If you’re camping in Colorado, you’re already doing it right! The Centennial State is a gold mine of postcard-perfect camping destinations. Whether your flavor of camping is a decked-out RV or a nylon tent, Colorado’s got the perfect spot for you and your crew. Here are 5 of our favorite destinations.
Southwest Colorado is home to Mesa Verde National Park, home of the famously well-preserved Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace, built between 1190 and 1280 CE (tours are available for those able to climb ladders and stone steps). More than a thousand species of wildlife call Mesa Verde National Park home and many of these can’t be found anywhere else on the globe. The Mesa Top Loop Road will lead you to numerous archaeological sites and stunning overlooks (Sun Point Overlook’s sprawling canyon vista is a must-see), and the Mesa Verde Museum offers fascinating exhibits about the cultural heritage of 26 Pueblos and tribes. Mesa Verde is also a World Heritage Site and an International Dark Sky Park, so be sure to bring a telescope to take in some of the late-night magic overhead.
Camp at Morefield Campground, only four miles from the park entrance. Morefield offers 267 campsites situated in a wildflower canyon, but only 15 full hookup RV sites, so reservations are definitely recommended.
Two hours south of Denver, the town of Buena Vista is an outdoors lover’s paradise, with opportunities for river rafting, cycling, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more. If a rejuvenation soak is your thing, you’ll love relaxing at the Cottonwood Hot Springs (there’s a spa and saunas, too, if you’re looking for some pampering with your camping). The hiking trails in the area are unmatched, with green vistas that stretch for miles.
Camp at MoonStream Vintage Campground for one-of-a-kind camping/glamping at the base of Buena Vista’s breathtaking mountains. All sites have full hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, gorgeous views, and free wifi.
If you’re going to be in the Colorado Springs area, Pikes Peak, otherwise known as “America’s Mountain,” is one of Colorado’s top attractions. The summit views are spectacular—and don’t worry, you can drive to the top (reservation required in the summer) or climb, take your pick. We recommend leaving the RV at the campsite and letting a pro drive the 19-mile climb, as the hairpin turns and steep drop-offs are mighty intimidating. Adventures Out West will take you up in style in a Hummer or a Jeep, and all you’ll have to do is enjoy the ride and take Instagram-worthy photos with the fam. The Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark that affords a view of snow-frosted Pikes Peak.
Camp at the Garden of the Gods Resort, where most RV sites have an unobstructed view of Pikes Peak. There are five levels of RV sites and plenty of amenities, including swimming pools, laundry, an arcade, wifi, and more.
Open 24-7, 365 days a year, with no reservations necessary? Yes! The tallest sand dunes in North America are located at the base of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The dunes are an incredible place to visit, as are the grasslands, forests, tundra, and alpine lakes of this unique destination. In the summer, there’s Medano Creek for fun, shallow water play. Great Sand Dunes is also an International Dark Sky Park, so bring a tripod and camera to capture enthralling long-exposure shots.
Camp at the Oasis Campground, where you can enjoy 20 level pull-through sites, sand board and sled rentals, electric hookups, as well as a store and restaurant in the summer months. Always call ahead to reserve.
No trip to Colorado is complete without a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles of stunning mountain vistas. Hike, climb, and keep an eye out for the staggering variety of wildlife that call the park home.
Camp at one of the bare-bones park campgrounds, or opt for full RV hookups and amenities at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Granby, where you’ll love the resort’s pool, bowling alley, and live music, among other fab amenities.
Happy Camping!
These five camping destinations in Colorado are just the tip of the iceberg! Stay tuned for more camping and travel tips, and enjoy adventuring.
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