Tent camping near Windsor, Colorado offers access to sites at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,500 feet across the Front Range. Rocky Mountain National Park's eastern boundary lies approximately 40 miles west of Windsor, while Roosevelt National Forest provides closer dispersed camping options. Summer temperatures typically range between 45°F overnight and 85°F during daytime hours, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September.
What to do
Hike from your campsite: Lory State Park backcountry sites serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the surrounding trail system. "We hiked to the top of Arthur's rock to watch the supermoon rise and it was pretty special!" reports Becky M. about her Lory State Park Backcountry experience.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities near Allenspark. One visitor noted, "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence" at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area.
Boat-in camping: For a unique camping experience, consider reserving boat-in sites at Horsetooth Reservoir. Morgan L. shares, "We took up 3 spots for a large family. It was the best time we had all in 2020 during the pandemic. There was a toilet of sorts, but due to the pandemic and it being boat-in spots, was not well maintained."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many tent campers appreciate the natural sound barrier provided by running water. Brett A. describes Allenspark Dispersed Camping: "It was gorgeous! Lots of spots, and also lots of people. Some folks coming in late night. It's definitely a bumpy ride in."
Seclusion from crowds: The Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers privacy despite its popularity. Isabelle K. writes, "This backcountry site is a hidden gem just off of the commonly used Horsetooth Rock trail. Awesome panoramic views and plenty of wildlife."
Proximity to hiking trails: Many tent camping sites provide direct access to trail networks. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," notes Erin K. about camping at Hermits Hollow.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary seasonally, with complete fire bans common during dry summer months. "We followed some animal trails and went on a few hikes. Seen a lot of animals, but seen no sign of fresh running water anywhere," reports Daisee Mae S. about her experience at Hermits Hollow Campground.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Allenspark, Mason M. advises, "A lot of good spots to pull off and relax for the night with a nearby stream, however if you have a car like myself I'd recommend the first couple spots as the road got pretty uneven and hilly shortly down the road."
Bear activity: Bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Ben O. reports, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Families often prefer sites with basic amenities. "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk. The sites are first come first serve," explains Miranda K. about the Backcountry Campground at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Mountain temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, even in summer. Wade R. notes about Hermits Hollow, "Not far outside of Estes Park, but far enough up the side of a mountain to enjoy the wilderness. Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate."
Consider weekday visits: Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot gets crowded on weekends. Caroline E. shares, "The sites are very spread out and there weren't many people there, despite it being a weekend in June when I visited. No cell service at my site, just sporadic on the road in."
Tips for RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near Windsor have limitations for larger vehicles. Jason H. advises at Allenspark, "A 2wd car can access quite a bit but if you want to go further up Ski road, definitely bring a 4x4 with high clearance."
Limited hookups: While tent camping dominates the Windsor area, some sites accommodate smaller RVs. Quinton T. notes about Gordon Gulch, "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather. It is populated with people on ATVs, as well as other campers near you if you decide on an easy-to-access campsite."
Campground closures: Many Longs Peak Campground sites close seasonally. Jennifer B. advises, "Definitely a gorgeous area, but the Pets Allowed designation is misleading. RMNP has serious restrictions on dogs inside the park, like not letting them on any trails."
