Best Campgrounds near Eastlake, CO

Camping options in the Eastlake area of Colorado range from developed state park campgrounds to urban-adjacent RV parks offering convenient access to Denver's metropolitan amenities. Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park, and St. Vrain State Park provide year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, while tent campers and those seeking rustic experiences can find accommodations at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which features cabins and yurts in addition to traditional campsites. Standley Lake Regional Park represents a middle ground with partial amenities and operates seasonally from May through September.

Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds near Eastlake, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The camping season varies significantly between locations, with lower elevation sites remaining accessible throughout winter while higher elevation areas like Golden Gate Canyon may experience seasonal closures or difficult conditions during snowy months. Most state parks require entrance fees in addition to camping fees, and many campgrounds have specific quiet hours that vary by location. Road access is generally good throughout the region with most sites accessible by standard vehicles. As one visitor noted about Standley Lake: "The sites are really big and the ranger crew is serious about conserving the area's natural eco system, but still very inviting and kind!"

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the landscape around Eastlake, with facilities designed to accommodate both tent campers and RVs. Several visitors highlight the views and recreational opportunities as key features of camping in this region. At Standley Lake, campers appreciate the "Mountain Views, and it not being far from town," with opportunities to "rent a floatation device or bring your own and enjoy the warmth on the lake." Privacy can be a concern at some locations, with reviews indicating that sites at certain parks are "wide-open, meaning there was little privacy." Developed campgrounds in the area typically provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, though shower facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering only outdoor showers or limited facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Eastlake, Colorado (301)

    1. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Centennial, CO
    21 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. "

    2. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    9 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 lake☀️"

    3. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    21 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."

    4. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    19 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."

    5. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    26 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."

    6. St. Vrain State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Firestone, CO
    17 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."

    7. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    19 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: **

    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. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    21 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."

    9. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    13 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    13 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."

    10. Boulder County Fairgrounds

    20 Reviews
    Longmont, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 682-6762

    $35 / night

    "Arrived in Colorado little after midnight, got a spot right away plenty of availability and close enough to some good hiking areas"

    "We couldn’t find anything near family in Highlands Ranch in July, but ran across this place- Tight spots for our 38 ft fifth wheel but, we made it."

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Recent Reviews near Eastlake, CO

2266 Reviews of 301 Eastlake Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • 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 🏕 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.


Guide to Eastlake

Camping near Eastlake, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From established campgrounds to more rustic spots, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Sports: Many campers enjoy paddleboarding at Chatfield State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Very pretty paddle boarding sites,” making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails abound in the area. A camper at Bear Creek Lake Park noted, “Great biking, hiking right from the campsite,” perfect for those who love to explore on foot or bike.
  • Fishing: While some lakes may have restrictions, fishing is a popular activity. A review from Beaver Park Reservoir mentioned, “The view is beautiful,” even if fishing access can be limited.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Cherry Creek State Park Campground said, “Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. A visitor at Denver West-Central City KOA shared, “Every staff member was so helpful and nice,” making for a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review from Reverend's Ridge Campground highlighted, “Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado,” showcasing the area's natural beauty.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, “Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am,” which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together, especially in popular areas. One reviewer at Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park noted, “We prefer spots spaced farther apart,” indicating that some may find it crowded.
  • Water Access: Not all campgrounds have water hookups. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area pointed out, “There were at least 2 large piles of trash,” suggesting that some areas may not be well-maintained.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A parent at Boyd Lake State Park mentioned, “Lots of kids and bikes and playgrounds,” making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor toys. A camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground suggested, “Great for a day or two,” indicating it’s a good spot for short family trips.
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food ready can make things easier. One reviewer at Denver West-Central City KOA enjoyed the convenience of on-site food options, saying, “They had just opened for the season and have pizza available.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure your RV can fit comfortably. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park noted, “The site was really bad. So uneven that no matter how much we tried we couldn't get level.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground mentioned, “No water hookups at the sites,” so be prepared.
  • Plan for Coin Showers: Many campgrounds have coin-operated showers. A reviewer at Golden Gate Canyon State Park advised, “Showers take quarters so come prepared if you plan to shower.”

Camping near Eastlake, Colorado, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Eastlake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eastlake, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 301 campgrounds and RV parks near Eastlake, CO and 79 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Eastlake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eastlake, CO is Cherry Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 49 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eastlake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 79 free dispersed camping spots near Eastlake, CO.

What parks are near Eastlake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Eastlake, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.