Denver is a destination for nature and city lovers alike, and it’s easy to see why. Downtown Denver is home to an 80-acre zoo, museums, restaurants, and nightlife, while its surrounding area boasts natural wonders like the Rocky Mountains, expansive state parks, wildlife refuges, and crystal-clear lakes. 

The scenic roads leading through and around Denver make it a perfect place to explore — or stay awhile — in an RV. Here’s everything you need to know about the best campgrounds in Denver, CO.

Top 8 Campgrounds in Denver, CO

For most RV enthusiasts, a campground ideally includes three things: views, activities, and hookups. The following Denver campgrounds deliver all those perks and more!

1. Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday

The Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday campground proudly labels itself as “Big-Rig Friendly.” Located at an 8,490-foot altitude in the Rocky Mountains and 35 miles west of Denver, this campground is a great starting point for trips to casinos, Colorado Springs, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Zoo, and more. You can also partake in outdoor excursions by visiting Dinosaur Ridge, the Mother Cabrini Shrine, and Clear Creek Rafting Company (10 minutes away).

There are 74 sites available, not including tent sites. Many of these pet-friendly sites feature concrete pads for your RV, views of Central City from above, outdoor dining tables, and 50/30/20 amps.

Visitors can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and pizza and wings later in the day, curbside check-in, a camper dish cleaning station, a hot tub and sauna, showers, a camper rec room, a playground, and a lounge. Wi-Fi and cable TV are also available.

You can find detailed campsite descriptions, check availability, and reserve a site on the KOA website.

Hookups available: Yes

Season:

• April 21 – October 9

• Winter (October 10 – April 23): Limited services available

2. Indian Paintbrush Campground

Nestled within the Bear Creek Lake Regional Park recreation area, the medium-sized Bear Creek Lake Campground, also known as Indian Paintbrush Campground, offers a lot of activities. It’s a 20-minute drive from Denver and a 5-minute drive from Red Rocks Amphitheatre parking, so it’s a perfect place to stay if you’re catching a concert or hoping to explore downtown Denver.

Feeling outdoorsy? You’ll find bike trails, horse stables, and Big Soda Lake, all within walking distance of this campground. Plus, Bear Creek Lake Park and the City of Lakewood Regional Parks Division host park programs and events.

There are 47 sites available, including three cabins, two yurts, and one group site. All sites include access to bathrooms with hot showers, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, and sanitation/dump stations. Pets are allowed but must be leashed and watched closely.

Note that rainfall can occasionally overfill the reservoir, leading to damaged trails and a closed boat ramp. Before you visit, check for closures on their website or by contacting the campground directly to ensure closures won’t hinder your itinerary.

This is a popular campground, and reservations open in January even though the campground doesn’t open until April 1st, so make sure you reserve your spot early.                                

Hookups available: Yes 

Season:

• April 1 – October 31

• Limited options available during winter months; showers, flush toilets, and water are unavailable

3. Williams FamCamp

A 30-minute drive from Denver, the Williams FamCamp campground is located near the Buckey Space Force Base. They have restrooms, free laundry, and 38 pull-through and back-in sites for RVs. It’s a quiet and spacious campground with no trees or hills in sight. Wi-Fi isn’t guaranteed but is included in the nightly rate.

Full disclosure: In order to make a reservation at Williams FamCamp, you will need base access.

Hookups available: Electrical, Sewer, Water

Season:

• April 1 – October 31: Eligible guests may stay a maximum of 45 nights

• November 1 – March 31: Eligible guests may not make a reservation that exceeds 30 consecutive nights

4. Chatfield State Park Campground

Chatfield State Park Campground is one of the biggest campgrounds in Denver, CO, with scenic mountain views sure to please the whole family.

Located about half an hour south of Denver and right by the Chatfield Reservoir, this campground has a full-service marina with boat rentals, boat storage, and a restaurant, making it the perfect spot for aquatic activities like waterskiing, sailing, fishing, and paddleboarding. You can also cruise 26 miles of bike paths, hit Chatfield Stables for horseback riding, or book a hot air balloon ride.

There are four camping areas with a total of 197 pull-through and back-in campsites, all of which have picnic tables and grills and are within walking distance of the lake. Out of these sites, 146 are classified as full hookups with water, sewer, and electricity. The remaining 51 have only electricity.

In addition to great views and activities, Chatfield offers flush toilets, coin-operated showers and laundry, water, firewood, and a sanitary waste station. Also, dogs are welcome! There's a 69-acre off-leash area for pups to roam free.

Remember to make a reservation — reservations are a requirement for camping at all Colorado state parks.

Hookups available: Yes

Season:

• Full hookup camping is only available from mid-April to mid-October, pending warm temperatures

• Electric-only campsites are available year-round

5. Applewood RV Resort

Located in a suburb of Denver, Applewood RV Resort is a quick 20-minute drive from the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and downtown shopping and restaurants.

The Applewood RV Resort contains 70 pull-through campsites. Some of these sites offer full hookups, whereas others offer water and 30-amp electricity. It offers full-service coin-operated laundry, private bathroom and shower facilities, a dump station, and broadband wireless internet access. Pets are welcome, and extended stays are encouraged.

This park would be a great home base for people hoping to explore the city of Denver.

Hookups available: Yes

Season: Year-round

6. Cherry Creek State Park Campground

A 25-minute drive from downtown Denver you’ll find the city of Aurora, which is home to Cherry Creek State Park Campground. This site is an excellent option for people seeking a large campground with a wide range of activities.

Try your hand at flying model airplanes, hop on horseback to explore the many trails, or sharpen your aim at the shooting range. Cherry Creek Lake, located less than a quarter of a mile from the campground, is swimming with walleye and rainbow trout, making it an easy choice for a beach or fishing day. It’s open to kayaks, paddleboards, motorized boats, and jet skis.

Visiting in the winter? Cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and sledding are all permitted at Cherry Creek when weather conditions are appropriate.

With 152 campsites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables, and deluxe full hookup sites for your RV, you’ll have your pick of whichever site best fits your needs. Other amenities include restrooms, showers, a dump station, and laundry. If you're traveling with furry friends, Cherry Creek dedicates 107 acres of fenced land to canine exercise.

There’s also an outdoor amphitheater on site that features a podium, fire pit, and bench seating for up to 100 people.

Hookups available: Yes

Season: 

• April 1 – October 31

• ​November 1 – March 31: Only Abilene Loop is available

7. Flying Saucer RV Park

Set on 18 acres about 20 minutes south of downtown Denver, Flying Saucer RV Park is a sizable campground located within the Denver metropolitan area. It’s directly adjacent to shopping, theaters, and the dining complex at RiverPoint at Sheridan, 10 minutes from Broken Tee Golf Course, and 20 minutes from independent or guided fishing options.

While staying at one of 162 RV spaces set on the shady, grassy banks of Bear Creek, you’ll have access to indoor showers, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi in the office area. There are 40 sites with patios, full hookups, and room for slide-outs on two sides. Dogs and cats are permitted if on a leash and supervised.

This campground does not allow tents and does not accept reservations. Instead, you can inquire about availability on the day of your arrival.

Hookups available: Yes

Season: Year-round

Things to Do While Camping in Denver

Whether you’re seeking a base for exploring downtown landmarks or mountain ranges, there’s no shortage of campgrounds near Denver, CO. For easy access to trails, lakes, and nature, check out campgrounds like Cherry Creek State Park Campground, Chatfield State Park Campground, Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday, and Bear Creek Lake Campground. 

Want to be in closer proximity to metropolitan options like Denver landmarks, entertainment, and shopping? Consider the Applewood RV Resort or Flying Saucer RV Park.

Go RV Camping in Denver, CO with Cruise America

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned vet, Cruise America makes it easy to go RV camping in Denver. With 119 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Alaska, you’re bound to find a Cruise America departure hub near you. 

You can browse our selection of RV rentals online and start planning a trip to your favorite campgrounds in Denver, CO, today!