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.

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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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground 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

Tail Feathers

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

Mallard

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

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Pelican

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

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Vrain State Park

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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.

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Rocky Mountain Glamping

4 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!

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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 main 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 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 cots 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 and wood. Don't forget to take some water with you. 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. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. 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.

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Boulder Tintype Ranch

4 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. Fresh eggs available. First come first serve. Feel free to park anywhere along the fence by the pond - that is where it is most flat - although 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. 3rd night is FREE with the purchase of a tintype portrait! Check out "The Tintype Company" online for more information. TheTintypeCompany.com Here's what you can expect: The good: Easy in and out location Affordable rates 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 2 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.

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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.

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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!!

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Gold Nugget Tree House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Gold Hill, CO

Come visit our sweet little treehouse in the woods. Our property is just steps away from the bustling historic town of Gold Hill, a destination for tourists and road bikers alike. The treehouse is a glamping experience with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable. Food - Bring your cooler with food supplies or take out in Boulder before you head up the mountain. Or grab a coffee, pizza, snack or a glass of wine at the Gold Hill store. If you'd like a full service dining experience, make a reservation for a 5 course meal at the Gold Hill Inn. What To Do: Walk around the historic town of Gold Hill. We promise you will be entertained. Ask a local about the museum, the cemetery, or the historic two room school house, or any other favorite spots they have around the area. Love the woods and nature, but would like a little action? Attend a local live music concert at the Gold Hill Store or the Gold Hill Inn on a beautiful summers night. Drive to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park to explore for the day. Boulder - 20 minutes Nederland - 35 minutes Estes Park - 45 minutes The Treehouse is furnished with Queen size bed and plenty of blankets to keep you warm, but feel free to bring your sleeping bag if you prefer. A roll out twin size feather bed for the floor is available upon request if you have a few more folks joining. We provide a portable toilet with WagBags. Please always pack out all human solid human waste. Gold Hill Store offers a toilet for a minimal fee and the Gold Hill Inn has a toilet for customers. A camp stove is available for outdoor use. The camp stove and the propane heater both use 1 lb propane canisters, so feel free to bring your own fuel to cook and keep you warm. A can of propane is always available for your use of the stove. * A note to novice campers and regular hotel patrons: Though you are in a shelter, you are still exposed to the elements. The treehouse is not insulated. Wind, bugs, and critters may all be a part of the variable treehouse experience mother nature has planned for you. If you are not comfortable camping, getting dirty, swatting flies, being too hot, being too cold, hearing the noises of animals at night, waking up to the sound of magpies, and who knows what else, this experience may not be for you.

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Vermillion Hill

1 site · RV, Tent143 acres · Longmont, CO

Discover The Vermillion: Where Nature Farming & Camping Community Flourish The Vermillion lays in Boulder County, Colorado beneath the Rocky Mountains surrounded by unobstructed views of the front range and beautiful farmlands. Home of organic vegetables and two apple orchards & beautiful grass fields. At the right time of year experience water flowing down the Rough & Ready. At Rough & Ready Camp you can enjoy your privacy and views of the Rocky Mountains with farmlands surrounding your campsite and an open sky at night. Seek refuge under some large trees or setup a hammock in the shade at your personal campsite.

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G and T's Farm

2 sites · RVs6 acres · Longmont, CO

Beautiful 6 acre farm with amazing views of the Front Range Mountains and Union Reservoir. Easy access to I-25 via highway 66. Only 50 minutes to Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain National Park. Five miles to downtown Longmont, CO. Two sites offer a quiet end of the road, no highway noise, country setting with city convenience, grocery/gas, hospital in short distance. RV 30 amp plug and level ground. Seasonal access to ski resorts, trails and much more. Property has full view of front range to the west. Minutes away from Union Reservoir to the east. Reservoir amenities include swim beach, dog beach, paddle boarding, kayaking, pontoon rentals & playground. Minutes away from Ute Creek Golf Course to the north. Wondering what else Longmont has to offer? Please visit: https://www.visitlongmont.org/

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.