Colorado, from its state parks to its national forests, is known for its stunning geographical diversity and is abundant with gorgeous rivers, snow-capped mountains, and arid deserts. The endless possibilities for camping and outdoor explorations can make the planning process overwhelming. If Colorado is on your list for camping this season in your travel trailer, here is our top ten list of the best spots.
Red Feather Lakes
When you head to the Rocky Mountains for adventure and reach the northwest of Fort Collins, you will fall in love with the jaw-dropping views. This Red Feather Lakes is also Colorado’s first designed scenic river. The nearby Dowdy Lake has many popular sites for fishing, biking, and hiking. This area was first identified by ranchers around 1900, and today, it has become a popular outdoor playground with beautiful scenery, mountain views, and hiking trails.
Plant your trip: Red Feather Lakes
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
The Golden Gate Canyon State is a camper’s paradise, surrounded by more than 12,000 acres of dense forest and miles of trail. The stunning location is only 30 miles from Denver, and there are two different campgrounds for tent camping. All visitors get to choose from 156 camping sites, and there are exciting spots for mountain biking, horseback riding, and winter sports. Tent camping at Golden Gate Canyon Park is available all year round, but you need to remember that they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You also have the chance to enjoy a hunting expedition on Ralston Creek, which is adjacent to the park.
Plant your trip: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Camp Dick
Camp Dick certainly provides some of the best camping in Colorado. Camp Dick was established during the mid-1930s and is located in the Middle Saint Vrain Creek. The camping ground is surrounded by conifer forests and an open meadow. The trails in the region are open for hiking and biking. Guided horseback riding is just a mile away. All campsites in Camp Dick accommodate tent camping, and you can find picnic tables and campfire rings. You can purchase firewood at the campsite, even during the peak season.
Plant your trip: Camp Dick
Turquoise Lake
Turquoise Lake is a recreation area just outside of Leadville, Colorado. This area is known for boating and fishing. Other popular recreation activities include camping and hiking. There are about 300 campsites in the region spread across eight campgrounds. You can choose from tent camping and RV camping, and most of the campgrounds are located on the eastern shore. What campers love about the campgrounds is that they offer picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilets! Because Turquoise Lakes are located at almost 10,000 feet, the camping sites are only open during the summer. If you are not used to altitude climbing, drink plenty of water and allow extra activity time. You can, however, still visit the location as it is one of the popular destinations for ice fishing. Make reservations in advance to make your outdoor adventures more fun, as campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Plant your trip: Turquoise Lake
Saddlehorn Campground
The site is the only established campground within the monument. All campsites in the ‘A’ loop are first come, first served. You can reserve camping sites in B loop six months in advance. C loop camping sites are ideal for individual as well as group camping. Saddlehorn is the only established campsite in the monument, and it’s not surprising that all 80 camping sites fill quickly in summer. This mesmerizing location can be found at the end of the 23-mile-long scenic drive through the canyons. Driving to the camping site, you can enjoy expansive views of the Grand Junction and the valley. Most visitors are impressed with the six-mile-long hike along the Monument Canyon trail. More adventurous visitors can enjoy desert hiking. If you decide to stay at the campsite, you can enjoy a road bike ride and rock climbing.
Plant your trip: Saddlehorn Campground
Little Molas Lake Campground
People do not hesitate to visit Little Molas for outdoor adventure. The destination is known for its proximity to Andrews Lake and is located at over 3,300m. Little Molas also has excellent hiking access to the Colorado Trail. While summers in Little Molas Campground are glorious (the high-altitude destination is stocked with rainbows), you should be prepared with a solid tent and lots of weatherproof gear to make your outdoor adventure more fun.
Plant your trip: Little Molas Lake Campground
Angel of Shavano
Angel of Shavano campgrounds is undoubtedly one of the region’s best-kept secrets. While the camping ground is small and features only 20 campsites, the cozy atmosphere allows you to spend quality time with family and friends. The recreational activities offered at the Angel of Shavano campground include fishing, biking, and hiking. This campground interestingly is named after an angel that appears in the Shavano Mountains. It lies at an elevation of 9,200 feet and is covered by aspen and pine forests. Some camping sites along the river are encircled by open, grassy meadows. Because Angel of Shavano is situated at an elevation, you must take protective camping gear. Thunderstorms are pretty common in the summer months. The Colorado Trail begins within the Angel of Shavano campground and provides excellent hiking and biking opportunities for adventurous campers. This trail is about 487 miles in elevation, and the segments range from 5,500 feet to over 13,000 feet.
Plant your trip: Angel of Shavano
Piñon Flats Campground
Piñon Flats Campground is located in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It features high mountain peaks, grasslands, lush forests, sparkling streams, and a wide variety of wildflowers. The camping site has endless outdoor recreational activities and is perfect for kids who want to explore nature.
Plant your trip: Piñon Flats Campground
Oh Be Joyful Campground
Located in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest, the campground is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 15 campsites, and adventurers can enjoy abundant hiking, biking, skiing, paddling, and wildlife watching. The camping ground is open all year round and is particularly stunning, especially in the fall.
Plant your trip: Oh Be Joyful Campground
Buena Vista
This beautiful valley is ideal for fishing, rafting, and kayaking. The Arrowhead Point campground has camping sites, cottages, and cabins in the perfect mountain setting, so you can return to nature with a fun twist.
Plant your trip: Buena Vista
