Lakeside camping near Denver

Ain’t no mountain high enough, but camping in the Rockies near Denver comes pretty close.

97% (463 reviews)

United States
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Colorado
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Denver

97% (463 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Denver

Community favorites near Denver

Public campgrounds near Denver

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(9)

Cherry Creek

131 sites · RVs, Tents In Cherry Creek State Park

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(11)

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

47 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Dorian takes the hiking pack over as we huff and puff our way to the top...

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(4)

Echo Lake Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Arapaho National Forest

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(1)

Pelican

17 sites · RVs, Tents In St. Vrain State Park

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(14)

Guanella Pass Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Arapaho National Forest

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(3)

Cottonwood

138 sites · RVs, Tents In Boyd Lake State Park

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(1)

West Chicago Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Arapaho National Forest

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(1)

Camp Dick Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

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(1)

Clear Lake Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Arapaho National Forest

92%

(12)

Chatfield

189 sites · RVs, Tents In Chatfield State Park

90%

(5)

Peaceful Valley Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Kestrel

11 sites · RVs, Tents In St. Vrain State Park

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

This was an amazing place to camp! We loved swimming in the pond and they have paddleboards out that all the campers can use. The hosts are very friendly and even helped us when we locked our keys in the car. These guys are really cleaning up the property from the last owners and it's an amazing place to stay!

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

This was such a lovely stay! We enjoyed the lake so much, especially with the paddle boards we were able to use. The site was flat and fit our two tents comfortably. I wasn’t quite sure where to park at the site with our two cars but it worked out just fine. This was a good site for a hammock.

Val

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Laughing Valley Retreat

This was a lovely experience. My husband and I took my mom here on her visit to CO. William, his animals, and his land are special. We were touched by his stories and his attitude toward life. The camping spot itself had beautiful views and everything we needed for an overnight. My mom isn’t a “camper” but loved it all. We will definitely return with future visitors. Thank you, William!

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

Beautiful and quiet, host is great. Pond is great for paddling and there's beautiful walks and a creek to play in. Stars are also magical!!

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

Beautiful camping spot. Owner escorted us to our site, kinda closer to others than we expected but everyone was respectful. Dirt road to property but not bad in a Crosstrek. We thought the pond would be bigger for paddle boarding/kayaking, but still very pretty. Would recommend!

Weekend Trip to Neverland/Camp Wilder

Camp Wilder was absolutely magical through & through from the scenery to the campsite itself! Such an easy drive from Denver & it feels so private; would highly recommend this HipCamp spot :)

Chester

3 weeks ago

1 night at Neverland/Camp Wilder

Such a sick spot, they have everything random thing u forgot, insane view, and best toilet u will ever see.

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

I loved camping here! The location was gorgeous, and the hosts were super friendly during check in.

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

This was a nice location and the owners were kind!

Weekend Trip to Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

Awesome spot! Nice folks running the place and very accommodating. We’ll be back.

3 top lakeside campgrounds near Denver

91%

(145)

Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Black Hawk, CO

Wideawake Ranch and Waterhouse (formerly known as Uncle Charlie's Ranch) is an escape from the big city being only a 50 minute drive from Denver. Our property hosts the experience of Colorado’s nature and so much more! Our larger pond is paddleboard and swimming friendly, the property has easy access to National Forest trails, and we are a short drive from additional hiking/biking trails. While we do not offer fishing in our ponds, there are several locations nearby to fish. We also offer on-site natural spring water hot soaks (or cold plunges), warmed via our traditional wood burning stove, and fresh mountain spring drinking water available for sale. Check out our website for additional details on our Waterhouse. We look forward to hosting yourself, your family and friends, and your fur babies for a fun camping trip! Check us out on Instagram! We would love to be tagged in your fun camping trip posts. @Wideawakeranchwaterhouse Check out some of these reviews left by happy campers from our first camping season: Quentin O. – September 2024 We had a great time at the ranch. The hosts are awesome. We walked from the campsite to a few national park trails that came right to the property. We enjoyed learning about the history of the property - from an old mining town to a ranch. Mr. Bill W. – August 2024 Just what we needed. Very cool place with awesome hosts. The hot soak was amazing! Birds, squirrels, and a chipmunk were our camping buddies. Incredibly quiet at night. We will definitely be back for camping AND more of the amazing spring water. Eleah M. – July 2024 My son and I have camped here three times now. We love it and always have the most awesome neighbors. The hosts Gwen and Matt are so kind and helpful! Stacy H. – June 2024 This experience by far exceeded my expectations. The hosts were so kind and gracious, doing all they could to ensure that I felt comfortable and taken care of. Really down to the earth sweet humans. The property was gorgeous! I chose to do the natural spring water soak and that was an incredible experience. I would highly recommend it. Don’t hesitate to book this property, everything about it was perfect!

93%

(296)

Neverland/Camp Wilder

5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO

Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.

97%

(93)

Laughing Valley Retreat

2 sites · Lodging44 acres · Idaho Springs, CO

Solitude, views, mining history, near many summer tourist activities.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(9)

Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek, Colorado

83%

(41)

Roosevelt National Forest

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

94%

(40)

Arapaho National Forest

Other options near Denver

Barr Lake RV Park

41 sites1 acre · Brighton, CO

Nestled just outside Denver, CO, this RV park stands out for its convenient access to both urban amenities and the stunning natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. With 70 spacious full hookup pull-through sites, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility for travelers seeking a memorable outdoor experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby scenic areas. The park's location also provides easy access to local restaurants and shops, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. Whether you're looking to explore the vibrant city life of Denver or unwind in nature, this RV park serves as an ideal base for your adventures. Experience the best of both worlds in this unique and welcoming campground.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Rainbow Trout Ranch & Campground

21 sites1 acre · Pine, CO

Welcome to Rainbow Trouch Ranch & Campground, a hidden gem in Colorado that combines serene camping experiences with exceptional fishing opportunities. Nestled just a mile from the stunning Staunton State Park, our campground offers visitors unparalleled access to a variety of outdoor adventures. At Rainbow Trouch Ranch, you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying activities such as hiking, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding. The nearby park is also a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing, allowing you to connect with the local fauna in their natural habitat. Our campground is designed to provide a peaceful retreat, ensuring privacy and comfort for all our guests. Whether you're looking to cast a line in our well-stocked fishing spots or explore the breathtaking landscapes of Staunton State Park, Rainbow Trouch Ranch & Campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway. Come and experience the beauty of Colorado with us!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Denver guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping experience near Denver, Colorado with a lake, Hipcamp has over 178 options available. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or hooking up your RV, you'll find the perfect spot. Check out top campsites like Camp Wilder (120 reviews), Redstone Ridge RV Ranch (98 reviews), and Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp (58 reviews). With popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash services, you'll have the comforts of home while enjoying activities such as biking, wind sports, and whitewater paddling. Prices start as low as $17 per night, with an average price of $75 per night.