Reverend ridge

Colorado’s Front Range is a treasure trove of accessible mountain wilderness, and for residents seeking an authentic, yet amenity-rich, camping experience close to the Denver Metro area, Reverend Ridge Campground is a top-tier choice. Nestled within the expansive and beautiful Golden Gate Canyon State Park, this campground offers a true high-country escape without requiring an all-day drive. It stands out in the Colorado State Park system by catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, whether you are in a modern RV, prefer a cozy cabin, or enjoy traditional tent camping.

Perched at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet, Reverend Ridge is designed to be a comfortable basecamp for exploring the park’s 35 miles of trails, rugged terrain, and stunning vistas. It operates on a reservation-only basis, a crucial detail for Colorado users, as walk-in sites are not available. This ensures a planned and less chaotic experience, allowing you to focus on the spectacular views and abundant wildlife, which frequently includes deer, elk, and even moose sightings.

Unlike many seasonal mountain campgrounds, Reverend Ridge offers year-round accommodations, though certain services are adjusted for the winter months. Its blend of traditional camping with modern facilities like hot showers and electrical hookups makes it an ideal, easily accessible mountain getaway for families, solo adventurers, and RV travelers looking for a quality experience close to Golden and Black Hawk.

---

### Location and Accessibility

Reverend Ridge Campground is officially located off of Mountain Base Road, within the boundaries of Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Its location strikes an excellent balance, feeling remote and truly mountainous, yet remaining highly accessible from major population centers.

• Address: Mountain Base Rd, Golden, CO 80422, USA (Note that the specific address directs to the general park area; navigate using park signs to Reverend Ridge Campground).
• Gateway to the Rockies: The campground is situated less than an hour's drive from the western suburbs of Denver, making it one of the most convenient high-altitude camping destinations on the Front Range.
• Proximity to Towns: It is approximately 15 miles from the historic city of Golden, and also provides relatively quick access to the mountain towns of Black Hawk and Central City.
• Winter Access Note: While the campground is open year-round, travelers should be aware that Mountain Base Road is occasionally closed during the winter season. Access to the upper park areas, including the campground, may then require a different route via Gap Road, so checking the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for seasonal road closures and conditions is essential before your trip.
• Accessibility: The campground includes dedicated ADA-compliant campsites (which must be reserved through the call center) and accessible restrooms, ensuring the Colorado wilderness experience is available to a wider range of visitors.

---

### Services Offered

Reverend Ridge is one of the more developed campgrounds in the state park system, offering a robust suite of facilities to enhance comfort during your mountain stay, especially during the peak summer season.

• Camping Amenities:
  • Total Sites: 97 individual sites accommodating tents, trailers, and motorhomes.
  • RV Hookups: Approximately 50 sites feature electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp service available).
  • Full Bathhouse (Seasonal): Clean, modern flush toilets, sinks, and running water are available year-round, while hot showers and laundry facilities operate during the peak season (typically late spring through mid-October).
  • RV Services (Seasonal): A dedicated sanitary dump station is available for RV and trailer use during the peak season. Guests should note that the dump station and water spigots are typically turned off during the winter months.
  • Basic Site Facilities: Every site includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker, emphasizing responsible camping in bear country.
• Lodging Options:
  • Cabins and Yurts: The campground also offers several rustic, rent-able cabins and two yurts, which provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping, complete with electric lights and natural gas heating. These are available for reservations year-round.
• Park Facilities:
  • Ranger Station and Visitor Center: Located nearby, offering maps, local information, permits, and interpretive programs.
  • Firewood: Available for purchase at the campground office or visitor center.
  • Emergency: Emergency call boxes are strategically placed (e.g., at the Visitor Center and the campground office) due to the lack of reliable cell service in the remote canyon location.

---

### Features and Highlights

The experience at Reverend Ridge is defined by its outstanding location and thoughtful amenities that make a mountain stay both authentic and comfortable.

• Panorama Point Scenic Overlook: Just a short distance from the campground, this famous overlook provides a breathtaking, 100-mile panorama of the Continental Divide, showcasing some of Colorado’s most recognizable peaks. This feature alone makes the visit worthwhile.
• Diverse Trail Network: The campground serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the park’s extensive 35-mile trail system, which caters to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders of all skill levels. Popular activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Situated in a critical habitat, the area is well-known for frequent sightings of local wildlife, including elk herds, various birds, and moose, providing excellent nature photography and viewing opportunities.
• Flexibility in Camping Style: The rare offering of electric RV sites, traditional tent sites, and comfortable cabins/yurts means that multi-generational families or groups with different camping preferences can all enjoy the same location year-round.
• High-Elevation Tranquility: At 8,200 feet, the air is crisp, and the scenery of ponderosa pine and aspen groves provides a serene, peaceful mountain environment, a true escape from the city bustle.

---

### Contact Information

All camping reservations and inquiries should be directed to the central booking system for Colorado State Parks or the Golden Gate Canyon State Park office.

• Address (Park Office): 3873 Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403 (Note: This is the Visitor Center address for general inquiries).
• Reverend Ridge Location: Mountain Base Rd, Golden, CO 80422, USA
• Reservations Phone: 1-800-244-5613 (Highly recommended for booking campsites, cabins, and yurts up to six months in advance)
• Park Office Phone: (303) 582-3707 (For questions about conditions, closures, or specific park information)

---

### What is Worth Choosing This Location?

Reverend Ridge Campground is the ideal choice for Colorado users who value a combination of high-altitude mountain scenery, extensive outdoor activities, and essential modern conveniences. You should choose Reverend Ridge if:

• You are an RV traveler who requires a 30/50 amp electrical hookup and access to a dump station while still being deep in the mountains, as this is a limited amenity in many high-country state parks.
• You want year-round access to the mountains. With winterized cabins and limited RV sites available year-round (though amenities like showers and dump stations are seasonal), it’s a perfect spot for winter adventurers who love cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• You desire quick access to both Denver and the mountain towns. Its proximity to the Front Range allows for a fast weekend escape while providing enough trails and beauty to feel completely immersed in the Rocky Mountains.

Reverend ridge

Mountain Base Rd, Golden, CO 80422, USA