Camping Near Denver: 15 Best Campgrounds

Looking to escape the city for a weekend under the stars? Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a camping paradise, with options ranging from high-altitude alpine lakes to convenient state parks just minutes from downtown. We've compiled the definitive list of the 15 best places for camping near Denver. They’re all within about 90 minutes of downtown Denver. Our guide covers stunning scenery, unique features, and proximity information to help you find your perfect outdoor retreat.

1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Address: 92 Crawford Gulch Road, Golden, CO 80403
Distance from Denver: 45-60 minutes

Golden Gate Canyon State Park perfectly balances accessibility with spectacular mountain scenery. The park has cabins, yurts, and 156 campsites The crown jewel here is Panorama Point, offering 100-mile views of the Continental Divide that will take your breath away. With over 35 miles of trails, cozy yurts and cabins available year-round, and elevations ranging from 7,500 to 10,400 feet, this park delivers the full Colorado mountain experience just an hour from Denver.

2. Staunton State Park

Address: 12102 S Elk Creek Road, Pine, CO 80470
Distance from Denver: 45 minutes

One of Colorado's newer state parks, Staunton State Park offers a refreshing take on Front Range camping with walk-in tent sites only, preserving a true wilderness experience. The park's crown jewel is Elk Falls, a stunning waterfall accessible via a scenic hike. Unique granite rock formations, historic ranch buildings from the 1920s, and some of Colorado's best wildflower displays make this park special. Since it's newer and requires a short hike to campsites, Staunton sees fewer crowds than other nearby parks.

3. White Ranch Park

Address: 21827 W 56th Ave, Golden, CO 80403
Distance from Denver: 30 minutes

For those seeking a true backcountry experience remarkably close to Denver, White Ranch Park delivers with its hike-in, bike-in, or horseback-only camping. The Sawmill Camp and Sourdough Springs Camp offer Continental Divide views and access to 20 miles of trails. This Jefferson County Open Space gem requires effort to reach your campsite, but the reward is genuine wilderness solitude just 30 minutes from downtown Denver.

4. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

Address: 20725 Forest Rd 550, Pine, CO 80470
Distance from Denver: 60 minutes

Known as Colorado's mountain biking mecca, Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers multiple campgrounds plus designated dispersed camping areas throughout the pine forest. Home to segments of the legendary Colorado Trail and the rock climbing destination Little Scraggy, this area attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all types. The South Platte River provides gold-medal trout fishing, while the extensive trail network offers everything from family-friendly walks to challenging technical rides.

Devil’s Head Fire Lookout, photo credit

5. Devil's Head Campground

Address: 6500 S Rampart Range Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135
Distance from Denver: 75 minutes

For those seeking a unique camping experience, Devil's Head Campground offers access to Colorado's last remaining staffed fire lookout tower in the Front Range. The campground itself sits among impressive granite rock formations in the Pike National Forest, providing a quieter alternative to the busier Front Range sites. The moderate hike to the Devil's Head Fire Lookout Tower rewards visitors with 360-degree views that stretch from Pikes Peak to Mount Blue SKy. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of accessible camping and backcountry feel.

6. Guanella Pass Campground

Address: 8508 Guanella Pass Rd, Georgetown, CO 80444
Distance from Denver: 75 minutes

At a breathtaking 10,900 feet, Guanella Pass Campground is one of Colorado's highest established campgrounds. With only 18 sites, it maintains an intimate atmosphere despite its proximity to popular 14ers like Mount Bierstadt. The Silver Dollar Lake Trail starts right from the campground, leading to a pristine alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks. After a day of hiking, the historic mining town of Georgetown is just down the mountain for supplies or a hearty meal.

7. Brainard Lake Recreation Area (including Pawnee Campground)

Address: Brainard Lake Road, Ward, CO 80481
Distance from Denver: 75 minutes

Sitting at an elevation of 10,500 feet, Brainard Lake Recreation Area offers some of Colorado's most spectacular alpine camping. The area includes multiple campgrounds, with Pawnee being a standout favorite. Surrounded by the Indian Peaks Wilderness, campers wake up to mirror-like mountain lakes, fields of summer wildflowers, and towering peaks. The high altitude means cooler temperatures even in summer, making this a perfect escape from Denver's heat. Be prepared for the bumpy drive up, but the pristine mountain scenery makes every pothole worth it.

8. Camp Dick Campground (Middle St. Vrain Creek)

Address: Middle St. Vrain Road, Ward, CO 80481
Distance from Denver: 70 minutes

Nestled along the peaceful Middle St. Vrain Creek, the Camp Dick Campground offers classic Colorado mountain camping in a dense forest setting. This family-friendly campground provides excellent trout fishing right from your campsite and serves as a quieter alternative to the nearby Brainard Lake area. The creek's gentle babbling provides the perfect soundtrack for sleep, while the canopy of pines keeps sites cool and shaded throughout the day.

9. Reynolds Park (Idylease Campground)

Address: 5800 S Foxton Road, Conifer, CO 80433
Distance from Denver: 35 minutes

Hidden in the foothills southwest of Denver, Reynolds Park offers a peaceful retreat with its Idylease Campground. The campground offers semi-private, tent-only camping. The North Fork Trail provides excellent hiking, while the campground's meadow setting offers a different perspective than typical forested sites.

10. Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

Address: 1000 US Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517
Distance from Denver: 90 minutes

Rocky Mountain National Park offers five campgrounds providing unparalleled access to iconic mountain scenery. Moraine Park (244 sites) features meadow camping with frequent elk sightings, while Glacier Basin (150 sites) offers forested sites with shuttle access to Bear Lake trails. Aspenglen (52 sites) provides intimate, shaded camping, and Timber Creek (98 sites) on the quieter west side sits near the Colorado River headwaters. Longs Peak Campground (26 tent-only sites) serves as base camp for fourteener climbers. With elevations from 8,000 to 9,500 feet, these campgrounds offer cool temperatures, 350+ miles of trails, and abundant wildlife viewing including bighorn sheep and black bears. Reservations are essential as sites book months ahead.

11. Bear Creek Lake Park

Address: 15600 W Morrison Road, Lakewood, CO 80465
Distance from Denver: 20 minutes

Just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, Bear Creek Lake Park proves you don't have to drive far for a quality camping experience. The park features a swim beach, archery range, and extensive horseback riding trails, making it perfect for families. Despite its proximity to the metro area, the park maintains a wilderness feel with its rolling hills and mountain views. It's an ideal choice for those new to camping or wanting a quick overnight escape.

12. St. Vrain State Park

Address: 3785 Weld County Road #24.5, Longmont, CO 80504
Distance from Denver: 40 minutes

A hidden gem for bird watchers, St. Vrain State Park features 87 campsites tucked along the shaded banks of several ponds. White pelicans, great blue herons, and numerous waterfowl species call this park home. The year-round camping availability and excellent fishing make it a favorite among locals. Short hiking trails wind between the ponds, perfect for evening strolls or morning bird watching sessions.

13. Chatfield State Park

Address: 11500 N Roxborough Park Road, Littleton, CO 80125
Distance from Denver: 30 minutes

One of Denver's most popular state parks, Chatfield offers 197 campsites around a 1,500-acre reservoir. Unique features include a designated hot air balloon launch area and a model airplane field with paved runways. While it can get crowded on summer weekends, the park's size means there's room for everyone. The variety of activities, from horseback riding to sailing, makes this a one-stop destination for outdoor recreation.

14. Cherry Creek State Park

Address: 4201 S Parker Road, Aurora, CO 80014
Distance from Denver: 20 minutes

As Denver's closest state park, Cherry Creek provides an urban oasis with 133 modern campsites featuring full hookups. The 850-acre reservoir attracts water sports enthusiasts, while 35 miles of trails (15 paved) accommodate hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. A 69-acre off-leash dog area makes this perfect for camping with four-legged friends. While it lacks the mountain wilderness feel, its convenience and extensive amenities make it ideal for camping newcomers.

15. Mueller State Park

Address: 21045 Highway 67 South, Divide, CO 80814
Distance from Denver: 90 minutes

Perched on the west side of Pikes Peak, Mueller State Park features 138 campsites nestled in a beautiful forest of mixed spruce, fir, pine, and aspen trees. The park is renowned for its wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular fall colors when the aspens turn gold. With electric and walk-in sites, Mueller accommodates various camping styles while maintaining that authentic Colorado mountain atmosphere. The views of Pikes Peak from many campsites are simply unforgettable.

Camping Near Denver: Plan Your Adventure

Whether you're seeking high-altitude adventures at Brainard Lake or convenient family camping at Cherry Creek, the Denver area's diverse campground options ensure there's a perfect spot for every outdoor enthusiast. Remember to check reservation requirements, as many popular sites book months in advance, especially for summer weekends. Remember to pack layers for changeable mountain weather, respect fire restrictions, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these beautiful spaces for future generations.

After a few days of camping under the stars, hiking mountain trails, and cooking over the campfire, you've earned some serious relaxation. Consider capping off your outdoor adventure with a visit to Oakwell Beer Spa, with convenient locations in Denver and Highlands Ranch, where you can soak those trail-weary muscles in a therapeutic herbal beer bath, enjoy a cold craft beer, and restore your body with a therapeutic zero-gravity massage. It's the perfect way to transition from roughing it in the wilderness back to civilization – because nothing says “Colorado weekend” quite like following mountain camping with a luxurious beer spa experience. From alpine lakes to beer-infused soaks, your perfect Colorado adventure awaits!