The best camping near St. Vrain State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next St. Vrain adventure.

100% (1 reviews)

Get outdoors without driving far at this state park between Denver and Fort Collins.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near St. Vrain State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in St. Vrain State Park

Tail Feathers

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

Sandpiper

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

Red Tail Pond

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

Kestrel

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

Coot Pond

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

Bald Eagle Point

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

Mallard

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

100%

(1)

Pelican

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

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Vrain State Park

99%

(418)

Colorado Farm with Views

4 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CO

Agritourism. Farmland west of Berthoud, Colorado, usually planted in corn. We enjoy an ever-changing view of the Rocky Mountain front range, with Longs Peak being most prominent. There is a historic barn on the property (not near the camping site) and lots of places to go for a walk. Beautiful views of Longs Peak and the Rocky Mountains. 7 miles to Carter Lake, 33 miles to Estes Park, 20 miles to Fort Collins, 27 miles to Boulder. Our home is completely off the grid, so there is no extra power or water. Tents are welcome, as well as RVs, pickups, vans, and cars. Rustic. NO OPEN FIRES Site #1 is on the edge of a hayfield. It has a picnic table. It can accommodate vehicles or tents. Limited shade at this site. Site #2 is on the far west edge of the hayfield. It also has a picnic table and chairs. ***We are not able to offer refunds for bad weather. The weather in Colorado can change hourly. ***This is a working farm with trucks and tractors coming and going and pivot irrigation systems turning on and off during growing season. ***Dogs must be kept on a leash when other campers are present. We are 15 minutes from Longmont, 8 minutes from Loveland, 45+ minutes to Estes Park (depending on traffic). We are about 12-15 minutes off of I-25 and about 1 mile from Hwy 287.

94%

(239)

Creekside Paradise

5 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO

Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.

100%

(2)

Boulder Tintype Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Boulder, CO

Welcome to our charming 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder, just minutes from town. Our location offers proximity to decent walking trails, a bike park, and shopping, making it an ideal stop to restock on your way to or from the mountains. We’ve got chickens! Fresh eggs available. First come first serve on the spots. Feel free to park anywhere you’d like - it is flattest along the fence by the pond - leveling boards are available to borrow. Please note there is no access to the pond itself. It’s our neighbor’s property. Perhaps the most unique offering is the opportunity for tintype portraits! The host is a tintype photographer specializing in 1800’s antique portraits made with silver poured on metal plates. Whether it's a portrait of you and your rig, a couples portrait, or a family portrait, the possibilities are endless. 10% discount to all Hipcampers. Check out "The Tintype Company" online for more information. TheTintypeCompany.com Here's what you can expect: The good: Easy in and out location Most affordable rates in all of Boulder. Fresh eggs for sale. Beautiful view of the mountains. Summertime creek on the property. Tintypes! The not-so-good: Some road noise (pretend ocean waves). Limited shade. Maximum booking of 5 nights. Please be aware that our chickens roam freely during the day. Non-aggressive dogs are welcome but must be leashed if they pose a nuisance or danger to the chickens. The chickens will not run from your dogs and are therefor easy to kill. Please don’t let that happen!!! We will hold you morally and financially responsible.

92%

(100)

Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO

Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley.

Clear Creek Getaway

13 sites · Lodging20 acres · CO

Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway! NOTE: Absolutely no smoking in the A-frames Bedding: we do not provide beds or bedding Please understand that these types of amenities cost way more providing blankets and sheets pillow’s that I need to launder every day So be prepared to bring your own sleeping pads or air mattress I can provide all for a additional cost of 40.00 for the cleaning crew For the glam dome: file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/cd/13/3781DC46-F036-428E-BFC5-447B16E14D54/Image-1.jpeg Roads : This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt. If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type We are available all year round. No power in units. All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck. All A-frames have heat for the winter months (propane heaters). Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs. River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing. Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s) Hot springs within miles. We have portable toilets located close to the units Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures! Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70 Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70 St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70 Hot Springs 2 miles east I70 All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky. ( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road. When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).

92%

(158)

A-Lodge Boulder

7 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Boulder, CO

A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp. We have a hot tub, grills, seasonal pool, meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from our property. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion! Tent sites are just a short walk, about 100 feet, up to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc. Our guests love us too! "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."

92%

(99)

Prospector’s Rush

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO

Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD is necessary to access our property!!! As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature. As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky. At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature. 4WD is mandatory!!

99%

(210)

Rocky Mountain Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO

A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** We are excited to announce we Bliss Camp will be reopening April 27 for another blissful Glamping season! Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind. The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. Spring and Summer, 2023 has supplied tremendous rainfall providing amazing wildflowers all over Bliss Canyon and way beyond. Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. This years moisture should produce colors like we rarely see. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas. The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elf Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park. During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings. Let the world melt away; there is no wifi or cell service, the world will survive without your input. In the event of urgent need, come to our home up the hill and ring the bell and we can get you connected. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!

93%

(21)

Neighborhood Campground

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Lafayette, CO

This suburban campground is conveniently located along US 287 close to Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Erie, and Louisville. The neighborhood is a quiet and charming area with the feel of a much more rural area. Each campsite features a flat turf pad camp area to set up table, chairs, etc and plenty of room to pull in your car, van, or other camping vehicle. We offer standard 110 (20 amp) electrical plugs at each site. If your rig pulls more than 20 amps you are likely to trip the breaker. There is access to fresh, potable water on the property, but not at each site, so plan to fill your tanks with this. Gated access with a complete fence provides privacy and security. Nearby Erie and Lafayette are within biking distance. This campground is located in a residential neighborhood and we ask that campers are respectful of noise levels. No fires permitted. There is a barn located on the property within the campsite, which is located behind a residential home, but separated by a 6 foot privacy fence.

98%

(42)

Mountain View Acres

1 site · RV4 acres · Berthoud, CO

Learn more about this land: Our place is 3 miles from I-25 on a paved road with magnificent views of the Front Range. Our single pull-through campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with electric (30 amp) and water hookups (there is no sewer hookup nor dump available). We have 4 acres and share the land with 2 horses, 5 goats, 2 sheep and our pet pig Maddie. Maddie is a “free range” pig who loves roaming the property and saying hello to guests. We are located central to Estes Park (and RMNP) , Boulder, Ft. Collins, N. Denver, Greeley, Loveland and Longmont. There is wifi available.

90%

(187)

M & M Equestrian Center

4 sites · RVs45 acres · Lafayette, CO

45 beautiful acres, fishing pond, Rocky Mountain views, horse stalls available, indoor arena, 2 outdoor arenas, 1 cross-country course, creek running through it. 50 minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park, 40 minutes north of Denver. Bucolic, serene and peaceful horse boarding facility with exquisite sunrises and sunsets.

100%

(36)

Overlook Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Estes Park, CO

Incredible views of the towering Rocky Mountains and Continental Divide framed above the small town of Estes Park. The Overlook Ranch sits serenely above the town which has all the necessities you need only 10 minutes away. This 11- acre property has a couple of cabins and other RV sites that will give you that feeling of comfort in sharing that experience and having others around who may offer neighborly help if needed. This property also backs up to a National Forest with over 500 acres for those avid hikers who want that solitude and quiet that a Mountainous Forest can provide. Lake Estes is only 10 minutes away for those who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other water activities. You might wonder how close we are to Rocky Mountain National Park? - Fall River Visitor Center & Entrance is 15 Minutes Away. - Beaver Meadows Visitors Center & Entrance is 16 Minutes Away. - Cow Creek Trailhead is 9 Minutes Away. - Lumpy Ridge Trailhead is 7 Minutes Away.

The best camping near St. Vrain State Park guide

Overview

About

Midway between Denver and Fort Collins, St. Vrain State Park (formerly known as Barbour Ponds) offers year-round camping plus plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, no matter the season. The park is situated on 604 acres of land with an additional 152 acres of waterways that can be used for boating and fishing, but not swimming and there are around seven miles of flat, interconnected trails for walking and jogging. For those who want to spend the night, St. Vrain has eight campgrounds, roughly half of which have full hook-ups, plus coin-operated showers, restrooms, and a dump station.

Notable campgrounds

Best for anglers: Mallard Campground is conveniently close to three of the park’s well-stocked ponds.
Best for RV campers: Kestrel Campground offers full hook-ups for a lush RV camping experience.
Best for a quiet experience: Red Tail Pond Campground has only seven campsites, ideal for those wanting to avoid the crowds.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campsites are available to reserve up to six months in advance and can be booked using the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone. 
If you’re flexible with your arrival and departure dates, you can check availability for a period of up to four weeks using the online system.
Same-day walk-in reservations are sometimes available on a first-come, first-served basis.
While campsites are likely to book up fast during the summer season, note that only 40 of the 87 campsites are open for winter use, so booking ahead is still a good idea.

When to go

St. Vrain State Park is open for year-round day use and camping, though it’s at its most popular during the warm summer months. Fall is ideal for birdwatching, trout-fishing is best from fall through spring. Ice-fishing is an option during winter months. The park also holds special events focusing on subjects such as fishing and migratory birds; check with the park for up-to-date details.

Know before you go

The closest place to get gas, groceries, and other supplies is the town of Firestone, about a 10-minute drive away, or the city of Longmont, a 15-minute drive from the park.
Showers here are coin-operated. There's no coin changer on site, so remember to bring quarters.
Dogs are welcome, provided they stay on a six-foot-long or shorter leash.
Swimming in the park’s ponds and reservoirs is prohibited.
All campers need to purchase daily or annual parking passes in addition to paying for campground reservations. Parking passes can be purchased online or in person.

Nearby attractions

Experience the beauty of camping in Poudre Canyon, a picturesque mountain getaway. Set up camp amidst towering cliffs, hike scenic trails, and listen to the soothing sounds of the Poudre River. Enjoy fishing, spot wildlife, and create lasting memories in this tranquil natural paradise.