranch (which I gladly took advantage of!). I left feeling recharged, inspired, and already planning my return.

If you’re traveling through the area, do yourself a favor and stay here. Support an amazing cause while enjoying an unforgettable experience. Five stars just doesn’t feel like enough!

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Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking.

Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels.

Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals and is ultimately uplifting.

Big camping spots, fun campground vibes, noise restrictions so don't worry your kiddos won't be able to hit a reasonable bed time.

Robbers Roost dispersed camping area near Fraser, Colorado, is an excellent spot for campers seeking a peaceful retreat close to nature. Located just outside Winter Park, this camping area offers easy access to the Rockies while still being relatively convenient to town for supplies or activities.

The campsites are well spread out, providing plenty of privacy and space to enjoy the outdoors. The views are breathtaking, with towering pines and a mountain backdrop that’s hard to beat. It’s a great base for hiking, mountain biking, mushroom foraging or simply relaxing and soaking in the fresh air.

Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so campers need to come prepared with everything they need and pack out all trash. The dirt road leading to the camping area is manageable for most vehicles, though a higher-clearance option is recommended if conditions are wet or snowy.

One of the highlights of Robbers Roost is the proximity to Winter Park and stream access. You can explore the local trails by day and head into town for dining or entertainment in the evening. At night, the stargazing is spectacular, thanks to the minimal light pollution in the area.

If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and love the outdoors, Robbers Roost is a hidden gem worth discovering. Just be sure to practice leave-no-trace principles to help preserve the beauty of this spot. Finally beware of the busy nearby road, especially if you are traveling with off leash pets.

Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

Bumpy ride up, but we were able to do it in our car SLOWLY. Absolutely beautiful place. Lots of campsite options. I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view. Had the entire place to ourselves pretty much all Friday. Beautiful beautiful beautiful

And in fact I believe they were KOA of the year 2023 or 2024. More expensive than we're used to, but has nice amenities. Sites level with concrete pads, fairly large. Some space between with trees. Nice metal patio furniture provided at each site(chairs, table, fire pit). Has decent showers, hot tubs, and off leash dog park. Inexpensive pancake breakfast and pizza/wings to your site are available, also an onsite store. Kind of at the top of a rise, so good views but also kind of chilly for July (60s/40s). Massive thunderstorms with hail and heavy rain two evengings (CO mountains tend to get afternoon t-storms). Communicate via text to let you know about goings on. Good radio station out of Idaho Springs KYGT 102.7 and 103.9

Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery

The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

Couldn’t find any spots over the weekend. Drove through the whole campground. There is an absurd amount of trash everywhere, especially at closer campsites. There are multiple ‘long term’ campsites by the looks of the trash, gear, and supplies left out. The forest is not in good shape either.

Came back mid week and stayed at site #4 because it was close and I did not want to roll the dice on not securing a spot again.

Keeping it brief: -I thought someone had been through my campsite when I was sleeping due to things moved -I might have met the squatter at the site. Couldn’t be sure, but determined there were red flags after talking to the guy and did not want to stick around to find out -so much trash it breaks my heart

The county needs to do something about this campsite and the similar one North of Ned.

Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent. The sad part was the trash left behind from former encampments in some of the camping spots.

Not a lot of options on I 70 east of Denver for overnight parking so opted for a KOA last minute. Easy last minute check in process. Served great for a quick in and out.