St Vrain State Park

4.03

109 reviews

3785 Weld CR 24 1/2, Firestone, Colorado, 80504, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,826 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

87 campsites

Season

Some loops are close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,826 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

87 campsites

Season

Some loops are close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Colorado Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

St Vrain State Park

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Electric sites are $35/night. An additional $10/day is required for a daily park pass. Some users expressed frustration about these fees, calling...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 109 reviews

1100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noise

"The campground has received mostly positive feedback for its well-maintained facilities, spacious sites, and diverse recreational opportunities. However, proximity to the interstate and associated noise is a common complaint. Reviews also commend the park's accessibility and its abundant bird-watching opportunities."

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Campground Map

3785 Weld CR 24 1/2, Firestone, Colorado, 80504, United States

St Vrain State Park

3785 Weld CR 24 1/2, Firestone, Colorado, 80504, United States

Driving directionsSix Miles east of Longmont. Take Hwy 119 west of I-25; turn north on County Rd. 7.

The park is located adjacent to north I-25, providing easy access for travelers. However, noise pollution from the highway is a concern for some campers. "The proximity to the highway is the only reason I might go 4/5 stars" (Michael Sullivan). "The highway noise isn't a big deal. Ignore the posts saying so" (Scott Cochran). Seasonal closures affect some loops in the winter.

Nearby places

Longmont (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Boulder (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Denver (40 miles, approximately 1 hour), Greeley (35 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Loveland (28 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Fort Collins (38 miles, approximately 55 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Nearby towns of Firestone, Longmont, and Frederick offer groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. "Being so close to town means you're not far from a lot of modern conveniences" (Mark McLarty).

Best Time to Camp at St Vrain State Park

Four distinct seasons paint St Vrain in ever-changing hues. Winter arrives crisp and dry, with crystalline skies and frosty mornings that transform the ponds into mirrors of ice. As spring awakens, Week 23 emerges as a camper's dream—clear skies embrace moderate temperatures perfect for exploration. Summer peaks during Week 26, when warm breezes carry the occasional refreshing shower across the prairie. By Week 33, the heat mellows into golden afternoons with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for lakeside relaxation and evening campfires under star-studded skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Excellent for boating and fishing but high visitation, heat and traffic noise are downsides.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is noted as ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing; calmer and scenic.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring awakens wetlands; strong season for hiking and wildlife per overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 14% in CO

Quiet season with ice fishing and serene birding, though some loops close in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season includes summer months, with higher visitation and full campground occupancy noted.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Some loops are closed in winter.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures for some loops during winter.

About St Vrain State Park

Where the Great Plains meet adventure, St Vrain State Park beckons with 87 thoughtfully designed campsites spread across Colorado's front range. Whether you prefer the convenience of full hookups or the simplicity of electric-only sites, this 604-acre haven delivers an authentic outdoor experience just minutes from urban life. As one park official notes, "This park is ideal for those who want a break in the great outdoors." While the distant hum of highway traffic reminds you civilization isn't far away, the abundant wildlife and serene waters create a surprising sanctuary for anglers, bird enthusiasts, and families seeking respite from city rhythms.

St. Vrain State Park accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and ADA-accessible sites. The park offers both electric-only and full-hookup sites.

Historical SignificanceFrom its humble beginnings as Barbour Ponds—a local fishing spot known only to area residents—this landscape has transformed into one of Colorado's premier state parks. The rechristening as St Vrain State Park marked not just a name change, but a commitment to preserving this unique ecosystem where prairie meets water. Today's carefully managed recreation areas honor both the land's agricultural heritage and its vital role as a wildlife corridor, creating a living testament to thoughtful conservation and public access.

Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint St Vrain in ever-changing hues. Winter arrives crisp and dry, with crystalline skies and frosty mornings that transform the ponds into mirrors of ice. As spring awakens, Week 23 emerges as a camper's dream—clear skies embrace moderate temperatures perfect for exploration. Summer peaks during Week 26, when warm breezes carry the occasional refreshing shower across the prairie. By Week 33, the heat mellows into golden afternoons with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for lakeside relaxation and evening campfires under star-studded skies.

ElevationNestled in Colorado's eastern plains at modest elevation, St Vrain offers a gentle landscape where a mere 10-foot elevation change spans the entire park. This accessibility makes it a welcoming destination for visitors of all abilities, where level trails wind between ponds and meadows, and every campsite enjoys the same sweeping views of the Front Range mountains painting the western horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryEleven shimmering ponds dot the landscape like sapphires set in prairie gold, connected by meandering trails through wetlands alive with birdsong. Visitor Mary Ann Anzek captures it perfectly: "Lots of nature to see and beautiful spot to camp." The riparian corridor nurtures an astonishing diversity of life—watch majestic pelicans glide across mirror-smooth waters, spot great blue herons frozen in hunting stance among the reeds, or catch the breathtaking sight of a bald eagle surveying its domain from a cottonwood perch. Each season brings new visitors to these waters, creating an ever-changing tableau of wildlife drama.

Geological RegionCarved by the patient work of St. Vrain Creek over millennia, this park occupies a unique geographical sweet spot between the bustling I-25 corridor and scenic Highway 119. The creek's riparian ribbon weaves through flatland prairie, creating a lush oasis where cottonwoods shade the water's edge and wetlands filter into a series of human-enhanced ponds. This gentle terrain, with its minimal 10-foot elevation change, represents the subtle beauty of Colorado's eastern plains—a landscape often overlooked but rich with ecological significance and surprising natural diversity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

14 nights per 28-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in loops, including Mallard, Pelican, Sandpiper, Bald Eagle Point, and others.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via www.cpwshop.com or Aspira Call Center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly stated, but user reviews mention the campground being full during peak times and weekends (e.g., 'The campgrounds were full' - Jo Burnish).

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 28 days or more prior to arrival: 25% fee for 1 night retained. Cancellations made 8-27 days prior: 50% fee for 1 night retained. Cancellations less than 7 days prior: 100% fee for 1 night retained. Changes incur varying fees depending on timing. "No exceptions to the refund policy will be given for bugs, bad weather, campfire bans, or water conditions," per official policy.

AccessibilityThe park offers ADA-accessible parking, fishing piers, restrooms, and some campsites. Site 076HD in the Coot Pond Loop is explicitly marked as ADA-compliant.

Site SizeCampground sites are spacious, with maximum RV lengths varying from 40 to 45 feet. Sites are level and include concrete pads.

PrivacyMany sites are spacious and provide reasonable privacy, with some sites offering scenic views of ponds. However, proximity to the interstate and open layout in some areas may limit privacy.

Total Campsites87 campsites

Recommended SitesSites farther from the highway are recommended for reduced noise ('Book something further away from the highway' - Justine Jones).

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

St. Vrain State Park offers diverse activities for nature lovers, including fishing, bird watching, hiking, and non-motorized boating. The park has over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails and provides opportunities for observing a wide array of bird species.

HikingThe park features over 8 miles of connected trails for hiking and biking. Trails are well-maintained and traverse the park's ponds and wetland areas, with no motorized vehicles allowed (except e-bikes). The trails connect to the Weld County trail system, offering extended hiking and biking opportunities.

FishingFishing is a highlight at St. Vrain, with ponds stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Fishing is available year-round, including ice fishing in winter when the ice is at least 4 inches thick.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in designated areas, although details about safety measures or facilities are not specified.

BikingBiking is allowed on the park's 8 miles of trails. Trails are described as accessible and enjoyable for riders of various skill levels.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed in most of the park's ponds, and Blue Heron Reservoir permits motorized boating at no-wake speeds. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a major attraction, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, osprey, herons, and pelicans. The park is described as a birding paradise.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHighway noise is a recurring issue. Thorn-like seeds causing punctures in bike tires are noted during certain seasons (J Holmes).

Active AlertsSeasonal closures for some loops during winter.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated fire pits. Firewood available on site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station available in St. Vrain State Park. Closest hospital and police station are likely in Firestone or Longmont, within a 15-minute drive.

Trash & RecyclingThe park provides trash and recycling facilities, but no specific details about locations or schedules are available.

Water Features11 ponds within the park provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Motorized boating allowed at Blue Heron Reservoir at no-wake speed.

Camp HostCampground hosts are noted as friendly and efficient ('Host did an amazing job preparing the sites for the next visitors' - Jeanne Warren).

Weather at St Vrain State Park

Reviews

4.0

109 reviews

Satisfactory

St Vrain State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received mostly positive feedback for its well-maintained facilities, spacious sites, and diverse recreational opportunities. However, proximity to the interstate and associated noise is a common complaint. Reviews also commend the park's accessibility and its abundant bird-watching opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

- Spacious, level campsites with full hookups available. - Excellent bird-watching opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles and herons. - Well-maintained facilities, including clean...

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

- Proximity to the interstate causes significant noise, especially in eastern campsites. - Additional fees for daily park access, even for campers, are a source of frustration. - Limited shade and...

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Choose campsites farther from the highway to reduce noise pollution. - Bring water shoes for boating or swimming to avoid hazards like fishing lures. - Book well in advance, especially for...

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Summer: High traffic noise and heat, but excellent for boating and fishing. - Winter: Quieter with opportunities for ice fishing and serene bird watching. - Fall/Spring: Best for hiking and...

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The views here were some of the very best I have had on my travels.' - 'Spacious sites with easily accessible hookups and a cover over the picnic table that gives some relief from sun and rain.' -...

Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 22 is perfect for kayakers with an unofficial launching area nearby. - Bald Eagle Loop offers large sites with western exposure; avoid these in summer due to heat. - Coot Pond Loop offers...

Based on 109 reviews