As one of America’s best places for outdoor adventure, you’d sure think camping in Boulder, Colorado, would have plenty of camping options, right? Surprisingly, no. While there are no places to put your tent up in the city, we went on a search to find some of the best camping near Boulder Co. All these camping spots are within (about) an hour from downtown – with many even closer.
Any of these great campgrounds are great picks for your next visit to Boulder, CO!
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About This List of Campgrounds Near Boulder Colorado
Since we moved to Boulder, we’ve been getting recommendations from the locals on the best places to camp near Boulder for quick weekend getaways. We’ve been to several campgrounds on this list and hope to get to the rest soon!
And because it’s the mountains, we quickly learned 2 things about camping near Boulder. One is to pay attention to the elevation. The higher up you go, the colder it gets at night – even in the summer months. The second thing is bear safety. There are bears in these mountains, so it’s essential to be “bear aware,” especially when camping. It’s easier to do when there are bear lockers at the campsite, so we’ve included that information too.
National and State Parks Camping Near Boulder Co
1. Longs Peak Campground
The one national park campground on our list is Longs Peak. This campground is often filled will hikers preparing to make their way to Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s most popular 14ers (mountains that reach more than 14,000′ in elevation).
While there is not easy access to the main areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, there is plenty of hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing near the campground.
Distance from Boulder: 42 miles (about 1 hour)
Number of sites: 26 (tents only)
Elevation: 9,500′
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: potable water is available seasonally
Firewood for sale: no
Season: Memorial Day – Labor Day
Reservations: none; all sites are first-come, first-served
For more information, visit the Longs Peak Campground page on the National Park Service website
2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
This state park near Boulder has various camping options, from backcountry camping (permit required) to cabins and yurts. There are two campgrounds within the park with tent sites, including one that also has sites to accommodate RVs and trailers.
Distance from Boulder: 33 miles (just under 1-hour drive)
Reverend’s Ridge Campground
Number of sites: 97 sites (59 have electric hookups)
Elevation: 9,100′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush toilets, showers, and laundry
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: yes
Season: open for camping year-round, but some facilities are closed in the winter
Aspen Meadows
Number of sites: 35 tent-only campsites
Elevation: 8,000′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: yes
Season: mid-May through mid-October
Reservations: make reservations at Reverend’s Ridge or Aspen Meadows campground here
3. St. Vrain State Park
Even though St. Vrain State Park camping isn’t miles away from civilization like many other campgrounds near Boulder, we found the lakes to be pretty peaceful. Bring a SUP or kayak and spend the day on one of the many lakes in the park.
Distance from Boulder: 20 miles (30 minutes)
Number of sites: 87 (41 with electric hookups, 46 have full hookups)
Elevation: 4,900′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush and vault toilets, showers are also available
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale:
Season: year-round
Reservations: required for all sites and can be made on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website
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USDA Forest Service (Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests) Camping
4. Winiger Ridge (Gross Reservoir)
This dispersed camping area sits on the western shore of Gross Reservoir, a water source for the city of Denver. There are no amenities or facilities at this camping area. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby, including fishing and (non-motorized) boating on the reservoir, hiking, and mountain biking.
Distance from Boulder: 17 miles (about 1 hour)
Number of sites: 26
Elevation: 7,290′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: vault toilets at Forsythe Canyon Trailhead
Drinking water: yes, from the reservoir which is treated for drinking
Firewood for sale: no
Season: year-round
Reservations: not available – all sites are first-come, first-served (find more information on dispersed camping at Winiger Ridge here)
5. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area
A high clearance vehicle is helpful (and sometimes needed) to access campsites at Gordon Gulch. Spend the day hiking and exploring the area, or head into nearby Nederland to visit the small shops and restaurants.
Distance from Boulder: 21 miles (about 40 minutes)
Number of sites: 15
Elevation: 8,800′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: none
Drinking water: no, so be sure to bring your own
Firewood for sale: no
Season: open year-round
Reservations: not available – all sites are first-come, first-served (find more information on camping at Gordon Gulch here)
6. Peaceful Valley Campground
Peaceful Valley is just off the Peak to Peak Hwy, one of Colorado’s many Scenic Byways. Bring your mountain bike to ride one of the many trails near the campground. There is also convenient access to trails for off-road vehicles and horseback riding.
Distance from Boulder: 22 miles (about 45 minutes)
Number of sites: 17 sites that are large enough for tents or RVs / trailers
Elevation: 8,500′
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: no
Season: June through November
Reservations: some sites can be reserved in advance; reserve sites 1-7 and 9-11 here
7. Camp Dick Campground
Just up the road from Peaceful Valley, Camp Dick has the same easy access to horseback riding, off-roading, and hiking. Some of the campsites sit close to the Middle Saint Vrain Creek.
Distance from Boulder: 23 miles (just under an hour drive)
Number of sites: 41 campsites that accommodate tents and small trailers/RVs (21 are first-come, first-served)
Elevation: 8,650′
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: no
Season: June through November
Reservations: make reservations for Memorial Day through Labor Day here
8. Kelly Dahl Campground
This campground sits south of Nederland, along the Peak-to-Peak Hwy. The onsite playground at Kelly Dahl makes this one great for families.
Distance from Boulder: 21 miles (about 40 minutes)
Number of sites: 46 sites that can accommodate tents or trailers / RVs (but no hookups)
Elevation: 8,660′
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale:
Season: June through October
Reservations: 20 sites are first-come, first-served only; book reservable sites here
9. Rainbow Lakes Campground
The high elevation of Rainbow Lakes makes it an even shorter camping season. Plan for chilly nights, even in the middle of summer. High clearance vehicles are best for navigating the 5-mile dirt road to the campground. Just use some caution when driving other cars.
Distance from Boulder: 28 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
Number of sites: 18 campsites that can fit tents or small trailers
Elevation: 10,000 ft
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: no, so be sure to bring your own
Firewood for sale: no, but gathering dead and downed wood is allowed
Season: late June through mid-September
Reservations: not available – all sites are first-come, first-served (more information on camping at Rainbow Lakes Campground can be found here)
10. Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Our first Colorado camping experience was at this campground. We learned a lot about camping in bear country and camping in the cold when nighttime temps were below freezing (in July) on this trip!
Brainard Lake Recreation Area has an abundance of hiking, fishing, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Bring your kayak, canoe, or SUP to launch in Brainard Lake.
Distance from Boulder: 28 miles (about a 1-hour drive)
Number of sites: 47 sites, which includes 8 tent-only walk-in sites
Elevation: 10,350 ft
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: yes
Season: July through mid-September
Reservations: book one of the 26 reservable sites at Pawnee Campground here
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County, City, and Regional Campgrounds Near Boulder CO
11. Carter Lake
Carter Lake in Larimer County has 5 campgrounds: Eagle, South Shore, Big Thompson, Carter Knolls, North Pine Campground. Spend your weekend fishing, boating, swimming, mountain biking, or hiking at this campground southwest of Loveland.
Distance from Boulder: 34 miles (just under an hour drive)
Number of sites: 117 (8 are tent only)
Elevation: 5,760′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: yes
Season: year-round
Reservations: make reservations through the Larimer County camping website
12. Camping at Hermit Park
There are four campgrounds within the park, plus 13 camper cabins for those who don’t have camping equipment or prefer more of a glamping experience. We found one of our favorite hikes in Colorado when camping at Hermit’s Hollow. The Kruger Rock Trail, located within the park, has spectacular Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park views.
Distance from Boulder: 33 miles (about an hour drive)
Number of sites: 86 sites for tents and RVs/trailers (12 are walk-in, so tents only)
Elevation: 8,960′
Bear lockers: yes
Facilities: vault toilets
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: yes
Season: varies; check website for dates
Reservations: make reservations at one of the campgrounds in Hermit Park here
13. LaVern M. Johnson Park
The downtown Lyons location is excellent, but this is one of the most restrictive campgrounds we’ve seen. In addition to no campfires, only one camping unit is allowed per site (one tent or one RV). Alcohol is also not permitted here.
Distance from Boulder: 17 miles (about 30 minutes)
Number of sites: 33 (16 with hookups)
Elevation: 5,370′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush toilets, showers
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: no (campfires are not permitted at the campground)
Season: RV camping is available year-round; tent sites are seasonal (mid-April through mid-October)
Reservations: book your campsite at LaVern M. Johnson Park through Reserve America
14. Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge
Lower elevation camping close to Boulder. No camping gear? Try out one of their 6 tipis for rent!
Distance from Boulder: 15 miles (just 20-minute drive)
Lodging: 56 tent & RV campsites; 6 tipis
Elevation: 5,500′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush toilets, showers
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale:
Season: May – September
Reservations: reserve a campsite or tipi here
15. RV Camping Near Boulder CO at Boulder County Fairgrounds
The Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont (just north of Boulder) has an onsite campground for RVs and trailers. While it’s not that quintessential Colorado camping experience, we still included it on the list as a camping option for those who don’t want to navigate through the mountains with their camper.
The campground is located next to a heavy retail area, where travelers can resupply if needed.
Distance from Boulder: 13 miles (30 minutes)
Number of sites: 96 sites, all are RV/trailer only
Elevation: 4,980′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush toilets and showers are open seasonally
Drinking water: available seasonally
Firewood for sale:
Season: open year-round
Reservations: none (all campsites are first-come, first-served)
Find more information on camping at the Boulder Country Fairgrounds here
Glamping Near Boulder
Glamping gets you close to the camping experience without all the gear and a little more comfort.
16. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
Distance from Boulder: 31 miles (about 45 minutes)
Lodging: more than 25 cabins to rent, with an additional 111 campsites that can accommodate tents or RVs
Elevation: 8,120′
Bear lockers: no
Facilities: flush toilets, showers
Drinking water: yes
Firewood for sale: yes
Season: Memorial Day – Labor Day
Reservations: reserve cabins or campsites here
17. WeeCasa Tiny House Resort
This is a rare opportunity to stay in a tiny home!
Distance from Boulder: 17 miles (about 30 minutes)
Lodging: 22 tiny homes
Elevation: 5,370′
Facilities: each tiny home is equipped with a kitchenette and bathroom
Season: year-round
Reservations: reserve a tiny home at WeeCasa here
18. Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge)
The A-Lodge has everything from a cabin for rent to tent camping (the only actual Boulder Colorado camping permitted within the city limits). The creek-side property has hiking and biking trails nearby and hosts scheduled events.
Distance from Boulder: 3 miles (10 min drive)
Lodging: youth hostel room, 3 bedroom cabin, single rooms with queen beds, tent sites
Elevation: 5,780′
Bear lockers: yes (for tent campers)
Season: open year-round
Reservations: reserve a stay at the A-Lodge here
Have you been camping near Boulder, CO? Let us know your favorite Boulder Colorado camping spots in the comments!
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Thank you for sharing this! Kudos for the info here.
Adding you into my basket of regular reads.
Will be sharing this on Facebook.
Glad you enjoyed! I’m working on a few more campground reviews to post soon!
I get pleasure from looking through your website. It was exceptionally exciting. 🙂
Great Review and photos! Makes me want to drop everything and head that way!
Thank you! Once we got there, we didn’t want to leave, and definitely can’t wait to go back!
Really enjoyed reading this blog with awesome pictures thank you so much
Thank you – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Great article! This campground seems to really show off the beauty of Colorado. We can’t wait to visit!
Thank you! I know there is a lot of great camping in CO that we want to check out, but we will definitely be coming back here!
I’m so not a camper. Lol! I don’t think that I could do no showers, but love the scenery there! Maybe a day trip would be better for me when I visit family in Colorado!
A day trip here would be just as amazing. We will definitely start taking some day trips here with our out-of-town visitors!
I can’t believe there was still snow in July! I live in VT and that doesn’t happen to us even lol.
I know, right? I grew up in central NY and still didn’t expect the July snow!
This looks like such a fun place to camp! My husband would like the cool night temperatures. It’s great that they have bear lockers, too. The lake looks like a lot of fun. I’ll keep this campground on my radar!
As long as we are prepared for the cold, I’ll take that over the heat any day! The bear lockers make it so easy to keep things secure – it’s now one of the first things I look for when checking out new campgrounds!
These are amazing pictures!!! What a beautiful place to camp! 🙂
Thank you! It really is so beautiful, which made it easy to get some great pictures!
Looks like a great place to go camping! I would keep my distance from the moose too, eeeks!
Pawnee is definitely an easy favorite campground! Yes, seeing wildlife is fun….from a distance, lol!
Gahhhh I miss Colorado so much!!!
We absolutely love it! So glad we decided to move here!