Waterside camping near Sugarloaf
Home to several popular hiking and biking trails in the foothills of Boulder.
- Sugarloaf
Popular camping styles for Sugarloaf
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Waterside camping near Sugarloaf guide
Overview
Sugarloaf is a tiny community nestled into the foothills above Boulder, Colorado, midway between Boulder and Nederland. It sits at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, a rocky little knoll that’s easy to summit. The views of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park from the top of Sugarloaf are incredible and well worth the half-mile climb. The popular Switzerland Trail also takes off from Sugarloaf and follows an old railroad grade through the mountains. Camping is not allowed in the mountains near Sugarloaf—it’s more of a residential area than a town. You can find several campgrounds 10 miles west in Nederland.
Where to go
Boulder
Boulder is a huge outdoor adventure town situated at the base of the Flatirons, about thirty miles northwest of Denver. Boulder Creek runs through downtown and a trail runs alongside it offering trail running and cycling right in town. There’s also excellent hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking in the nearby foothills. Campers will find the closest camping at the Gross Reservoir, midway between Boulder and Nederland.
Nederland
At an elevation of 8,228 feet in the front range mountains, Nederland is a quaint outdoor adventure town about an hour from Denver. Nederland sits on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, a spectacular scenic route from Estes Park to Interstate 70. Camping is abundant within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest surrounding the town and in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Popular campgrounds include the Kelly Dahl Campground and the dispersed camping area near Gordon Gulch.
Estes Park
Ester Park is just a little over an hour from Sugarloaf via the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the town itself offers its fair share of hiking, biking, and water sports fun. The town has several RV parks with some offering cabin and yurt rentals and plenty of opportunities for tent, RV, and backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
When to go
Given its lower elevation and the fact that the Boulder area boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, Sugarloaf is worth a visit in any season. Summer is definitely the most popular season for hiking, biking, and camping adventures but fall is especially nice when the aspens around town turn a brilliant gold. Colors tend to peak along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway in late September.
Know before you go
- There are no services in Sugarloaf, but you can find everything you need in nearby Boulder.
- Camping near Sugarloaf is incredibly popular given its proximity to Denver. Book campground reservations ahead of time if you can.
- Dispersed camping is typically only allowed in designated sites in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest near Sugarloaf. Make sure camping is allowed before you set up your tent.
- Fire restrictions may be in effect at any time of the year. Check current restrictions before building a campfire.
