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Best Campgrounds near Westminster, CO

2,531 Reviews

The foothills and plains surrounding Westminster, Colorado feature a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites within an hour's drive of the city. Standley Lake Regional Park offers camping directly within Westminster city limits, operating seasonally from May through September with tent sites, RV spaces, and even cabins and yurts. Within 30 minutes, campers can reach Golden Gate Canyon State Park's Deer Creek Campground, which provides a more immersive mountain experience with multiple accommodation types. Several RV-focused options dot the region, including Dakota Ridge RV Park and Clear Creek RV Park in nearby Golden, both offering full hookups and proximity to urban amenities. The camping landscape transitions from developed urban-adjacent sites to more primitive mountain experiences as travelers head west toward the Continental Divide.

Reservations are essential during peak season (June-August) at most established campgrounds, with many sites booking months in advance. According to one camper at Winiger Ridge near Gross Reservoir, "It is very important that you have a high clearance car to drive on the road. It's a lot like off-roading on some parts." This observation applies to many dispersed camping areas in the foothills west of Westminster. Weather patterns vary significantly by elevation, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months and early snow possible at higher elevations beginning in September. Fire restrictions frequently impact camping from June through October, with complete bans possible during drought conditions. Cell service becomes increasingly limited in mountain areas, though coverage remains reliable at campgrounds closer to the Denver metro area.

Mountain views and water access rank among the most valued features in camper reviews of the region. Clear Creek RV Park receives praise for its "beautiful creek side" location and proximity to downtown Golden, making it popular for those seeking convenience without sacrificing scenery. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near I-70 and major mountain corridors. Wildlife viewing opportunities increase at higher elevations and more remote sites, with moose, eagles, and deer commonly spotted. Campers consistently note the importance of advance planning, with one reviewer advising: "Make reservations early. Fills up fast because it is such a great place to camp." For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping options in the national forests west of the city provide alternatives to the more developed and often crowded established campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Westminster, Colorado (341)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    15 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."

    2. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    41 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    14 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."

    3. Clear Creek RV Park

    28 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    13 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!"

    4. Standley Lake Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    Westminster, CO
    3 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☀️"

    5. Chatfield State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Littleton, CO
    23 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. Indian Paintbrush Campground—Bear Creek Lake Park

    34 Reviews
    Morrison, CO
    17 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. 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. "

    8. Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    13 Reviews
    Wheat Ridge, CO
    9 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. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir

    24 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    "It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."

    "The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."

    10. Chief Hosa Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    18 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. "

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Westminster, CO

841 Photos of 341 Westminster Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Westminster, CO

2531 Reviews of 341 Westminster Campgrounds

  • B S.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Idlewild Campground

    Fall stay

    Stayed two nights with my sons. Grabbed one of the walk-in sites Friday at 1pm.

    Pros: Availability (one of the only sites in Winter Park), beautiful surroundings

    Cons: Right next to the highway so traffic (trains at times) can be heard at all hours of the night, most walk-in sites don't have a tent pad

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Great view of the Lake + porta-potty

    We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • 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

Guide to Westminster

Camping near Westminster, CO, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Paddleboarding and Water Sports: Many campers enjoy the paddleboarding opportunities at Chatfield State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a great choice for water lovers.
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Golden Gate Canyon State Park. A reviewer noted, "Great biking, hiking right from the campsite," highlighting the accessibility of outdoor adventures.
  • Fishing: If you’re into fishing, Clear Creek RV Park is close to the creek, where one camper shared, "We spent most of our time fishing for trout."

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Denver West-Central City KOA. One guest said, "Every staff member was so helpful and nice," making for a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Reverend's Ridge Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden," emphasizing the beauty of the location.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Boyd Lake State Park - Cottonwood Campground noted, "Noise level from the city hum is about 45 db," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared for coin-operated showers at several campgrounds. A visitor at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, "Showers take quarters so come prepared."
  • Site Selection Matters: Choosing the right site can make a big difference. A camper at Reverend's Ridge Campground advised, "Choose your loop carefully," as some sites are closer together than others.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer at Cottonwood Campground - Boyd Lake State Park mentioned, "Lots of kids and bikes and playgrounds," making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Snacks: Bring snacks and drinks for the kids. A visitor at Cherry Creek State Park Campground noted, "Easy access to the sand beach," which is perfect for a picnic.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on the kids, especially near water. A camper at Clear Creek RV Park mentioned, "The river area was well-developed and well-used by the community," indicating a busy environment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, "Pull through sites are very practical to accommodate longer RVs."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Denver West-Central City KOA appreciated the "propane tanks, air for tires," available on-site.
  • Be Ready for Weather Changes: The weather can shift quickly in the mountains. A visitor at Reverend's Ridge Campground noted, "It was chilly," so pack layers.

Camping near Westminster, CO, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots near Westminster, Colorado?

The best camping spots near Westminster include Standley Lake Regional Park, which offers convenient local camping with water access and beautiful views. For those willing to drive a bit further, Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground provides the true Colorado experience with stunning mountain views, well-maintained fire pits, and hiking trailheads accessible directly from camp. Both locations offer reservable sites. If you're looking for more options within a reasonable drive, the foothills and mountains west of Westminster provide numerous camping opportunities with varying amenities and natural settings.

What campgrounds are available near Westminster, Colorado?

Several campgrounds are available within driving distance of Westminster. Dakota Ridge RV Park offers full amenities including on-site propane and friendly staff, though it tends to be pricier. Chatfield State Park Campground provides a more natural setting with both drive-in and walk-in sites. Other options include Cherry Creek State Park Campground, Chief Hosa Campground near Golden, and Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge. For those seeking family-friendly activities, several campgrounds within 1-2 hours of Westminster offer playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and organized activities.

Are there any walk-in campsites available near Westminster?

Yes, walk-in campsites are available near Westminster at several locations. Deer Creek Campground in Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers walk-in sites that provide more privacy and a closer-to-nature experience. Cherry Creek State Park Campground also features walk-in camping options alongside their drive-in sites. These walk-in sites typically require carrying your gear a short distance from parking areas, offering a more secluded experience while still maintaining access to campground amenities like restrooms and water. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.

Can I find lakeside camping near Westminster, Colorado?

Yes, there are excellent lakeside camping options near Westminster. Castle Mountain Recreation Area at Wellington Lake offers beautiful lakeside camping just outside of Denver with bathroom facilities and a visitor center. While sites are somewhat close together, it's great for groups. South Bay Campground at Horsetooth Reservoir is another fantastic option with stunning views that many campers consider among the best in Colorado. The lake gets busy during summer months, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. Reservations are strongly recommended for both locations, particularly during peak season.

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