Forest camping near Sugarloaf
Home to several popular hiking and biking trails in the foothills of Boulder.
95% (5401 reviews)
- Sugarloaf
95% (5401 reviews)
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12 top forest campgrounds near Sugarloaf
90%
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Arapaho Valley Ranch
68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO
Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley.
Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.
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$65
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95%
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Creekside Paradise
6 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO
Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.
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$32.40
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98%
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Rustic Creek Ranch
34 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Bailey, CO
The 160 acre ranch was homesteaded by my grandfather over 100 years ago. He was an engineer.
The plan was to use this property as summer grazing for his cattle. The cattle were wintered at the other ranch about 10 miles away, which was homesteaded by my great grandfather.
Because my grandfather could survey, he made sure the property lines zigzaged up the valley so the small creek was in the middle to provide water for the animals. He chose well. It is a beautiful, quiet place with elk, deer and wild turkeys. There are tons of wild flowers in the summer.
Columbines, the Colorado state flower, wild roses, paintbrushes and lots of wild chokecherries. With nice views of nearby mountains, open pastures, evergreen forests and aspen groves, it looks like it did 100 years ago. Plus, there are a couple of ponds for your dogs to cool off in. Since the first cattle, the ranch has also been home to goats, chickens, horses, and now more goats, alpacas and llamas. And of course the Great Pyrenees ranch dogs.
I had a house built a few years ago and live on the property full time. The ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest with the Colorado Trail connecting the property in a number of places. Some of the highest ranked mountain bike trails are nearby. There are lots of places on and off the property to hike, mountain bike and ride your horse. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars and hear coyotes howl. For a drone video of the ranch check out: YouTube's Midsummer 2020 Flyover.
Elevation 8,000 feet, Average Summer Temperatures: Days 60-80 f, Nights 45-60 f, Sunshine Average 73-80%, Colorado Trail Segment 3, USGS Maps: Windy Peak; Green Mountain quadrangles. This is the official info. Basically, the weather is usually similar to the Denver area - just 10 degrees cooler.
About 8 miles away is the small town of Bailey. It has just about everything you might need: small grocery store, coffee shops, gas, laundry, a dollar store, hardware store, camping and sports equipment, brew pub, winery, a few restaurants, potable water station and more.
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$27
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Clear Creek Getaway
22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Dumont, CO
Welcome to Clear Creek Getaway
please contact for details on A-frames
Please note these Mountains are home to a lot of people therefore I do not allow any open burning wood burning no one wants start a forest fire even though the county will say it’s OK for open burn. Please respect The neighbors they request that we do not have open flame. I’m sure you can understand.
Bedding:
you will need to bring your own
For the glam dome:
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Roads :
This is a mountain getaway so the roads are dirt.
If you have Awd and keep your speed up you will make it fine. The road is a loop the backside can have rocks so please drive up in high clearance vehicles no need for crazy lifted just SUV-Trucks type
We are available all year round.
No power in units.
All A-Frames come with a grill and propane (see photos), and there is also a solar motion light on the deck..
Located 10 minutes by car from historic gold town Idaho Springs.
River rafting when in season. We also have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing.
Awesome hikes nearby (Gray's Peak). We are also close to st Mary’s Glacier, gold mine tours, great small-town restaurants (Marion’s pizza, Beau Joe’s)
Hot springs within miles.
We have portable toilets located close to the units
Great views and there is an old mining cabin at the top if you find it please post your pictures!
Georgetown lake 5 miles west I 70
Paddle boarding , train ride through the hills
Grays Peak Fourteener 7 miles west I 70
St. Mary’s glacier 2 miles east I70
Hot Springs 2 miles east I70
All mining roads can be used for off-road purposes at your own risk. Be careful, very steep and rocky.
( Please note ) after tremendous amounts of work on the road, it seems 2wd cars cannot make it and this place is not suitable for those campers. Please do not block the road going up or the residence in the mobile home park on the front of the road.
When coming from east exit 234 Dumont go left over I 70 to Stanley and then left behind the mobile home. Come from the west 235 go left under I70 at Starbucks turn right go 1/2 mile first right go back over I 70 to Stanley and harvest moon trail go left up behind mobile homes NOTE THIS IS LOOP DONT TAKE STEEP ROAD (GO TO THE LEFT).
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$20
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Little Scraggy Camp
21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Pine, CO
Little Scraggy Camp is located on 95 acres of an historic 160-acre ranch that was homesteaded by our family in the 1890’s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This totally off-grid ranch is surrounded by Pike National Forest, yet has easy access from a paved road. We offer several accommodations and glamping sites, as well as sites for moderate sized RVs, travel trailers, truck campers, vans, tents, and hammocks. Additionally, we have sites for small groups (up to 14 people) and large groups (35-200 people).
NEW FOR 2024: All campers can take advantage of our Hipcamper golf discounts at Little Scraggy Disc Golf Course. Across the road from Camp is our newly constructed 18 hole course with PDGA regulation baskets, a pro shop with LSDG discs available for purchase and loaner discs available for those wanting to try out disc golf.
Potable drinking water is available from onsite 270-gallon water tanks. Portable toilets are only a short walk away from sites.
Friendly dogs are welcome to enjoy YOUR campsite off leash, but please clean up after your dog. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, it must be leashed.
The camp has a 4 basket disc golf putting course with loaner discs provided. We also have a cornhole toss game at both the glamping/rv camp area and tent/rv area.
We are an ideal basecamp for the casual or dedicated trail enthusiast. The ranch itself has several trails and easy trail loops to explore within and just outside of the ranch’s fence lines, with direct access to the 9.5-mile Little Scraggy Trail and Segment #3 of the Colorado Trail. Just 3.5 miles away is the Little Scraggy Trailhead, where you will find easy access for biking, hiking, or horseback riding on the many other trails of the Buffalo Creek area. Additionally, we have an extensive network of hiking and horse trails that avoid conflicts with mountain bikers.
You might prefer rock climbing Little Scraggy or fishing the gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam and the waters near Deckers. For a day trip, Wellington Lake is only 30 minutes away for no-wake water sports. Many people enjoy kayaking on the North Fork of the South Platte downstream from nearby Buffalo Creek.
This is a working ranch where we raise and train horses and ponies. Our particular interest is in carriage driving, and we offer driving experiences upon request.
Our site called Mountain Horse Camp, provides 3 individual porta-panel horse corrals.
There is limited cell service.
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$22.50
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Prospector’s Rush
10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Prospector’s Rush campground located on a 5-acre old mining claim near Idaho Springs, Colorado. This unique rustic campground offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while experiencing the rich history of the area. 4WD or AWD is necessary to access our property!!! Accessing the campsite is an off-road adventure. Please only book if you are comfortable with off-road driving.
As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the untouched beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the sound of a nearby stream. The campground is surrounded by towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Prospector’s Rush campground offers tent sites and RV sites, each with plenty of space for campers to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. While we do not have running water on site, we do have a pit toilet. This is a true camping experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature.
As you explore the area, you'll discover remnants of the old mining operation, including abandoned mineshafts. You can also hike the nearby trails, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky.
At Prospector’s Rush campground, we pride ourselves on offering a true wilderness experience, with limited amenities to ensure that you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Come visit Prospector’s Rush campground and discover a piece of Colorado's rich history while immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of pure nature.
4WD / AWD is mandatory!!
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$29
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Uncle Charlie’s Ranch
14 sites · Tents5 acres · Black Hawk, CO
Uncle Charlie’s Ranch is an escape from the big city, we are only 45 minutes from Denver. Our property hosts the experience of Colorado’s nature and so much more; we offer therapeutic spring water soaks, warmed via our wood burning stove, fresh mountain spring drinking water and easy access to local trails and fun. Our lake is paddle board friendly, and while we do not offer fishing on the property, there are several locations nearby to fish. Message us for more information regarding camp sites and things to do!
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$48
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Camp Always Choose Adventures
13 sites · Tents5 acres · Central City, CO
Welcome to Camp Always Choose Adventures, the nation's first off-grid outdoor educational campground. Situated at an elevation of 9,300 feet in Central City, Colorado, we're just a 15-minute drive from Idaho Springs. Our unique campground offers a Tipi and dispersed camping sites amidst the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, where you can often spot elk, moose, deer, and bears in their natural habitat.
Our driveway is the gateway to Yankee Hill, the largest Off-Road Highway Vehicle area in the Front Range of Colorado, with numerous hiking trails nearby. For your convenience, we offer rental options for outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and almost anything else you might need. You can arrive empty-handed and still enjoy a full camping experience in the Rockies.
We offer a one-stop-shop for all of your Colorado bucket-lists! Camping in The Rocky Mountains WITH premier outdoor gear provided, 4x4 adventures, and everything in-between!
At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are excited to partner with Native Jeeps and Colorado Adventure Guides to enhance your Rocky Mountain experience.
Native Jeeps will meet you at our campground and hand you the keys to your unforgettable 4x4 adventure. As the only permitted You-Drive Jeep tour company operating in Clear Creek and Eagle County, Native Jeeps offers unique expedition tours on breathtaking trails that no one else can show you.
Colorado Adventure Guides is our trusted backcountry outfitter and avalanche education provider, offering activities for all ages and experience levels throughout all four seasons. In the summer, enjoy adventures like white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and mountaineering. In the winter, they offer backcountry education, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, snowshoe tours, winter peak ascents, and hut trips. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime with our expert partners!
To book an adventure with Native Jeeps or Colorado Adventure Guides and receive a discount become an ACA paid member today: alwayschooseadventures.org/join
Already a paid member? Contact us to book your discounted adventure now! 720-331-2499.
Leave No Trace: As a proud partner of the Leave No Trace. We promote the practice of Leave No Trace and emphasize responsible outdoor ethics, encouraging all our visitors to minimize their impact on the environment. By fostering a deep respect for nature, we aim to protect and preserve our beautiful surroundings for future generations while promoting outdoor accessibility for youth and individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility: At Camp Always Choose Adventures, we are thrilled to offer Extreme Motus wheelchairs to our guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. These all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, providing unparalleled mobility and freedom. Whether you're exploring our scenic trails, joining an off-road adventure, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our campground, the Extreme Motus wheelchairs empower individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all our outdoor activities. We are committed to making outdoor adventures accessible to all, breaking barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone.
Wildlife: We typically have moose, elk, deer and sometimes even bears in our valley. If you wake up between 5:30AM - 6:30AM, you'll most likely see animals in the valley, or willow grove. Be aware there are four friendly resident camp dogs ready to greet you upon arrival. This campground is very dog-friendly, but if you have any concerns about dogs, please let us know, and we can ensure they are kept away from the campground during your stay. We will make every effort to accommodate you.
Outdoor Amenities: Guests have access to outdoor amenities such as a communal fire pit for evening gatherings, picnic tables, and clean, port a pot restroom facilities.
Educational Opportunities: As part of your stay, you can participate in outdoor educational clinics offered by Camp ACA, learning about Leave No Trace principles, various outdoor recreational gear, local wildlife, the history of Idaho Springs and Central City and the importance of environmental stewardship.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to break barriers in the outdoors for youth and individuals with disabilities.
Funds raised from our campground directly benefit underserved youth and those with disabilities, supporting our goal to make the great outdoors accessible to all. We thank you for your donation.
For more information about us please visit: AlwaysChooseAdventures.org
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$30
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Neverland/Camp Wilder
5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO
Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude.
The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect.
A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them.
The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy.
Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland.
The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin.
The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware.
Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful.
No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there.
Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes.
We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles
When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.
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$49.50
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Resort Valley Ranch
8 sites · RVs, Tents3600 acres · Conifer, CO
Historic Ranch
Resort Valley Ranch was homesteaded mainly by the Corbin family starting.in 1884
They had moved their cattle here from nearby Pleasent Park during a particularly hard winter, as a "last resort", leading to the creeks being named Last Resort and West Resort.
Hard times in the 1930's and drought conditions, convinced the Corbin's to sell out and move to lusher climes.
Tom’s father, Dr. O.J. Butterfield was another doctor that invested his spare money in cattle ranching.
Purchased mainly before. 1945, Tom's older brother Rupert tried to make a living raising trout on the Resort Creek property in the late '40's.
Otherwise, the place was occupied by various old-timers who caretook the place until 1955, when Barbara and Tom moved here to oversee the cattle business.
The second slope of the driveway frequently had to be dug out by hand for access.
The years of drought had left the place overgrazed and barren.
Times were hard, and the horses needed to work the cattle ate plenty.
The opportunity arose to lease them out in nearby Foxton--Foxton Stables was born.
An old livery and other outbuildings provided the facilities needed.
Mutual benefit was derived from the business as customers to the general store also would take advantage of the riding horses just across the bridge.
Workers and helpers came from off-duty air force boys, as well as volunteer children from the local summer cabins.
Guided rides were offered, as well as moonlight rides when appropriate and by appointment.
There were also "Chuck Wagon" cookouts which included a horse-drawn hay ride to and from.
Tom and Barbara also put on a Trail Horse Trials which was an annual competition over obstacles, judged, set up to simulate obstacles a horse might encounter while out riding.
This became more widely attended the second year, coming to the notice of horse breeders like Mary Woolverton, who competed in it for the first time in 1963.
(That's when Nan first fell in love with Prince of Pride, a golden palomino Morgan stallion who always looked like the perfect horse showing how to do it perfectly.)
1963 is the last year this event, and the stable business, was held in Foxton.
From then on, the stable was run from the barn at the ranch, and the Trail Horse Trials was not put on again until 1966, when it was sponsored by the 4-H Trail Dusters and put on in conjunction with the first annual Top of the World Competitive Trail ride which was head-quartered on the west end of the property.
As the stable became busier, more horses were purchased or leased to meet the need.
Many of these horse were grade individuals from known breeds.
The better mares did double duty by raising foals each year, that would be sold or auctioned off.
Some of the mares were bred to our Shetland pony stallion, Tarzan, he was called a chocolate-dapple.
Several years we had Appaloosa offspring from a friend's stallion.
For a short time, a Moroccan Paint stallion was used, but he tended to throw the lethal white gene, as well as breaking Tom Butterfield's knee with his bad behavior.
He soon found his way back to auction!
A couple of the leased mares were Morgans.
They proved to be easy to work with as well as hardy individuals that kept well, and the foals proved easier to halter break than the other horses.
They made a good enough impression that a young gelding was purchased, and one nice mare was bred to the Morgan stallion Julio--descended from Juzan.
The resulting colt, Julian, was kept as stallion until age eight, before being gelded and living out his years as a family favorite.
Julian did a lovely running walk.
Unfortunately, none of his offspring were kept, including the two from the half Shetland mares kept for the family.
It may seem that the cattle operation got dropped by the wayside.
In actuality, that's not far from the truth.
The fact that the registered Herefords purchased by Tom and Barbara, turned out to carry dwarf genes, which soon became apparent each calving season.
This rather limited the value and productivity of the herd.
Financial concerns brought on by Dr. Butterfield's death in 1967, subsequently led to the dispersal of the cattle herd.
It was fortunate that the Stable had become established enough to become one of the mainstays of the family fortunes.
Diversification was always a necessity.
Horses were leased to the Forest Service when they needed them.
The entire string would be utilized for company picnics, with the horses being brought to the site.
Churches were sent flyers promoting group rides and hayrides.
Boy Scout troops were welcomed to camp, ride and work on both Horsemanship and Conservation Merit Badges--which benefited in valuable erosion control work.
Many times, ranch hands were obtained from these sources, both for fencing and Christmas tree cutting.
There were many winters that the place carried over a hundred head of horses, as several camps in the area would winter their horses here.
Dad would haul them back and forth, pull their shoes, etc.
Our pinto line originated with Barbara's mare Calico, a pinto mare of unknown breeding, though Tennessee Walker was suspected due to her gaits.
Having been diagnosed with Navicular disease, she was bred to the Shetland, Tarzan, a chocolate-dapple--producing the mare Feather (Nan's pony).
This line has been bred only to Morgans since '66, when Feather was bred to General James, producing the mare Calico Doll, granddam to our stallion RV Eagle Feather.
Doll was only 14.2, but she had heart, stamina and intelligence.
Having learned much at the knee of the Shetland, Feather, Nan began training Doll in 1970.
This mare was just four years old when she took the High Point Champion in the '71 Trail Horse Trials, over some tough competition, including Mary Woolverton's Prince of Pride.
She could side-pass, two track, drag a log, pull a cart without blinders, open gates, work livestock and run all day.
She also would gait occasionally, a trait that skipped a generation.
Calico Doll was bred to Prince of Pride five different times, prior to his death in 1973(?).
She would get in foal but never carried to term.
Nan did some riding for Mary in exchange for these breedings, working Victory Vagabond.
Finally the arrangement was settled by getting Calico Doll in foal to her stallion, Great Hills Richmond.
Calico Doll's brown colt from this cross was sold on to the Tumbling River Ranch for cattle work.
In the 1970's, a local breeder came to our attention with her stallion, Topside Midnight, when she competed him in the Top of the World Competitive Trail Ride.
The crossing of Calico Doll with Midnight produced the black 3/4 Morgan stallion, Jaspar, in 1974.
He was used for breeding four or five years, overlapping the transition to pureblooded Morgans in 1977. I always thought it unfortunate that he wasn't pure-blooded as he had wonderful manners, was very solid and typey and a generous sire.
We sold his offspring until 1985 and still have a great-granddaughter.
He was gelded in '81, and sold in '82.
A few of the solid colored part-bloods come down from this line of the family.
One of his daughters has competed as a grade horse in Competitive Trail riding for the past ten years.
Three major land sales were required for operating expenses during the late '60's and early '70's.
The Indian Park Ranch was decreased to 280 acres, Resort Valley Ranch decreased from 5,000 acres to its present 4,000.
The Camp Fire Girls purchased the property adjacent to the driveway, leading to their utilizing horses from our string for their horse program.
As the Camp increased its horse program, the public stables was gradually phased out.
This freed up the Butterfield's lifestyle enough for them to focus on starting raising the pure-blooded Morgans, beginning with their purchase of SH Crescent in 1976.
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Rocky Mountain Glamping
6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO
A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience!
*** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for
Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 ***
September 2024 Uodate:
Fall is around the corner! During this time of year Nature provides spectacular entertainment!
Wildflowers are still blooming in the High Country. We can recommend many rewarding hikes.
Experience the Elk Rut! The world famous, spectacular Elk Rut often starts the second week of September. This is one of the most glorious dances of the animal world. One of the best places in Colorado to experience the Elk Rut is nearby Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Aspens are already starting their transformation to gold and orange. The "experts" forecast is for splendid, vibrant colors this Fall and we are already observing hints of change. Famous aspen color drives are only a few miles from Bliss Camp: Peak to Peak highway and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wildlife is easier to spot while migrating from elevation to lower wintering habitats.
Welcome to Bliss Canyon!
Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind.
The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please.
There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive.
Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon!
Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe.
Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.)
Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details.
Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas.
The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elk Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park.
During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings.
Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we now have internet at all camps.
The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting!
Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise.
Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!
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A-Lodge Boulder
11 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Boulder, CO
A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp.
We have a hot tub [CURRENTLY DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE 05/02-05/15], grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from our property. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion!
Tent sites are just a short walk, about 100 feet, up to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc.
Our guests love us too! "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping near Sugarloaf guide
Overview
Sugarloaf is a tiny community nestled into the foothills above Boulder, Colorado, midway between Boulder and Nederland. It sits at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, a rocky little knoll that’s easy to summit. The views of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park from the top of Sugarloaf are incredible and well worth the half-mile climb. The popular Switzerland Trail also takes off from Sugarloaf and follows an old railroad grade through the mountains. Camping is not allowed in the mountains near Sugarloaf—it’s more of a residential area than a town. You can find several campgrounds 10 miles west in Nederland.
Where to go
Boulder
Boulder is a huge outdoor adventure town situated at the base of the Flatirons, about thirty miles northwest of Denver. Boulder Creek runs through downtown and a trail runs alongside it offering trail running and cycling right in town. There’s also excellent hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking in the nearby foothills. Campers will find the closest camping at the Gross Reservoir, midway between Boulder and Nederland.
Nederland
At an elevation of 8,228 feet in the front range mountains, Nederland is a quaint outdoor adventure town about an hour from Denver. Nederland sits on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, a spectacular scenic route from Estes Park to Interstate 70. Camping is abundant within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest surrounding the town and in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Popular campgrounds include the Kelly Dahl Campground and the dispersed camping area near Gordon Gulch.
Estes Park
Ester Park is just a little over an hour from Sugarloaf via the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the town itself offers its fair share of hiking, biking, and water sports fun. The town has several RV parks with some offering cabin and yurt rentals and plenty of opportunities for tent, RV, and backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
When to go
Given its lower elevation and the fact that the Boulder area boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, Sugarloaf is worth a visit in any season. Summer is definitely the most popular season for hiking, biking, and camping adventures but fall is especially nice when the aspens around town turn a brilliant gold. Colors tend to peak along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway in late September.
Know before you go
- There are no services in Sugarloaf, but you can find everything you need in nearby Boulder.
- Camping near Sugarloaf is incredibly popular given its proximity to Denver. Book campground reservations ahead of time if you can.
- Dispersed camping is typically only allowed in designated sites in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest near Sugarloaf. Make sure camping is allowed before you set up your tent.
- Fire restrictions may be in effect at any time of the year. Check current restrictions before building a campfire.
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