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Camp Near Boulder Without Roughin’ It (Too Much)
From alpine vibes to riverside tents and national forest escapes, here’s how to camp it up Boulder-style.
What's Happenin' Team
May 07, 2025
🏕️ Where to Camp Near Boulder: The Ultimate Local Guide
Hey Boulder! 🌞
Sure, there’s no camping allowed in Boulder proper — but don’t pack it in just yet. Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll find tent pads tucked in pine forests, riverside retreats, and mountain campgrounds that feel like another planet (in the best way). Whether you’re glamping with beer taps or going full dirtbag with dispersed camping, here’s how to escape the city without leaving it too far behind.
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
🧠 Trivia Time: Where Can You Camp, Splash, and Tube All in One Place Near Boulder?
This nearby park is bordered by sandstone cliffs and the North St. Vrain Creek, and it’s home to camping, kayaking, a splash pad, and even a winter ice rink. What is it? |
👉 Scroll to the bottom for the answer and a splash of fun fact!
🏕️ Where to Camp Near Boulder: Quick & Dirty Guide
Boulder doesn’t allow public camping within city limits — but lucky for us, the great outdoors starts just a few miles away. From riverside state parks to deep forest escapes, here’s your fast-track to sleeping under the stars.
🌲 Closest to Town: A-Lodge Boulder
📍 Four Mile Canyon (4 miles from downtown)
Tent and car sites with perks: free breakfast, hostel kitchen, and beers on tap in the lodge.
🛻 Classic Campgrounds (Book Ahead)Find your forest basecamp in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests 👉 Reserve at recreation.gov | 🚙 Want to Go Full Wild?
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🏞️ Nearby State Park Gems
🛶 St. Vrain: Pondside chill & easy kayaking
🏕 Golden Gate Canyon: Piney trails & reservable sites
🌊 LaVern M. Johnson Park (Lyons): Riverside tents, RVs & whitewater tubing
🚐 Boulder County Fairgrounds (Longmont): RV-only, city-close
🔥 Reminder
Check local fire bans, follow Leave No Trace, and always put your fire completely out. (Yes, stir and check with your hand.)
Need a pro? Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides offers guided camping trips — gear included.
🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭
Looking for something fun to do? Whether it’s live music, trivia, or a laid-back DJ set, here’s what’s happening in Boulder!
📅Wednesday, May 7🎶 Bluegrass Pick📍 Beyond the Mountain Brewing | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🧠 Brain Food Trivia📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎤 Open Mic Night📍 VisionQuest Brewery | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎯 Trivia @ Roadhouse Boulder Depot📍 Roadhouse Boulder Depot | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🤓 Trivia Night @ Full Cycle Cafe & Bar📍 Full Cycle & Colorado Multisport | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎤 TEMPO Showcase, presented by SLM Construction📍 Roots Music Project | ⏰ 6:30 PM Local musicians bring the house down at Boulder’s indie music hub. 🎤 The Dirty Turkeys with Bluehouse, Grove📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM 🎧 Velvet Vinyl Presents: Stevie’s Picks | Shaking it Up!📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ⏰ 5:00 PM | 📅Thursday, May 8🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia📍 Wild Provisions Beer Project | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Thursday) 🎙️ Last Thursday’s Open Mic @ Sanitas Brewing📍 Sanitas Brewing Co. | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring monthly, last Thursday) 🌙 Luna Lounge @ Centro Mexican Kitchen📍 Centro Mexican Kitchen | ⏰ 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Thursday) 🌲 Spring Forest Bathing - Flagstaff Mountain📍 Flagstaff Nature Center | ⏰ 9:30 AM 🎶 WonkyWilla📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM |
🐿️ Heading Out?
Don’t forget the s’mores and the sunscreen. Whether you’re hammock camping near Caribou or glamping it up at A-Lodge, Boulder’s backyard is waiting for you — just minutes away from the burritos and bookstores of downtown. — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝 ✅ Trivia Answer LaVern M. Johnson Park in Lyons is the answer! Just 30 minutes north of Boulder, this all-seasons favorite offers camping, playgrounds, picnic spots, and one of the best whitewater parks in the region. Fun Fact: The Whitewater Park here has 8 features stretched over a quarter-mile, making it perfect for kayakers, tubers, and adventurous floaters alike. |
Thinking about your next Boulder adventure? Check out our guides to Boulder’s craft breweries, Pearl Street eats, neighborhood highlights, and more Boulder travel inspo.
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