Colorado is one of the most scenic states in the country, and camping in Colorado is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty the start has to offer. The vast variety of terrain and settings makes Colorado a great state to experience camping in many different environments, from the mountain peaks of the Rockies to calm lakeside settings to red rock canyon country to peaceful forests. Whether you are enjoying a staycation with your family or traveling specifically here to enjoy camping in Colorado, you are sure to have a memorable adventure.
Getting Ready to Go Camping in Colorado: The Basics
Colorado is the 8th largest state in the U.S., and its geographic diversity offers some of the best camping in the country, from the flat grassland plains to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the Indian ruins in the southwest, Colorado provides a rainbow of choices for the aspiring camper.
Types of Camping
This article focuses on the joys of traditional tent camping, but the definition of camping has expanded to include stays in cabins, yurts and even teepees, as well as campgrounds with full-service RV sites with water, sewer and electrical connections. But for the nature enthusiast, nothing beats the simple joys of curling up in your tent under the night skies and hearing the sounds of nature envelop you as you fall asleep, and the crisp morning air awaken your senses as the morning light lifts the curtain of night from your surroundings.
Preparing for Your Camping Adventure
If this is your first time camping in Colorado or even if you are a veteran camper, be sure to make a list of what you'll need. Talk to experienced campers to make sure you haven't forgotten anything! If you are more of a novice, a careful planning checklist will help you avoid missing out on important items you may need.
Planning Where to Go and What to Take
With thousands of campsites in the national and state parks and forests across Colorado, it requires careful planning to ensure you find the best campground with the activities and amenities you want in the location you prefer. Whether you want a backcountry site with miles of open space around you, or a lakeside setting for your tent but still within easy reach of a cozy mountain town to enjoy some fine dining before turning in under the stars, it helps to have some help to navigate the broad array of choices.
If you have your heart set on boating and water sports, don't pick the Rocky Mountain campgrounds. If you would like to duck into that cute mountain town, don't select a backcountry site that is miles and miles removed from civilization. Check out what the hiking trail options are and whether there are various levels of difficulty that will suit the physical fitness of the members of your party. See what the elevation of the campground is and make sure it is not too high if anyone will have breathing difficulties at those heights.
Helpful Websites
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website has a Camping section that helps you take care of the logistics of reserving your campsite and understand the fees involved. There's a State Park Finder map to help you locate your campground, and you can make your campsite reservations online or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (though some campgrounds require you make them directly through them). Try to make reservations the maximum 6 months in advance that the system allows. If you are looking to reserve your spot sooner than that, the site's authors recommend looking at weekday dates for the best availability.
The site also explains the various fees involved including daily park fees and the camping fees themselves, plus the annual park pass that can provide an affordable alternative to paying as you go for frequent campers. It also reviews some amenities at state campgrounds, such as boat ramps, stables, picnic tables, rest rooms and showers, laundry facilities and even convenience stores.
What You Want to Do
There are many outdoor activities that Colorado campsites offer, and state park sites let you know where they can be experienced. The state park sites also offer information on outdoor learning subjects of interest including hunter education, wildlife conservation, fishing licenses, boating safety and other subjects related to outdoor activities that visitors may engage in while camping in Colorado.
Camping-Specific Info
Another good online planning resource is Camp Colorado. This site offers help in finding a campground with a search tool and maps based on what type of site, services offered and what months of the year the campground is open. An article section covers such topics as High Altitude Camping, Road Conditions awareness, towing and RV safety, camping etiquette and others. Its blog serves up information on the different areas of the state, flora and fauna, Colorado's geology, state wildflowers, cold weather camping tips and other topics useful for readers camping in Colorado.
Beyond the Campsite: Great Activities
The range of activities that your particular campground offers will determine how you commune with nature. There are an amazing variety of outdoor sports and adventure activities available, so match your destination with what types of things you most want to do on your camping vacation in Colorado. Some can be enjoyed year round, including prime star gazing due to many parks being et at high elevations and being far removed from city lights. Other activities will be based on what time of year you plan to go camping.
Here's what you can do seasonally:
Warm Weather Months
Winter Months
Top Campgrounds in Colorado
Camping in Colorado is as varied as the regions of the state. From the grasslands in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the center to the Native Indian ruins in the southwest, the state offers a scenic smorgasbord of places to visit and awe-inspiring landscapes. There are so many wonderful campgrounds to choose from, but here are a representative selection of some of the best, with a summary of what makes them special,and the activities you can enjoy there:
Moraine Lake Campground
Steamboat Lake State Park
Maroon Bells
Little Molas Lake Campground
Guanella Pass
Mueller State Park Campground
Morefield Campground
Pinon Flats Campground
Saddlehorn Campground
Harding Spur Campground
Echo Lake
Angel of Shavano Campground
Oh Be Joyful Campground
Jacks Gulch
Bear Lake Campground
Comanche National Grassland
Railroad Bridge, Arkansas Headwaters National Recreation Area
North Rim Campground
D Loop
Colorado Camping Adventures to Satisfy All
No matter what type of outdoor activity you love, chances are good that you can enjoy it while camping in Colorado at one of the state's many scenic campgrounds. From boating and swimming to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, Colorado's campgrounds offer so many ways to get out and enjoy the great scenery and natural beauty. But there's the unexpected as well, with sites where you can go whitewater rafting, hike to see rock art or dinosaur tracks, or go panning for gold. Colorado will give you many reasons to return again and again to enjoy its spectacular campgrounds in beautiful settings.
Featured Photo by Christopher Jolly on Unsplash
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