“We came here last year during the summer and it was so beautiful and quiet. There are a mixed of paid developed campgrounds and undeveloped primitive campsites that are free. Take the new (opened last year) Dixon Trail, a grueling 15-mile, round-trip hike with big aspen groves at the top. of Sunset Publishing Corporation. The town's Main Street houses artists priced out of Aspen and young entrepreneurs who have come back to invest in their hometown. At this adventure park, the founders have figured out every which way to get you to tackle the 1,200-foot gorge. People plan entire trips around concerts at Red Rocks. To get there from Fort Collins, take US Hwy 287 north to Livermore, turn west onto County Road 74E towards Red Feather Lakes. Car camping is plentiful, and Angel of Shavano, at the base of Mt. Campsites are fine, but if you’re going to get to truly know Colorado while saving money, you should look into dispersed camping. For car campers seeking a bit of solitude and a chance to take beautiful drives around some of the most scenic mountain passes in the nation, Lost Park is the place for you. And don't forget to pack some extra layers (hey, you've got your car, after all), as most of the campsites are situated around 9,800 feet. Plan for a brewery lunch in outdoor-loving Boulder. A small lake on a mountainside flush with gorgeous Aspen trees, Cottonwood Lake campground is a super popular summer destination for Colorado car camping enthusiasts, and particularly for anglers on the hunt for some high altitude trout. Visitors have the chance to explore both the West Magnolia Trailhead and the East Portal Trailhead, both of which just a short drive from the campground entrance. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, The Ultimate Colorado Car-Camping Road Trip, – This campground is unique in that it provides legitimate backcountry access while still allowing visitors to camp from the comfort of their vehicles. We had an excellent stay here with the exception of the hail and thunderstorm, but there was no planning for that. What You Need to Know • The weather can change quickly, even in the summer months. It’s no secret that one of the most beloved pastimes in Colorado is camping. Tent. Of the 134, 99 offer electricity as well as tent pads. Make sure you're properly outfitted with good hiking gear—especially boots with solid traction (the trail is rocky) and maybe traction cleats if you plan to walk up the glacier. Salida is one of the most outdoorsy towns in Colorado. This part of the state is awash with fall color. If you don’t mind some company, it’s a great way to get introduced to Colorado’s wonderful sights. The least-visited national park in the country, Black Canyon of the Gunnison plunges up to 2,700 feet and stretches for 42 miles. The Roaring Fork Valley is gorgeous with its towns of Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Carbondale. The area is heavily used for hiking and fishing, and is popular large-in-part for its proximity to Pikes Peak, as it sits along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The campground itself includes 62 campsites, a handful of which have electric hookups. Go there to river surf, tube, or rock climb, then head somewhere like Simple Eatery, inside The Trailhead gear shop, or Deerhammer Distilling. Drinking water is provided throughout the campground and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. This state is gorgeous year-round, but fall makes for an epic Colorado car-camping trip. The adventure starts in Denver, where you can get supplies before steering west toward Rocky. Weekends are absurdly busy as everyone from the Front Range and beyond descends upon the country’s third-most visited national park to peek at the fall color. Rocky Mountain National Park offers the quintessential Colorado camping experience, and by pitching your tent at Moraine Park campground, you’re likely to get a closeup look at the mule deer, coyotes and … Camp along the way and you'll save money on lodging while maximizing your time outside. It’s extreme accessibility by car makes it a super popular option for families and weekend warriors looking to get out for a day or a weekend. From Carbondale, you’ll head to Black Canyon of the Gunnison via the West Elk Loop (Highway 133), which follows the Crystal River and a sea of color (especially around McClure Pass, pictured above). And if you're looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush while you're there, you can even go sandboarding while staying inside the park. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table, and drinking water and trash collection is available at the campground as well. If it’s summer, check the schedule for the riverside outdoor music venue, BEACH. The area is located within 30 minutes of the beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado. The campground offers 50 campsites, and includes restrooms with flush toilets. Car camping is plentiful, and Angel of Shavano, at the base of Mt. There are 21 campsites at Thunder Ridge, 3 of which are fully accessible. The host greets you with a bundle of wood and may schedule a guided walk around the property. Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. You camp under the pine trees beside the lake with beautiful views of Mt. | Updated June 17, 2020, Creative Commons photo by Mark Byzewski is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Javier Vazquez is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Christian Collins is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Wayne Boland is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Beni Graham is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by David Evenson is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Agnish Dey is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Mike Gerpe is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Clint is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Avalanche Ranch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by David Deaton is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Bud Hirsh is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Thomas Franta is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Kyle Hammons Photography is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by John Abraham is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Andy Mcgee is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Mike Hawkins is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Beer and Loathing is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Think Like a Black Belt is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Frank Thompson Photos is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by G. Verver is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Jerry Stone is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Michelle is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Circled Thrice is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Creative Commons photo by Bruce Hausknecht is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Cattle Roping and Cowboy Soaks: My Ranch-to-Ranch Colorado Road Trip, The 11 Best Rooftop Tents for Awesome Car-Camping Trips. “I definitely see why the campground is called Lakeview! While there are no electrical hookups available here, the campground does offer water, picnic tables, fire rings, and dump stations. From Moraine Park, it’s about an hour and a half to the other side of the park if you drive straight through, but allow added time to check out the small trails and overlooks along the two-lane road. The average daily budget for a Colorado road trip is between $150-$200 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry fees.. Thankfully, Colorado has some of the cheapest gas in the USA, which will help you stretch your dollars. “Beautiful drive [to get] there over Kenosha Pass, [especially] during Aspen Yellow season. Campers willing to brave the chillier temps of early Fall can expect to wake up to the unique yet piercing Elk bugling call. Kelly Dahl Campground offers 46 single-family campsites that are large enough to accommodate both tents and RVs. With several different areas to fish and hike, this campground is perfect for families toting their fishing gear along in the car as well as those that want a heavy-duty high-altitude hike to round out their weekend camping adventure. Our first night out was at the lovely and established campground by Lost Lake, up on Kebler Pass, our second night would put us just outside of Ouray, an area with which I am less familiar. Known as one of the state’s most iconic water destinations, this alpine lake offers campers the chance to boat, fish, hike, and swim throughout the warmer summer months. Get any last-minute supplies at Wilderness Exchange, where you can find killer deals on consignment base layers, tents, daypacks, hiking poles—anything you need. Spend your time tackling a few shorter gold-filled hikes like Alberta Falls (continue to Loch Vale to extend this one) and trails in the remote Wild Basin area. Its under-the-radar campsites are surrounded by aspens right along the Arkansas River. All five of us fit in the tent without problem, once we placed one adult perpendicular to the rest (a family of four or less would be ideal). All of the campsites are first-come, first-served, and although there’s no water available onsite, there is one restroom as well as firewood for sale. Mueller State Park is a heavily-visited hiking and camping area located within 45 minutes of Colorado Springs. There’s the suspension bridge, which allows you to cross the 1,270-foot gap on foot; a gondola; skydiving; and the Skycoaster, which starts with a free fall before dangling you over the gorge. Buena Vista’s calling card is still adventure, but the art and restaurant scenes are coming in strong. I would highly recommend camping at Mueller State Park and would love to return for another camping experience.” — The Dyrt camper Andrea K. Baby Doe is the best of both worlds when it comes to Colorado car camping, offering direct access to Turquoise Lake without being too far off the beaten path. It's epic and something you have to see at least once in your life. There isn’t much shade, but the views and accessibility (with stops for a free shuttle to trailheads like Sprague Lake) are stellar. Best Camping in Colorado on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 357 camping in Colorado, United States. Situated in the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, this campground requires an 8.5 mile trek to get to it. 10 Camping Spots In Colorado That Are Crazy Beautiful. The area is also popular for wildlife viewing, as campers can regularly catch glimpses of Bighorn sheep, Golden Eagles, and a variety of other creatures. We camped on the side of the mountain, so when we woke up we were rewarded with the most beautiful overview of the city and mountains.” — The Dyrt camper Keisha M. This article was brought to you by Primus. Nearby Hotels. “Mueller State Park is a great location, close to Colorado Springs and far away enough to have that quiet camping experience. Primus’ Tupike Stove has the capacity to cook you camp worthy meals night after night so you’ll never want to leave the comforts of your campsite! Luckily, some of the best camping in Colorado costs absolutely nothing. The Colorado Trail starts here, too, so the hiking options are plentiful. In late summer and fall, elk take over the park and its basecamp town of Estes Park. Tent Sites are for a tent, pickup, van, or car. There’s not much camping in Boulder proper, so if you’re looking for a fun night on the town to start your trip, camp close by in Nederland (a highly underrated, quirky gem of a town in and of itself) at Camp Wilder, located on a secluded private site. Black Canyon is well worth the detour, even for a quick view, but if you want to take it slow, there are a few car camping options within the park as well as dispersed camping right outside the southern entrance. Apart from the occasional Colorado thunderstorm, this campground is a perfect place to get a taste for Colorado car camping, high altitude views and all! Set within unique red rock formations and large Pinyon and Juniper forest, Saddlehorn provides visitors the chance to get away in an area with breathtaking views and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. “Excellent stay – camp is at Brainard Lake recreation area and one of our all time favs ! Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park. This will be the longest day in the car on your Colorado car-camping trip. Some are just suitable for car camping with tents, other can fit a full fledge travel trailer. September 8, 2019 Even if it is cheap, gas will still be one of your greatest expenses because it can be difficult to properly gauge how much you will actually use. Hop around between places like Carbondale Arts, Carbondale Clay Center, and Steve’s Guitar, a guitar shop that often hosts live music. Whether you’re looking for a high-altitude adventure or a simple weekend away from the city, Colorado car camping is tough to beat when it comes to destinations just off the beaten path. There were amazing views of Pikes Peak and so many camping spots…The 5 kids in our group had a great time and I was impressed with how clean the campsites were kept. This … If you have pups in tow, go for the 7-mile Twin Sisters trail, off Highway 7, or Lily Lake, where you can picnic on boulders overlooking Estes Park. Salida is one of the most outdoorsy towns in Colorado. Located at the lower end of Taylor Canyon, Granite Canyon campground provides excellent backcountry hiking, fishing, and rafting opportunities for those with the gusto to get there! Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground offers drinking water, trash collection, and vault toilets for all visitors. The site hosts were very welcoming and friendly!” — The Dyrt camper Elizabeth M. While accessible by car, this campground is a tent-only campground with a whopping 6 sites available, making it the smallest Colorado car camping destination on our list. Dispersed camping means taking on extra responsibility, but the rewards can be great. Baby Doe offers 51 family sites that include a picnic table and fire ring. All Rights Reserved. There’s no shame in car camping. “Absolutely breathtaking views on your drive up to this site! Tucked away ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN! It’s overloaded with aspens. Check. Look to River Runners and Absolute Bikes for gear rentals. That said, the activities here are abundant, and include fishing, hunting, and hiking throughout the recreation area, and even into the popular and scenic Indian Peaks Wilderness. Camping along Lincoln Creek is permitted from late May to late September. It’s no secret that Colorado is host to some of the West’s best camping: from Rocky Mountain National Park to the southern San Juans, the mountain views are seemingly endless—though many of these areas fill up fast and require reservations and site fees.. The best way to see it all is by hitting the road. I’m reticent to give away all of the good spots, but I’m happy to share enough to get people exploring. Chasm View on the North Rim of the canyon is one of the most breathtaking vantage points. To stay comfortable, it’s best to wear layered clothing. Camping, Campgrounds & Tent Sites in Colorado Campsites are suitable for overnight camping for a family, usually have a fire ring or grill, picnic table, accessible to nearby drinking water, modern restrooms and hot showers. Known as one of the state’s most iconic water destinations, this alpine lake offers campers the chance to boat, fish, hike, and swim throughout the warmer summer months. Dispersed camping, which is also referred to as primitive camping, is a term used to describe camping in a national forest outside of a designated campground. Among the reliable mom-and-pop lunch spots, new places are starting to move in. The hike is about 4 miles each way. Set up camp at the reservable Moraine Park, which has more than 200 campsites scattered around the forest. This article on Colorado car camping is brought to you by Primus, whose Tupike Stove is the ideal setup for cooking up some multi-dish car camping meals or just boiling your morning oats because everyone knows that food tastes better when you are dining outside! You’ll cross one of the highest paved roads in the country (and likely spot elk and moose), then head south toward Frisco, before kicking west to Carbondale. And you can always rent an RV near Denver if you’d prefer to glamp it up a level. While most visitors who camp here are anglers looking to snag a vintage Colorado trout or two, the area is well known for its off-roading and biking trails as well. Check. On your way out of town, it’s worth a drive or short hike through the Garden of the Gods park with its dramatic red sandstone formations. Passenger cars can make the drive for up to 12 miles along the road. An old mining town, Frisco gets overshadowed by the major ski resorts that surround it (Breck, Vail, Keystone), but that’s what keeps it awesome. 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One of our favorite spots is located at the junction of Deadman Road and Forest Service Road 502.How to Get There: The area is located up Deadman Road, northwest of Red Feather Lakes. A lake for everyone, confessions of a pool crasher, and the BBQ king of California. We planned to soak in the gorgeous Ouray Hot Springs that afternoon and then find a campsite outside of town. Colorado Free Camping: Campendium has 1488 reviews of 322 places to camp for free in Colorado The oft-photographed 1892 mill, a remnant of the once-prosperous mining town, stands on a rocky outcrop above the Crystal River. Take highway 50 to Colorado Springs—you’ll only add 10 minutes to your drive and get to squeeze in a quirky roadside attraction. Between Colorado’s 50-some peaks over 14,000 feet (nicknamed “14ers”) and the near-infinite quantity of backcountry terrain, the Colorado car camping scene often gets overshadowed by the sheer volume of other ways to camp, hike, and explore. The highest continuous paved road in the country peaks at 12,183 feet. has the capacity to cook you camp worthy meals night after night so you’ll never want to leave the comforts of your campsite! Home to thousands of weekend warriors, Denver is loaded with outdoor retailers. Some of the state’s best kayaking and whitewater rafting happens on this part of the Arkansas River. If you or your family are interested in seeing the wilder side of Colorado—whitewater rapids, epic, untouched mountain views, native Cutthroat Trout—then this campground is for you. Great scenery, not crowded, plenty of sites to choose from.” — The Dyrt camper Alyssa B. Lakeview Gunnison Campground is set on Taylor Park Reservoir, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding wilderness. Book yourself for the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. slot to soak away achy muscles and freshen up before you continue on your Colorado car-camping route. Located within White River National Forest, this six-site campground puts you next to one of the major trailheads of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area; 10 minutes from downtown Carbondale; and right next to Avalanche Ranch, a cabin lodging area with three hot springs and showers. The springs and shower are accessible with a $16 day pass. Tyler Wildeck is a writer with a passion for all things outdoors. Copyright © 2020 Sunset Publishing Corporation. The following checklist for car camping covers all gear necessary for an easy-going camping experience. Kelly Dahl Campground is located just outside of the small mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, and offers some of the best proximity to hiking of all the Colorado car camping destinations on our list. A tucked-away car-camping site in a sweeping Colorado valley? Baby Doe Campground is located on the eastern shore of the lake, and is walking distance from the shoreline as well as the popular Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. Wrap up your Colorado car-camping road trip with a visit to one of the most iconic places in the state. The facility offers 25 campsites that can accommodate both RVs and trailers, but its small size makes for a rich and uncrowded-feeling camping experience. If you’re willing to brave the chillier temperatures of the fall, Lost Park is the ideal spot for car campers to camp amongst the iconic Aspens, whose colors transform the mountainous region into a living masterpiece. Visitors and residents alike will never tire of pitching a tent, eating their weight in gooey s’mores, and soaking in the natural beauty that is a Colorado campground. Colorado Glamping -- … One of the most popular places to camp for residents of Colorado Springs, Thunder Ridge campground at Rampart Range Reservoir is a pristine and well-trafficked campground that overlooks the water. This Colorado car-camping road trip is all about spending time outside, and these two burgeoning mountain towns offer a plethora of outdoor recreation. The first mile is the hardest, so don’t get discouraged on the front end. Head out early enough to catch the sunrise and avoid traffic. About 40 minutes from the valley's glittering Aspen, Carbondale may just be one of raddest towns in Colorado. The Lincoln Creek dispersed camping area has 22 campsites for car camping along the Lincoln Creek road. The Palmer Trail gives you a solid overview and stellar vistas with only a 2.5-mile round-trip detour. On your way out of town, it’s worth taking a small detour to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. Plan to be out there half the day, then come back for another hot spring soak and shower before retreating to your campsite at night. I’ve spent years camping in dispersed sites in Colorado, and I’ve racked up a few favorite locations. The Rio Grande Trail's 42-mile corridor runs through town, so you can easily get between places downtown like True Healing Arts (a wellness center with a free, public garden that has a stone reflexology path perfect for soothing tired hikers’ feet), and the nearby warehouse district with cool and sustainable restaurants and shops like Silo (its farm-fresh breakfasts are out of this world). You could take your time and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants on the water on Grand Lake, or make haste and take a 30-minute detour (each way) to St. Mary’s Glacier, near Idaho Springs. Nearby Campgrounds: Angel of Shavano , Coaldale, Hayden Creek , Iron City , and North Fork . Colorado is home to some of the best, free, dispersed camping if you know where to look. Consider extending your trip if you want to spend time hiking the lesser-visited western side of the park. And for beer, Craft Alley stocks tons of locally made options sold in crowlers (growler cans) filled fresh from the breweries. “Perfect place for a quiet weekend away near CO Springs. Shavano (a 9-mile fourteener that climbs 4,600 feet), is one of the best spots. You can reserve the campsite online to guarantee a spot (just do it months in advance). If you’re one of them, know that you can car camp at Bear Creek Lake Camp, which has a walking trail that leads to the venue. For food, Village Smithy (pictured) is a classic for brunch and Señor Taco has some of the best tacos in the area. Highlights include a quick path from campground to reservoir, very friendly camp host, and the campground sites are all very roomy. Dispersed sites are abundant in this area. Baby Doe is the best of both worlds when it comes to Colorado car camping, offering direct access to Turquoise Lake without being too far off the beaten path. COLORADO.com campgrounds listings, the Colorado Campground and Lodging Owners Association and Colorado KOA Owners Association are just a few places to make reservations and locate campgrounds. 20 of Kelly Dahl’s 46 sites are first-come, first-served while the others are reservable year-round. Colorado Car Camping Gives You Easy Access to the Rockies, This article on Colorado car camping is brought to you by Primus, whose. #8 Best Value of 224 Colorado Pet Friendly Campgrounds “ However, the inside area is very cozy, with giant Jenga (pieces had just been cut and sanded by one of the employees), a box with table games, a friendly dog , and pizza slices for sale. Camping spots ( in no particular order ) probably will grow over time s card. Rings at each site comes with a picnic table, and his favorite activity might be fishing or reading depending. Might be fishing or reading, depending on the front end Colorado Springs—you ’ ll only add minutes! 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