Ouray Group Site Campground

For Coloradoans planning a large gathering, be it a family reunion, a scout troop outing, a corporate team-building event, or simply a big get-together with friends, finding a suitable venue that combines natural beauty with essential amenities can be a challenge. Look no further than the Ouray Group Site Campground, a dedicated group camping area nestled within the sprawling and highly popular Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, Colorado. This unique offering provides the space and facilities necessary for large groups to comfortably enjoy the outdoors, all while being remarkably close to the vibrant Denver metropolitan area. It’s the perfect solution for creating memorable group experiences without venturing too far from home.

The Ouray Group Site Campground is specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, setting it apart from individual campsites. Reviewers consistently praise its suitability for big groups, highlighting its "Big covered area for dinning" and "clean bathrooms" as significant advantages. The pavilion at the site is often singled out as "great," providing a central gathering point for meals and activities, regardless of the weather. It's important for prospective visitors to note, as one review pointed out, that there are "no noise ordinances" specifically for the group sites, so managing noise levels with your neighbors is key. Despite being "right in the middle of Aurora CO," visitors appreciate the surprising presence of wildlife, with "deer walk right up into your camp spot," creating a unique urban nature experience. As part of Cherry Creek State Park, guests also benefit from the park's extensive recreational opportunities, from the vast Cherry Creek Reservoir to numerous trails, ensuring there's always something for everyone in your group to enjoy.

The Ouray Group Site Campground is located at 138 Buffalo Loop, Aurora, CO 80015, USA, which is a specific address within the larger Cherry Creek State Park. The main entrance to Cherry Creek State Park is conveniently situated one mile south of I-225 on Parker Road at Lehigh, in southeast Denver/Aurora. This strategic location makes Ouray Group Site incredibly accessible for residents across the Front Range. Whether your group members are coming from Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, or other surrounding communities, reaching the campground is straightforward via major highways and well-maintained park roads.

The ease of access is a significant benefit for group gatherings, as it minimizes travel time and simplifies logistics for multiple vehicles. Despite its urban setting, Cherry Creek State Park's vastness provides a sense of escape, allowing groups to enjoy outdoor activities without feeling completely cut off from civilization. The proximity to Aurora and Denver means that any last-minute supplies, groceries, or even off-site dining options are just a short drive away. This perfect balance between natural recreation and urban convenience makes Ouray Group Site an ideal meeting point for large groups looking to enjoy the Colorado outdoors without the challenges often associated with more remote locations.

The Ouray Group Site Campground is specifically tailored to meet the needs of large groups, offering specialized services and amenities beyond what a typical individual campsite might provide.

• Large Capacity: The Chief Ouray group camping site, typically referred to as Ouray Group Site, can accommodate a significant number of people, often up to 72 individuals. This makes it ideal for large family reunions, organizational outings, or educational groups.
• Tent and RV Accommodation: The site is designed to host both tents and RVs or campers, with room for setting up multiple tents and a maximum number of RVs (e.g., up to 12 RVs or campers, as indicated by some park information). This flexibility allows diverse groups to find suitable lodging options.
• Covered Pavilion: A key feature highlighted by reviewers is the large, covered pavilion. This communal space is invaluable for group dining, activities, or simply sheltering from sun or rain, providing a central gathering point.
• Clean Bathrooms: The site includes dedicated, clean bathroom facilities, which are highly praised by users. These typically offer flush toilets and may include showers (though specific details on showers at this particular group site might require direct confirmation with the park office).
• Kitchen Area: Some group sites, including Chief Ouray, are noted to have a kitchen area, which might include counters or space for food preparation, making meal management for large groups more convenient.
• Charcoal Grill and Fire Pit: Essential for any camping experience, the site comes equipped with a charcoal grill and a fire pit, allowing for traditional outdoor cooking and evening campfires (subject to fire restrictions).
• Dedicated Parking: The site often includes parking space for a significant number of vehicles, accommodating the needs of large groups, with additional parking sometimes available nearby.
• Electrical Hookups: Group sites often include electrical pedestals (e.g., 20/30/50-amp), providing power for RVs and other electrical needs for the group.

Ouray Group Site Campground, as part of the broader Cherry Creek State Park, boasts a number of features and highlights that make it an exceptional choice for group outings in Colorado.

• Ideal for Large Gatherings: Its primary highlight is its specific design and capacity for large groups, providing the infrastructure (pavilion, multiple restrooms, ample space) necessary for successful events like family reunions, scout jamborees, or corporate picnics.
• Urban Oasis Setting: Despite being located within a major metropolitan area, the site offers a surprising level of natural immersion. Reviewers note the presence of deer and various bird species, creating a unique urban wildlife viewing experience.
• Access to Cherry Creek Reservoir: Groups have full access to the extensive recreational opportunities of Cherry Creek Reservoir, including boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and a popular swim beach (seasonal). This provides diverse options for group activities.
• Extensive Multi-Use Trails: The park features 35 miles of trails, including paved and unpaved options, perfect for group hikes, bike rides, or even horseback riding. This allows groups to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
• Proximity to City Amenities and Attractions: The campground’s location offers the best of both worlds – a natural setting combined with easy access to shopping, dining, and major attractions in Aurora and Denver, including entertainment venues and cultural sites.
• Year-Round Availability: While specific amenities may vary by season, Cherry Creek State Park offers year-round camping, allowing groups to plan events in any season.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistent positive feedback on the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the overall maintenance of the campground contributes significantly to a positive group experience.
• Family Shooting Center & Model Airplane Field: For groups with diverse interests, the park also uniquely features a public shooting range and a dedicated model airplane field, offering additional recreational possibilities.

For reservations and inquiries about the Ouray Group Site Campground or other facilities within Cherry Creek State Park, please use the following contact information:

Address: 138 Buffalo Loop, Aurora, CO 80015, USA (Specific loop within Cherry Creek State Park)

General Park Address: 4201 S Parker Road, Aurora, CO 80014, USA

Phone: (303) 690-1166 (Cherry Creek State Park office)

For group site reservations specifically, it is often recommended to contact the Campground Registration Office directly at (303) 693-3957, or utilize the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) online reservation system at cpwshop.com. Group sites can typically be reserved up to six months in advance, and early booking is highly recommended due to their popularity, especially during peak season. A valid Colorado State Parks pass (daily or annual) is required in addition to camping fees.

The Ouray Group Site Campground at Cherry Creek State Park is an exceptionally suitable venue for Colorado locals planning a large group gathering for several compelling reasons. Its paramount advantage is its strategic location within the Denver metro area. For residents across the Front Range, this means that organizing an event for a significant number of people becomes infinitely more manageable, as it avoids the lengthy and often complicated travel to more remote mountain locations. This accessibility is a major convenience for coordinating carpools, ensuring timely arrivals, and making it feasible for guests who may only be able to attend for a portion of the event.

Furthermore, the dedicated design of the Ouray Group Site specifically caters to the needs of larger parties. The spacious covered pavilion provides a central hub for dining, socializing, and activities regardless of weather conditions, a crucial feature for ensuring a comfortable experience for all. The inclusion of clean, accessible bathrooms and dedicated parking minimizes logistical headaches often associated with large outdoor gatherings. For families, the ability to host a reunion in a natural setting that also offers easy access to the numerous attractions of Denver and Aurora—from dining and shopping to entertainment and cultural sites—provides a perfect blend of outdoor relaxation and urban exploration. Children and adults alike will find something to enjoy, whether it’s playing on the lake, exploring the trails, or spotting local wildlife.

The overall reputation of Cherry Creek State Park for its cleanliness, diverse recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities also assures locals that they are choosing a reliable and enjoyable venue. It removes the stress of planning and allows groups to focus on creating lasting memories. In essence, Ouray Group Site Campground offers Coloradans a unique and highly practical solution for their large outdoor events, providing all the benefits of a state park experience with the unparalleled convenience of an urban location. It truly serves as an invaluable resource for fostering community and connection among local groups.

Ouray Group Site Campground

138 Buffalo Loop, Aurora, CO 80015, USA