Discover the best campgrounds near Boulder, Colorado with swimming

United States
—
Colorado
—
Boulder

97% (2077 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Boulder

Star Hosts in Boulder

12 top campgrounds near Boulder with swimming

98%

(1112)

Rustic Creek Ranch

34 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO

The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer. 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.

99%

(60)

Sanctuary in the sky

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Bailey, CO

We moved from Denver to this 10-acre property to start a sanctuary for special needs cats. 15 months later the house burned and we and the cats have been dislocated since that time. The cats are living on site in an RV and we live up at the top of the driveway and the cabin that were renting. You may see some signs of the fire, if so please forgive it. The area where camping will be was untouched by the fire.

93%

(52)

Red Rocks Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Morrison, CO

A 10x12ft luxurious canvas tent on 3 acres with a view to the Hogback Ridge is within 1 mi of the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater. The tent offers a queen size bed, a covered deck with outdoor seating and a BBQ. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and nature by booking your visit with us today!

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.

Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO

A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** November 2024 Update: Winter has arrived and after a very successful 2024 Glamping season, Bliss Camp is taking a break until April 2025. 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!

Counterpath: Urban Oasis

1 site · RV1 acre · Denver, CO

Enjoy an expansive private area (flat gravel) adjacent to a large garden and numerous fruit trees. This is an urban environment but is also quiet and residential. Walking distance to restaurants and other conveniences, grocery stores nearby, 10 minutes to downtown and all Denver has to offer, 30 minutes to the Rockies. The site is part of the community and arts venue Counterpath, a converted 1950 gas station and surrounding open space. Occasional events and performances are hosted here (typically free and open to the public) and there is a free bookstore, Friday food bank 5-6pm, and community garden (please Google "Counterpath Denver" for full info). Great launch pad for exploring Denver and Colorado's Front Range!

95%

(142)

Rollinsville Adventure Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Black Hawk, CO

Rollinsville Adventure Camp is a 5 acre slice of the Rocky Mountains, perched at approximately 9,000 feet above sea level, in the shadow of the nearby Continental divide. The property features towering pine trees, beautiful aspens, and is surrounded by national forest on all sides. The campsites are all located within the safe confines of a gated, five foot fence that surrounds the property. The property once served as a Llama Ranch. We have repurposed the old llama loafing shed into a common area/ lounge area where any guests are welcome to make use of the space, which includes a 2 burner gas camp stove, a refrigerator, and a propane gas bbq grill. There is also a gas fire pit on the patio at the Llama Lounge for guests to enjoy, as well as a hammock, hanging hammock chair, and a picnic table for guests to utilize while enjoying the common space of the Llama Lounge.

100%

(35)

Red Daisy Farm

2 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Brighton, CO

Originally an 80 acre cattle ranch built by a gentleman from Iowa named Thomas Jefferson Rutherford. Now a charming, peaceful and beautiful 4 acre flower farm. On site, we also host a unique place to stay in our converted grain silos! We offer guests access to use of the hot tub and all natural, European swimming pond!

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.

100%

(2)

High Balsam Farm

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Lakewood, CO

We are so fortunate to have the little slice of heaven that we have built our creek side mushroom, veggie and flower farm. We are building a labor of love and would love to have like minded folks joining our community by staying in Red Stripe Rhonda on the creek or our cabin on the cliff- The Little B. The 1950's Bellwood trailer could not be more charming with wood paneling, 1950's styling and positioned right overlooking the bridge on the creek. The outdoor heated shower has a view of the creek and a dry toilet. There are several seating areas capturing quaint vignettes of the farm fields, stunning views and produce. The Little B cabin boasts stunning views, terraced gardens, a hammock grove and a cozy loft. Feel free to look at our on farm events to learn, make and shop local here!

98%

(415)

Rustic Glamorous Artist's Cabin

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Bailey, CO

The first time I saw this beautiful heavily wooded 12-acre property, I immediately put in an offer. That was 18 years ago. I spent the next 11 years chasing corporate goals which I finally realized were inconsistent with my soul. I started a family and decided to sell this property. I brought my then 2 year old daughter here so she could see it once before I sold it. As we drove up highway 285 through vistas each more stunning than the last, I was moved to tears by the beauty. By the time we reached the property, I knew that we would be moving back here. Nearly 3 years later, we finally moved back with 3 dogs and 2 cats in tow. We love it here and truly belong in this place we call home. Part of the former Ute tribe summer hunting area, and backing to the Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness; this fascinating area is both beautiful and full of things to do. Fresh clean mountain air. No people. Get away to the quiet beauty of your private wooded cabin. Enjoy a campfire, amazing mountain views, and killer hiking right out your cabin door. Spend an amazing night with millions of stars overhead. Recharge your soul in silent mountain peace. A rare opportunity to stay tucked in private woods and steps from 1000s of acres of national forest. Featuring dual heaters, sleeping loft, outdoor cooking area, solar, and indoor camp toilet facilities, this is luxury glampingSpend an unforgettable night watching millions of stars in the crisp clean mountain air. Feel yourself relax and recharge as you enjoy the woods and the stunning mountain views. The cabin is furnished with many of the pieces from the Lost Creek Cabin Studio and features solar electricity and indoor camp toilet facilities. Fresh water is provided. The artist's retreat is a luxury glamping cabin.As long as there is no fire ban, you are welcome to enjoy a campfire in the outdoor fireplace. We require guests to diligently tend their fire and completely extinguish the campfire when guests are not near. There is firewood to gather on the property and we have firewood for purchase as well. We do not allow guests to bring in firewood as the area has begun to see invasive species of insects and we do not want to contribute to this potentially devastating situation.

100%

(2)

Cozy Tiny Mountain Log Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Coal Creek, CO

Our cozy tiny cabin sits on 2 acres in beautiful mountain scenery, just far enough from town to truly relax, being surrounded by wildlife and peace, but close enough to Denver metro area. Our tiny cabin has a lovely deck to sip your coffee and sauna plus to use after long day of hiking or skiing.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(36)

Arapaho National Forest

Tabernash, Colorado

100%

(6)

Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek, Colorado

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Boulder with swimming guide

Overview

If you're looking to go camping near Boulder, Colorado and want to enjoy some swimming, Rustic Creek Ranch (363 reviews), Rustic Glamorous Artist's Cabin (258 reviews), and Historic Ranch at Mt. Princeton (196 reviews) are some of the top campsites in the area. With popular amenities like trash, showers, and campfires, and activities such as wildlife watching, swimming, and hiking, you're sure to have an unforgettable outdoor experience. Plus, with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $15, camping near Boulder, Colorado has never been more affordable. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to dive into nature!