State Parks Near Boulder, Colorado

10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Boulder. The closest is Eldorado Canyon State Park, about 7 mi south of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Eldorado Canyon State Park7 mi south
Within 25 miles
3of 10 within 50 mi
With camping
71 with cabins
Dog-friendly
9pets allowed

State parks near Boulder, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Boulder; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Eldorado Canyon State Park

    7 miles south · Eldorado Springs, Colorado · State Park

    Day-use reservation needed at timesDogs allowedHikingFishingAccessible features$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Eldorado Canyon State Park →

  2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park

    16 miles southwest · Golden, Colorado · State Park

    1 alertCampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingFishingAccessible features$12 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Golden Gate Canyon State Park →

  3. St. Vrain State Park

    17 miles northeast · Firestone, Colorado · State Park

    1 alert87 campsitesDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for St. Vrain State Park →

  4. Barr Lake State Park

    28 miles east · Brighton, Colorado · State Park

    Dogs allowedHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Barr Lake State Park →

  5. Boyd Lake State Park

    30 miles north · Loveland, Colorado · State Park

    CampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Boyd Lake State Park →

  6. Chatfield State Park

    35 miles south · Littleton, Colorado · State Park

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedSwimmingFishingBoatingAccessible features$12 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Chatfield State Park →

  7. Cherry Creek State Park

    35 miles southeast · Aurora, Colorado · State Park

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Cherry Creek State Park →

  8. Staunton State Park

    37 miles south · Pine, Colorado · State Park

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedHikingFishingAccessible features$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Staunton State Park →

  9. Lory State Park

    39 miles north · Bellvue, Colorado · State Park

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Lory State Park →

  10. Roxborough State Park

    42 miles south · Roxborough, Colorado · State Park

    1 alertHiking$10 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Roxborough State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Boulder

  1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park 16 mi southwest · Campground listed
  2. St. Vrain State Park 17 mi northeast · 87 campsites
  3. Boyd Lake State Park 30 mi north · Campground listed
  4. Chatfield State Park 35 mi south · Campground listed
  5. Cherry Creek State Park 35 mi southeast · Campground listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Boulder

  1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park 16 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Boulder

  1. Eldorado Canyon State Park 7 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park 16 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. St. Vrain State Park 17 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
  4. Barr Lake State Park 28 mi east · Pets allowed under park rules
  5. Boyd Lake State Park 30 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules

+ 4 more in the list above

Swimming near Boulder

  1. St. Vrain State Park 17 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Boyd Lake State Park 30 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Chatfield State Park 35 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
  4. Cherry Creek State Park 35 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Boulder

  1. Eldorado Canyon State Park 7 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park 16 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
  3. St. Vrain State Park 17 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
  4. Barr Lake State Park 28 mi east · Hiking trails listed
  5. Boyd Lake State Park 30 mi north · Hiking trails listed

+ 4 more in the list above

Fishing near Boulder

  1. Eldorado Canyon State Park 7 mi south · Fishing listed
  2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park 16 mi southwest · Fishing listed
  3. St. Vrain State Park 17 mi northeast · Fishing listed
  4. Barr Lake State Park 28 mi east · Fishing listed
  5. Boyd Lake State Park 30 mi north · Fishing listed

+ 4 more in the list above

Questions about state parks near Boulder

What is the closest state park to Boulder?

Eldorado Canyon State Park is the closest, about 7 miles south of Boulder in a straight line. Next are Golden Gate Canyon State Park and St. Vrain State Park.

How many state parks are near Boulder?

10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Boulder have camping?

7 parks list camping, the nearest being Golden Gate Canyon State Park, St. Vrain State Park and Boyd Lake State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Boulder?

Yes, at 9 parks, including Eldorado Canyon State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and St. Vrain State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Boulder?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.