The best waterside campgrounds near Denver, Colorado

Denver’s waterside camping scene makes it easy to swap city noise for the rush of the river and wide-open sky. With over 1,400 options right on the water, you can pitch your tent near fast-flowing creeks, mountain lakes, or hidden ponds—many spots are less than an hour from downtown. Expect average prices around $62 a night, with some sites dipping as low as $30. Top picks like Rustic Creek Ranch (827 reviews), Serenity in the Foothills (607 reviews), and Glen Isle Resort (598 reviews) draw campers for easy access to fishing, wildlife-watching, and long, quiet hikes. Most sites allow campfires, have showers, and welcome pets. Bring your rod and hiking boots—this is waterside camping, Denver style.

95% (4.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Denver

1. St. Vrain State Park

100%

(1)

78 sites · Firestone, Colorado

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Denver’s waterside camping scene makes it easy to swap city noise for the rush of the river and wide-open sky. With over 1,400 options right on the water, you can pitch your tent near fast-flowing creeks, mountain lakes, or hidden ponds—many spots are less than an hour from downtown. Expect average prices around $62 a night, with some sites dipping as low as $30. Top picks like Rustic Creek Ranch (827 reviews), Serenity in the Foothills (607 reviews), and Glen Isle Resort (598 reviews) draw campers for easy access to fishing, wildlife-watching, and long, quiet hikes. Most sites allow campfires, have showers, and welcome pets. Bring your rod and hiking boots—this is waterside camping, Denver style.