Camping

Plan your Colorado Camping Trip

With spectacular scenery and mild summer temperatures, there could truly be no better way to experience the Colorado outdoors than by camping. Read about some of our campground recommendations.

From the desert of the Colorado National Monument to serene Mountaintop lakes, rushing rivers and grassy plains, Colorado’s outdoors has something for every camper’s taste. Colorado’s myriad of camping destinations offer idyllic untouched wilderness, cool summer weather, and boundless outdoor opportunities for camping. You need only choose your style of camping.

camping at lake

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Camping

A very popular way of camping in Colorado is by RV. The freedom of traveling by RV gives you access to any destination the road will take you. Experience high mountain vistas and travel through quaint mountain towns. Stop at local farmer’s markets and musical events. Find out-of-the-way campsites. Learn more about RV camping in Colorado. Most campsites that facilitate RV campers do require reservations. However, BLM is always open to RVs, and some National Forest locations are available too.

Cabin Camping

Finding a tucked-away cabin in Colorado is very popular way to experience the effervescence of Colorado. Cabins in Colorado are usually surrounded by majestic mountains next to a lake or a hot springs, in a state park, or on a guest ranch. Cabin camping is a great way to experience the wonders of that particular place. That said, there are often several Colorado activities to choose from within your location, plus the cabin’s roominess to keep all your stuff safe and ready.

Tent Camping 

Camping by way of a tent. If you are serious about getting remote, tent camping is the way to go. Even if you choose to car camp with a tent, your options of finding a campsite without a reservation go way up. If you find your favorite campground full, look for a nearby National Forest. Although there are National Forest campgrounds you don’t have to camp in a designated area. The National Forest is open to the public but please be mindful of packing out whatever you bring in and read through these rules for forest visitors.

Backpacking

Going backpack camping is the best way to experience Colorado’s Wilderness. Backpacking allows trekkers to get close to all the beauty and wonders of Colorado’s remote areas. Colorado has some of the most scenic and challenging trails in North America. However, backpacking in Colorado is really for the seasoned enthusiast. To begin with, you need to have hiking fitness and be able to carry a heavy backpack. If you are a total newbie, find someone experienced to accompany you. Backpacking is the opposite of RV camping, as all your essentials need to be scaled down to a minuscule size or completely left behind. It’s best to do a couple of overnight trips before heading out for several days. This will help you understand your equipment and how to organize for a longer trip. You need to be comfortable with maps and a compass as well. Spend time hiking with a map, so you get a feel for navigation. That being said, backpacking is the most exhilarating and refreshing way to experience the wilderness.

Colorado temperatures fluctuate dramatically from day to night, and wildlife is plentiful. Always remember to be smart about food storage and be prepared with survival essentials like sunscreen, maps, first aid kits, proper clothing, and drinking water or a water filtration system.

For information on forest service campgrounds, including location, availability, reservations, and services, visit the National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov or www.recreation.gov.

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