Located in Arapahoe County, CO, Cherry Creek State Park is about 15 minutes away from downtown Denver. You can stay the night at one of the 153 sites (full hookup available) around the 880-acre reservoir. The lake at this state park offers boaters, anglers, paddle boaters, windsurfers, and water skiers a top recreational destination. While the lake is a big attraction, the park also offers hiking, camping, and biking on 35 miles of trails. It also has an off-leash dog area where your furry buddies are allowed to dash through the open area freely. This 4,000-acre site also offers terrific opportunities for people to spend time with the Aurora wildlife.
Wide bike and walking trails, well-maintained facilities, leveled campgrounds, and access to free wifi are among the things that make this state park campground one of the best Colorado has to offer.
Cherry Creek Location Details and Contact Information
| Operational Hours: | Monday-Friday: 5AM-10PM |
| Reservation: | Toll-Free: 800-678-2267 Local: 303-690-1166 Email: cherry.creek.park@state.co.us |
| Customer Service Availability Time Frame: | Monday-Friday: 5 AM-10 PM |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Address: | 4201 S. Parker Rd. Aurora, CO 80014 |
| Location Information: | Latitude: 39.639973 Longitude: -104.831863 Elevation: 5,564 to 5,666 feet Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/9KhdatAyDaRcFqKx8 |
Google Map
How to get to the campground:
- Coming from Cleveland PI in Denver, get on I-25 S from W Colfax Ave
- Continue on I-25 S to DTC Blvd. Take exit 200 from I-25 S.
- Continue on DTC Blvd. Take Temple Dr and E Union Ave to W Lake View Rd in Arapahoe County
History and Interesting Facts about Cherry Creek State Park
- The construction of the reservoir began in 1948, and they completed it in 1950. The government built a dam to protect the Denver area against the catastrophic floodwaters from the South Platte River for 100 years. It is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and managed by Colorado State Parks, Denver, Greenwood Village, and Aurora.
- One of the most notable pieces of history in the campgrounds was the papal mass of the 8th World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II. An estimated 500,000 people attended the event.
Natural Assets
This State Park is a prairie environment that offers outdoor recreational activities for all people. The lake is vast enough for everyone to share if you are into water activities. The land area around the lake offers many opportunities to explore and camp with friends and family.
Vegetation around the park serves as a habitat for different wildlife within the vicinity. You can also see migratory birds and land animals roaming around to watch.
Campground Amenities
Amenities are one of the things campers look for when choosing a campsite. Below are the reasons why this site is one of the top choices in Colorado.
Here are the following services that you can use inside the campground.
- Showers
Well-maintained showers are available for visitors to use, whether for freshening up after a long bike ride or cooling up on a hot summer day.
- Restrooms
Restrooms are always kept clean with running water.
- Laundromat
If you extend your stay at the park and need your clothes cleaned, a laundromat is available for you at the campground.
- RV Hookups
Over 100 RV sites on the grounds have access to full hookups.
- Boat rentals
You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pontoon boats, and jet skis at the marina.
- Boat ramp/launch
A slipway is available for boats to be moved in and out of the water.
- Amphitheater
The Amphitheater at the park witnessed countless weddings and events.
- Pavilion
There are several picnic pavilions around the grounds that campers can dine with large groups.
- Campsite Tables
Campsite tables are readily available at every RV site for people to dine with friends and family.
- Equestrian Trail
A trail designed for expert horseback riders is available.
- Firepit
The majority of campsites don’t allow campers to gather firewood around the vicinity. This place is not an exception. But don’t worry because firewood is already available at every site.
- Off-Leash Dog Area
There is an off-leash dog area for your furry friends to run free and spend time meeting new friends and for owners to socialize with other pet owners.
Activities
Credits to: TB
The view is not the only thing this State Park is famous for. There are tons of activities for visitors too. This place will always have something for you, from water sports and model planes flying to mountain biking.
Below are all the recreational activities that you can do at the camp
- Wildlife Viewing
There are almost 40 species of mammals roaming around the grounds. There are cottontail rabbits, coyotes, beavers, muskrats, raccoons, weasels, ground squirrels, mule deer, white-tailed deer, to name a few.
- Biking/Mountain Biking
There are seven bike trails around the vicinity with difficulties from easy to intermediate.
- Bird Watching
More than 150 species of migratory and resident birds roaming the area. Raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds are some of the bunch.
- Boating
With 880 acres of open water, the lake is the biggest attraction. Pontoons, speedboats, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent.
- Cross Country Skiing
In the offseason, especially in winter, Denver and Aurora’s people go here to ski around and marvel at the open Colorado skies.
- Fishing
You can go fishing on the lake for wipers, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and trophy walleye.
- Hiking
There are nine trails in Cherry Creek State Park from 2.3 to 12.9 km and from 1,696 to 1,727 meters above sea level
- Horseback riding
12 Mile Stables can help you with your horseback riding needs. You can dash through the 27 miles of riding trails available to use.
- Model Airplane Flying
Chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the Denver R/C Eagles have their paved runways, paved taxiways, and a pit area for all members to use. You can find more information about them here.
- Photography
The State Park has a majestic view of the sunset, especially summertime.
- Picnicking
For people who enjoy peace, there is also an option to picnic around the place. Picnic tables are set on every RV site for people to dine with friends and family.
- Shooting Range
The Family Shooting Center offers rifles and pistol shooting at 50 and 100 yards. They also have archery; their Shotgun range includes pedestal traps, American traps, and 5-stand sporting clays. You can find more information about their services here.
- Swimming
Besides the exciting water activities, visitors can enjoy swimming around the Dam’s serene and calm water.
Preparations before heading to the campground
It is imperative to travel well-prepared, especially if you are going to a place for the first time; here are some helpful RV essentials you need to prepare before you embark on a new adventure.
RV Camping Essentials
RV Blinds One of the most important things when going out in a public place is privacy. Aside from protecting yourself from outside views, RV blinds can also block unwanted UV rays from damaging your skin and some of your equipment.
Door Locks: Nothing beats a good door lock when it comes to safety. Especially when you get too busy with all the State Park’s fun activities.
RV Battery: A backup battery is essential when going out. Although most state parks right now give you access to full hookups, you’ll never know when you will need emergency power to charge your devices.
Hotels around Cherry Creek
You can always check google for more options. Please note that you need to contact them beforehand for more information on their available date and schedule your reservations instead of walking in.
Hotels near Cherry Creek State Park Campgrounds
| Hotel/Inn Name: Radisson Hotel Denver – Aurora Address: 3155 S Vaughn Way, Aurora How far is the hotel from the campsite: 2 mi Reservation: +1 720-678-9956 Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Hotel/Inn Name: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Denver Tech Center-Centennial Address: 6638 S Nome St, Centennial How far is the hotel from the campsite: 2.34 mi Reservation: +1 303-708-3000 Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Hotel/Inn Name: Hyatt Place Denver Tech Center Address: 8300 E Crescent Pkwy, Greenwood Village How far is the hotel from the campsite: 2.54 mi Reservation: +1 303-804-0700 Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Hotel/Inn Name: Embassy Suites Hotel Denver Tech Center Address: 10250 E Costilla Ave, Centennial How far is the hotel from the campsite: 2.9 mi Reservation: +1-303-792-0433 Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Hotel/Inn Name: Hilton Garden Inn Denver Tech Center Address: 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver How far is the hotel from the campsite: 2.97 mi Reservation: +1 303-770-4200 Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
Restaurants near the Campground
You can look for other options via google for your specific taste and preference. Aurora has a lot to offer when it comes to fantastic food. Please remember that you need to contact them beforehand for more information on their available date and schedule your reservations instead of walking in.
Here are the top 5 nearest restaurants around the campgrounds.
| Restaurant Name: Einstein Bros. Bagels Address: 4090 S Parker Rd Unit C How far is the restaurant from the campsite: 0.2 mi Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Restaurant Name: Jet’s Pizza Address: 13724 E Quincy Ave How far is the restaurant from the campsite: 0.2 mi Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
Restaurant Name: Emerald Isle Address: 4385 S Parker Rd How far is the restaurant from the campsite: 0.2 mi Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Restaurant Name: Pho 75 Vietnamese Noodle House & Grillcampsite Address: 13736 E Quincy Ave How far is the restaurant from the campsite: 0.3 mi Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
| Restaurant Name: Starbucks Coffee Address: 13702 E Quincy Ave How far is the restaurant from the campsite: 0.3 mi Social Media Link: Click Here Google Map: Click Here |
Camping Rates:
- Admission is $9 per day. You can also get an annual pass for $73 (Senior citizens and military personnel can get a discount on passes)
- Staying the night will have an additional cost. In high season (May-September), a basic camp costs $20. While a site with a full hookup costs $30
- In the offseason (October-April), camping fees cost less. A basic campsite will cost $18 and $28 for a full hookup.
For more specific prices for specific campsites, you can check here. You can also try to book the dates on this page and see if they can accommodate you on your planned vacation. Besides, it is a great page to view more locations and actual pictures.
*The rates displayed do not include any applicable service fees or charges incurred during your stay.*
Booking and Payment Policies
- For camping reservations, you may contact the CPW reservations call center at 1-800-244-5613.
- You can also book your reservations online here.
Conclusion
In summary, Cherry Creek State Park is an urban jungle right at the city’s edge. But the vastness of the trail area and a majestic lake in the middle makes it feel like a completely different place. Whether you are looking for a quick breath from the city or want to relax with a group of friends, family, or co-workers over the weekend, this place will consistently deliver a quiet and relaxing escape.