Fresh air. Towering mountains. Excellent fly fishing. Countless miles of hiking. Few biting bugs. Comfortable temperatures. People travel from all over the world to camp in Colorado. Save yourself some fuel and travel time and explore our backyard.
National Parks
Colorado is home to four national parks and nine other national historic sites, trails and monuments. If you haven’t checked them out, go!
Rocky Mountain National Park – This stunning 415-square mile park 150 miles northwest of Colorado Springs offers sparkling lakes, mountain peaks, meadows and 300 miles of hiking trails. Five campgrounds live within the park’s borders. You can reserve a spot up to six months in advance at Aspenglen, Glacier Basin and Moraine Park. The other two, Longs Peak (tents only) and Timber Creek are first-come, first-served only. If the in-park campgrounds fill up, the nearby Estes Park area offers several alternatives.
Great Sand Dunes National Park – Did you know that Colorado is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America? It’s true! About 170 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, a desert rises from the mountains. Hike the dunes. Rent sand sleds or sand boards and ride down. Play in Medano Creek when the snow melt is flowing in May and June. Stay in the park itself or nearby at Sand Dunes Pool campground – an unassuming parking lot with a huge spring-fed pool, restaurant and more.
Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison – These national parks are a bit further, but both are worth the drive.
State Parks
Colorado boasts 42 state parks and each has different features. Lakes. Mountains. Hiking. Biking. Even a golf course? What? Such diversity and artistry.
Mueller State Park – Ahhhh, Mueller. The state park system’s worst-kept secret. Book six months out or you won’t get a spot during peak times. Endless hiking. Photography. Wildlife watching. Mueller has over 5,000 acres of forests, meadows and boulders. Want a little civilization? Hop over to nearby Cripple Creek or Victor for a few hours.
Lathrop State Park – An easy drive down I-25, Lathrop State Park sits at the base of the beautiful Spanish Peaks near Walsenburg. Colorado’s first state park has two lakes with boating, fishing and swimming, plenty of hiking and… wait for it… the state park system’s only golf course. Lots of recreational opportunities here!
Cheyenne Mountain State Park – If Lathrop is Colorado’s oldest state park, Cheyenne Mountain is its newest, acquired in 2000. If you want somewhere close, look no further. This park is tucked into the foothills just above Colorado Springs. And it’s lovely. Lots of amenities here, including an archery range and easy-to-navigate, level campsites.
Eleven-Mile State Park – Colorado is known for its mountains—not necessarily its lakes. This reservoir is worth a visit, especially if you’re an angler. Check this place out for trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat, kokanee and pike. You can rent a boat at the marina. There are also five miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. It can get windy here, but it’s loads of fun.
Resorts
Jellystone Park at Larkspur – Come on… Who doesn’t love Yogi Bear? Water parks? Mini golf? Cocktails? Pools? Tennis? Hot tubs? Jellystone has changed a bit over the years. It used to be a rustic little campground where kids could chase goats through the forest. Today? It’s family friendly a resort. Bring your RV or stay in one of the well-appointed cabins.
Black Tree Resort – Looking for something more upscale? This might be your place. Leave the work to them. The kitchen delivers fresh Colorado cuisine to your fully furnished wall tents. And picture this: queen size beds, Pendleton blankets, linens, electricity and access to a private bathroom. Glamping. A quick 45-mile drive from Colorado Springs, near Lake George.
Cutty’s Hayden Creek Resort – Good, clean fun! Located about 90 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, Cutty’s is just the right kind of old school. Shuffleboard, mini golf, karaoke, bingo, an arcade, indoor and outdoor pools. Let the kids run free and enjoy the fresh air. Rentals available including cabins and covered wagons.
Dispersed Camping
If you prefer rustic, Colorado also boasts millions of acres of publicly owned land. Closest to the Pikes Peak region is million-acre Pike National Forest. Just check ahead of time to make sure you allowed on that particular swath.
Whatever your camping style, wherever you decide to roam, take a deep breath and savor each moment.
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National Parks Website: https://www.nps.gov/state/co/index.htm
State Parks Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/