If you’re an RVing military family or veteran looking for a quiet, budget-friendly campground near Denver, Williams FamCamp at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado might just be on your radar. We spent over a month here in late spring, using it as a home base to explore the Denver metro area, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Colorado Springs. While the campground has its perks—like affordable full-hookup sites and easy access to both city life and nature—it also comes with a few quirks you’ll want to know about before booking.
Since this campground is on an active Air Force base, you’ll need a valid Department of Defense (DOD) ID to access the facilities. The campground itself is small and low-key, managed by Buckley AFB’s Outdoor Recreation Center, but don’t expect resort-level amenities. That said, it’s a great option for DOD cardholders passing through Colorado or looking to set up for a few weeks near Denver without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll share the good, the bad, and the unexpected (including the great moth invasion of 2019) from our extended stay—plus tips to help you decide whether Williams FamCamp is the right fit for your next RV adventure.
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Location – Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO
Williams FamCamp is located on Buckley Air Force Base, just outside Denver. While Buckley is a relatively small base, all the essentials are close by: Commissary, AAFES Exchange, gym, and fuel station. Use the Mississippi Gate for RV entry—it’s 24/7 and RV-friendly.
Note: Only DOD ID cardholders can access the base and use the FamCamp.
Rates & Reservations
- $22/night – April 1 to October 31
- $20/night – November 1 to March 31
- Call 720-847-6100 to reserve.
Reservation Windows:
- Active Duty/Guard/Reserves: Book up to 60 days in advance
- Retirees & other eligible users: Book up to 30 days in advance
Stay Limits:
- 30 nights max (Nov–Mar) with a 30-night extension possible
- 45 nights max (Apr–Oct)
Our Stay: May 6 – June 17, 2019
We stayed at Williams FamCamp for about six weeks in late spring—and it was a mixed bag. Here’s our take:
The Good:
- Quiet & spacious sites with room to breathe
- Great location for day trips from Denver to Colorado Springs and Rocky Mountain NP
- Nice dog-walking trails along Steamboat Ave
- Affordable price for full-hookup camping in the Denver area
The Not-So-Good:
- Wild weather—hail, tornado warnings, thunderstorms, and snow
- Moths. So many moths. No idea where they got in, but they were relentless
- Outdoor Rec staff dropped the ball on check-in communication
- Laundry access issues and non-residents using the machines
- Limited oversight from Outdoor Rec—the camp host seemed to be running the show solo
Amenities Overview
| Amenity | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Hookups | ✅ | All 38 sites |
| Showers & Restrooms | ✅ | Tornado shelter; rarely used otherwise |
| Laundry Room | ✅ (but inconsistent) | 2 washers/dryers; often broken; locals sneak in |
| Dog Park | ❌ | But great trails nearby |
| Lodge or Clubhouse | ❌ | None |
| Mail Service | ❌ | Use UPS Store or General Delivery in town |
| Pool/Spa | ❌ | Possible access at base gym (not verified) |
| Playground/Recreation | ❌ | Just trails on-site, but lots nearby |
Nearby Attractions
Williams FamCamp makes a great basecamp for exploring Denver, Aurora, and beyond. Here are some favorite nearby adventures from our stay:
- Catch a Rockies game – If the weather cooperates!
- Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park – Day trip for hiking, photography, and wildlife
- Loveland Heart Sculptures – Great photo ops
- Manitou Incline & Pikes Peak – One heck of a workout and views to match
- Fly Fishing near Estes Park – A personal favorite
- Kayaking around Colorado Springs – We broke in our new kayaks here
For more things to see and do near Denver, click here.
Final Thoughts – Would We Stay Again?
Probably not. While Williams FamCamp has a lot going for it—especially price and location—it just didn’t click for us. The weather was rough, the laundry situation frustrating, and the Outdoor Rec staff seemed too hands-off.
We’d likely stay at the Air Force Academy campground in Colorado Springs if we’re back in the area.
But if you’re looking for an affordable full-hookup site near Denver and have DOD access, Williams FamCamp is still a solid option.
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