Best Places to Camp Near Denver
Denver is a hub for the joining of urban convenience and rural outdoor activities. Camping near the Denver metro area is a popular summer pastime for not just residents, but people travelling through our beautiful state. Finding a new camping spot can be intimidating, but we’ve done our research to round up the top 5 places to set up camp within a few hours of the city of Denver.
Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon
This campground is an hour west of Denver, but don’t let the proximity fool you—this camping spot is filled with mountain views, fishing, hiking, and biking trails. Base Camp offers amenities to make your stay more comfortable such as cabins, RV and tent sites for any type of stay-cation. Just a short drive away are Casinos at Black Hawk and Central City, indoor year-round swimming at the Gilpin County Community Center, and more. If you’re looking for a soft introduction into camping, Base Camp is a wonderful place to begin.
Sawmill Campground at White Ranch Park
White Ranch Park is the largest park in the Jefferson County Open Space system with 20 miles of multi-use trails over both gentle and rugged terrain. Sawmill campground offers 10 campsites with varying levels of difficulty to access. Tent-only camping combined with a 1.3 mile hike to access the campground means this is a step up from “glamping.” Keep an eye on this campground during wildflower season!
Buffalo Campground
Situated near Buffalo Creek at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Buffalo campground is home to a 40-mile trail system. It is most popular with mountain bikers, but hikers and horseback riders enjoy the area as well. Just a few hours southwest of Denver, this campsite has something for everyone and is a great option if you would rather drive than hike to your destination.
Echo Lake Campground
If you’re looking for lakeside camping, Echo Lake features multiple camp sites and sits in a spruce forest. The campground’s 10,600 foot elevation creates cooler nights—even during the hot summer months. The area encompasses mountains, lakes, and scenic byways. Mount Evans Road is the highest road in North America, and allows visitors to drive from 10,500’ to 14,130’ above sea level in just 14 miles. If you’re looking for a versatile campsite farther from the heart of Denver, Echo Lake campground is a great choice.
Ansel Watrous Campground
This campground is located near the Cache la Poudre River, and varies from heavily forested to open meadow. Surrounded by steep mountains, Ansel Watrous campsite is perfect for those looking for a rugged escape from the bustle of city life. See wildlife, fish, hunt, hike, climb, bike, horseback ride, or even go caving at this sought after campground! With only a two hour drive from Denver, this spot is a great option for a quick weekend getaway.
Pitch a Tent or Make a Move Today:
Denver is known for its close access to a multitude of outdoor activities— we hope to see you breathing in the fresh air and enjoying nature this year. At Usaj Realty, our priority is to exceed your expectations and find your perfect place together. If you’re looking to find permanent digs in Denver, Summit County, or Vale, connect with one of our experts today!
