Best Camping in and near Golden Gate Canyon State Park

98% (20 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Golden Gate Canyon State Park adventure.

A lovely outdoor getaway with miles of trails and several camping options just outside Denver.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Golden Gate Canyon State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

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Aspen Meadow

33 sites In Golden Gate Canyon State Park

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Reverend's Ridge

102 sites · RVs, Tents In Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Golden Gate Canyon State Park

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Clear Creek Getaway

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Dumont, CO

Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway Please understand that winter is approaching and it gets really cold up there I will not be maintaining the roads. It is a beautiful, secluded spot in the winter to snowshoe up and snowshoe out parking will be available at the bottom and it’s less than 1/8th of a mile walk uphill, if anyone is interested, just email me for details on how to book Please note these Mountains are home to a lot of people therefore I do not allow any open burning wood burning no one wants start a forest fire even though the county will say it’s OK for open burn. Please respect The neighbors they request that we do not have open flame. I’m sure you can understand. Beds : you will need to bring your own For the glam dome: file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/cd/13/3781DC46-F036-428E-BFC5-447B16E14D54/Image-1.jpeg Roads : This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt. If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type We are available all year round. No power in units. All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck.. Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs. River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing. Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s) Hot springs within miles. We have portable toilets located close to the units Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures! Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70 Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70 St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70 Hot Springs 2 miles east I70 All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky. ( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road. When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).

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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!

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Car Camping - Park, Sleep, Shower!

8 sites · RVs, Tents64 acres · Downieville Lawson Dumont, CO

Park with peace of mind in our secure, monitored lot, conveniently located right off I-70. Enjoy complimentary WiFi and access to your own private, fully tiled shower room! We also offer flush toilets for your convenience. Please note, this is a dedicated parking spot, not a tent camping site—there are no hookups, campfires, or picnic tables. Owners live on-site and provide 24/7 security to ensure a restful and worry-free stay.

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Prospector’s Rush

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO

Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD or AWD is necessary to access our property!!! Accessing the campsite is an off-road adventure. Please only book if you are comfortable with off-road driving. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature. As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky. At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature. 4WD / AWD is mandatory!!

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Williams Fork Lodging

5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Parshall, CO

Plan a self care weekend with our Luxury spa amenities away from the crowds and immersed in wilderness. Close enough to visit Rocky Mountain national Park Hot Springs in winter park ski area perfect for the couples and their dog. Hot tub, sauna, ropes, slippers and herbal teas. Hike, bike or snowshoe our 80 acres of trails abundant with wildflowers hummingbirds and wildlife beautiful fall colors to dark sky nights great for stargazing, fresh farm eggs and cinnamon rolls are available to pre-order. We are located at the end of a private road, we value or peace and serenity here and hope you do as well Adjacent to state national public lands, just for miles to the Williams fork reservoir a few more miles will take it to the Colorado river and many other lakes and reservoirs to fish in recreate Ask Dale for references a fun things to do in the area, such as rafting, horseback, riding or zip lining All wheel drive, or 4 x 4 with high clearance is recommended for the best experience We are approximately a half hour to kremmling Hot Sulphur Springs and the closest restaurant We are a little over an hour to Granby in Rocky Mountain national Park. Two hours to any summit county, ski areas, and steamboat. The lodge is basically a triplex building with a common area and three condos within. Bill’s cabin is our fourth lodging option that sits out on our Ridge about a half mile from the lodge building. Bill‘s cabin is off grid and has an out house. It also requires all wheel drive. The common area, houses the sauna, games, washer and dryer, and it’s just basically extra room to spread out. It also includes Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, for bills cabin guests to use. The lodge can be rented as one unit to sleep up to 10 guests. Please note: rates are for two guests only additional guests will be charged Per person per night Or The lodge can also be rented as individual units: Each unit is individually named, has private entrances, and is completely private. There is the Copper Peak, which is a studio. The Williams Peak. and The Byers Peak. The shared areas include the hot tub and sauna which are located in common area. Each unit is filled with luxury and everyday amenities you need for a complete stay. We allow dogs too! Williams Peak and Copper Peak unit has a doggie door leading to a six-foot tall kennel run! NOTE: dogs cannot be left alone when you leave. Bills Cabin is our separate off grid, rental cabin, which offers luxury camping in a forested environment with numerous foot and bike trails right out your door! The total darkness provides a spectacular night time sky full of stars and constellations perfect for viewing from the deck. Expect to see wild life in our exclusive off grid cabin, while you enjoy an Ecco friendly vacation! Bill’s cabin has a primitive road to it and therefore some foresight is required for travel, a 4x4 vehicle is required in any seasonal weather. We recommend a conversation about your means of travel. Alternative methods such as Bike or hike, we just highly recommend that no one hikes at night. Bills cabin is built out of concrete including the "log" siding. The power comes from solar panels and propane to cook and heat. Your kitchen and bathroom include instant hot water and are just outside the door..enjoy an alfresco shower out side! Alternatively the lodge office guest bathroom/shower is also provided for Bill’s Cabin Guests. This unique lodging experience is an opportunity to enjoy a camping vacation with a loved one or a friend without all the cost and hassle of setting up camp. Enjoy a deck complete with a gas grill and fire place. Water is provided for washing dishes, hands and drinking. You need to bring food, ice cubes. Bill’s cabin is available for the summer and fall beginning Memorial Day weekend or earlier as weather permits. All lodging includes bed linens as well as towels, dishes, coffee pot, coffee, grill, within the lodge, all rooms have full kitchens, including microwaves Bills cabin provides a cooler including ice blocks, everything you need to cook with, including a grill burners, and a camp oven! We provide split wood and propane for all guests. bathrooms are supplied with shampoo, lotion, hair dryers and other small necessities! The common area as well as the buyers peak offer a Washer/dryer for guests to use Wifi, smart TV with Netflix, Hulu and pandora various crafts, games, puzzles and corn hole. A large deck for yoga, gathering with other guests or just relaxing over looks the valley and is perfect for wildlife viewing is also located at the lodge. Sorry but our zoning does not allow for any camping of any sort on our property. Come experience the Old West as it was and still is as you meander along the road through working ranches that were homesteaded back in the early 1900’s...their weathered log cabins still standing and often still occupied...others are close enough for a great “back in time” photo opportunity. As Colorado's open range law permits ranchers to graze their cattle without borders, you will often find them on the roadways or you may even get caught up in a cattle drive as the ranchers move their cattle from one pasture or paddock to another. Springtime brings all the calves and branding time! Observing the rancher, his horse, and dog working together is a genuine treat. Look along the roadside for sage grouse, in the open fields for pronghorn, down in the willows and streams for the bull moose, in the trees for the mule deer, and on top of the ridge lines for the elk. There are also bald eagle and osprey nests, alpacas, horses, sheep, and goats. All this just on the ride into Williams Fork Lodging! Our residence sits above this scenic panorama at the end of the road and adjacent to public lands tucked beneath Copper Peak on the Williams Fork Range. The elevation is roughly 8,500 feet and the 180 degree view is breathtaking...encompassing three mountain ranges, many peaks, pastures/meadows, forest, and ponds. Soak in everything from the glorious sunrises to enchanting full moons to brilliant stars that truly seem closer than they are…the view of the Milky Way is unobstructed by light pollution for outstanding celestial shows…and meteor showers are spectacular from the hot tub! We live on the same property as the Lodge and are quite self sustainable: hunting, fishing, gardening, gathering wild berries, and raising our own poultry meat. The Lodge and cabin are constructed of concrete and rock as well as high efficiency windows and takes full advantage of passive solar heat; backup heat and the hot water are provided by wood via an outside boiler maintained by us. if interested, Dale offers fresh baked caramel rolls and other enticing breads and/or meals. Every season has its own special beauty: Spring brings abundant wild flowers, contrasting greens of pine, aspen and sage. Newborn livestock and wildlife. Thunderstorms and brilliant double rainbows. Birds singing, chickens crowing and warm, quiet evenings are welcomed in summer. Our view of the fall colors are hard to match ~ the changing yellow, gold and reds quaking in the valley are quite beautiful. Winter brings diamond-sparkling white snow untouched by humans and cobalt blue skies and picture-perfect post card and right out your

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Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Nederland, CO

This forested and open meadow property is located on a seasonal creek 2 miles from the quaint mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. A short drive to both Boulder & Denver and situated in the picturesque Front Range, Nederland has convenient access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking & camping, including many points of access to the Continental Divide. The property is within walking distance of Boulder County Open Space and Indian Peaks Wilderness trails for endless biking and hiking adventures. Sites are private and secluded. There is a 20-foot tipi, a quaint treehouse, and a tent site camp that can be rented separately or together for larger groups. Toilet, picnic table, and potable water all available onsite. We have endless hiking, biking, and mountain fun activities onsite and nearby! Space for camper vans as well! We look forward to hosting you soon.

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Fisherman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bailey, CO

Cozy, small, one room cabin and an outhouse with a sink, solar bag shower, and composting toilet. Propane heat and single burner for heating up some coffee or a snack. Large beautiful deck with fire-pit and grill and peaceful river sounds. forest views sits on 4 acres. Park right next to the cabin with a 4x4/AWD or 50ft away with any vehicle. The Fisherman’s Cabin, hosted by Huts and Hills, has a wild and unique history. Originally it was built by two professors from Berkeley College as an annual mountain campsite. They used to make the pilgrimage every year from California to Colorado to come relax in the wonderful forest of the Lost Acres National Park. At the turn of the century, the Denver Wheel Club used to have their headquarters right next to the river just down Insmont Dr. and hosted a big bike race every year. This was before there was even a road to the mountains, and the only real public access to these lands were via the train from Denver! Today the Fisherman's Cabin is just a hop, skip and a jump outside downtown Bailey, Colorado and close to many mountain passes like Guanella and Kenosha. There are local hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and animal watching activities waiting to be experienced. Sleeps 2 plus invite up to 6 friends for camping and goodtimes! Please see the Fisherman's cabin site description for more information! * PROPANE FIRE PIT ONLY, NO FIRES ALLOWED * THERE IS NO RUNNING WATER but there is a provided water bag for the sink / shower and at this time of year you must bring your own water! * THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY

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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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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.

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Camp Always Choose Adventures

13 sites · Tents5 acres · Central City, CO

Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures, the nation's first off-grid outdoor educational campground. Situated at an elevation of 9,300 feet in Central City, Colorado, we're just a 15-minute drive from Idaho Springs. Our unique campground offers a Tipi and dispersed camping sites amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, where you can often spot elk, moose, deer, and bears in their natural habitat. Our driveway is the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Road Highway Vehicle area in the Front Range of Colorado, with numerous hiking trails nearby. For your convenience, we offer rental options for outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and almost anything else you might need. You can arrive empty-handed and still enjoy a full camping experience in the Rockies. We offer a one-stop-shop for all of your Colorado bucket-lists! Camping in The Rocky Mountains WITH premier outdoor gear provided, 4x4 adventures, and everything in-between! At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are excited to partner with Native Jeeps and Colorado Adventure Guides to enhance your Rocky Mountain experience. Native Jeeps will meet you at our campground and hand you the keys to your unforgettable 4x4 adventure. As the only permitted You-Drive Jeep tour company operating in Clear Creek and Eagle County, Native Jeeps offers unique expedition tours on breathtaking trails that no one else can show you. Colorado Adventure Guides is our trusted backcountry outfitter and avalanche education provider, offering activities for all ages and experience levels throughout all four seasons. In the summer, enjoy adventures like white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and mountaineering. In the winter, they offer backcountry education, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, snowshoe tours, winter peak ascents, and hut trips. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime with our expert partners! To book an adventure with Native Jeeps or Colorado Adventure Guides and receive a discount become an ACA paid member today: alwayschooseadventures.org/join Already a paid member? Contact us to book your discounted adventure now! 720-331-2499. Leave No Trace: As a proud partner of the Leave No Trace. We promote the practice of Leave No Trace and emphasize responsible outdoor ethics, encouraging all our visitors to minimize their impact on the environment. By fostering a deep respect for nature, we aim to protect and preserve our beautiful surroundings for future generations while promoting outdoor accessibility for youth and individuals with disabilities. Accessibility: At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are thrilled to offer Extreme Motus wheelchairs to our guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. These all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, providing unparalleled mobility and freedom. Whether you're exploring our scenic trails, joining an off-road adventure, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our campground, the Extreme Motus wheelchairs empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all our outdoor activities. We are committed to making outdoor adventures accessible to all, breaking barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. Wildlife: We typically have moose, elk, deer and sometimes even bears in our valley. If you wake up between 5:30AM - 6:30AM, you'll most likely see animals in the valley, or willow grove. Be aware there are four friendly resident camp dogs ready to greet you upon arrival. This campground is very dog-friendly, but if you have any concerns about dogs, please let us know, and we can ensure they are kept away from the campground during your stay. We will make every effort to accommodate you. Outdoor Amenities: Guests have access to outdoor amenities such as a communal fire pit for evening gatherings, picnic tables, and clean, port a pot restroom facilities. Educational Opportunities: As part of your stay, you can participate in outdoor educational clinics offered by Camp ACA, learning about Leave No Trace principles, various outdoor recreational gear, local wildlife, the history of Idaho Springs and Central City and the importance of environmental stewardship. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to break barriers in the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities. Funds raised from our campground directly benefit underserved youth and those with disabilities, supporting our goal to make the great outdoors accessible to all. We thank you for your donation. For more information about us please visit: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org

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Serenity in the Foothills

12 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO

***NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED UNTIL YOUR CAR INFORMATION IS PROVIDED*** Basic car information will help us ensure you and your party have no issues driving on our forest roads. If you are looking to plan an outdoor event, send us a message. We would love to host your event! YEAR LONG FIRE BAN- propane fire rings are allowed. Propane fire rings and gas tanks available for rent. Welcome to Serenity in the Foothills. Located an hour west of Denver, this 3600 acre ranch features 12 spaced out campsites that offer quite a bit of privacy. There are tons of trails/ roads to hike and bike around on, as well as many amazing views. Resort Valley Ranch was combined from around 15 homesteads by the Corbin family. You will see lots of relics and evidence related to those homesteads across our property! Please do not disturb any artifacts or relics on our property, we are very conservation minded with the history as well as the natural beauty of the area. Come enjoy this hidden private jewel in the pines of Jefferson County, Colorado! We want to ensure your vehicle and trailer won't get damaged while commuting to your campsite. Please read about our campsites and make sure the one you pick works for your car/trailer. -NO fifth wheels (ALL sites). -Maximum length of trailers is 22ft(Select campsites) -Trailers must have adequate clearance: 8 inches or higher with no low hanging plumbing. -Sites 1, 2 : 4WD/ SUV- Short camper trailers only (12 foot max) -Site 3 : 4WD/SUV vehicles only -Sites 4-12(excluding site 11): 4WD/SUV with good clearance are recommended as well as trailers (22 foot max) -Site 11 : 4WD vehicles only. If your trailer is bigger than 22 feet, our sister camp-site Resort Valley Ranch may be able to accommodate you. (Also located on Hipcamp) **When booking, please include basic information about your car/ trailer clearance to ensure that your campsite you've selected will accommodate it!**

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Montgomery Homestead

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Lafayette, CO

A 6th generation 160 acre working farm, with a beautiful view of the Colorado front range. Minutes away from multiple municipalities. Our sites are located in a quite area near a water storage 1 acre pond. Great for an evening stroll or sit back and enjoy the sounds and sights of Colorado birds and wildlife.

The best camping near Golden Gate Canyon State Park guide

Overview

About

Only 30 miles from downtown Denver, Colorado, Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a lovely reprieve from city life. Campers will find plenty of shaded tent spots, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabin and yurt rentals if you’d rather have a bed but still like to rough it somewhat. Visitors looking for a bit more solitude can also book one of the park’s 20 backcountry tent sites which can only be reached via a one to three mile hike each way. The park offers tons of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and several well-stocked fishing ponds.

Notable campgrounds

Best for tent campers: Aspen Meadows
Best for RVs and campervans: Reverend’s Ridge

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are required and can be obtained online or over the phone up to six months in advance.
If you’re camping with an RV or trailer, make sure to reserve one of the electric sites at Reverend’s Ridge. Sites 1-59 have 20, 30, and 50 amp capability.
Six cabins and two yurts are available for rent year-round. Cabins and yurts sleep up to six people and some are pet-friendly. Cabins and yurts are furnished with beds, a gas heater, and a table and chairs, but guests must bring all their own bedding.

When to go

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is open year-round. The best time to camp and hike in the park is early June through September. Considering how close the park is to Denver, it does get busy. Visit on weekdays if you can and reserve campsites in advance. Reverend’s Ridge is the only campground that remains open in the winter but sites are limited and the shower building is closed. All sites are reservation only in winter.

Know before you go

Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pads at the tent sites.
Rooftop and campervan camping is only allowed in the RV/electric sites at Reverend’s Ridge.
Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are only available at the Reverend’s Ridge Campground.
Dogs are permitted in both Golden Gate Canyon State Park campgrounds as long as they’re kept on a 6-foot leash at all times.