There are many reasons Denver consistently ranks among the top outdoor cities in America. An obvious one is that camping near Denver puts you at the crossroads of Rocky Mountain adventure and big-city excitement. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a quick escape or a full-time RVer passing through Colorado, the Denver metro area offers surprisingly easy access to trails, lakes, and mountain views without sacrificing modern amenities. This guide is for RVers, tent campers, and families looking for the best camping experiences near Denver in 2026. Planning ahead is especially important for 2026, as the growing popularity of camping near Denver means that reservations for top campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season and holiday weekends.
In this 2026 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about camping near Denver, with a special spotlight on one of the area’s best-kept secrets: Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge.
Camping options around Denver are diverse, ranging from developed state parks to private RV parks and cozy cabins. Many parks offer both primitive and full-service campsites, catering to different preferences and needs. Reservations for state parks and national forests should be made early, as camping sites fill up months in advance, especially during peak season.
Now that you know who this guide is for and why planning ahead is crucial, let’s dive into the types of camping experiences available near Denver.
Denver sits at the edge of the Great Plains and the foot of the Rocky Mountains, creating a unique camping landscape that blends urban accessibility with genuine outdoor experiences. Many campgrounds are conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Denver, Estes Park, Colorado Springs, and Central City, making it easy to access both urban and mountain attractions. The area is known for its beautiful views and rolling hills, which surround many camping sites near Denver and enhance the outdoor experience. With nine Colorado state parks within an hour’s drive of downtown and Rocky Mountain National Park just 90 minutes away, Denver is one of the most campground-rich metro areas in the country.
Camping options around Denver include developed state parks, private RV parks, and dispersed camping in national forests. Developed campgrounds offer amenities like hookups and showers, while dispersed camping provides a more rugged, off-grid experience with no amenities. Whether you prefer the comfort of full-service RV resorts or the solitude of primitive tent sites, the Denver area has something for every camper.
Denver offers a variety of campgrounds, cabins, and RV parks within an hour’s drive from the city, catering to different preferences. Colorado welcomed over 95 million visitors in recent years, and a growing share of those travelers are choosing RV camping as their preferred way to explore the state. The appeal is simple: you get the freedom of the open road, the comfort of your own space, and a home base that’s minutes from world-class hiking, dining, and entertainment.
Quick Fact: Denver’s elevation of approximately 5,280 feet (the “Mile High City”) means cooler summer temperatures and lower humidity than many other major U.S. cities, ideal conditions for camping.
Ready to discover the best base camp for your Denver adventure? Let’s take a closer look at Applewood RV Resort.
If you want to be close to everything Denver has to offer while still enjoying a peaceful, nature-filled campground experience, Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, is conveniently located just off I-70, providing easy access to downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. The surrounding area features scenic parks, hiking and biking trails, and local attractions perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests frequently mention the helpfulness and friendliness of the park staff, who go out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay.
Applewood RV Resort is one of the few year-round RV parks near Denver that combines full hookups, big rig accessibility, and direct trail connections to Clear Creek and nearby lakes. That combination of convenience and nature access is hard to beat anywhere along the Front Range.
Applewood isn’t just a parking spot for your rig — it’s a genuine campground experience with thoughtful amenities:
“Applewood RV Resort offers private, key-assigned shower and bathroom facilities — a level of privacy and cleanliness that sets it apart from most campgrounds near Denver.”
With your base camp set, it’s time to plan when to visit for the best camping experience.
While summer is Colorado’s most popular camping season, experienced RVers know that the best times for camping near Denver are the shoulder seasons — April through June and September through October. During these months, you’ll enjoy mild hiking weather, thinner crowds, and more availability at popular campgrounds.
Quotable: “Denver averages 300 days of sunshine per year, making camping near Denver a viable option in every season — not just summer.”
Now that you know the best times to visit, let’s explore the different types of camping experiences available near Denver.
If you’re craving a true wilderness escape, dispersed camping near Denver offers an unbeatable way to immerse yourself in Colorado’s natural surroundings. Unlike traditional campgrounds or RV parks, dispersed camping means setting up your tent or RV in designated areas of national forest or wilderness—often with no neighbors in sight and direct access to some of the region’s best hiking and biking trails.
Just a short drive from the city, the foothills and mountains west of Denver open up a world of camping options. The Rocky Mountains are dotted with national forests and wilderness areas, each offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent beside a quiet creek or park your rig along a dirt road with mountain views, there’s a dispersed camping site waiting for you.
Ready to see what activities and attractions are nearby? Let’s look at the top things to do near Applewood RV Resort.
For those seeking a more secluded and adventurous experience, backcountry camping is available in nearby state parks and national forests, offering authentic Colorado outdoor accommodations beyond standard campgrounds.
Quotable: “Applewood RV Resort connects directly to the Clear Creek Trail system, giving campers immediate access to miles of hiking and biking paths without ever starting their vehicle.” For a different style of destination, Coconut Cove RV Resort in Wisconsin offers scenic waterfront camping with abundant amenities.
With so many options, you might be wondering what other campgrounds are available near Denver. Let’s explore more camping choices in the area.
While Applewood is our top pick, the Denver area has no shortage of camping opportunities. You’ll find a variety of options including tent sites, camping sites, cabins, and RV parks at various locations. Top family-friendly camping spots near Denver include Chatfield State Park, Cherry Creek State Park, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which offer modern amenities, lake access, and diverse terrain.
Below is a brief overview of the most popular campgrounds near Denver, each with unique features to suit different camping styles:
For RVers who value full hookups, managed amenities, and proximity to Denver, however, a dedicated RV resort like Applewood offers a level of comfort and convenience that dispersed camping simply can’t match.
Now that you’ve seen the range of camping options near Denver, let’s go over some practical tips to help you plan your 2026 adventure.
Planning a trip to Applewood RV Resort or another campground near Denver? Keep these tips in mind:
Applewood RV Resort is easily accessible from I-70 via W 44th Ave and Tabor Street. The park’s central location in Wheat Ridge means you’re connected to Denver’s highway network without dealing with downtown traffic congestion.
Quotable: “Applewood RV Resort sits just off I-70 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, providing quick access to both downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountain foothills.”
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to make the most of your camping experience near Denver. Next, let’s answer some common questions about camping in the area.
Yes. Applewood RV Resort operates year-round at an elevation of 5,300 feet, making it one of the few full-service RV parks near Denver available in every season. Winter campers benefit from full hookups and Denver’s abundant sunshine, though temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
Applewood RV Resort in Wheat Ridge is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Denver by car or public transit. The park’s location off I-70 provides direct highway access to the city center, Red Rocks, Golden, and the mountain corridor.
Absolutely. Applewood is a pet-friendly campground with direct access to the Clear Creek Trail and a large green belt with walking and biking paths. Reviewers frequently praise the unlimited dog-walking trails adjacent to the park.
Applewood RV Resort is big rig friendly, with 70 pull-through gravel sites that support motorhomes, travel trailers, and 5th wheels. Full hookups include water, 30/50 amp electric, and sewer connections at every site.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months (June–August) and holiday weekends. Colorado’s camping popularity has surged in recent years, and spots at well-reviewed parks like Applewood fill quickly. Contact the resort directly or book through RJourney’s website to secure your dates.
With your questions answered, you’re ready to start planning your Denver camping adventure.
Camping near Denver is one of the easiest ways to pair Rocky Mountain scenery with the convenience of a major city, and 2026 is an ideal year to plan ahead and secure the right campground. With quick access to Clear Creek trails, nearby lakes, and day trips to destinations like Golden, Red Rocks, and Rocky Mountain National Park, your itinerary can be as relaxed or as adventure-packed as you want. For travelers who want full hookups, year-round availability, and a location that keeps driving to a minimum, Applewood RV Resort stands out as a dependable home base. Check dates early, choose your season, and book your site so you can focus on exploring Colorado instead of searching for availability.
Applewood RV Resort** puts you minutes from Denver’s best attractions while keeping you connected to the trails, lakes, and open spaces that make Colorado camping unforgettable.** Ready to book your 2026 trip? Visit the Applewood RV Resort page to check availability and reserve your site today.
Exploring more of the West? Check out RJourney’s other Colorado properties like Cortez RV Resort near Mesa Verde, Dolores River RV Resort for riverside camping, or Tunatua RV Resort for a mountain retreat. For travelers heading to Utah’s national parks, Bryce Canyon RV Resort and Cedar City RV Resort make excellent next stops on your Western road trip.
