Jack Fletcher| Campground | Miles from Denver | Managed by | Sites | Fee per night | Booking | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Creek State Park | 10.3 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife | - | - | Park website | - |
| Chatfield State Park | 15.4 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife | - | - | Park website | - |
Sources: Recreation.gov, National Park Service, state and county park pages. "-" means the operator does not publish it.
Denver State Park Choices
Start with the two developed state parks if you want camping near Denver with clear services. You can choose Chatfield for hookups and water time, or Cherry Creek for reservoir and trail time near Aurora.
Chatfield spreads 197 campsites across four campgrounds, so you have a large developed base. Every site gives your rig electrical hookups, and many add water, sewer, and electric service. You can pair your stay with lake boating, water skiing, or time along the South Platte River valley.
Cherry Creek gives your trip a large recreation setting without a long drive from the metro area. The park covers 4,200 acres around an 880 surface acre reservoir. You can use 35 miles of multiuse trails, including 15 miles of paved trails, when your camp day needs easy movement.
Denver Vehicle Costs
Build your vehicle budget before you pick a site. Chatfield sells an annual vehicle pass for $80 for 12 months, and your family annual pass costs $120 for 12 months.
At Cherry Creek, your daily vehicle pass depends on whether your vehicle carries a Colorado plate. All vehicles entering the park must pay the $1/day Cherry Creek Water Basin Daily Fee and the $3/year Cherry Creek Water Basin Annual Fee.
Use 9700 S Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton 80128 for one Chatfield GPS entry. Your route can go wrong if you enter the park name alone. If you tow, check your reservation details before you commit your rig.
Denver Nights and Afternoons
Pack for a high plains swing at Denver's 5,276 ft elevation. July has an average high of 91°F and an average low of 62°F, so your shelter needs airflow after hot afternoons.
Winter nights ask more from your sleep system. January has an average high of 48°F and an average low of 21°F, so you should protect water, batteries, and sleep insulation.
Shoulder months can feel easier if you dislike peak summer heat. May has an average high of 73°F and an average low of 46°F. September has an average high of 82°F and an average low of 51°F.
Denver Booking Timing
Reserve early if your group wants Chatfield. Chatfield lists 10 group camping sites for reservations in addition to its regular campsites, so your larger trip needs more planning.
Chatfield opens daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can use its campground office Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan around Monday and Tuesday closures before you arrive.
Cherry Creek gives you set office hours late in the year. In October, you can use daily hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In November and December, you can use daily hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
BLM Developed Backups
Treat BLM developed campgrounds as backups that need local rule checks before you drive. Your developed BLM campground may include potable water or electrical hookups, but each site sets its own practical comfort level.
Many areas limit your stay to about 14 days within a 28 day period. Pay the required fee within 30 minutes of occupying your site.
Keep your camp plan active after arrival. Do not leave your personal property unattended for more than 72 hours at developed campgrounds.
Average daily high and low, °F, NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Denver Water Dept station.
Packing for Denver
An insulated sleeping padYour sleeping pad adds insulation for April average low temperatures of 36°F.
A camping fanYour camping fan helps during August average high temperatures of 90°F.
A tent heaterYour tent heater needs safe setup during February average low temperatures of 22°F.What Campers Ask About Denver
Where can you camp near Denver?
You can camp at Chatfield State Park in Littleton or Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora. Your choice depends on whether you want Chatfield hookups and water activities or Cherry Creek reservoir and trail access.
Can you RV camp outside Denver?
Yes, you can plan an RV stay at Chatfield State Park. Every campsite has electrical hookups, and many sites add full hookups with water, sewer, and electric service.
What weather should you expect near Denver?
You should expect warm summer afternoons and cold winter nights. July has an average high of 91°F, while January has an average low of 21°F.
Do you need vehicle fees at Denver area state parks?
Yes, you should budget for vehicle entry in addition to your camping plan. Chatfield sells annual vehicle passes, and Cherry Creek adds a water basin fee for vehicles entering the park.
How do BLM campground stays work near Denver?
You should confirm the specific BLM campground rules before you drive. Many areas limit camping to about 14 days within a 28 day period, and you must pay the required fee within 30 minutes of occupying a site.
Nearby Colorado Guides
Sources
- cpw.state.co.us: chatfield state park: official page
- cpw.state.co.us: cherry creek state park: official page
- NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020: monthly temperatures
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service: elevation
- OpenStreetMap: roads and rivers