Best Camping in and near Lory State Park

This backcountry camping getaway has rugged mountain trails to hike, bike, and climb.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lory State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lory State Park

92%

(227)

A-Lodge Boulder

11 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · 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. 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."

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Buford Canyon

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Buford, WY

We purchased 40 acres several years ago and built our home on the west side. We wished we could better access and appreciate the amazing views on the east side so we built two off grid cabins and a campsite. We have been encouraged to share this very special location with others. We have found it very rewarding to share this spot with others.

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(336)

Creekside Paradise

6 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO

Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.

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(110)

Boulder Chicken Ranch

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Valmont, CO

Welcome to our charming 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder with a view of Long’s Peak. Just minutes from town - near walking trails, a bike park, shopping, and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains. We have a 4 meter Glamping tent complete with a queen sized bed, rocking chairs, and a wood burning stove - as well as spots in the meadow for RVs & tents. We limit the meadow to 3 RVs and 3 tents sites so there always remains plenty of open space for everyone. The tent sites can accommodate smaller vans if need be. We can handle RVs around 40 feet in TOTAL LENGTH - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep ramp to get in and out. If you are a nervous driver, perhaps choose another place to rest your head. Prior to your exit, open the gate. Don't hesitate while going up the driveway - if you stop on your way up, you may not get going again. We have a community fire ring with a big pile of free burn wood, though the big logs are getting few and far between, so having your own firewood is recommended. If it's windy, please skip the fire. We have well water to offer up by the house, but I wouldn’t drink it without purification… makes for a great cold outdoor shower. We have fresh eggs! The chickens free range during the day, so please keep an eye on your dogs… leash if necessary. Our gals won’t run away. Venmo code at the coop for your convenience. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location *Most affordable rates in all of Boulder. *Beautiful view of the Longs Peak. *Lots of sun *Fresh eggs!!! *5 day maximum stay THE BAD: *Daytime road noise (pretend ocean waves??). *Limited shade. *Total RV length 40 feet - Truck AND Trailer - due to a steep and winding entrance and exit. *Good Morning Roosters *Midsummer Mosquitoes Please reach out with any questions you may have. I’ll do my level best to help in any way I can. Safe travels! Sincerely, Patrick

90%

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Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · 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.

96%

(809)

Open Now Camping & Lodging N I-25

272 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Cheyenne, WY

**Rustic Ranchette on the Plains of Wyoming** Simple camping for RVs, tents, buses, vans, and car campers. Electric sites available (110/20 AMP), 22- foot warm and furnished Tipi Rental, (sleeps 2-8) or Warm n very cozy Horsebox Renovation that is super popular. *Outdoor stays are all pet friendly here at Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne. Enjoy a large, fully equipped community kitchen, port-a-pot, and seasonal outdoor shower (Oct? freezing-June). Gather around the large community firepit at the kitchen. Internet (Verizon/Sprint or WiFi) and camp tables are provided. Explore the prairie land, hidden labyrinth, and farm life with horses, chickens, and a friendly ranch dog, Brandon, who will likely greet you! **Please Prepare to be Fully Self-Contained & Self-Sufficient** No office on-site. Drive to the prairie or shady tree row and pick a picnic table. Message Christine when you arrive and depart. **Location: ** Exact location is shared after booking, but here’s a clue: 2 miles east of I-25 / Exit 16. Search "Tractor Supply, Cheyenne, WY." Reservations must be made online before arrival. **Check-In/Check-Out: ** Check-in: 12 PM - 2 AM | Check-out: Flexible, around 12 PM. Late arrivals are okay, but no calls after 9 PM. Directions are provided upon booking, and there are lights with signage. Look for the orange house with 16 solar panels. **Important Notes:** - No dump station or hookups; this is rustic, primitive boondocking/dry camping. Deep well water available. - Dumping sewage or grey water is prohibited by law ($500 fine). - Free-range chickens are closer to the house; dogs should be run on the back 10 acres if they are overly curious or chase chickens. ($200 for killing my meat n eggers). - Quiet generators only (60 decibels or less); no loud generators for more than 2 hours. Off by 9 PM, on at 7 AM. **Local Attractions: ** - 22 miles to Kurt Gowdy State Park for kayaking or hiking to Hidden Falls. - Vedauwoo (Vee dah voo) hiking trails. - The Bunk House Bar and Grill offers great food with a Western experience. - 7 miles to Wyoming State Capitol and the Rib and Chop House in downtown Cheyenne. - 3 miles to gas, 5 miles to groceries and fast food. - 2.5 miles to The Little Bear / The Brand Bar (back of the steakhouse), featuring local beef, beer, and great food! **Winter Camping:** Inquire about indoor showers at the guesthouse ($5, includes towels and soaps, or bring your own for $3). **Additional Rentals:** Rooms in our guesthouse, horsebox renovation, and guesthouse lodging (hostel style) are available through another app (starting with A, ending with B). Visit the main website, Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne, for online booking. For Cheyenne Frontier Days, book directly at LastChance.Camp (booking starts on Valentine's Day). **Let’s Make it Great!** Christine and Steve Johnson

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Logan Ranch Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Tie Siding, WY

Welcome to our property! This is a very scenic property, that is rich with history. The Virginia Dale Stage Station is about three miles away and the overland trail has several branches going through here. We are also a fifth generation cattle ranch. We are in Wyoming, on Highway 287 between Fort Collins, CO. and Laramie, Wyoming. We are still building out our property with a General store, and Western Themed Town coming soon. We have campsites for RV’s or Tents. We have an amazing 1000 acres to have your own hiking, wildlife, birdwatching, adventure. We have great hiking and wildlife viewing, marmots, pronghorn, antelope, deer, elk, and an occasional moose. Birds of every feather gather here so bring your binoculars. Hikes include balancing boulders and rock formations. Wonderful stargazing, our stars are so bright it seems like you can reach up and touch them. We are a working ranch and do have livestock. Don’t mess with the bull!Firewood, for $7.00 per bag delivered to your campsite. The bags make a great trash bag when empty! Do not bring your own firewood, as we don’t want more pine beetles and noxious weeds. Due to the high volume of people coming in separate vehicles, after two vehicles per site, its $10.00 per vehicle extra per night. We have portable outhouses available.

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(293)

Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Lyons, CO

A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** 2024 provided exceptional weather which enhanced all of our many Glampers' experiences. Temperatures were delightful all the way until October 30. Wildflowers were abundant most of the season, and autumn colors were spectacular for nearly two months. Bliss Camp is now accepting reservations for our 2025 Glamping season. We will be reopening April 25, weather permitting. Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations as much as six months in advance if you are that organized and especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Big news flash: Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Wall Tent in 2025. We have it in our possession now! This is larger than our Frontier Tent. It will have an early settler / gold miner theme which is fitting since Bliss Canyon may have been the northern most gold mines in Colorado. The tent will be placed uphill in a private location in the vicinity of the Frontier Tent. It will be situated about 300' from the Frontier Tent so privacy will be maintained for all accommodations. The view of rock formations is spectacular. It will have it's own well-stocked kitchen, private hot shower and propane fire pit for those romantic moments! Oh, did we mention there is flat parking within 30' ! Dot and Byron look forward to greeting our many returning guests and are eager to meet new Glamping adventurers. Happy Trails and towards the fun! Dot and Byron Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind. The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas. The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elk Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park. During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings. Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we now have internet at all camps. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!

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Gold Nugget Tree House

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Gold Hill, CO

Come visit our sweet little treehouse in the woods. Our property is just steps away from the bustling historic town of Gold Hill, a destination for tourists and road bikers alike. The treehouse is a glamping experience with just enough amenities to keep you comfortable. Food - Bring your cooler with food supplies or take out in Boulder before you head up the mountain. Or grab a coffee, pizza, snack or a glass of wine at the Gold Hill store. If you'd like a full service dining experience, make a reservation for a 5 course meal at the Gold Hill Inn. What To Do: Walk around the historic town of Gold Hill. We promise you will be entertained. Ask a local about the museum, the cemetery, or the historic two room school house, or any other favorite spots they have around the area. Love the woods and nature, but would like a little action? Attend a local live music concert at the Gold Hill Store or the Gold Hill Inn on a beautiful summers night. Drive to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park to explore for the day. Boulder - 20 minutes Nederland - 35 minutes Estes Park - 45 minutes The Treehouse is furnished with Queen size bed and plenty of blankets to keep you warm, but feel free to bring your sleeping bag if you prefer. A roll out twin size feather bed for the floor is available upon request if you have a few more folks joining. We provide a portable toilet with WagBags. Please always pack out all human solid human waste. Gold Hill Store offers a toilet for a minimal fee and the Gold Hill Inn has a toilet for customers. A camp stove is available for outdoor use. The camp stove and the propane heater both use 1 lb propane canisters, so feel free to bring your own fuel to cook and keep you warm. A can of propane is always available for your use of the stove. * A note to novice campers and regular hotel patrons: Though you are in a shelter, you are still exposed to the elements. The treehouse is not insulated. Wind, bugs, and critters may all be a part of the variable treehouse experience mother nature has planned for you. If you are not comfortable camping, getting dirty, swatting flies, being too hot, being too cold, hearing the noises of animals at night, waking up to the sound of magpies, and who knows what else, this experience may not be for you.

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Terry Bison Ranch Resort

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cheyenne, WY

Terry Bison Ranch has a history all the way back to the 1800's. The ranch was once owned by F. E. Warren (The first governor of the state of Wyoming). President Teddy Roosevelt was also a guest at the ranch and a picture of him in the main house, hangs on the wall in the Senators Steakhouse. For more in depth history of this amazing ranch, come visit and ride the bison train tour, let your kids take a pony ride, or enjoy a family fun trail ride! Learn more about this land: Terry Bison Ranch Resort is a functioning bison ranch with adventures to explore. We have a bison train tour that takes you out to feed the bison, a steak house, horseback trail rides, and plenty of animals to look at. The dry camping is in the fields surrounding the park.

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Vista Tranquila - Boulder Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Boulder, CO

Our family has resided on this magnificent property for over 20 years. In the 1950s, before the home was built, our land was known as "the point." Lovers used to drive onto the property, park at the end of the lot which overlooks the eastern plains, and... you know... We live on 6.5 acres of stunning forested land located 1000 feet above downtown Boulder. Our property rests on a peninsula with views of the white-capped peaks to the west and the city lights to the east. The property feels far away from the bustle of city life, yet it is only an EIGHT-MINUTE drive to the heart of downtown Boulder's historic shopping district and ten minutes from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Vista Tranquila, the name given to our property by its previous owners, has trails to meander, picnic tables, horseshoes, swings hanging from the trees, a competitive-level trampoline, benches with views, and hammocks. The communal food prep area has a gas grill, a table for food prep, and a seating area. We request that guests pack out all trash. Since we do not provide stoves, pans, utensils, or cleanup facilities, please bring paper towels to wipe off your stoves, pans, dishes, and utensils. A well-maintained portable flush toilet is provided in a tall tent near the main residence. A spigot can be found with fresh well water on the back side of the main residence. We do not offer showers. However, the Boulder Recreation Center (a 10-minute drive) offers showers and other facilities for a small fee. You can enjoy a historic mining town experience with fine dining and live bluegrass/ folk music at the town of Gold Hill which is less than 20 minutes up our canyon. Kayakers, climbers, hikers, and cyclists (mountain, road, and gravel) will have an outdoor playground within a very short drive or right outside our door. World-class climbing located at Eldorado Canyon State Park is only a 25-minute drive. If you seek bigger peaks beyond Boulder Mountain Parks, the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park are a gorgeous 45-minute drive.

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The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

The best camping near Lory State Park guide

Overview

About

Pine-clad hills, rugged mountain trails, and verdant valleys stretch through the Rocky Mountain foothills in Lory State Park. With more than 20 miles of bike- and hoof-friendly trails to explore, this outdoor paradise has options for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Need an extra dose of adrenaline? Try the rock-climbing routes around Arthur’s Rock, tackle the equestrian cross-country course, or go cross-country skiing. For a change of scenery, follow the trails down to the Horsetooth Reservoir, where you can boat, kayak, and raft. Camping at Lory is an adventure, too—there are six hike-in backcountry campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the park’s six backcountry campsites via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
Campsites can book up on holiday weekends and during peak season (June through August), so book a minimum of three months in advance for these times.

When to go

Lory State Park is a year-round destination, and winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing once the hiking trails freeze up. Wildflowers brighten up the hillsides from late spring through summer, and this is the most popular time for hiking and outdoor activities. Trails can get muddy after rainfall and may close in periods of extreme weather. Camping is possible year-round but is limited to Friday and Saturday nights during hunting season (September through May).

Know before you go

Lory State Park is located 11 miles west of Fort Collins, or about a 20-minute drive. The Horseshoe Reservoir lies just outside the park’s east boundary.
Park entrance fees are payable in addition to camping fees.
Facilities in the park include a Visitor Center and picnic areas with restrooms and drinking water. You can purchase groceries, gas, and other supplies in LaPorte, a 10-minute drive from the park.
All Lory State Park campsites are primitive backcountry sites (with no restrooms or water) and lie at least a 2-mile, one-way hike from the nearest parking lot. There is no RV camping in the park.
Fire bans are prohibited in Lory State Park, but cooking stoves are permitted.