Golden Gate Canyon State Park - best camping near Boulder and Denver, Colorado
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a popular camping destination located near Boulder and Denver, Colorado. The park is known for its scenic beauty, with dense forests, rocky peaks, and wildflowers. It is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The park offers several campgrounds with over 100 sites, some with electrical hookups, and plenty of amenities including bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. You can also find group sites and yurts that are available for rent. Additionally, the park is well-connected to the major cities of Boulder and Denver, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is an ideal destination for those looking for a secluded and peaceful camping experience, while still being close to the city.
We've been camping at Golden Gate Canyon State Park in the Reverends Ridge Campground for at least 15 years. It is one of our favorite campgrounds in the foothills near Denver. We've stayed in tent sites, yurts, and cabins, but lately just the RV sites (E loop is our favorite). The yurts and cabins are very clean and are great to stay in, especially the yurt if you’re looking for something fun and different.
The RV sites are well spaced with a good amount of room and an abundance of trees so watch for your slides, awnings, and corners. Each site has a fire ring and table. Keep in mind they are not all level, so we make sure to have extra leveling blocks on hand just in case (especially C&D loops). Most sites are back-in and a few are pull-through, just check the map when booking. The bathhouses are clean and usually well-maintained. Laundry, dishwashing, vending machines, and ice are all available for all the loops as well. All RV sites are electrical - dump and fresh water are available except during winter.
You do need reservations for all sites - it is no longer a drive-up campground and this goes for all Colorado State Park campgrounds, in fact. If you would like to visit during peak season, I recommend booking 6 months early as the reservation windows open up. This campground books up FAST. You can make all your reservations on Reserve America or CPWshop.com.
Please be aware, if you do not have an annual Colorado State Park pass you will need to pay a $9 daily entrance fee for every vehicle you have (ex. a class C towing a Jeep - that's two daily pass fees on top of your daily camping fee), but this allows you to explore the state park during your stay.
Our best tips for Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Reverends Ridge Campground
The campground is about halfway between Nederland and Black Hawk (gambling town) if you need anything specific, otherwise, the gas station (just past the library) has some last-minute essentials
For the weather forecast check Rollinsville, CO
The office has a few souvenir items like hats, shirts, stickers, and books
Peak season does book up 6 months in advance - book early if you can
Hot summer days are a great time to stay because it's much cooler. Fall is also wonderful to see the leaves.
Don't trust your GPS to get you here if you're bringing an RV - you need to take Highway 119 to Gap Rd.
Pre-purchase your state park pass so you don't have to stop for check-in at the campground office
Don't attach anything to the trees (like hammocks), you will be asked to remove it
Also, watch the height of your fire, the rangers will ask you to keep it low
What is there to do near Golden Gate Canyon State Park?
There are several great hikes in the state park and a few great hikes that begin just behind the campground office (for kids - stay to the left and wind your way around the hill, once you get to the tent sites head up the hill and you'll discover a historic cabin and nice views). Our favorite hikes are Raccoon Trail to Panorama Point and just down the road Buffalo Trail to Forgotten Canyon. Both can be done with kids, but they are hilly.
Fishing is also popular in Golden Gate Canyon. Bring your poles and ask the Rangers for the most up-to-date information and the best spots to go.
The campground is close distance to Golden, Boulder, and Denver. If you’re a beer fan I highly suggest brewery tours at Coors or any of our local craft brewers. Downtown Golden is a great spot for dining and shopping. And nothing beats a trip into Boulder - if you’re looking for the best views, head to Chautauqua. Or head further west into the mountains to experience more of the Rockies.
If connectivity is important to you - please read!
You can get two bars of Verizon calling service if you sit in the amphitheater and turn your phone on airplane mode then take it off - otherwise, you're out of luck
Our AT&T data pack does work well in camp if you have one for WiFi
There is free WiFi at the public library down the street if you sit in the parking lot (off Hwy 119)
