Desert camping near Sugarloaf

Home to several popular hiking and biking trails in the foothills of Boulder.

98% (68 reviews)

United States
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Colorado
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Sugarloaf

98% (68 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Sugarloaf

2 top desert campgrounds near Sugarloaf

100%

(70)

Boho Mountain Chic, Boulder, CO

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Boulder, CO

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, enjoy glamping in our stunning light filled studio! The views are spectacular and the location is QUIET. Off a dirt road, our property is surrounded on two sides by over 100 acres of untouched wilderness. Stay in the beautiful 300 sq ft studio (queen murphy bed, small fridge, free-standing water cooler, small microwave, dry flush toilet, no running water) with large french doors that open wide to a deck designed for sunsets and stars with a view of the backside of the iconic Flatirons. 20-minute drive to Downtown Boulder, or 20 minutes west to Peak-to-Peak highway and 50 minutes to Rocky Mtn National Park! Visit the idyllic Pearl Street mall, top-rated restaurants, and multiple craft breweries, and walk the dirt roads of the hood, with the end of road overlook for a breathtaking view of Denver from above! Slow down and take in the clean mountain air and soothe your soul with the tranquil mountain views complete with stargazing galore! Perfect for bicyclists as we bridge Lee Hill and Left Hand Canyon epic loop. Family home on property occupied by two empty-nesters and their two Great Pyrenees. Share front steps - otherwise, you have full privacy at the studio. There are some drinks and snacks available for your use. The property is not suitable for children ages 12 and under. *FYI county posted a sign at bottom of the hill: "Adequate snow tires and vehicle Oct 1 through May 31st required" The place is beautiful, quiet, and relaxing. It's the perfect spot to explore Boulder, Colorado. Tucked into a picturesque valley below the iconic Flatirons, Boulder is a world-class destination offering 300 days of sunshine and an impressive variety of recreation, shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment choices.

93%

(15)

8000 feet high and looking east 🌅

1 site · Tent3 acres · Evergreen, CO

Just minutes from I-70! Pitch your tent or hang your hammock in the beautiful ponderosa pines. Driveway is at 8,000 ft elevation so camping will be around 7,900ft. Sites are secluded and tucked into the sides of the mountain with easy access to vehicles (parked in driveway). Two sites available one with better views and one with better tree coverage. Amenities include potable water, WiFi, access to electronic and gas grills, picnic tables, beautiful sunrises 🌅, and modern out house. We have wildfire restrictions in affect often so please be mindful. 25 minutes to Denver 15 minutes to Red Rocks and Golden 5 minutes to Idaho Springs 10 minutes to Hot Springs 20 minutes to Central City 45 minutes to A-Basin/Keystone

Desert camping near Sugarloaf guide

Overview

Sugarloaf is a tiny community nestled into the foothills above Boulder, Colorado, midway between Boulder and Nederland. It sits at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, a rocky little knoll that’s easy to summit. The views of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park from the top of Sugarloaf are incredible and well worth the half-mile climb. The popular Switzerland Trail also takes off from Sugarloaf and follows an old railroad grade through the mountains. Camping is not allowed in the mountains near Sugarloaf—it’s more of a residential area than a town. You can find several campgrounds 10 miles west in Nederland.

Where to go

Boulder

Boulder is a huge outdoor adventure town situated at the base of the Flatirons, about thirty miles northwest of Denver. Boulder Creek runs through downtown and a trail runs alongside it offering trail running and cycling right in town. There’s also excellent hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking in the nearby foothills. Campers will find the closest camping at the Gross Reservoir, midway between Boulder and Nederland.

Nederland

At an elevation of 8,228 feet in the front range mountains, Nederland is a quaint outdoor adventure town about an hour from Denver. Nederland sits on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, a spectacular scenic route from Estes Park to Interstate 70. Camping is abundant within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest surrounding the town and in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Popular campgrounds include the Kelly Dahl Campground and the dispersed camping area near Gordon Gulch.

Estes Park

Ester Park is just a little over an hour from Sugarloaf via the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the town itself offers its fair share of hiking, biking, and water sports fun. The town has several RV parks with some offering cabin and yurt rentals and plenty of opportunities for tent, RV, and backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.

When to go

Given its lower elevation and the fact that the Boulder area boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, Sugarloaf is worth a visit in any season. Summer is definitely the most popular season for hiking, biking, and camping adventures but fall is especially nice when the aspens around town turn a brilliant gold. Colors tend to peak along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway in late September.

Know before you go

There are no services in Sugarloaf, but you can find everything you need in nearby Boulder.
Camping near Sugarloaf is incredibly popular given its proximity to Denver. Book campground reservations ahead of time if you can.
Dispersed camping is typically only allowed in designated sites in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest near Sugarloaf. Make sure camping is allowed before you set up your tent.
Fire restrictions may be in effect at any time of the year. Check current restrictions before building a campfire.