The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Winter Park. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Winter Park campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Winter Park camping trip.
"Aug 2019 - Found a perfect little spot that was a close 5 minute maybe 1/2 mile in drive from Winter Park. Managed to make it in with a 2WD sedan."
"There are different types of sites, including some pull-offs for campers, some sites you could drive into off the road, and some with parking on the road and a small hike down to the site."
"Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."
"It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."
"I first camped in Colorado last year with a friend and we chose this dispersed due to it being close to travel too- yet still dispersed. I’ve come back 4 other times to camp here!"
"It is a light off road trail and would recommend having high vehicle clearance and 4x4. We were unable to park right next to the reservoir because it was closed off."
"Dog park, hot tubs, laundry, all you can eat pancakes (very reasonably priced) well worth the so steep drive on way up to 9,000 ft."
"Has decent showers, hot tubs, and off leash dog park. Inexpensive pancake breakfast and pizza/wings to your site are available, also an onsite store."
$29 - $58 / night
"I missed out but my husband and other campers saw a large moose just 2 camp spots away from our spot!
This campsite is situated along the CDT so you can imagine just how beautiful it is."
"Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"
"There are many trails and roads for mountain biking and hiking. The trails leave right from the campground. St. Louis Creek runs adjacent to the campground with easy access and good trout fishing."
"Beautiful location, more remote than many of the other campgrounds near Winter Park / Fraser area. Byers Peak hike is nearby which gives great views of the valley and surrounding areas."
"Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "
"Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."
"This will be one of few free camping spots around Rocky Mt. National Park. The road in begins easy but gets more difficult as you get onto National Forest Land."
"You won’t be able to get to these sites without a car with four wheel drive. We drove up to some of the higher spots with an awesome view of mountains, a lake and Longmont in the distance."
$28 - $202 / night
"This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."
"I came up for a night of camping with one of my dogs. I reserved the area with electric hookup since I brought the van. The area was very organized and tidy."
ScoutThe only good thing about this is the view. If your coming from winter park the road is horrible. The road is thin and full of sharp rocks and deep ruts. Even in a 4x4 the road was rough, i saw some guys walking dirt bikes past a overly rough area. It was just not worth the effort.
GuideMeadow Creek is 30-45 minutes from Winter Park, depending on where you camp. You can camp right on the reservoir, or hike in further to find your own spot. We chose to backpack in a ways due to the wet ground, so be prepared for that. It is dispersed camping, so don’t expect fancy amenities, but that also provides the freedom to find your perfect spot. We camped here due to the close proximity to Columbine Lake, which I highly recommend! Due to the high altitude, the weather can be unexpected. We got snowed on in July! But the views made it all worth it.
TravelerAug 2019 - Found a perfect little spot that was a close 5 minute maybe 1/2 mile in drive from Winter Park. Managed to make it in with a 2WD sedan. The road wasn't too bad and I'm sure I could have made it further on down the road had I tried. I found an already established spot that was fairly open just off the road with a rock fire ring. Due to the spot I chose and it's relative closeness to Winter Park there were often others driving by that could easily be heard/seen. There was a relatively steep drop of maybe 30 yards or so to Vasquez Creek. There is a decent little established trail that runs along the creek which offers nice views. If you are willing to park along the road and hike down to the creek there were a few open areas where others had set up fire pits right close to the creek.
RangerRobbers Roost dispersed camping area near Fraser, Colorado, is an excellent spot for campers seeking a peaceful retreat close to nature. Located just outside Winter Park, this camping area offers easy access to the Rockies while still being relatively convenient to town for supplies or activities.
The campsites are well spread out, providing plenty of privacy and space to enjoy the outdoors. The views are breathtaking, with towering pines and a mountain backdrop that’s hard to beat. It’s a great base for hiking, mountain biking, mushroom foraging or simply relaxing and soaking in the fresh air.
Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so campers need to come prepared with everything they need and pack out all trash. The dirt road leading to the camping area is manageable for most vehicles, though a higher-clearance option is recommended if conditions are wet or snowy.
One of the highlights of Robbers Roost is the proximity to Winter Park and stream access. You can explore the local trails by day and head into town for dining or entertainment in the evening. At night, the stargazing is spectacular, thanks to the minimal light pollution in the area.
If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and love the outdoors, Robbers Roost is a hidden gem worth discovering. Just be sure to practice leave-no-trace principles to help preserve the beauty of this spot. Finally beware of the busy nearby road, especially if you are traveling with off leash pets.
RangerThe selling point of this campground is location. It’s as close to Rocky Mountain National Park as you can get without actually camping on NPS property. You are completely surrounded by the mountains and the views are amazing. There’s a beautiful river flowing nearby. Easy access to Estes Park. I biked into downtown and back easily. Close to a great little market and several restaurants. Sites are very tight with no privacy unless you are along the edges of the park. Nice laundry facilities, mini golf, and a small pond. There’s a small dog park but I’d recommend taking your dog to the city’s dog park about 10 minutes away. It’s worth the drive and your dog can go swimming on a beach.
TravelerAs it is very close to the city, the temperature stays consistent with Denver temps. So in the summer, it will not be as cool as some mountain spots. That being said, it is very easy to get to and you’ll have the lake right there to cool off!
Entrance into the state park is about $7/day. There is a dog park within the state park that allows off leash and has some ponds the dogs can swim in. Entrance to the dog park is $2.
LegendThis is one of my all-time favorite places to hike and camp in Colorado. I have not yet stayed in any of the campgrounds but have backpacked to the top of the American Lakes Trail. Not only is this hike fantasticly beautiful and full of wildlife (tons of moose especially) but there is great dispersed camping along the trails. You simply cannot find more scenic and free camping in Colorado. I would highly recommended camping anywhere in State Forest State Park!
Also, there are quite a few huts, cabins and yurts that can be rented year round in SFSP!
TravelerWe had a great time at this campground. We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Close to Rocky Mountain National Park. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on sat. night and laundry.
TravelerExtremely convenient to Winter Park activities and close to downtown. Right off of the main highway into town so it is quite noisy compared to other campgrounds in the area. Set in the woods, no real views of the nearby mountains. No water onsite, portable restrooms only. Would recommend some of the other campgrounds in the area over this one due to noise and proximity to the highway. Specifically, Saint Louis Campground has amazing views (although it is a bit further away from town), but is secluded and offers a most rustic and remote camping experience (while still only being 15 minutes away from amenities).
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Winter Park, Colorado, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Winter Park, CO is Vasquez Ridge with a 3.9-star rating from 30 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 295 dog-friendly camping locations near Winter Park, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
