Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, swim, or just take a stroll in the great outdoors, you’ll find a number of great camping spots in Colorado. From state parks to national parks, there are plenty of places to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown of a few of the best campgrounds in the state.
Maroon Bells
Often thought of as the most photographed mountain peaks in the US, Maroon Bells are a must-see. These majestic peaks stand 14,000 feet above sea level. They are framed by a beautiful lake, which offers spectacular reflections.
The area around Maroon Bells is popular for camping. There are three campgrounds run by the Forest Service. These campgrounds have tent sites and primitive backcountry campsites.
The Silver Bell Campground is located on Maroon Creek at 8,460 feet. This camp has 14 tent sites.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is open during the summer, but closed during the winter. It requires reservations, and shuttles are needed. It is a good idea to make your reservation in advance.
There are also two campgrounds along Maroon Creek. These campgrounds are open for overnight camping. These campgrounds do not require shuttles. They have limited parking. These campgrounds are available for people who are planning to hike to the summit of the Maroon Bells.
The Maroon Bells are a very popular destination in Aspen. They are an ideal place to see wildlife. You will find many types of wildflowers, and the scenery is beautiful. It is also a great place to take a picnic.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is an awesome destination for camping. It is known for its spectacular scenery and wide variety of hiking trails. It also offers a good selection of car and RV campgrounds. In addition to the parks five developed campgrounds, there are several backcountry spots that are popular with hikers.
The park is divided into three ecosystems: the Subalpine, the Montane, and the Alpine. Each has their own distinct features. The Subalpine, for example, contains crystal clear lakes and ponderosa pine forests. The Montane has lush meadows and rivers, while the Alpine has lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce.
There are five developed campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park. These campgrounds are open seasonally during summer months. If you plan on staying in a particular site, it is best to reserve early. Most sites have fire grates, food storage lockers, and flush toilets.
The park’s website is the best source of up-to-date information about the park. The site offers an interactive map to help you find the campground of your choice. It also includes a safety page with tips on how to prevent animal-transmitted diseases.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Whether you are a tenter, RVer, or backpacker, Great Sand Dunes National Park has camping opportunities to suit your style. The tallest sand dunes in North America are protected within the park. During your trip, you can explore the sand slopes, sandboard, and hike the many trails.
The best time to visit the area is in early fall. The foliage is at its peak during autumn. The Milky Way is also visible during the month of October. The area is free of light pollution, which means clear dark skies for night photography.
If you are looking for a more remote, primitive camping experience, consider Pinon Flats Campground. This campground is located just north of the Great Sand Dunes National Park visitor’s center. The campground is open seasonally from April to October. It features 100 campsites and is suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers. It has a water fill station, air fill station, and dumpsters. The sites are equipped with fire pits and grills. You will need to make a reservation up to six months in advance.
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park
Located on the Gunnison uplift, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an amazing place to explore. It is home to some of the best camping in Nevada. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
The Painted Wall in the Black Canyon is the tallest cliff in Colorado. Its walls are made from quartz monzonite, which resists shearing. This cliff is 2247 feet high.
The Gunnison River carved the Black Canyon over millennia. It drops 43 feet per mile through the canyon. The river is designated as a wild trout water. Fishing is allowed in the canyon, but special regulations apply.
In the inner canyon, there are no trails, but visitors can hike along the edge of the cliffs. To reach this area, drive to the North or South rim. You’ll need to have good route finding skills and above-average fitness. You can also enjoy views of the canyon from both rims.
The park is open 365 days a year. The best time to visit is from late April to mid-November. The park has 20 scenic overlooks. Many of these overlooks have large parking lots.
Jackson Lake State Park
Located on the eastern plains of Colorado, Jackson Lake State Park is a great summer camping destination. It offers a 2,411-acre reservoir, a 260-site campground, a marina, and plenty of recreational activities.
The park is well-known for its fishing, boating, and swimming. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake. It is also popular for its stargazing. The park was designated as a Dark Sky Park in 2020.
The park has a visitor center with exhibits. There is also a marina for motorized vessels. There are several hiking trails, including a short nature trail and a quarter-mile long Prairie Wetland Nature Trail.
The lake is a good place for bird watching and wildlife viewing. In addition, there are opportunities for fishing for trout and ice fishing. In the winter, you may be able to see bald eagles.
The campgrounds at Jackson Lake offer a wide range of amenities, including firewood for sale and laundry facilities. There are also showers and drinking water available at the marina.
The park is also home to the largest sand beach in the state. In addition, it is a popular spot for bird watching and photographing wildlife.
Staunton State Park
Located in the southwest part of Denver, Staunton State Park is an enchanting mountain park with over thirty miles of trails to explore. Soaring granite cliffs, creeks, waterfalls, and lush vegetation create a mosaic of beauty and recreation. The park is open Monday through Sunday.
Staunton State Park has a variety of hiking and cycling trails. The Mason Creek Trail is 4.5 miles long and passes right by the campground. It starts on a gentle path and soon becomes a steady uphill climb. It also has a stream running alongside the trail.
The Mason Creek Trail ends at a historic mill site. The Old Mill Site was once a sawmill that operated in the early twentieth century. The site has relics from the mill.
The Border Line Trail is a 2.5 mile extension of the Mason Creek Trail. This route follows the northern boundary of the park and connects with the Staunton Ranch Trail.
The Elk Creek Falls is a 300 foot waterfall. This is one of the park’s most popular hiking spots.
State Forest State Park
Located in the northeastern portion of Colorado, State Forest State Park is a great place for camping, hiking, and skiing. It boasts over 71,000 acres of forested beauty. You can hike, bike, and fish in the park’s lakes and streams. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and porcupines.
The park has five campgrounds, each with over 150 campsites. You can stay in a cozy cabin or tent, or rent a yurt or RV. You can also enjoy fishing in rivers and streams, as well as ice fishing at the reservoir when it is full.
The park is connected to over 100 miles of backcountry trails. These trails range from one mile to twenty miles, giving visitors a test of endurance for the most experienced backwoodsman. The park offers hiking and snowshoeing equipment, as well as avalanche safety equipment.
The park is known for its beautiful landscape, which includes jagged mountains, lakes, and forests. It is also home to a variety wildlife, including moose, mountain chickadees, and gray jays.
Lathrop State Park
Located in southern Colorado, Lathrop State Park is a popular place to camp and enjoy the outdoors. It offers many recreational opportunities, including fishing, biking, and horseback riding. Depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy birdwatching.
The park has a golf course, an archery range, and several hiking trails. You can also enjoy the scenery of Spanish Peaks, which are just south of the park. The park offers several lake activities, including water skiing and sailboating. If you are a fisherman, you will also find plenty of opportunities to catch catfish, northern pike, walleye, and bluegill.
The park also has a camp store. You can make reservations in advance. During the warmer months, you can swim at the swim beach near the picnic areas. You can also hike or bike on the trails.
The parks two lakes are perfect for water sports, especially for water skiers. Unlike many mountain lakes, the water is warm. During the summer, you can expect temperatures of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are three main hiking trails at the park. You can choose between a leisure walking trail, a more intense hike, or a horseback riding trail.
