The best camping near St. Vrain State Park

Midway between Denver and Fort Collins,  St. Vrain State Park (formerly known as Barbour Ponds) offers year-round camping plus plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, no matter the season. The park is situated on 604 acres of land with an additional 152 acres of waterways that can be used for boating and fishing, but not swimming and there are around seven miles of flat, interconnected trails for walking and jogging. For those who want to spend the night, St. Vrain has eight campgrounds, roughly half of which have full hook-ups, plus coin-operated showers, restrooms, and a dump station.

• Best for anglers: Mallard Campground is conveniently close to three of the park’s well-stocked ponds.
• Best for RV campers: Kestrel Campground offers full hook-ups for a lush RV camping experience.
• Best for a quiet experience: Red Tail Pond Campground has only seven campsites, ideal for those wanting to avoid the crowds.

1. Campsites are available to reserve up to six months in advance and can be booked using the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.

2. If you’re flexible with your arrival and departure dates, you can check availability for a period of up to four weeks using the online system.
3. Same-day walk-in reservations are sometimes available on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. While campsites are likely to book up fast during the summer season, note that only 40 of the 87 campsites are open for winter use, so booking ahead is still a good idea.

St. Vrain State Park is open for year-round day use and camping, though it’s at its most popular during the warm summer months. Fall is ideal for birdwatching, trout-fishing is best from fall through spring. Ice-fishing is an option during winter months. The park also holds special events focusing on subjects such as fishing and migratory birds; check with the park for up-to-date details.

• The closest place to get gas, groceries, and other supplies is the town of Firestone, about a 10-minute drive away, or the city of Longmont, a 15-minute drive from the park.
• Showers here are coin-operated. There's no coin changer on site, so remember to bring quarters.
• Dogs are welcome, provided they stay on a six-foot-long or shorter leash.
• Swimming in the park’s ponds and reservoirs is prohibited.
• All campers need to purchase daily or annual parking passes in addition to paying for campground reservations. Parking passes can be purchased online or in person.

Experience the beauty of camping in Poudre Canyon, a picturesque mountain getaway. Set up camp amidst towering cliffs, hike scenic trails, and listen to the soothing sounds of the Poudre River. Enjoy fishing, spot wildlife, and create lasting memories in this tranquil natural paradise.