Camping

Experience True Nature

Explore the Great Outdoors and Camp Under the Stars

Get back to the basics with a camping trip to Clear Creek County. Come revel in the natural beauty of our Rocky Mountains and fall asleep to the sound of the wind through the pines. Choose from campgrounds, yurts, and cabins all just minutes from Denver and the Front Range.

Tent opens to a colorful mountain valley below.
Tent camping is popular in Clear Creek.

Find the Perfect Campsite

There are many ways to camp in Colorado and our campsites are designed to offer many different types of adventure. Whether you’re an outdoor survivalist or drive an exquisite RV, we have a campsite to accommodate you.

Popular Types of Camping Include:

  • Campsite Camping – Among other campers, usually with outdoor facilities 
  • RV Camping – Inside a luxurious RV that runs off campgrounds with the proper power
  • Tent Camping – In a makeshift campsite, without amenities
  • Backpack Camping – In a mobile campsite that can be set up anywhere, along any trail
  • Winter Camping – In the great outdoors, despite low temperatures 
  • Dispersed Camping – 100-feet away from roadways, waterways, or trails (unless posted otherwise; limited to 28-days within a continuous 60-day period)

Before You Go: Read Our Camping Safety Tips

Beyond having fun, being safe while camping should be your biggest priority. Please Remember to:

  • Check out Fire Restrictions in the area and what is allowed at your campsite open flame campfire, propane or gas stove
  • ALWAYS ensure your campfire is COMPLETELY out using both water and dirt
  • Double-check your fire pit for any embers
  • Clean up your entire campsite, removing all trash and items
  • If you Pack it in… Please Pack it out (Leave no Trace)

Here are a Few Items to Remember:

  • First Aid Kit
  • Physical Map and Compass
  • GPS and Cell Phone
  • Tent (campers may bring screen tents to provide shelter from insects)
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping pad and/or air mattress
  • Folding Chair
  • Flashlight, Lantern, and Headlamp
  • Ropes and tarps for shelter reinforcement/clothesline
  • Camping kitchen items for food preparation, consumption and cleanup
  • Trash bags with handles (tie your bag to a tree or table, off the ground)
  • Firewood (DO NOT cut standing trees)
  • Portable gas stove
  • Knife, hatchet, axe or saw
  • Water for you and to extinguish your campfire
Two hikers walk up a hill with a vast expanse behind them.
winter camping clear creek county colorado

Winter Camping in Colorado

Before planning a winter camping expedition be sure to check the local weather forecast and visit www.noaa.gov, www.weather.com, and www.wunderground.com  and remember to pick up a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card by visiting www.Colorado.gov

Here are a few items to remember:

  • Insulated Hiking Boots
  • Snowshoes, Skis & Skins
  • Hat and Goggles
  • Fleece and Down Coat
  • Waterproof Gloves/Mittens
  • Waterproof, Weatherproof and Durable Outer Layers

Remember Cotton Kills ~ Wear Polypropylene or Synthetic Materials

Reserve the Best Camping Spots Near Denver

To explore the Rocky Mountains by day and stay in them at night means you need a place to camp. While reservations are not required, they are strongly encouraged. Please reserve your campsite through the National Forest Reservation System (www.recreation.gov) or call 877-444-6777 as early as 180 days in advance.

Reservation fees vary by campsite size and location. Oversized campsites can accommodate more people, but charge an extra fee. Premium sites, such as lakeside locations, may cost extra. Fees are subject to change. For payment methods and additional information, please contact the:

For RV and Motor Home campers, please call Cottonwood RV Camp and KOA Denver West/Central City directly for fee information. Dump stations are located at these RV sites as well as the Indian Hot Springs (Fee)

Campsites in Clear Creek County

Cottonwood RV Campground

1485 Hwy 103
Idaho Springs, CO 80452

More Information
KOA Denver West/Central City

605 Lake Gulch Rd Co Rd 6
Central City, CO 80427

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Lawson Adventure Park Resort Yurts + Campground (Temporarily Closed)

3440 Alvarado Road
Lawson, CO 80436

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Pickle Gulch Campground (Large Groups)


Central City, CO 80427

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View all the campgrounds on the map

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