The best camping in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, CO

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95% (22)

The best camping in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, CO

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
95% (22)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Golden Gate Canyon State Park adventure.

Camper favorites near Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Arapaho Valley Ranch

91%
(379)
26mi from Golden Gate Canyon State Park · 71 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time. Guests must be at least 18 years of age or older to book and stay at Arapaho Valley Ranch.
Pets
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from 
$65
 / night

A-Lodge Boulder

92%
(283)
13mi from Golden Gate Canyon State Park · 59 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 BRAND NEW barrel sauna, hot tub, grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from your campsite. 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! Walk-in sites are just a short hike, about 100 feet, on an unmanicured trail 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. A-Lodge has a 7-day non-refundable cancellation policy. If you cancel within 7 days of your arrival, 50% of the total is non-refundable. Our guests love us too! Check out what a fellow camper had to say: "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."
Pets
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from 
$49
 / night

Rustic Creek Ranch

98%
(1328)
34mi from Golden Gate Canyon State Park · 39 sites · Tents, RVs · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer. **Please note that the GPS will take you 300 feet away from my property, please follow my clear instructions that are sent in your welcome email. There is signage that you can also follow. ** The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather. Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer. Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs. I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover. Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler. About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
Pets
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from 
$35
 / night

Boulder Chicken Ranch

97%
(257)
18mi from Golden Gate Canyon State Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Boulder, CO
Welcome to our charming 2-acre meadow nestled in East Boulder. Just minutes from town - near bike trails, shops and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains - or base camp for the adventures in Front Range. We aren't fancy, but we are convenient, cozy and safe. Gate code will be provided 48 hours before arrival. We have spots in the meadow for Tents, Motorhomes, Vans, Trailers, and Rooftop setups. The grounds are a bit sloped but we've got leveling boards (please leave them behind). We've got the world's best eggs, a few walking paths through tall wild grasses, a campfire ring, solar shower, wading pool, gas grill, a table and a lovely porta-jon. We can handle RVs up to 45 feet - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep gravel ramp to get in and out. We have a community fire pit with free burn wood, though the big logs are few and far between; your own firewood is recommended - as well as an ax or saw. If it's windy, please skip the fire... the BFD is very strict about this!! We have well water feeding a solar shower (only hot when the sun shines) and sink (non potable unless you have a filter). - CLOSED FOR THE WINTER We have a wading / dog pool continually refreshed from the creek. I just built a new filter!! It’s a saving grace in the summertime. - CLOSED FOR THE WINTER We have a community gas grill - please donate to the propane fund. Please help yourself to eggs up at the coop - look for the Venmo QR and WATCH OUT FOR THE ROOSTER! The chickens free range during the day, so please MIND YOUR DOG. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location close to town *Lots of sun *Outdoor solar shower *Cold creek water plunge pool *Fresh eggs *Good view of small airplanes *Community fire pit *Community gas grill THE BAD: *Mosquitoes... they are long gone now, but late spring is rough! *Daytime road noise *Small airport nearby *No Generators *Almost zero shade *Shower only hot when the sun shines *Pool is fed from a creek *Good Morning Rooster Please reach out with any questions you may have. Safe travels! Sincerely, Patrick and Brooke
Pets
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from 
$32
 / night

Neverland Camp Wilder

92%
(354)
12mi from Golden Gate Canyon State Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Nederland, CO
Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The 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, always remember don't leave food lying around 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 3" foam 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, gallon jugs of water and wood. 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. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles 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.
Pets
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from 
$50
 / night

Camp Always Choose Adventures

90%
(74)
8.3mi from Golden Gate Canyon State Park · 30 sites · Tents, Lodging · Central City, CO
⚠️ Important Policies ⚠️ • No refunds – please read carefully before booking. • Check-in by 8:00 PM only. • All payments are considered donations to our nonprofit. • You must text or call your ETA before arrival! ⸻ Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures, the nation’s first off-grid outdoor educational campground. Located at 9,300 feet in Central City, Colorado, we’re just 15 minutes from Idaho Springs. Our property offers a Tipi, a tiny house on wheels, 5 premium campsites and dispersed camping sites in the heart of the Rockies, where you may see elk, moose, deer, and even bears. 🚫 No RVs or campers. We have one on site but cannot host others unless you call us first. Our driveway is the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Road Highway Vehicle area in the Front Range, with endless trails for hiking and exploring. 🌲 Arrive empty-handed and still camp! We rent tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor gear so anyone can enjoy a full mountain experience. We’re a one-stop-shop for your Colorado bucket list: camping with premier gear, 4x4 adventures, and everything in between. ⸻ Accessibility We’re proud to offer Extreme Motus off-road wheelchairs, designed for rugged terrain so guests with disabilities can join hikes, off-road rides, and fully enjoy the outdoors. ⸻ Our Mission Camp ACA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking barriers in the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities. Funds from camping directly support underserved youth and those with disabilities, ensuring the outdoors is accessible to all. 🙏 Thank you for supporting our mission. Learn more: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org
Pets
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from 
$30
 / night

Other options near Golden Gate Canyon State Park

The best camping in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, CO guide

Overview

About

Only 30 miles from downtown Denver, Colorado, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a lovely reprieve from city life. Campers will find plenty of shaded tent spots, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabin and yurt rentals if you’d rather have a bed but still like to rough it somewhat. Visitors looking for a bit more solitude can also book one of the park’s 20 backcountry tent sites which can only be reached via a one to three mile hike each way. The park offers tons of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and several well-stocked fishing ponds.   

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations are required and can be obtained online or over the phone up to six months in advance.
  2. If you’re camping with an RV or trailer, make sure to reserve one of the electric sites at Reverend’s Ridge. Sites 1-59 have 20, 30, and 50 amp capability.
  3. Six cabins and two yurts are available for rent year-round. Cabins and yurts sleep up to six people and some are pet-friendly.  Cabins and yurts are furnished with beds, a gas heater, and a table and chairs, but guests must bring all their own bedding. 

When to go

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is open year-round. The best time to camp and hike in the park is early June through September. Considering how close the park is to Denver, it does get busy. Visit on weekdays if you can and reserve campsites in advance. Reverend’s Ridge is the only campground that remains open in the winter but sites are limited and the shower building is closed. All sites are reservation only in winter. 

Know before you go

  1. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pads at the tent sites.
  2. Rooftop and campervan camping is only allowed in the RV/electric sites at Reverend’s Ridge. 
  3. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are only available at the Reverend’s Ridge Campground. 
  4. Dogs are permitted in both Golden Gate Canyon State Park campgrounds as long as they’re kept on a 6-foot leash at all times.  
95%
22 ratings · 2 reviews