Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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Camping Near Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado

Rent A Camper For Your Trip

Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado Resort and Spa | Hot Springs Near Grand Lake

With this perfect 3-day itinerary, you can start your adventure just minutes after leaving Denver. That means the only question that remains what type of campervan to rent for your Colorado adventure!

Find a campervan rental in Colorado. There are several independently owned rental outlets that would be happy to help you rent a 4×4 camper or campervan rental that best suits your travel style. Many of the rental companies shared on our rental directory include all the gear you need to have a thrilling yet comfortable adventure of a lifetime.

And if dont mind renting from an RV-owner , you can also try Outdoorsy, a peer-to-peer RV marketplace. They offer plenty of campervan and RV rentals out of Denver, Colorado. Find the perfect rental for your Colorado trip >

The Top 5 Camping Sites From My Past 5 Years In Colorado

The Top 5 Camping Sites from My Past 5 Years in Colorado

I like some variety to my lists/life, so the following roundup includes some paid, some dispersed and some just-outside-of-Colorado spots.

I typically choose my camping spots based on:

  • Distance from Denver
  • Natural beauty
  • Proximity to planned activity

Hope you enjoy, and please remember to always leave your site tidier than you found it 🙂

Distance from Denver: 100 miles, 2 hrs sans traffic

The longer you live in Colorado, the more outdoor-hot-spot knowledge you amass. This particular site is from a list of GPS coordinates supplied to me on a second Bumble date. Unfortunately, we did not work out, but I still have plenty of super-secret sites to check out!

The nice thing about this site is that its actually very close to a town, but the scenery gives you the feeling that youre pretty far off the grid. The town of Hot Sulphur Springs is aptly named the campsite is actually off the same road where the hot springs resort is. Ive visited the resort a few times myself. It boasts several pools of varying temperatures and a lovely rotten-egg, pure-sulphur stench to go with each. Worth a visit, especially at night and in the colder months!

The site is situated off a jeep road, so make sure you have AWD/4WD and a high-clearance vehicle in order to access it . This is definitely not accessible when theres any snow on the ground.

Day Two: Dip Into The Hot Springs In Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado

  • The Drive: Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road to Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. Trail Ridge Road is ONLY open for vehicle traffic between Memorial Day weekend in May through Columbus Day in October.

  • Distance: 73 Miles

  • Time: Around 2 hours

  • Via: Trail Ridge Road

No trip to RMNP is complete without a drive along Trail Ridge Road, the longest and highest paved road in North America. Covering 48 miles between Estes Park on the parks east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to the hype.

Get ready to skirt along the skyline at elevations near 11,500 feet, where the parks evergreen forests bleed into towering mountain tops. As the road winds across the vast high-elevation tundra to its high point at 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings, and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions.

Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater, as its chilly at the top even on the hottest days of summer. The drive itself provides a plethora of twists, turns, and breathtaking views, so if you tend to get queasy, its best to avoid this route!

Otherwise, Trail Ridge Road is a quintessential Colorado experience, and perfect for all types of vehicles.

After a day of hiking and sightseeing in RMNP, theres nothing better than relaxing at one of the best hot springs in Colorado, the Hot Sulphur Springs in Grand County, Colorado.

CAMPSITES NEAR HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS RESORT

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Camping Near Primitive Hot Springs Pools

These hot springs pools are free to access. Because a hike is required they are best reserved for summer and fall. The first one requires a permit to stay overnight, which is pretty much expected at its over 8-mile length. Dispersed camping is available nearby each of them, which is free. Please use an existing campsite and pack out all trash. Radium has a designated campground.

Free Dispersed Camping By Radium Hot Springs

Go Wild in the Country  Frisco to Hot Sulphur Springs

At the parking area for Radium Hot Springs is an area for dispersed camping. Its not too big, but its permitted in preexisting spots. Look for a fire ring. There are also some campsites along the short hike to the hot springs.

  • Closest town: Kremmling
  • Address: Trough Road, Kremmling, CO 80459
  • Directions: Take CO-9 south from Kremmling for 2.3 miles. Turn right onto County Road 1 for 12.3 miles. Youll then make a right onto Trough Road and follow that back a mile to the parking area for Radium.

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Camping By Colorado River Near Radium

Southwest of Kremmling on County Road 1 lies the unincorporated community of Radium. There are no downtown shops to peruse or restaurants to feed you, just nature. The main attraction here is the Colorado River, which continues its journey southwest, offering fishermen, rafters, kayakers, and even the occasional tuber enjoyment in its waters. A free, primitive, and often crowded hot spring is located nearby, Radium Warm Springs, which resides Colorado River-side. It requires a relatively short hike to reach and is more warm than hot.

Experience Hot Sulphur Springs And Parshall Colorado

Hot Sulphur Springs derives its name from the hot mineral waters that seep from the hillside above the Colorado River. The town site was first platted in early 1860 by a Cherry Creek entrepreneur to develop as a vacation spa. A vacation at Hot Sulphur Springs is a step into the past. Grand County is encompassed by the Continental Divide and syncopated mountain peaks. Wide, sheltered meadows and forested hills brought Ute and Arapaho tribes here 9,000 years ago, followed by French trappers.

Come see for yourself why this area remains a mecca for outdoor lovers and home to some of Colorado’s oldest cattle ranches. Anglers will enjoy trout fishing along the five miles of public access on the Colorado River. Hot Sulphur Springs boasts a newly refurbished hot springs that is sure to soothe your spirit after a day of fun in the sun. Within an easy drive are the ski resorts of Berthoud Pass, Ski Granby Ranch and Winter Park and the charming town of Grand Lake, near the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hot Sulphur Springs is near:Grand Lake& Kremmling

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Camping By Wolford Reservoir Near Kremmling

Head west on Highway 40 from Kremmling and youll quickly arrive at Wolford Mountain Reservoir. Its a popular reservoir for summer boating and fishing, with both a marina and campground on-site. This is one of the closest campgrounds to town. Theres another campground located in the national forest 14 miles southwest of Wolford Mountain Reservoir via CO-134 E.

Camping Near Hot Sulphur Springs Colorado

Lone Buck Campground – Hot Sulphur Springs, CO – 360° Drive-thru

Just 30 miles south of Rocky Mountain National Park, Hot Sulphur Springs provides tired skiers and outdoor enthusiasts a place to relax in therapeutic waters once prized for their healing benefits by the Ute Indians. Campgrounds in the area provide an ideal place to begin an adventure into the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where you can fish for trout and other game fish or explore trails into the backcountry.

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Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite

Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.

Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.

This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.

Please come back and let us know what you find!

We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.

Please come back and let us know what you find!

Hot Springs Resorts That Offer Camping On

Lodging is usually available nearby to most amazing hot springs. There are many hot springs with lodging on-site. And many of these even provide campgrounds in addition to their hotel or cabin accommodations.

Campers pay a fee to camp, which can include overnight hot springs access at select resorts. Camping at hot springs is a fantastic way to save money and soak in a lot of hot springs on your road trip.

Here are the Colorado hot springs with camping, in no particular order:

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Wolford Campground And Marina

Located on the west shore of Wolford Mountain Reservoir this campground has everything the boating enthusiast or weekend fisherman can ask for. Easy access to the lake via the wide, well-developed boat ramp, Anglers work the shoreline and from boats for trout and Kokanee salmon.

  • Closest town: Kremmling
  • Specs: 75 RV / tent campsites, 50 electric sites, water, restrooms, open May 22 to October 31
  • Amenities: Arranged in four easy access loops, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, dog walk, boat rentals
  • Recreation: Fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting

A small campground is located adjacent to the highway. Beetle kill has reduced the pine trees, but substantial aspen groves remain. The evening wind through the aspens provides the perfect soundtrack.

  • Closest town: Kremmling
  • Specs: 8 single sites, RV, trailer, tent water, vault toilet, open June to September
  • Amenities: Campsite are openly spaced
  • Recreation: hiking, stream fishing, wildlife viewing
  • Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
  • Address: Forest Rd 216, Kremmling, CO 80459
  • Directions: From Kremmling go west on U.S. Highway 40 6.2 miles. Turn left on Colorado Highway 134 West, go 12.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 216 go .2 miles. The campground will be on the left.

Day Three: Explore Colorados Loop Railroad & Mining Park Or Tour An Old Mine In Georgetown Colorado

Hot Sulphur Springs
  • The Drive: Hot Sulphur Springs to Georgetown Loop Railroad

  • Distance: 60.2 miles

  • Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes

  • Via: US-40 E

On the final day of this camp trip, we recommend exploring the Colorado rail loop and mining park in Georgetown. Take a step back in time as you adventure through mines and steam-powered railways.

The loop railroad is the main attraction here and is what we would consider a must-do. Tickets sell out quickly especially during the summer months, so we recommend purchasing in advance of your trip. Be sure to check out the railroad museum located onsite for additional information about the history of the railroad. Purchase tickets for the train here >

If the railroad doesnt interest you, the Georgetown area offers plenty of other options. We have listed some of our favorites below for you to explore.

PAN FOR GOLD & TOUR AN OLD GOLD MINE

Take a step back in time and experience what used to be called the Silver Queen of the Rockies via a mine tour and panning for gold. A few different options for mine tour companies are available, and we recommend calling before to make sure that the tours are open due to COVID-19. Phoenix Mine and Argo Mill and Tunnel offer both panning for gold and mine tours.

WHITEWATER RAFTING IN IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO

If you are feeling adventurous, less than 6 miles away is Downstream Adventure Rafting offering expert led rafting trips on beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes.

CAMPSITES NEAR GEORGETOWN, COLORADO

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The Quaint Town Of Hot Sulphur Springs Is Located Within Grand County Is An Area That Is Home To Unique Recreation And Fine Resorts

  • Hot Sulphur Days at the Grand County Museum includes a family oriented event includes living history performances, museum tours, and other events for all ages.
  • Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa 20 mineral hot pools , private baths, spa services, and swimming pool

Overview

The town of Hot Sulphur Springs was named for the hot springs that line the canyon along the stretch of the upper Colorado River. First visited by passing Ute and Arapaho hunting parties who called the area big medicine, it is now a popular resort community.

Location

Located 1 hour and 45 minutes from Denver, Hot Sulpher Springs is located within Grand Countys entertainment area. The Springs are only 30 minutes west of Winter Park Ski Area .

Services/Amenities

Hot Sulphur Springs has services and amenities at a world-class level. There are numerous bed and breakfasts and historic resorts to choose from while lodging and enjoying Hot Sulphur Springs.

Activities

Due to its idyllic mountain setting, Hot Sulphur Springs is a popular destination for hiking, biking, camping and fishing along the famous Colorado River.

In the warmer months, the springs are located near 4 golf courses as well as rafting and horseback riding.

Attractions

Hot Sulphur Springs not only boasts a close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park but also the hot springs that made Hot Sulphur Springs renowned.

Camping By Williams Fork Reservoir Near Parshall

There isnt much commerce in the little riverside village of Parshall, aside from a post office and one restaurant/bar. The latter is worth a stop for a cold brew and bite to each if you got the time. South of the town is the Williams Fork Reservoir, along with access to the national forest.

Williams Fork Reservoir was formed in 1959 to divert water to western Denver. The lake the dam produced is popular for a wide variety of outdoor activities all 12 months of the year.

  • Closest town: Parshall , Kremmling
  • Specs: RV, trailer, tent sites, vault toilet, open year-round
  • Amenities: Access to Williams Fork Reservoir
  • Recreation: Biking, canoeing, big game hunting, fishing, ice fishing, kayaking, boating, waterfowl hunting, wind surfing
  • Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
  • Address: County Road 341, Parshall, CO 80468
  • Directions: From Kremmling go east on U.S. Highway 40 12.8 miles. Turn right on Colorado Road 3, go 2.5 miles. Turn right on County Road 341, go 1 mile, the campground will be on the left.

A little used campground nestled in the Williams Fork Valley. Pine beetles have damaged or destroyed much of the pine forest but aspens remain.

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Camping Near Hot Sulphur Springs

The hot springs town of Hot Sulphur Springs is a quiet little community that happens to be the Grand County seat. There are a few places to eat and get supplies in town, but Kremmling 20 minutes west or Granby 10 minutes east on Highway 40 is the bigger towns for dining, shopping and accommodations should you require them. While in town definitely stop by the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort for a soaking session and perhaps a massage at the spa to glamp up your campout.

Hot Sulphur SWA is open only to those with a valid fishing or hunting license. So pick one up a fishing license for under $40 because this campground is riverside. The Colorado River flows past this state wildlife area.

  • Closest town: Parshall , Hot Sulphur Springs
  • Specs: Primitive campsites

Camping Near Kremmling Parshall And Hot Sulphur Springs

Joe Gerrans Campground – Hot Sulphur Springs, CO – 360° Drive-thru

Kremmling is well known for its abundant outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating on numerous nearby reservoirs and the mighty Colorado River, as well as camping in the surrounding national forest. Its dubbed a Sportsmans Paradise. There are several options for campgrounds and dispersed camping in all directions from town.

Whether you prefer a campsite with water, either by a lake or river or prefer nestled in the woods, western Grand County offers it. Highway 40 neighbors of Kremmling, Parshall, and Hot Sulphur Springs each feature their own gems and reasons to visit. The former and latter are within a twenty-minute drive of each other.

From Kremmling, you can access three national forests depending on which direction you head, either Arapaho , White River , or Routt national forests. All offer managed campgrounds with amenities and free, primitive dispersed camping.

List of campgrounds near Kremmling, Parshall and Hot Sulphur Springs, in order of proximity:

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Experience The Best Colorado Camping In Just 3 Days

At Overland Discovery, we love the fact that we can enjoy all the modern conveniences of city living in Denver, while also having the opportunity to get away for a long weekend to the beautiful Rocky Mountains in under thirty minutes.

With so many outdoor adventures available, it can be hard to narrow down your options when you head west. But you dont have to waste time or mileage driving all across Colorado to find some incredible gems.

Weve put together a 3-day camping itinerary of beautiful camping locations and fun outdoor activities that will only take you a few hours outside of Denver, adding up to a total of only 266 miles round-trip. Just like all our itineraries, we can vouch for this one personally so whether youre a Colorado local or an out-of-towner looking for some fun, these spots will satisfy every type of adventurer.

  • The Drive: Denver, Colorado to Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Distance: 75.7 miles

  • Time from Denver: 1 hour and 51 minutes

  • Via: Peak-to-Peak Highway

No tour of Colorado would be near complete without a trip to our most famous national park, Rocky Mountain National Park . With 415 square miles of jaw-dropping landscapes and over 300 miles of hiking trails, the opportunities are endless.

RMNP is a relatively short drive from Denver, and you can get there via a beautiful scenic byway: The famous Peak-to-Peak Highway to Estes.

Photo by: David Riggs

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