Summer is over, school is back in session, and the tourists have gone home (for the time being). September, aka locals’ season, is the best time for camping in Colorado. While we may not have time to make it all the way out to the Maroon Bells for a weekend trip, luckily, we have countless gems easily accessible from the Denver metro area.
My preferences for camping boomeranged from car camping in college to intense backpacking trips in my 20s, right back to car camping in my 30s. These experiences have instilled in me the unwavering belief that the outdoors are for everyone. Whether it is car camping for the first time or trying out backpacking, there can be an intimidation factor to getting outside. This guide is to help encourage you to continue exploring our beautiful state, or perhaps provide inspiration to try something new with friends.
Activities other than hiking:
I love adventures as much as the next Coloradoan, but going into the mountains doesn’t always have to be about chasing adrenaline.
- Reading - Crack open the book that has been sitting on your nightstand.
- Games - Favorites include Rummikub and Euchre.
- Leisure activities - Long, slow walks with a beverage in hand or naps by rivers/creeks.
- Telling stories - Nothing fills my cup more quickly than sitting around the campfire and telling stories with friends.
My favorite types of campgrounds:
My favorite campgrounds are a little more relaxed, usually not requiring a reservation, and perfect for the last-minute trip.
- National Forest Campgrounds
- Type: Mostly, dispersed camping
- Pros: Quiet, oftentimes free or less expensive than other sites. Lots available closer to Denver.
- Cons: Limited amenities. As some sites get more popular, the National Forest Service has understandably implemented a reservation system, with a fee. Double-check if your intended site requires one at recreation.gov.
- Campground of note: Buffalo Campground in Pike National Forest
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Type: Mostly dispersed camping
- Pros: Oftentimes free, and no reservations or car limits, thus good for groups.
- Cons: No one regulates the camping areas. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Area of note: Rabbit Valley outside of Fruita on the Western Slope
*Apps like iOverlander are great for finding spots. You can also book private campgrounds on sites like HipCamp.
Camping Etiquette
There are some etiquette rules for camping. Intended to help us respect the land we are privileged to have in our backyard.
- Leave no trace - Please put all your trash in the dumpster, or carry it out with you.
- Put out your fire! - No explanation needed here. Coals from an improperly extinguished fire can remain hot for days under the ashes.
- Make a reservation in advance - If you didn’t pay online, remember to bring cash for the fees. Campgrounds with fees are about $25/night.
- Respect the noise rules - Campgrounds will have a quiet time starting at 10 PM. Be courteous of those around you.
- Keep your dog on a leash where required. Even if you have a sweet, baby angel that can do no wrong, you don’t know how your neighbor’s sweet, baby angel might react.
Camp Cooking:
I believe your meal does not need to sacrifice flavor, simply because you are away from home. All it takes is quick prep at home and visiting a local store to elevate that camp meal.
Al Pastor Taco
All ingredients purchased pre-seasoned or prepped at home.
Ingredients:
- Pre-seasoned al pastor meat - Lowe’s Mercado
- Fresh tortillas and salsa - Tortilleria Panderia Abarrotes La Pasadita
- Sliced limes
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped avocado
- Chopped fresh peaches
Instructions: Grill meat on your camp stove or right over the fire, about three minutes per side. Heat tortillas over fire. Assemble tacos as desired and feast!
Banana Boat
A nostalgic dessert, elevated by splurging on nicer chocolate, like Theo’s Orange Chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of chocolate
- Marshmallows
- Bananas
- Aluminum foil
Instructions: Cut lengthwise slit along the banana. Open slightly and stuff with marshmallows and chocolate. Wrap in foil, and seal. Place in the embers of the fire for 5-10 minutes, depending on how hot your fire is. Carefully remove, open up, and enjoy with a fork or spoon.
French Toast
Pre-make your French toast batter to avoid packing eggs in your cooler.
Ingredients:
French toast batter:
- 3 cups heavy cream (can substitute non-dairy milk)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Remaining:
- 1 pre-sliced loaf of bread
- Sliced Fresh Fruit
- Maple Syrup
- Butter
Instructions: At home, combine all the French toast batter ingredients into a jar. Shake well until fully mixed. At the campground, dip sliced bread pieces into batter, and cook on a buttered pan for ~2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with fresh fruit and drizzled maple syrup.
September, aka locals’ season, is the best time for camping in Colorado. While we may not have time to make it all the way out to the Maroon Bells for a weekend trip, luckily, we have countless gems easily accessible from the Denver metro area.