State Parks Near Denver, Colorado
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Denver. The closest is Cherry Creek State Park, about 10 mi south of town. 4 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Cherry Creek State Park10 mi south
- Within 25 miles
- 4of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 61 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 9pets allowed
State parks near Denver, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Denver; driving distance is usually longer.
Cherry Creek State Park
Popular activities here are cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Cherry Creek State Park →Barr Lake State Park
The park supports cross-country skiing, horseback riding, ice fishing, winter sports, and historic sites. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Barr Lake State Park →Chatfield State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, ice fishing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and boating. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Chatfield State Park →Eldorado Canyon State Park
The park supports rock climbing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, and hunting in season.
Hours, fees and rules for Eldorado Canyon State Park →Roxborough State Park
The park supports cross-country skiing, winter sports, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Roxborough State Park →Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Things to do include rock climbing, horseback riding, hunting in season, biking, and fishing. Its trail network totals roughly 35 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Golden Gate Canyon State Park →St. Vrain State Park
Things to do include boating, swimming, biking, wildlife watching, and fishing. Water access includes a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Overnight options include 87 campsites, with RV sites, tent sites, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for St. Vrain State Park →Castlewood Canyon State Park
Popular activities here are rock climbing, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Castlewood Canyon State Park →Staunton State Park
Things to do include rock climbing, horseback riding, archery, biking, and fishing. On the water side, there is a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Staunton State Park →Boyd Lake State Park
Things to do include winter sports, hunting in season, boating, swimming, and biking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Boyd Lake State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Denver
- Cherry Creek State Park 10 mi south · Campground listed
- Chatfield State Park 19 mi southwest · Campground listed
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park 29 mi west · Campground listed
- St. Vrain State Park 29 mi north · 87 campsites
- Staunton State Park 32 mi southwest · Campground listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Denver
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park 29 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Denver
- Cherry Creek State Park 10 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
- Barr Lake State Park 15 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Chatfield State Park 19 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Eldorado Canyon State Park 25 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park 29 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
+ 4 more in the list above
Swimming near Denver
- Cherry Creek State Park 10 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Chatfield State Park 19 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- St. Vrain State Park 29 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
- Boyd Lake State Park 47 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Denver
- Cherry Creek State Park 10 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Barr Lake State Park 15 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Eldorado Canyon State Park 25 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Roxborough State Park 25 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park 29 mi west · Hiking trails listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Fishing near Denver
- Cherry Creek State Park 10 mi south · Fishing listed
- Barr Lake State Park 15 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Chatfield State Park 19 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Eldorado Canyon State Park 25 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park 29 mi west · Fishing listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Denver
What is the closest state park to Denver?
Cherry Creek State Park is the closest, about 10 miles south of Denver in a straight line. Next are Barr Lake State Park and Chatfield State Park.
How many state parks are near Denver?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 4 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Denver have camping?
6 parks list camping, the nearest being Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park and Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Denver?
Yes, at 9 parks, including Cherry Creek State Park, Barr Lake State Park and Chatfield 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 Denver?
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.
State parks near other cities
- Near Castle Rock, CO27 mi south
- Near Boulder, CO27 mi northwest
- Near Fort Collins, CO55 mi north
- Near Colorado Springs, CO62 mi south
Or see all Colorado state parks or every city we cover.
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.