Where Boulderites Go on Their Best Dates (Romantic or Not)

Hey Boulder! 🌞

Locals say these campsites near Boulder are perfect for a one-night test run — whether you’re prepping for a big road trip or just need a breath of fresh air. From piney campgrounds with picnic tables to off-grid, no-frills forest spots, there’s something for every kind of camper (yes, even the “I forgot the bug spray” kind).

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

🏕️ Where to Camp Near Boulder (for a One-Night Test Run)

Trying out a new tent? Gearing up for a big road trip? Boulder locals say these nearby camping spots are perfect for a low-stakes, one-night practice run. Just enough fresh air and starlight — without the long haul.

Here’s your local-approved weekend camping cheat sheet:

🌲 Full-Service Favorites

Kelly Dahl Campground – About 30 minutes west of Boulder near Nederland. Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and a peaceful pine forest backdrop. Easy, breezy, and reservable on Recreation.gov.

Camp Dick + Peaceful Valley – Near Allenspark, these twin campgrounds offer great access to hiking trails, and they live up to their names. Also reservable, but fill up fast!

Olive Ridge + Meeker Park – Close to Rocky Mountain National Park’s quieter side. Rustic and scenic, with fewer crowds.

St. Vrain State Park – Just 30 minutes northeast with eight different campgrounds along small lakes. Bonus: legit bathrooms and close-to-town convenience.

🛻 Dispersed Camping for the Adventurous

Want to really get away? These first-come, first-served “designated dispersed” areas near Boulder let you camp for free — but they’re primitive (read: no services, bring your own everything).

• West Magnolia

• Gordon Gulch

• Caribou Flats

• Winiger Ridge

Tip: You’ll want a high-clearance vehicle for some of these roads. Check Boulder Ranger District for fire rules and maps before you go.

🧭 Bonus Spots with a Twist

• A-Lodge Boulder – Just four miles from downtown, with private campsites plus access to the hotel’s hostel kitchen, lobby beers, and breakfast.

• Golden Gate Canyon State Park – About an hour away, but so worth it for the alpine views and organized campgrounds.

• LaVern M. Johnson Park – In Lyons, right along the river with tent and RV sites. Family-friendly and walkable to coffee the next morning.

⛺ Need a Guided Option? Try Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides — they’ll set everything up and show you the ropes.

Got a favorite local camping hack or last-minute spot to recommend? Hit reply and tell us — we’ll feature more outdoor picks in a future issue!

🏔️ Boulder Poll

Guess and we’ll reveal the answer at the bottom of this issue! ⛰️✨

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭

🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook

Today (Wed, Apr 16) – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 76°F / Low: 49°F | 💨 W 10 mph | 💧 2% chance of rain | Warm, breezy, and beautiful — perfect for outdoor dining or evening strolls.

Thursday, Apr 17 – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 67°F / Low: 29°F | 💨 SW 16 mph | 💧 24% chance of precipitation | Temps dip a bit, and wind picks up — layer up if you’re heading out after dark.

Friday, Apr 18 – ❄️ Snow | High: 34°F / Low: 27°F |💨 NE 8 mph | 💧 74% chance of snow | Spring snow incoming! Expect a wintry mix and bundle up — it’s going to feel more like February.

Saturday, Apr 19 – 🌨️ AM Snow Showers | High: 49°F / Low: 31°F |💨 ESE 6 mph | 💧 48% chance of snow | Morning flurries with a mild rebound by afternoon. Might be a good day for indoor plans.

🏕️ Time to Take the (Camping) Leap

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