Camping spots near Watkins, Colorado sit primarily at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet in a semi-arid climate zone. The eastern plains around Watkins offer minimal tree coverage at most campgrounds, creating open landscapes with unobstructed views toward both the Denver skyline and distant Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F during daytime with significant cooling at night due to the elevation and low humidity.
What to do
Water recreation: fishing, swimming, boating: At Cherry Creek State Park Campground, visitors enjoy a swim beach with recently updated facilities. One camper notes, "Nice Swim Beach with brand new Bldg. Many covered Picnic sites, but again, you MUST arrive at the break of day to secure one."
Biking and hiking trails: The paved trail system at Clear Creek RV Park connects directly to downtown Golden. "Along a gorgeous walking path to the mountains, within immediate walking distance to multiple breweries and restaurants, and extremely accessible to the mountains," explains one visitor who stayed for over a month.
Archery and horseback riding: Indian Paintbrush Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park offers diverse outdoor activities beyond typical camping. One visitor explains, "Loved the hiking and biking trails. Beautiful lake for swimming and paddle sports. Will definitely be returning for the archery and horseback riding."
What campers like
Proximity to Denver with natural settings: At Chatfield State Park Campground, campers appreciate being close to the city while enjoying outdoor spaces. "Great views of mountains. Just minutes south of Denver. With decent facilities and a playground for kiddos," notes one reviewer, highlighting the balance between accessibility and natural surroundings.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention clean bathrooms and showers as standout features. One visitor to Clear Creek RV Park reported, "Bathrooms were clean. The bike bath and creek are nice." Another at Cherry Creek State Park noted the campground is "very well maintained."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal encounters enhance camping experiences in the area. A visitor at Tuff's Ranch shared, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Watkins area require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. At Cherry Creek State Park, a visitor advises, "Campground is usually fully booked all season. Reservations can be made six months out. Two week limit."
Additional entrance fees: State parks charge daily vehicle entrance fees on top of camping costs. According to one camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground, "There is also an $11 day pass fee not included in your camping stay."
Traffic considerations: Access to popular recreation areas can become congested, especially on weekends. A local resident warns about Cherry Creek State Park: "If you want to get into the Park, suggest you go EARLY, EARLY, EARLY in the day. Traffic backs up all the way from the Entrance on Parker Rd to the Entrance Booth on weekends and holidays. Plan on an hour OR MORE to just get to the booth."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Chatfield State Park receives praise for its "decent facilities and a playground for kiddos."
Dog-friendly options with limitations: Dakota Ridge RV Park has restrictions on how pets can be contained at campsites. One camper noted, "Portable dog pens are not allowed. Tethering is not allowed... At this park they can only be on a 6 ft leash attached to a human."
Swimming areas: Bear Creek Lake Park offers swimming options suitable for families. A visitor shared, "We tent camped last night... they have archery, a beach, horse stables and ring, large lake to fish, clean bathrooms and courthouses."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies significantly: At Dakota Ridge RV Park, one camper reported: "The A3 site chosen is gravel with a hole or two and significantly tilted low to the front left... requiring a 4 high stack."
Overnight vs extended stays: Denver East-Strasburg KOA works best for short stays. A traveler notes, "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."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several camping areas near Watkins. One camper at Denver East-Strasburg KOA stated, "The location is a disaster. Literally right next to highway I-70, there's no way you'll get a restful nights sleep. Maybe in a RV or renting a cabin you'll have better luck, but as a tent camper it was brutal."
