Best Tent Camping near Watkins, CO
Searching for a tent campsite near Watkins? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Watkins. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Watkins campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Watkins, CO (20)
1. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
Eldorado Springs, Colorado21 Reviews•56 Photos•1160 SavesCamping is allowed at numbered designated campsites. No fee is charged. Practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Camping is limited to 14 days in one location. After 14 days, your camp must be moved at least three miles away.
Maximum stay is 28 days within a 60-day period. After 28 days, all property and people must leave the Roosevelt National Forest.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
2. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
Nederland, Colorado19 Reviews•37 Photos•1143 SavesNOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.
Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.
In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.
Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.
- Pets
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Staunton State Park Campground
Conifer, Colorado7 Reviews•31 Photos•224 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
4. Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Black Hawk, Colorado6 Reviews•31 Photos•412 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Sawmill Hiker Campground
Arvada, Colorado2 Reviews•3 Photos•259 SavesWhite Ranch Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allows for permitted camping. Sawmill and Sourdough Springs Campgrounds offer semi-primitive, tent-only, walk-in camping in designated sites is available by online permit. Required camping permits must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance. Permits are $12 per campsite, per night and valid for up to three consecutive nights. Camping is limited to a total of six nights within a 30 day period.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$12 / night
6. Idylease Campground
Conifer, Colorado1 Review•172 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
$12 / night
7. Dutch Fred Trailhead #679
Larkspur, Colorado1 Review•13 SavesThe Dutch Fred Trailhead is located south of Indian Creek / Rampart Range area. The trail enters into a system of 115 miles of motorcycle and ATV trails in the Rampart Range area. In order to use any vehicle on National Forest lands, it must either have a valid state license plate or be registered with the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program. Contact Colorado State Parks at 303.866.3437 for OHV registration information. Registered OHVs may be subject to fines if used where they are not specifically permitted.
- Tents
8. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp
Idaho Springs, Colorado6 Reviews•5 Photos•116 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Jefferson County Reynolds Park Idylease Campground
Buffalo Creek, Colorado1 Review•17 SavesOn the west side of South Foxton Road, hiker and equestrian trails allow visitors to climb to scenic overlooks. Mountain bikes are welcome to explore the east side of South Foxton Road and connect to the 10.1-mile North Fork Trail that originates at the parking lot and terminates at the South Platte River, allowing access to the Colorado Trail.
Reynolds Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allow for permitted camping. Semi-primitive, tent-only, walk-in camping in designated sites is available by online permit.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$12 / night
10. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2
Palmer Lake, Colorado2 Reviews•19 Photos•125 SavesNational Forest
Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
Recent Tent Reviews in Watkins
635 Reviews of 20 Watkins Campgrounds
David H.
Guide
Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite
Dispersed Camping
I started camping this area a couple of years ago and have been coming back several times a year. Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open. I haven’t seen one there yet but it’s good to stay BEAR AWEAR. Sites are clean. I camped at sites 15, 18, 22(twice), 26 (twice ), and there’s two sites close to Wellington lake that I’ve stayed three times . Yes it’s a good place to camp and only about a hour from Denver. My visits were between May to October. Only a fire ring is provided,everything else you’ll need to bring……AND PACK OUT when you leave so the next camper can enjoy the site like you did.
- David H.Guide
Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake
Snow in April 2022
My first experience was a couple of years ago (2022) I paid for three days camping . It snowed and was unable to camp….no refunds… The following year I bought 6 day passes to go fishing and only used 3. They said no refunds….. told them to keep the money and give the passes to the next three people who came in and wanted one….they said that they couldn’t do that.. So, I still tell people about how beautiful the place is…..and I also tell them that they WILL keep your money no matter what happens…. I’ll camp in the dispersed camping sites on the road that takes you to the private over priced campground….. Oh by the way…it’s catch and release. So, if you want fish for supper you better bring your own.
- JJasmine G.
Scout
Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir
Great spot to camp
Had a great time here with hardly anyone there so very peaceful.
Kay S.Guide
Cherry Creek State Park Campground
Easy Access GO EARLY IN AM
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. Once the capacity for the Park is reached, you will not be allowed in.
Nice Swim Beach with brand new Bldg. Many covered Picnic sites, but again, you MUST arrive at the break of day to secure one.
Please plan to pack your trash out. Seems to be a severe shortage of dumpsters or trash cans and people leave behind huge bags of trash - or, sadly, just trash strewn around. Please respect our space!
Campground is usually fully booked all season. Reservations can be made six months out. Two week limit.
I live close to the Park and visit every month of the year.
Paulina B.
Ranger
Rainbow Trout Ranch and Campground
Peaceful Riverside Retreat
A hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies, Rainbow Trout Ranch offers a serene mountain retreat. With its riverside setting and towering trees, this campground is perfect for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The sites are rustic but well-kept, and the peaceful environment is ideal for disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of Denver. Nearby hiking trails and wildlife add to the charm.
AIM for a site along the creek. And beware of the rules. No wildfires nor swimming in the creek.
Landon C.Ranger
Bailey Area Dispersed
Difficult road to get to but beautiful views
The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.
- MMark M.Ranger
Chief Hosa Campground
Good proximity to Evergreen CO/EZ I-70 on/off
Stayed in spot RV24. Easy access right off freeway and convenient to TPB start. Some nice small trails in area for easy walking. Mostly pine trees. Orderly, camp hosts seem inclined to enforce rules. Quiet.No campfire pits so no burning allowed at all and most folks seem to knock off early. Showers are available for.25/2 min with a 4 min max. Appeared old, clean.
For road cyclists: Good place to stay for Triple Bypass
Food aside: Cooked Hatch green chile sausage and added to Sprouts Hatch mac and cheese and put into burritos. Ate leftovers for breakfast. Low FQ (fart quotient).
- AA A Ron J.Guide
Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
Way too expensive
I spent the night at Base Camp because the campgrounds North and South of Ned were full and it was dark and getting late. You have to be lucky with those ones to get one of the few good spots that are there. I have been to the convenience store at BC before and it was closer to Idaho Springs (I was going there the next day to meet a friend). $39 per night for a tent site is INSANE. I could have stealth camped and there was another spot I could’ve gone too but BC was close and I was tired. I guess that’s how they make their business. Begrudgingly it worked for what I needed.
- Ioan P.
Legend
Chatfield State Park Campground
Super nice
Very clean, very well maintained. Large spaces near the lake.
Andria R.Guide
Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
4x4 and tents only
Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.
- KKerri M.Guide
Denver East-Strasburg KOA
Quick overnight
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.
Rebecca L.ScoutRedskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite
Site #6 of 33
Finally, a nice campsite on a road that isn't horrible. There are 30+ designated, numbered, dispersed campsites on this road. Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings. The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away. These are great campsites and the area is really awesome. After so many horrible roads and places closed, it was a blessing to find this spot. The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado. Highly recommended! Cell service with At&t in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars. at least half of the sites are big rig friendly. All of the sites are 100% free.
- SSawyer S.
TravelerDream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
Super sick spot
We camped a very short walk from the parking lot. Amazing camp site with not many people around.
patty W.Guide
St. Vrain State Park Campground
Ok
Busy and right off highway
- TTristan S.Scout
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights
Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.
- JJo H.Guide
Jellystone Park™ at Larkspur
Nice but pricey
Overall Nice site. Stayed one night. Too pricey for a stopover. Propane fire pit looks nice but could not use. Must have a 20 pound tank. Store was closed as we arrived at 5 pm.
Train and traffic noise as expected for location. Lot of stuff for kids. Nice facilities. Clean park. - TTara D.Scout
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Road Closed Mid-September
There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.
- TThomas O.Scout
Chatfield State Park Campground
Greast Spot
Stayed the last night with a rental RV that we needed to return to Denver by 10;30 AM. Campground has an unusual lay out with "loops" being 3 rings of sites. Sites are spread out well. Lots of privacy, Within an hour's drive of the RV rental return location (with a Costco on the way to fill the gas tank). Some sites have elec/water/sewer at the sites. Some have just electrical - this was our site. A communal water/sewer was available with ability to handle two vehicles at the same time.
Jordan K.TravelerChief Hosa Campground
Good Spot, Beware road noise
This was a one-night overnight tent spot after a work conference in Golden. Drive to the site was not bad. The roads are a little bumpy to get into the tent-only camping but even my little Chevy did okay. Bathroom facilities are good with coin-operated showers. Relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of road noise from I-70.
- NNathan S.Guide
Standley Lake Regional Park
Nice but no privacy
If you are used to RV sites or KOA you will be ok with this. On a scale of 1-5 here are my impressions.
- Site cleanliness. 5
- Bathrooms 5. Running H20
- Convenience 2. They lock the gates at 10pm.
- Electric 1
- Water hookups none 1 Overall esthetic 2. The lake is nice. The rest of the area is well compacted dirt with some scattered trees. City/road noise 2.
Megan J.ScoutGross Reservoir Dispersed
Lost phone !
Please text 603 404 8514 if you find a phone at site 15 !
Great spacious spot with picnic table and walkable to the reservoir
ElizabethAnn P.ScoutDutch Fred Trailhead #679
Two strangers met and went to the best campground
Amazing and wonderful absolutely love the view
- Taylor L.Scout
Aspen Meadows Campground — Golden Gate Canyon
Good spot for a relaxing camping trip
Came here with my roommates in July after only dispersed camping earlier in the summer. Nice spot with a metal fire pit (good for stage 1 fire ban), picnic table, and tent pad. Tent pad was big enough to squeeze two 3-person tents and a 6-person tent (barely). Walking distance to vault toilets. Some nice foresty hikes between Aspen Meadows and Reverend's Ridge. We could see some other campsites but didn't feel too squished. There's an actual parking lot but we just parked next to our campsite, off the road enough to let other cars pass by easily.
Amanda B.Traveler
Lone Rock Campground
Nice Weekend Getaway
Really cool campground! We were able to tube on the river and we were at site five so we had direct access to the river as well. Just as a heads up this is a walk in site, but your cars aren’t parked very far away. And if you have a rooftop tent, you can still use that. Just know that your car will be parked on the road. It’s also $10 extra per night for an additional vehicle past the two vehicle per site limit.
Deb M.RangerSt. Vrain State Park Campground
Nice suburban park
Have to take off 1 star for the freeway noise and the lack of trees. However, the sites are nicely spaced, with many of them facing a few different ponds. The full hook-up sites are much more open than the electric only ones. Also, no showers on the full side, but what looks like a nice building on the electric side. It’s an hour to Estes Park, and it’s nice not to have to drag your rig up the mountain. Plus it’s close to Longmont where we found a couple cute breweries/cideries.
Amanda D.Scout
Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2
We had a fox friend all weekend!
Found a great little campsite and had a fox as a neighbor! Only downfall was there was broken glass everywhere 😔
- Nick P.Scout
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Great little spot
Rolled in around 5 on a Friday and got a great little spot. Clean campsites and there were a number open Saturday morning when we drove to the end of the trail. Drove around the reservoir to kayak from the north end Saturday morning.
Guide to Watkins
Tent camping near Watkins, Colorado offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Tent campers should check out Sawmill Hiker Campground
- This campground features reservable sites with picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
- Located in a semi-primitive setting, Sawmill Hiker Campground is accessible via a short hike, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
- Pets are welcome on a leash, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Local attractions near Idylease Campground
- Idylease Campground is nestled in Reynolds Park, just a half-mile hike from the parking area, offering a serene forested environment.
- The campground is surrounded by beautiful trails, including the Eagles View Trail, perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the area.
- With only five sites available, you'll enjoy a more secluded camping experience, ideal for those seeking tranquility in nature.
Tips for tent camping near Watkins
- When visiting Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, be prepared for rough roads and limited spaces, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
- At Dream Canyon Campsites, expect a beautiful setting but ensure you have a compact vehicle, as access can be challenging for larger rigs.
- Staunton State Park Campground offers well-maintained trails and a variety of hiking options, but pack light to make the hike to your campsite easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Watkins, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Watkins, CO is Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir with a 4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Watkins, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Watkins, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.