Denver Living - Camping in Colorado
Apr 27th, 2008 by Steve Scheer
Calling All Colorado Campers
Often times when I am working with folks that are relocating to Denver, they are very excited about camping for the first time in Colorado. With good reason too, there are so many great places to camp that are so fun and so beautiful there really is something for everyone. And whether you are an experience camper that is ready to hike in, a recreational camper that does the full tent-thing or pop-up or perhaps even a novice looking for a rustic cabin to cabin-camp - there are so many options.
First things first - camping in Colorado is extremely popular - so if you are looking at a camp ground that takes reservations, you need to get on that because the sites do fill up fast, especially for prime weekends. Secondly, if you are going on your very fist camping trip and do not want the expense of buying everything all at once, it is possible to rent some basics, such as a tent and and other big item basics. Check out REI for some rental prices. Most likely you will buy everything eventually because you are going to love it, but renting some of the equipment can be a nice way to pace your purchases.
Here are a few campgrounds in Colorado to consider. Some are closer than others. If you plan on trying a Colorado campground that does not take reservations, be there early as it is first come - first served.
Golden Gate State Park - a variety of options & not too far away - so it can be a great closer options for first time campers or families with
small children. It is also a very popular location for mountain biking.
Turquoise Lake - This is my all time favorite Colorado Camping option - but the elevation is high and it does get cold so be prepared. Read more about Turquoise Lake here: Camping in Colorado
Morefield Village - near Mesa Verde - if you are planning a visit to Mesa Verde - and everyone should at some point- this is a great camping option.
Chatfield State Park - down most Denverites may not consider this as a legitimate camping option - as it is basically in the Denver metro area - however - this is a great option for those camping with small children that want to try something very close to home, perhaps on the first time out. It is also a very popular option at the end of the summer the weekend of the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival. If you are interested in that weekend, book now, if there is even anything left.
Hahns Peak - Near Steamboat Reservoir outside of Steamboat Springs
Buffalo Creek - Now a well known area due to the very unfortunate Buffalo Creek Fire - this fantastic area is starting to mend and shouldn't be overlooked.
Marroon Lakes - This is a very popular camping area near Aspen and is famous for the Marroon Bells Wilderness area
Rainbow Lakes - located outside of Boulder in Nederland - this seems to be popular fishing campground.
Heaton Bay in Dillon - This very popular spot is perfect for those that want to camp in Summit County and be right on Dillon Reservoir.
Green Ridge - on Shadow Mountain Reservoir - not far from Grand Lake
ThunderRidge - located outside of Woodland Park - not too far from Colorado Springs. 
Still Water - Also near Grand Lake - which is another one fo my family's favorite place s in Colorado.
Morraine Park - Located in Rocky Mountain National Park on the Estes Park side.
Have a favorite Colorado Campground? Feel free to share it in the comments.
Colorado Camping Resources: reserveusa.com - US Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Region - Colorado State Parks
Hi Steve,
Great idea to list the camping areas! I just wanted to tell you north of Steamboat Springs in the Hahn’s Peak area are two nice state parks–Steamboat Lake State Park and Pearl Lake State Park. As you mentioned, sites book very quickly but you can sometimes luck out with a cancellation.
Buffalo Pass has great sites that do not have to be reserved, and don’t forget Trappeurs Lake by Yampa, Colorado. It’s a beautiful spot.
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