Pioneer Loop

For many Coloradans, the desire to escape into nature often means a long drive into the mountains. However, sometimes the perfect getaway is closer than you think. Nestled right in the heart of Aurora, Colorado, Pioneer Loop Campground, located within the expansive Cherry Creek State Park, offers an unexpected and delightful camping experience that truly lives up to its reputation as an "urban oasis." This unique campground provides the tranquility of a natural setting with the unbeatable convenience of being minutes away from the amenities and attractions of the Denver metropolitan area. It’s a prime choice for locals seeking a quick escape, a relaxing staycation, or a convenient base from which to explore all that our vibrant state has to offer.

Pioneer Loop Campground at Cherry Creek State Park has consistently garnered positive reviews from campers who appreciate its unique blend of accessibility and natural beauty. Visitors frequently highlight the "nice clean well maintained campground" and the "generous RV sites," noting that even with "some traffic noise," the presence of "deer walk right up into your camp spot" creates a surprising connection with wildlife in an urban setting. Reviewers from out of state are often impressed by the spaciousness of the sites compared to other state parks. The cleanliness of the bathhouses is a recurring theme, ensuring a comfortable stay. The campground is praised for being an "urban oasis in the middle of the Denver megacity," allowing campers to enjoy "campfires after dark" while still being "close enough to town for quick trips or a night out." Birdwatchers particularly enjoy spotting "humming birds and colorful Bullock's orioles." Despite being in a developed area, the sense of peace and the beauty of the surroundings, coupled with convenient amenities, make Pioneer Loop a highly recommended choice for a "Staycation" or any visit to the Denver area.

Pioneer Loop Campground is specifically situated at 5460 Pioneer Loop, Aurora, CO 80015, USA. This address places it squarely within Cherry Creek State Park, which is easily accessible just one mile south of I-225 on Parker Road at Lehigh, in southeast Denver/Aurora. The strategic location provides unparalleled accessibility for Colorado locals. Whether you're coming from downtown Denver, other suburbs, or even further afield within the Front Range, reaching Pioneer Loop is straightforward and involves minimal complex navigation.

The park's well-maintained internal roads are designed to accommodate large RVs and trailers, making the drive to your campsite hassle-free. While the campground is undeniably in an urban area, the park's vastness helps to mitigate much of the city noise, as noted by reviewers who found the traffic noise "not too bad." This balance of being immersed in nature while having immediate access to major highways, grocery stores, restaurants, and other city conveniences is a significant advantage. It means less travel time and more time enjoying your camping experience or exploring the myriad attractions that Denver and Aurora have to offer, from sporting events to cultural institutions. This makes Pioneer Loop an ideal hub for exploring the region without feeling completely disconnected from civilization.

Pioneer Loop Campground, as part of Cherry Creek State Park, offers a wide range of services and amenities designed to make your camping experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

• Diverse Campsites: The campground boasts 133 campsites, with 104 offering full hook-ups (water, sewer, and 20/30/50-amp electricity). Many of these sites feature large, paved concrete pads (up to 70-80 feet long) suitable for big rigs, and all provide a picnic table and fire-ring grill. There are also designated dirt tent spots for a more traditional camping experience. Group camping areas are also available.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground is equipped with multiple buildings featuring clean flush toilets and hot showers, with one building also offering laundry facilities. These are highly praised by visitors for their cleanliness. Showers typically operate on a coin or credit card system.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry machines are available within the shower buildings, a convenient amenity for longer stays.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is provided for RV waste, ensuring proper disposal.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are available throughout the campground for potable water access.
• Campground Office and Visitor Center: A campground office is available for check-in and assistance, and the Cherry Creek Visitor Center, also located within the campground area, offers additional information and a small retail shop.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is typically available for purchase, allowing campers to enjoy campfires (subject to fire restrictions).
• ADA-Accessible Campsites: The park offers ADA-accessible campsites to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
• Free Wi-Fi: While available, it is often noted in reviews that the Wi-Fi can be slow or have limited range, suggesting personal hotspots might be more reliable for heavy internet use.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at campsites on a leash, provided owners clean up after them. The park also features a large off-leash dog park.

Pioneer Loop Campground and Cherry Creek State Park as a whole offer a remarkable array of features and highlights that set it apart as an urban outdoor haven for Coloradoans.

• Cherry Creek Reservoir: The centerpiece of the park is the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, a hub for water activities. Visitors can enjoy boating (motorized and non-motorized), sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and fishing for various species. There are also sandy swim beaches for cooling off during warmer months.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts 35 miles of multi-use trails, including 15 miles of paved trails, perfect for walking, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. These trails offer scenic views and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Wildlife Viewing: Despite its urban location, the park is home to abundant wildlife. Campers frequently report seeing deer walk right into their campsites, and the park is also known for a variety of bird species, including hummingbirds and Bullock's orioles, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
• Model Airplane Field: A unique feature of Cherry Creek State Park is its dedicated model airplane field with paved runways, catering to remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts.
• Shooting Range: The park also includes a shooting range, offering a controlled environment for target practice.
• Proximity to Denver Attractions: Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Denver's vibrant downtown, cultural institutions, dining, and shopping, offering the best of both urban excitement and outdoor relaxation.
• Year-Round Camping: Full hook-up and tent campsites are available year-round, making it a flexible option for camping in any season, though specific loops may be open during winter with reduced amenities.
• Spacious and Level Sites: Reviewers consistently praise the generous size of the RV sites, many with level concrete pads, providing ample space and privacy for campers.

For reservations, park passes, or any general inquiries regarding Pioneer Loop Campground at Cherry Creek State Park, please use the following contact information:

Address: 5460 Pioneer Loop, Aurora, CO 80015, USA (Note: This is the specific loop within Cherry Creek State Park, which is located at 4201 S Parker Road, Aurora, CO 80014)

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

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reservation system or by calling 1-800-244-5613. It's important to note that a valid Colorado State Parks pass (daily or annual) is required in addition to camping fees.

Pioneer Loop Campground at Cherry Creek State Park is an exceptional choice for Colorado locals, offering a unique blend of urban convenience and natural immersion that is hard to find elsewhere. For busy Coloradans, the ability to quickly escape to a peaceful camping environment without a long drive is invaluable. It transforms a typical weekend into a genuine outdoor adventure or a refreshing staycation, allowing residents to recharge and reconnect with nature right in their own backyard. This ease of access significantly reduces travel time and stress, maximizing precious leisure hours.

The campground's wide array of amenities, including spacious full hook-up RV sites, clean restrooms, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly areas, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience for all types of campers. Families will appreciate the safe environment and the myriad of activities available within Cherry Creek State Park, from swimming and boating on the reservoir to exploring the extensive network of trails for biking, hiking, or even horseback riding. The surprising presence of wildlife, such as deer and a variety of birds, adds to the charm, providing a true nature experience despite the urban backdrop. Moreover, for those who wish to combine their outdoor relaxation with city exploration, Pioneer Loop serves as an ideal base. Its proximity to Denver means easy access to concerts at Red Rocks, sporting events, museums, and diverse dining options. It offers the best of both worlds, proving that you don't always have to travel far to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities that make Colorado so special. Pioneer Loop Campground truly enhances the local outdoor lifestyle, making it an indispensable resource for Denver area residents.

Pioneer Loop

5460 Pioneer Loop, Aurora, CO 80015, USA