A-frames near Georgetown with fishing

Step back in time at historic Georgetown, tucked into the Rock Mountains west of Denver. Learn history at the Hotel de Paris, Hamill House Museum, explore old mines, and enjoy great views with a trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad to Silver Plume. Georgetown is also the northern end of the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, and ideally placed for outdoor adventures that include fishing on Georgetown Lake, hiking, and spotting wildlife such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Forest Service campgrounds and the backcountry keep you close to nature.

Near Georgetown

Drive the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway to Grant, with easy access to numerous trails, including to the top of Mt. Bierstadt. Camp overnight in a forest service campground or dispersed sites along the byway. Drive up to the summit of Mt. Evan, and camp with your tent or RV at the base at Echo Lake Campground. Or head north to St. Mary’s Glacier for snowfields, trails, boulders, and wildflowers and Winter Park for winter and summer sports, with several campgrounds along the way.

White River National Forest

Head west to Dillon Reservoir, where you can camp near the water. Nearby are several world-class ski resorts, and winter camping options that include heated cabins and yurts.  Further west, the White River National Forest spans more than 2 million acres. It’s the most visited national forest in the country with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning scenery of mountains, lakes, and meadows. The forest is home to campgrounds and cabins, plus plenty of space in the backcountry. 

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Head east to Golden Gate Canyon State Park to camp or glamp off-grid. North of Georgetown, the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests offer more than a million acres for outdoor recreation and camping. Hop on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway from Central City through Nederland to Estes Park. There are numerous campgrounds along the byway and RV parks just outside Estes Park. Or continue on to Rocky Mountain National Park for vast alpine landscapes and everything from RV to backcountry sites.

Pike National Forest

South of Georgetown, this vast national forest sits along the southern Front Range, and offers several major 14er peaks to tackle and plenty of camping options from developed to dispersed. Go off the beaten path and hike, climb, and fish at the Lost Creek Wilderness, with plenty of places to pitch your tent. For amenities and hookups, enjoy lakeside camping at Eleven Mile State Park or stay at Mueller State Park in a cabin or tent, RV, equestrian, or backcountry site.

Summer is a popular time for visiting Georgetown. The Lost Creek River is open for rafting between May and August. The Guanella Pass Scenic Byway can see heavy traffic on weekends during peak leaf peeping season in the fall, and may have portions closed during the winter. The popular Bighorn Sheep Festival is held in November. Christmas is a festive time in Georgetown. Visit in winter for ice fishing on Lake Georgetown. 

• Georgetown sits at over 8,500 feet. Other recreation areas and campsites in the region are even higher, and altitude can be an issue.
• Campsites in national forests are often first-come, first-served, while campsites in Colorado state parks require advanced reservations.
• Georgetown Lake offers good fishing year-round, and is even a popular ice fishing destination. Fishing licenses are required for anyone over age 16.