8 Best Campgrounds Near Denver
State parks, forest campgrounds, and dispersed camping within 2 hours of Denver. Tent, RV, and reservation details for each spot.
8
Campgrounds
12-100 mi
Distance Range
20 min-2 hr
Drive Times
Free-$30
Price Range
Colorado has some of the best camping in the country, and you don't need to drive far from Denver to find it. From reservoirs inside the metro area to alpine lakes at 10,000 feet, these 8 campgrounds cover every style — RV parks with full hookups, tent-only forest sites, and free dispersed camping on public land.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
The closest full-service state park campground to Denver. 132 sites across Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadows campgrounds. Panorama Point offers 100-mile views of the Continental Divide. Fall aspen colors are spectacular.
Chatfield State Park
The closest campground to Denver with 197 sites. Chatfield Reservoir offers swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Full RV hookups available. It’s not wilderness camping — it’s convenient, family-friendly, and easy.
Cherry Creek State Park
Camp inside the Denver metro area. Cherry Creek Reservoir has 102 campsites with electric hookups. The reservoir has a swim beach, marina, and great fishing. Perfect for a low-commitment overnight or introducing kids to camping.
Reverend’s Ridge Campground
The largest campground within Golden Gate Canyon State Park. 97 sites with flush toilets and coin-operated showers. At 9,200 feet elevation, summer nights are cool. Ranger-led campfire programs on summer weekends.
Pickle Gulch Campground
USFS campground in the Arapaho National Forest along Clear Creek. 15 sites with vault toilets. At 8,100 feet, it’s a solid base camp for day hikes to St. Mary’s Glacier, Berthoud Pass, or Mount Evans. Simple, quiet, and affordable.
Mueller State Park
A larger drive but worth it for the solitude and Pikes Peak views. 132 sites across 4 campground loops. 55 miles of trails through aspen and pine forests. Wildlife is abundant — elk sightings are common at dawn and dusk.
Turquoise Lake Recreation Area
Six USFS campgrounds ring this stunning alpine reservoir near Leadville. At 9,900 feet, summer highs rarely break 75°F. Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks (Mt. Elbert, Mt. Massive). Excellent fishing for lake trout and kokanee salmon.
Dispersed Camping near Guanella Pass
Free dispersed camping along Guanella Pass Road between Georgetown and Grant. Pull-off spots along the road — look for existing fire rings. No facilities (bring your own water, pack out trash). The trailhead for Mt. Bierstadt (one of Colorado’s easiest 14ers) is at the top of the pass.
Fire Safety & Restrictions
Colorado frequently implements fire bans during dry periods (typically June-September). Always check current fire restrictions before building a campfire.
- Check county fire restrictions before your trip
- Propane stoves are usually allowed even during fire bans
- Never leave a campfire unattended — drown it completely
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest campground to Denver?
Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora is technically inside the Denver metro area, just 12 miles and 20 minutes from downtown. Chatfield State Park in Littleton is the next closest at 18 miles. Both have full facilities, RV hookups, and reservoirs for swimming.
Can I camp for free near Denver?
Yes. Dispersed camping is free on National Forest land. Guanella Pass (1 hour from Denver) has pull-off sites along the road. Other free dispersed areas include the Pike National Forest south of Denver and Arapaho National Forest west of Idaho Springs. No facilities — pack in everything and pack out all trash. 14-day stay limit.
When is the best time to camp near Denver?
June through September is peak camping season. July and August are warmest but also busiest — book state park sites 2-3 months ahead. September offers cool nights, fall colors, and fewer crowds. High-altitude sites (Turquoise Lake, Guanella Pass) may have snow into June and after early October.
Do I need a bear canister for camping near Denver?
Bear canisters are not typically required at established campgrounds near Denver, but you should always store food in your car or a bear-proof container. Raccoons and squirrels are the bigger nuisance at Front Range campgrounds. If camping dispersed at higher elevations, hanging food in a bear bag is recommended.
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