Camping in Colorado | The Ultimate Camping Guide

Camping in Colorado

Imagine this: a starlit sky, the crackle of a campfire, and the laughter of your kids as marshmallows turn golden. This isn’t just camping; it’s making memories that last a lifetime. It's camping in Colorado.

This month we are kicking off our guide to camping all around the world, a simple 2 minute read to tell you all you need to know. Places we have been to and some of our amazing community members also. We are taking suggestions for the Winter guide now also. Get in touch.

At the end of the month, we will share this in a handy to use guide to store wherever you need it.

Introduction

Colorado State has a diverse landscape of arid desert, river canyons and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, which are partly protected by Rocky Mountain National Park. Elsewhere, Mesa Verde National Park features Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. It's the ideal summer destination with unparalleled hiking, camping, whitewater and biking, events and festivals, and rich cultural heritage.

Things to Consider Before Camping in Colorado

• Read regulations for the area you will be camping in because it can all depend on the area. A good website to check out before your trip Colorado Parks and Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/Camping.aspx.
• Reserve your camping spot ahead of time: https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/camping.aspx.
• Purchase a map of the area you will be camping in, ahead of time. Research the area before arriving.
• Plan ahead and be prepared.

Tips for Camping in the Rocky Mountains

Altitude Sickness - If you are coming from a lower elevation and plan on camping in the Rocky Mountains. Make sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Also if you have the time, try to acclimate at a lower elevation before going into the mountains. Altitude sickness is no fun and can ruin a trip.

Respect the Wildlife - keeping your food picked up. Use proper bear canisters or bear hangs for all your food and anything that has a smell to it. Remember you are not the only ones out there. This is their home, respect it.

Leave No Trace - Follow LNT guidelines (Leave No Trace) https://lnt.org

Bring Layers - The weather in the mountains can change with a snap of a finger. Higher elevations can still have snow and get snow, middle summer.

Places to Visit in Colorado

Estes Park - Base for the Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of awesome little gift shops. Horseback riding is another fun outdoor activity in Estes. Home to lots of wildlife. Especially Elk. Elk are known to cause traffic jams from time to time.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre - An open-air amphitheater, that is built into the rock structure. Located in Morrison Colorado, sits at 6,450 feet (1,970m) above sea level. Located west of Denver.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve - Located in southern Colorado.

Pawnee National Grassland - Located in northeastern Colorado.