Chatfield State Park Littleton
Chatfield State Park is just 45 minutes from Denver and is one of the metro areas most popular destinations, thanks to the opportunity to play on the beach, take part in a wide range of water sports, hike barbecue, view wildlife and more. And, all can be enjoyed while soaking up views of the Rocky Mountain foothills. There are nearly 200 campsites, for both tents and RVs, and each one includes a picnic table, grill and is within walking distance of the water. On the 880-acre, surface of the water, you can kayak, fish, boat, paddleboard and canoe. If you dont have your own watercraft, boat rentals are available. While on land, there are scenic trails for horseback riding, biking and hiking throughout the area. Facilities also include a marina, a restaurant, and even a model airplane field with paved runways, frequency posts and field regulations for radio-controlled aircraft.
Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay
Why you should camp here: Fort Collins backyard reservoir is perfect for stay-cations and some low-key camping fun.
- Reservations accepted: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs, Boat-in
- RV hookups: Yes
Horsetooth Reservoirs South Bay Campground offers over 150 campsites perfect for any adventure. There are even 15 campsites you can only reach via boat. The boat-in sites are in small inlets or shores along the reservoir and there are only 2 sites per inlet, and 1 per shore. Talk about privacy!
Horsetooth can be crowded in the summer, but its hard to beat a quick getaway like this one! I wouldnt recommend camping here if you are looking for peace and isolation since Horsetooth is so close to town. But if youre from around the area and just looking for some easy camping fun, or youre taking the kiddos out for the first time, then this campground is perfect!
Family-friendly and with plenty of amenities, space, and options, theres something for everyone here. One great perk of camping near town, you can always just pop in for some great food or the local breweries such as Odell and New Belgium for some post-outdoor activity brews.
Steamboat Lake State Park Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Lake State Park is a favorite with Coloradoans and visitors alike, offering the chance to camp near the water as well as to go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming and water skiing, while the surrounding mountains are ideal for hiking and biking, and all are framed by magnificent Hahns Peak. Not only are there lots of scenic campsites, but the marina offers watercraft rentals, there is a swimming beach, a visitor center, a camp store, gift shop, concessions, showers and more. Wildlife watchers can enjoy glimpses of red fox and mule deer, as well as a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl like the sandhill cranes that nest in the wetland areas. Camping is available year-round and includes traditional sites as well as camper cabins and even winter camping with electric outlets in the marina parking lot.
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Elkhead Reservoir State Park
Located in the Yampa Valley of Northwest Colorado, Elkhead Reservoir State Park has a 900-acre reservoir. Guests can enjoy the water with paddle boards, float tubes, canoes, windsurfer boats, jet skiing, and boating. Theres also a chance for hiking shorter trails along the lakeshore, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
For camping, there are about 50 developed sites, which provide access to the reservoir at Bears Ear Campground and Pronghorn Campground. Many of the sites are right on the shoreline, making them accessible by boat. Campground amenities include restrooms, shade shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, and parking pads.
135 County Road 28, Craig | 970-276-2061 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/ElkheadReservoir
Highline Lake State Park
Located northwest of Grand Junction in Loma, Highline State Park has two lakes and offers plenty to do for everyone. Paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, and motor boats are welcome here. Theres also a playground, retail store, and various hiking or biking trails.
For those who love birding, Highline Lake is home to many different bird varieties, and The Audubon Society has even designated the park an important bird area.
There are 36 grassy campsites available for RVs and for tents. There are showers and laundry facilities as well as a fire ring, grill, and picnic table on each camp site. The park also offers group camping and winter camping.
1800 11.8 Road, Loma | 970-858-7208 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/HighlineLake
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Arapaho National Recreation Area
Arapaho National Recreation Area is home to five reservoirs: Lake Granby, Meadow Creek Reservoir, Monarch Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Willow Creek Reservoir. Grand Lake is adjacent to the area, making this area known as the Great Lakes of Colorado.
The campgrounds within Arapaho National Recreation Area include Arapaho Bay Campground, Green Ridge Campground, Stillwater Campground, Sunset Point Campground, Cutthroat Campground, and Willow Creek Campground. Features vary by campground but may include nearby trails and picnic tables.
US-34, Grandby | 970-295-6600 | fs.usda.gov/
Camping In State Parks By Lakes
Campgrounds and state parks may often have fire restrictions that can change often. Learn more about Colorados fire ban stages, so you know what to expect when youre out in the wilderness.
If there is public access to swimming, Colorado state parks do not have lifeguards on duty. Children must be supervised at all times by adults, and its swimming at your own risk. The Red Cross has suggestions for swim safety.
For boating, some boats may be required to be inspected before entering the water. Colorado Parks & Wildlife also offers tips for boating safety. There are often various safety requirements, such as wearing a life vest.
Check-in and check-out times may vary by the campground and can change. This is also true for minimum and maximum stays. Reservations, usually always required, for state parks can be made by visiting cpwshop.com or calling 800-244-5613. Bookings can be made up to six months earlier.
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James M Robb Colorado River State Park
The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park is split into five various sections Fruita, Connected Lakes, Colorado River Wildlife Area, Corn Lake, and Island Acres, each offering interesting lake and river experiences. Camping is offered at the Island Acres and Fruita sections.
Island Acres offers access to four lakes, as well as two playgrounds, showers, and laundry facilities. There are both full hook-up sites as well as tent camping. The website notes for new visitors to the area, that the campground is located near train tracks and the Interstate.
There are five various sections with different locations and phone numbers. The Island Acres section is located at:
1055 Interstate 70, Palisade | 970-464-0548 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/JamesMRobbColoradoRiver
Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park, located near Denver, has an off-leash dog section, multi-use trails, stables and horseback riding, a shooting range, an electric vehicle charging station, bike paths, and a model airplane flying area.
Seasonally, the lake gives park-goers a chance to do it all boating, rowing, jet skiing, and the ability to rent boats or jet skis. Year-round camping is available, including basic tent sites and full hook-up campsites. An outdoor amphitheater is within the campground and sits up to 100 people.
4201 South Parker Road, Aurora | 303-690-1166 | cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CherryCreek
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Best Place To Tent Camp In Colorado
I’ve been searching the forums and haven’t really come up with exactly what we’re looking for. My husband and I are in our mid-20s and are planning a trip to Colorado next Summer-Fall. We’d love some advice and recommendations. We’ll probably have 7-9 days which will include car commuting .
First and foremost, we’d like a secluded spot with beautiful views and solitude. We will be car camping, so that is something to keep in mind. We don’t enjoy being in large, touristy cities , but we would enjoy more authentic mining towns, ect… We’ll also want a good restaurant within a half-hour drive or so to eat dinner at a few times. We’re up for splitting our time up between a couple different spots, but we don’t want to waste away the whole time in the car.
I’ve been scoping out the Mueller State Park/Cripple Creek/Colorado Springs area, which would be about a 13-hour drive each way. Do you guys think this area would be good or can you of somewhere that might fit us better? Much appreciation to anyone who comments.
Colorado Springs is a huge city by Colorado standards and can be quite crowded with tourists – even more so than RMNP. I do like Mueller State Park, but there is no real fishing there. The nearby towns of Woodland Park or Manitou Springs are not at all like Colorado Springs.
I would put RMNP in your plans but consider lodging on the west side and/or plan your trip outside of peak visitation times.
Trinidad Lake State Park
If you are traveling to Trinidad, Colorado, you may want to consider visiting the Trinidad Lake State Park. It is a popular tourist destination because it is properly maintained and kept in the best condition possible. While visiting the park, you will come across numerous hiking trails. Some of the tracks are more challenging than others. However, you can spend time on any of these trails with your loved one.
It is possible to spend a few nights camping at the Trinidad Lake State Park. You can walk around the hiking trails and quickly access the beautiful lake. The clean lake is something people look forward to seeing when they visit the park. You will even have the opportunity to go fishing while you are in the water. If you would like to enjoy scenic views while having a relaxing experience, this park is a must-see destination.
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Little Molas Lake San Juan National Forest
Little Molas Lake, located in the southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, is a primitive campground that offers spectacular views of the glistening water and the surrounding jagged peaks of Snowdon, Grand Turk, Engineer and Twin Sister. With access to Andrews Lake, a high-altitude tarn stocked with rainbow and brook trout, the Colorado Trail and views from Molas Pass, its truly hard to beat. A scenic hike will bring you to a hidden waterfall in Cascade Canyon, and if youre into rock climbing, there are plenty of opportunities too. Be aware that there are actually two campgrounds: Molas Lake and Little Molas Lake. The latter is the more remote and secluded, situated about a mile west of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass. There are 10 campsites, all of which include fire grates but there is nothing else in the way of amenities no tables, no drinking water or trash service. This one is worth it for the especially tranquil, and breathtakingly scenic experience.
Fishing And Camping In Colorado
For many, camping and fishing go hand in hand, and here in Colorado one can make a lifetime of memories like the ones at the bottom of this post. Whether fly-fishing or other, novice or pro, Colorado provides you with the chance for about 35 species of both warm- and cold-water fish.
We could write an entire series on fishing but for now well offer a sampling of places you can camp close enough to the lake or stream that you dont need to drive from your campsite.
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The Wolford Mountain Reservoir
Home to stunning mountain views and the annual Wolford Ice Fishing Contest, the Wolford Mountain Reservoir is a must-see in Kremmling. The reservoir is a hot spot for boatingyou can rent pontoons, paddle boats and more right at the reservoirand offers nearby hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting.
Where to Camp
Address: Phone:
Directions For Several Different Routes To The Resort:
Via US-40 W and CO-125 N
Take I-70 W toward Grand Jct
Take exit 232 toward U.S. 40 E/Empire/Granby
Continue onto US-40 W
Slight right to stay on US-40 W
Pass by McDonald’s on the left
Turn right onto CO-125 N
Turn left onto County Rd 12 W
Turn right to stay on Co Rd 12 W
Slight right onto Co Rd 7
Slight left onto Jackson County Rd 7A
Destination will be on the right Lake John Resort
2521 Jackson County Rd 7A, Walden, CO 80480
Via CO-14 W
Take US-287 N
Turn left onto CO-14 W
Turn left onto CO-14 W/6th St
Turn left onto Main St
Continue right onto CO-125 S/CO-14 W/Main St
Continue to follow CO-125 S/CO-14 W
Turn right on Co Rd 12W
Turn right to stay on Co Rd 12 W
Slight right onto Co Rd 7
Slight left onto Jackson County Rd 7A
Destination will be on the right Lake John Resort
2521 Jackson County Rd 7A, Walden, CO 80480
Via US-287 and WY-230 W
Take US-287 N
Turn right to merge onto I-80 W toward Rawlins
Take exit 311 for WY-130/WY-230/Snowy Range Rd
Turn left onto WY-130 W/WY-230 W/Snowy Range Rd
Pass by McDonald’s on the left
Continue straight onto WY-230 W/W Jackson St
Continue to follow WY-230 W Entering Colorado
Continue onto CO-127 S
Continue onto CO-125 S
Turn right onto Jcrd 6w in Cowdrey , call before taking it 970-723-3226. If you do not want to take this road, continue straight on CO-125 S through Cowdrey to Walden, then skip down the directions to the * and follow those the rest of the way)
Sharp left onto Co Rd 7
Turn right onto Jackson County Rd 7A
Via I-70
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Turquoise Lake Recreation Area Leadville
Turquoise Lake is a recreation area in the San Isabel National Forest just outside of Leadville, the nations highest incorporated town. Youll find thick evergreen forest, towering mountains and an 1,800-acre lake as well as eight campgrounds, all sitting at a crisp and cool 10,000-foot-high elevation. The lake offers boating and fishing, and on land, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking and four-wheeling. If youre looking for a fairly easy hike or bike excursion, the 12-mile paved Mineral Belt Trail loop starts in downtown Leadville, just four miles east of the lake. The campgrounds offer both RV and tenting camping, with tent-only sites at Belle of Colorado. Theyre all spread across the lakes shoreline, most along the eastern shore. All include picnic tables, fire rings, toilets and drinking water.
Cache La Poudre River
Popularity / Crowds: 6Average Fish Size: Medium
There are few places that boast as many fish as the Cache La Poudre. This legendary Colorado fly fishing hole gets its name from a crew of explorers that got stuck in a blizzard on their way through the region, and stored their heavy powder kegs near the unnamed river. Though there are hundreds of access points to the Cache La Poudre, one of the easiest is just outside of Fort Collins, CO, where the river runs basically through the edge of town.
Since it runs along Highway 14, there are a number of easy access points that can be visited just a short walk from the road, just be sure to lookout for signs limiting public access. That said, the Cache La Poudre enjoys some of the best public access of any river in the state, with open stretches of the river that run for miles and are free to the public year-round. In addition to that, the nearby reservoirs tend to take some of the crowds away from the open stream waters, so visitors can often find relative quiet, particularly if you hike a bit to get to your spot.
Had a great time camping over the 4th of July. We had an amazing view of the water, the bathrooms were great and if you had a boat you can literally pull it right to shore to anchor for the day or overnight. Great place and cant wait to go back!The Dyrt Camper Curtis G.
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Oh Be Joyful Campground
Located not far from Crested Butte, the Oh Be Joyful campsite doesn’t just have a great name, but is a fantastic location too. The camping area serves as a gateway into a massive region known as the Raggeds Wilderness. Spanning more than 65,000 acres, this national forest ranges in altitude from 7,000 to 13,000 feet. In addition to soaking up the wonderful views of the towering mountains that prominently line the horizon, campers can hike, fish, or mountain bike within the Raggeds too. Reserve a campsite online and use the filters to find available accessible locations. Oh Be Joyful features 13 options for wheelchair and mobility aid users.
For a small slice of civilization amidst this remote location, be sure to drop by Crested Butte while you’re in the area. There, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants, pubs, and shops to explore, each oozing with mountain-town charm.
Best Camping In Colorado
Camping is a fun way to connect with nature, especially in the Rocky Mountains. And excellent camping is nearly everywhere in Colorado, with some of the best campsites around. There are countless sites that didnt make this list, which is as good as any. So this list of best Colorado camping spots probably will grow over time.
There is a mix of paid developed campgrounds and undeveloped primitive campsites that are free. Some are just suitable for car camping with tents while others can fit a full fledge travel trailer. So feel free to rent an RV in Denver and head to the high country!
Remember to leave no trace when camping.
Its remote, yet easy to reach.
This national scenic byway connects Yampa with Meeker to the west. Free dispersed camping is all over, and there are plenty of campgrounds too. The highlight is Trappers Lake, the third-largest natural lake in Colorado. There are several campgrounds down at Trappers Lake, but no dispersed camping around this Cradle of Wilderness.
Trappers Lake Lodge is open late May through September, and rents out boats, horses, and cabins. It also has a mini general store and restaurant/bar. The first half of the byway is a smooth gravel road, and the second is dirt. Most two-wheel drive cars will be fine.
Dispersed camping is everywhere once you get going on the byway. Most dirt roads will yield a few campsites, with plenty of places right on the byway. The only exception is the Trappers Lake area.
Nearby Towns:
Getting There:
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