Best Lakes To Camp At In Colorado

Those who have already seen this campground have nothing but positive things to say about their experiences. There are five Twin Lakes campgrounds in the area, all of which have amazing views, and so many activities that will keep you and your kids busy. Hiking, biking, boating, and fishing are just the tip of the iceberg. With four national parks to explore, you’ll think you’ve hit the jackpot on your national park tour.

Spring can be a difficult time to camp, as the weather is still unpredictable, allergies are problematic, and there are a lot of bugs. Between snowmelt and mud, not all campsites are open or optimal. But the wildflowers are perhaps most beautiful, and you’ll enjoy cooler weather. Take advantage of the large lake to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard using onsite rentals.

Top 8 National Parks And Monuments In Colorado

It is a peaceful spot that offers stunning mountain background scenery. The scenery itself will put you in a positive mood and help you relax. There are lots of rivers and secluded campsites in the area. But to be right on the lake you will need to book a cabin or glamping tent with Piney River Ranch.

The campground host did not check while I was there, but the money goes to support parks so please make sure to pay. There are 2-3 outhouses for the entire site, with one loop not having any at all. Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps. While the Western United States are filled with seemingly endless opportunities to find beautiful, free camping, few states do it quite as well as Colorado. While summers in Little Molas Campground are glorious , you should be prepared with a solid tent and lots of weatherproof gear to make your outdoor adventure more fun. I am also a fan of Lost Creek Wilderness for proximity to Denver but away from crowds.

Leave No Trace When Free Camping

There is a 2.1-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake from camp accompanied by trailheads just down the road. Horse riding is very popular in the area; there are even a few campsites made just for horse trailers. Along with hiking, you can enjoy fishing, no-wake boating, and paddling on the lake. Several species of trout call this lake home, making it easy to spend the day casting. There is a small playground for children to play in at camp as well.

Known particularly for its outstanding collection of rock climbing cliffs, visitors are drawn in by its many routes that vary in difficulty. There are plenty of hiking trails too for those of you that prefer to stay on the ground. Sand Gulch Campground has 16 individual sites and 1 group site that accommodate mostly tents. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table, and restrooms aren’t too far away.

Haviland Lake

Campsites at Baby Doe can be reserved up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov, and all sites feature a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and a drinking water source available. Also in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest, Kelly Flats Campground gives off a rather peaceful ambiance.

Sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis so be sure to get there early. A rustic campground named after the nearby sandstone outcroppings covered in streaks of color – resembling those of an artist’s paintbrush. Painted Rocks Campground is situated on the edge of a grassy meadow, not too far from Manitou Lake. If you like bird watching, this is the campground for you as there are many waterfowl and songbirds in the area. There are also a couple of ATV trails for you off-road enthusiasts.

Silverton is very popular for OHV-riding in summer snd backcountry skiing in the winter, and the incredible man-made ice climbing park in Ouray is a short drive away. King Mountain Recreation Area offers 12,000 acres of land to explore with plenty of trails, including a summit trail up King Mountain. Hiking, horseback riding, and hunting are all popular activities here. If you’re willing to drive deep into the backcountry searching for a place to yourself, you’ll find it at King Mountain.

Top 7 Fishing Spots In Colorado

You can enjoy a day swimming, or rent everything from paddle to pontoon boats to enjoy a day cruising on the lake. Boyd Lake in Loveland is only an hour north from Denver and has pretty beaches and picnic areas to enjoy a day in the sun. If you go to Horsetooth Reservoir often, I recommend considering the Larimer County Parks annual pass. It gives you access to Horsetooth Reservoir and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, as well as other natural spaces maintained by the county. Both places charge $9 for parking and the annual pass is $90. The mountains surrounding Utah Valley offer ample opportunities to escape the city and reconnect with nature.

Don’t be fooled, it’s an epic slog to make it here – the Gore Range always makes you earn it. But you’ll be rewarded with out-of-this-world mountain drama. What makes this one of my favorite backpacking trips in Colorado is that you can make the trip year-round.

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. On the shores of Lake Granby, this campground is a great vacation spot within two hours of Denver. There are 25 non-electric sites that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, all with plenty of shade to stay out of the hot sun. Each site comes with a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring for all of your camp cooking.

These Are The 10 Best Camping Sites In The State Of Colorado

All visitors get to choose from 156 camping sites and there are exciting spots for mountain biking, horseback riding and winter sport. Both the canyon and river offer a myriad of outdoor adventures, including whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. Watch for deer and bighorn sheep that navigate rocky peaks and boulders.

Discover Camping In Colorado

Interest in outdoor recreation has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic—and it doesn’t seem to be … FinancingYou don’t have to wait until retirement to start enjoying a new Oliver. If you are feeling extra adventurous, take a hot air balloon ride, as Chatfield is one of the most popular hot-air balloon launch areas on the Front Range. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area.

The trail treats you to epic canyon views along with plenty of amazing rock formations and arches. Furthermore, this loop trail is the perfect fall backpacking foray. Challenge your alpine skills with four distinct passes complete with stellar mountain scenery. Overnight trips require a permit, so be sure to reserve yours in advance, since you are only allowed to camp in designated sites. Backpacking in Colorado is a bucket-list activity for locals and visitors alike.

There’s plenty of spots to camp and excellent water sources throughout the trail. Beginners can opt to break the trail into two nights, or more avid backpackers can choose to make this a quick overnight jaunt. The trail spends most of its time in the aspen and pine forests before popping up into a high alpine valley with gorgeous views.

Covering more than 70,000 acres of land, State Forest State Park is by far the largest state park in Colorado. Situated in Larimer and Jackson counties, it was established in 1970 and includes 187 campsites. If you’re choosing a dispersed campsite, keep a couple of things in mind to help deter unwanted animals. And if there’s a water source , be sure to camp farther away from it, as water will attract animals. In short, there’s no perfect answer to what season is the “best” for camping in Colorado.