LaVern M Johnson Campground

Hello, Colorado families and outdoor adventurers! If you're searching for a dynamic and engaging camping experience that truly offers something for everyone, LaVern M Johnson Campground in Lyons, CO, is a premier choice. This vibrant park, often described as a hub of recreational opportunities, provides a beautiful setting along the St. Vrain Creek, blending natural charm with convenient amenities and easy access to the delightful town of Lyons.

LaVern M Johnson Campground, formerly known as Meadow Park, is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Lyons, Colorado. It's more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a bustling community park with a dedicated camping area, catering to both serene nature lovers and active families. The campground offers a mix of RV sites with full hookups and dedicated tent sites, accommodating various camping styles. Its location directly along the North St. Vrain Creek provides a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for water play (when conditions allow). Reviewers consistently highlight the park's impressive range of amenities, including clean restrooms, showers, and abundant recreational facilities like playgrounds, a splash pad, and even access to a whitewater park. While it can get busy, especially on weekends, the park's commitment to quiet hours ensures a peaceful night's rest, allowing you to fully enjoy this "convenient in town campground."

LaVern M Johnson Campground is centrally located in Lyons, CO 80540, USA, with a common address cited as 600 Park Dr, Lyons, CO 80540. This puts it in an exceptionally convenient spot for Colorado locals. Lyons itself is a charming "small mountain town" that serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, located about a 30-40 minute drive away. For residents of Boulder (a short drive south), Longmont, and other Front Range communities, LaVern M Johnson Park offers an easily accessible escape into nature without requiring a long journey into the deep wilderness.

One of the most appealing aspects of its location is its walkability to downtown Lyons. Campers can easily stroll from their site to explore local shops, art galleries, restaurants (like Mojo Taqueria for excellent burritos), and coffee shops. This urban-nature blend is a significant draw. The campground is also nestled between large rock formations and along the St. Vrain Creek, offering picturesque surroundings and the pleasant sound of the flowing water. Access to the campground is generally easy, even for larger RVs, though some interior roads might be a bit tight.

LaVern M Johnson Campground provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities, ensuring a comfortable and activity-rich stay for its diverse visitors.

• RV Sites: Offers 16 RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) and 50 amp electrical service, available year-round. Some sites are long enough for RVs 45+ feet.
• Tent Sites: Provides 20 dedicated tent sites, available seasonally from mid-April through mid-October. Sites are often cleared and easy for tent setup, some with a pleasant creek-side location.
• Restrooms & Showers: Features clean flush toilets in large bathrooms and coin-operated showers (a code for showers is typically available to campers from the Park Host).
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available throughout the park.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: All sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. (Note: Campfires are often not permitted, but charcoal and propane camp stoves are usually allowed in designated sites. There is a large central gas fire pit available, though it may turn off early).
• Playgrounds: Multiple playground areas, including a fort playground and a kid zip line, cater to younger visitors.
• Splash Pad: A popular water feature for children during warmer months.
• Community Mosaic: A detailed community mosaic on an old water treatment plant structure is a local art highlight.
• Parking: Each site includes parking for one vehicle, with additional parking permits potentially available for purchase.
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (summer weekends and holidays), and can be made up to 12 months in advance via ReserveAmerica or the Town of Lyons website. A three-night minimum stay may be required for holiday weekends.
• Quiet Hours: Enforced from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. to ensure a peaceful environment.
• Pet Policy: Pets are often allowed but must be kept on leashes and supervised, with owners responsible for cleanup.

LaVern M Johnson Campground is packed with features and highlights that make it a truly unique and appealing camping destination in Colorado.

• St. Vrain Creek Access: The campground is beautifully nestled along the North St. Vrain Creek, offering the pleasant sound of flowing water and opportunities for tubing (with rentals sometimes available) and fishing (check regulations).
• Abundance of Recreational Opportunities: Offers diverse activities including volleyball, soccer, walking paths, and multiple playgrounds, ensuring there's always something to do for all ages.
• Lyons Whitewater Park: Directly accessible from the park, this quarter-mile, horseshoe-shaped park with 8 features is a draw for kayakers and tubers.
• Walkability to Downtown Lyons: A short, enjoyable walk leads directly to the charming town of Lyons, with its shops, restaurants, and local breweries, providing a unique urban-meets-nature experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The playgrounds, splash pad, and kid zip line make it an exceptional choice for families with children.
• Clean & Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and general upkeep of the park.
• Scenic Beauty: Beautifully nestled between large rock formations, offering impressive views and a picturesque setting. Eagles have also been spotted in the area.
• Year-Round RV Camping: RV sites with full hookups are available year-round, making it a convenient option for winter travel as well.
• Active & Friendly Camp Hosts: Camp hosts are often described as friendly and very active, contributing positively to the visitor experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: While requiring vigilance with food storage due to occasional bear visits, the presence of wildlife adds to the natural appeal.

For reservations, current conditions, or more information about LaVern M Johnson Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Lyons, CO 80540, USA (often specified as 600 Park Dr, Lyons, CO 80540)

Phone: (303) 823-8250 (Town of Lyons Parks & Recreation Department)

Reservations are typically made online via ReserveAmerica or the Town of Lyons website.

For Colorado residents, LaVern M Johnson Campground in Lyons represents an ideal blend of accessibility, engaging amenities, and natural beauty, making it a top-tier choice for a local getaway. Its location within a vibrant town means you get the best of both worlds: a genuine outdoor experience along the St. Vrain Creek, complete with recreational opportunities like tubing and whitewater activities, plus the convenience of walking to local shops, restaurants, and breweries in downtown Lyons. Families will especially appreciate the extensive playgrounds and splash pad, ensuring endless entertainment for children. While it can be a busy "city park" campground, the well-maintained sites, clean facilities, and enforced quiet hours ensure a comfortable stay. The fact that it's a quick drive from major Front Range cities like Boulder makes it incredibly convenient for a weekend escape without extensive travel. For those seeking a dynamic and well-equipped camping experience that truly caters to a family-friendly vibe and offers direct engagement with both nature and a charming small town, LaVern M Johnson Campground is a highly recommended and suitable local destination in Colorado.

To get a visual tour of this campground and see what it offers, you can check out this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPRt8Ily0_I).

LaVern M Johnson Campground

Lyons, CO 80540, USA