Moon Colorado Camping

How to Use This Book

ABOUT THE CAMPGROUND PROFILES

The campgrounds are listed in a consistent, easy-to-read format to help you choose the ideal camping spot. If you already know the name of the specific campground you want to visit, or the name of the surrounding geological area or nearby feature (town, national or state park, forest, mountain, lake, river, etc.), look it up in the index and turn to the corresponding page. Here is a sample profile:

ABOUT THE ICONS

The icons in this book are designed to provide at-a-glance information on activities, facilities, and services available on-site or within walking distance of each campground.

ABOUT THE SCENIC RATING

Each campground profile employs a scenic rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least scenic and 10 being the most scenic. A scenic rating measures only the overall beauty of the campground and environs; it does not take into account noise level, facilities, maintenance, recreation options, or campground management. The setting of a campground with a lower scenic rating may simply not be as picturesque that of as a higher rated campground, however other factors that can influence a trip, such as noise or recreation access, can still affect or enhance your camping trip. Consider both the scenic rating and the profile description before deciding which campground is perfect for you.

MAP SYMBOLS

INTRODUCTION

Author’s Note

Best Campgrounds

B Climbing Fourteeners

B Day Hiking

B Fly-Fishing

B Hot Springs

B Mountain Biking

B Stunning Views

B Weddings

B White Water

B Full-Service Campgrounds

B Lakeside Campgrounds

Camping Tips

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RESERVATIONS

CAMPING GEAR

CLOTHING

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

SAFETY AND FIRST AID

Author’s Note

The people who come from around the world to experience Colorado’s campgrounds come for all kinds of reasons: to hike and mountain bike on the Continental Divide, to four-wheel through ghost towns, to raft raging rivers, to soak in hot springs, fly fish on Gold Medal waters, canoe across reservoirs, tour fall foliage, and to snowshoe and ski. And, of course, they come to camp—that primordial act of sleeping under the stars that unites us all.

In addition to the nearly 500 public and commercial campgrounds listed in Moon Colorado Camping, there are thousands of small, simple campsites throughout public lands that are accessible only by hiking or on horseback. These backcountry sites usually require a permit and are beyond the scope of this book, but we’ll get you to the trailheads. For some people, their favorite campground is the destination. For others, campgrounds are pleasant, but crowded stepping-stones to access their favorite backcountry area or secret hot springs.

As the Denver metro area population continues to swell, snagging a campsite during the summer has become a bit of an art form. If you’re able to camp between Sunday and Thursday nights, your site availability skyrockets. Weekends are increasingly difficult if you don’t have a reservation. The onset of campsite, camper, and RV-sharing apps and networks helps add more supply to meet the demand, so you may consider trying them out; I’ve included a few in the first chapter.

Plus, there is so much space. A whopping 35 percent of Colorado—23 million acres!—is public land, including 4 national parks, 8 national monuments, 13 national forests and grasslands, 41 state parks, and 42 designated wilderness areas. Most official campgrounds are in or around these parks and preserves, providing immediate immersion and access. These “frontcountry” campgrounds are the focus of this book. Some are right next to the interstate, others are 50 miles from the nearest town or paved road. As varied as they are, Colorado’s campgrounds also serve as buffer zones, concentrating and thus minimizing, human impact on the lands we love.

The campground listings in this book are short and to the point, but also provide some context in the form of recommendations for hiking and biking trails, white-water runs, fishing opportunities, winter sports, and cultural attractions that are accessible from each campground. Each listing also includes practical information on facilities, reservations, and driving directions, as well as a narrative evaluation informed by firsthand knowledge, conversations with camp hosts, fellow campers, and rangers. There are regional maps and “best” lists to facilitate driving and decision-making—and an introduction to basic camping tips. Enjoy!

-Joshua Berman

Best Campgrounds

B Climbing Fourteeners

Avalanche, Western Slope South, tap here.

Silver Jack, Western Slope South, tap here.

Halfmoon, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Elbert Creek, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Collegiate Peaks, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Longs Peak, The Front Range, tap here.

Burro Bridge, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Molas Lake, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

North Crestone Creek, San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristos, tap here.

B Day Hiking

Trappers Lake-Shepherd’s Rim, Western Slope North, tap here.

Saddlehorn, Western Slope South, tap here.

Lake Irwin, Western Slope South, tap here.

Silver Queen, Western Slope South, tap here.

Timber Creek, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Gore Creek, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Moraine Park, The Front Range, tap here.

Glacier Basin, The Front Range, tap here.

Pawnee, The Front Range, tap here.

Mueller State Park, The Front Range, tap here.

B Fly-Fishing

Hinman Park, Western Slope North, tap here.

Trappers Lake-Cutthroat, Western Slope North, tap here.

Little Maud, Western Slope South, tap here.

Weller, Western Slope South, tap here.

East Portal, Western Slope South, tap here.

Lottis Creek, Western Slope South, tap here.

Blue River, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Cross Creek, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Big South, The Front Range, tap here.

Platte River, The Front Range, tap here.

B Hot Springs

Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Western Slope North, tap here.

KOA Steamboat Campground, Western Slope North, tap here.

Sunset Point, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Cottonwood Lake, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Chalk Lake, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Mount Princeton, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Orvis Hot Springs, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Ouray KOA, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

West Fork, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

East Fork, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

B Mountain Biking

Blacktail Creek, Western Slope North, tap here.

Rabbit Valley, Western Slope South, tap here.

Cement Creek, Western Slope South, tap here.

Idlewild, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Iron City, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Monarch Park, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Inlet Bay, The Front Range, tap here.

Telluride Town Park, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Junction Creek, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Alvarado, San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristos, tap here.

B Stunning Views

Echo Park, Western Slope North, tap here.

Cold Springs, Western Slope North, tap here.

Lost Lake, Western Slope South, tap here.

Dinner Station, Western Slope South, tap here.

May Queen, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Moraine Park, The Front Range, tap here.

Amphitheater, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Molas Lake, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Lost Trail, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Piñon Flats, San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristos, tap here.

B Weddings

These campgrounds are in scenic locations and have amphitheaters or other facilities for events or outdoor ceremonies. They have group sites for tent and RV camping and sometimes cabins or yurts for guests who don’t like sleeping pads. Some campgrounds even have wedding packages and local planners available.

Dutch Hill, Western Slope North, tap here.

Rifle Falls State Park, Western Slope North, tap here.

Bookcliff, Western Slope South, tap here.

Saddlehorn, Western Slope South, tap here.

Early Settlers, Western Slope South, tap here.

Elk Ridge, Western Slope South, tap here.

Dakota Terraces, Western Slope South, tap here.

Windy Point Group, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Ruby Mountain, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Moraine Park, The Front Range, tap here.

Rifleman Phillips Group, The Front Range, tap here.

Cherry Creek State Park, The Front Range, tap here.

Mueller State Park, The Front Range, tap here.

Dunes Group, Eastern Plains, tap here.

B White Water

Gates of Lodore, Western Slope North, tap here.

Deerlodge Park, Western Slope North, tap here.

Bogan Flats, Western Slope South, tap here.

East Portal, Western Slope South, tap here.

Blue River, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Ruby Mountain, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Hecla Junction, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Ansel Watrous, The Front Range, tap here.

Echo Canyon Campground, The Front Range, tap here.

River Hill, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Bridge, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

B Full-Service Campgrounds

Dutch Hill, Western Slope North, tap here.

Bookcliff, Western Slope South, tap here.

Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, Western Slope South, tap here.

Winding River Resort, Central Mountains North, tap here.

River Run RV Resort, Central Mountains North, tap here.

Reverend’s Ridge, The Front Range, tap here.

Cherry Creek State Park, The Front Range, tap here.

Ouray KOA, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Dolores River Campground, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Castle Lakes Resort, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Mosca, San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristos, tap here.

B Lakeside Campgrounds

Dutch Hill, Western Slope North, tap here.

Deep Lake, Western Slope North, tap here.

Lost Lake, Western Slope South, tap here.

Silver Jack, Western Slope South, tap here.

Arapaho Bay, Central Mountains North, tap here.

May Queen, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Backcountry, Central Mountains South, tap here.

Boat-in, The Front Range, tap here.

Haviland Lake, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Teal, Four Corners and the San Juan Mountains, tap here.

Camping Tips

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

Most of the campground listings in this guidebook are developed, frontcountry campgrounds designed for tents and RVs. Some of these campgrounds are at the end of long dirt roads through remote forests, and many are along paved roads, offering a standard package of tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, and composting vault toilet. Some campgrounds are secluded, primitive, remote paradises. Others are more like little villages, complete with the hustle and bustle. For some people, frontcountry campgrounds serve only as launching pads for forays deeper into the wilderness. For others, the campground itself is the destination. All types mix easily at Colorado’s campgrounds, where the elevation and mountain air seem to make people friendlier. Colorado’s campgrounds are varied, but most can accommodate families and some have group facilities and are wheelchair-accessible. As the state’s urban centers grow, especially Denver and the Front Range, campgrounds within a few hours’ drive are increasingly busy throughout the summer and into the fall. The general trend in Colorado has been toward accepting reservations at more sites and offering additional lodging options like yurts, cabins, and tepees. Another trend is the advent of campsite and camper/RV-sharing apps, which are increasing the number of sites and situations possible.

Campsite Courtesy

The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife have built campgrounds in nearly every nook and cranny of the state. Some are now managed by private concessionaires. In more remote areas, the campsites may be well spaced and you may have the place all to yourself, but increasingly, campgrounds are crowded or full, especially on weekends, making campsite courtesy more essential than ever. The most common violations of campsite courtesy include noise, litter, and impact on plants or wildlife:

NOISE

Always follow posted quiet hours, usually from 9pm to 6am or 10pm to 7am, especially if you are using a generator. While few things are as enjoyable as listening to musicians strum a guitar or pick a banjo around the campfire, remain respectful of your neighbors and leave the Bluetooth speakers at home. Late arrivers—or early risers—should also be as quiet as possible.

LITTER

Many campgrounds provide bear-proof garbage cans to dispose of the trash you create during your stay. Some don’t and you should be prepared to pack out trash when receptacles are not available. Well-meaning campers often leave garbage in the fire rings, but this can attract animals. If in doubt, pack it out. Better yet, make a rule to leave the campsite cleaner than when you found it—and teach your children to do the same.

VANDALISM

Never carve your initials or name into trees, as it leaves them susceptible to disease. Graffiti on picnic tables and vault toilets—or bullet holes in signs—redirects limited funds away from needed campground improvements.

IMPACT

Learn and follow Leave No Trace principles for having as little impact as possible when spending time in the outdoors. Never cut down limbs or branches or remove leaves from trees in and around your site. Respect wildlife by not feeding or harassing animals, even if they visit your campsite. Keep your camp clean of food, especially if you’re in bear country, so you don’t tempt any animals to visit. Many campsites provide bear-proof storage lockers in which you can fit entire coolers full of food. Use them. Control your leashed pets at all times and if you can’t, leave them with a sitter at home. Many campgrounds prohibit hanging hammocks on trees to help protect the bark.

Camping with Children

For generations, camping has been one of the most affordable family vacations available. It has the potential to be an unforgettable adventure and learning experience for kids of all ages. Infants can go camping—just strap ’em on and bring enough diapers. Toddlers enjoy camping so much, they may get wound up on s’mores and have a hard time going to sleep. Elementary school-age children will unconsciously seize on the myriad of learning opportunities that come from being outdoors, from building fairy houses in the tree roots to participating in the Junior Ranger programs at national parks and monuments. Some tweens and teens will be more difficult to please—be sure to include them in the decision-making process and they’re more likely to have fun. Here are some tips for keeping young kids happy:

• Keep trips short and within the physical abilities of a child.

• For babies and toddlers, it’s often easier to strap them on your back/belly while you set up and break down camp.

• Include children in the planning process. Show them maps and photos of the destination so they can get excited about the trip. Ask for their input on activities and outings.

• Plan frequent activities, outings, and games, while keeping in mind their short attention spans. For young children, plan naps as well. Be flexible to accommodate weather and moods.

• Keep the campground safe for kids. Be aware of campfire and boiling-water hazards, and educate them on appropriate behavior in the woods and around wildlife. A good rule to teach from a young age is no running in the campground.

• Pack appropriate clothing and gear. Children need layers too, so be sure to bring long underwear, warm layers, rain gear, hats, and sunglasses. Bring a child’s backpack with his or her own water and snacks, whistle, first-aid kit, magnifying glass, sunblock and insect repellent, compass and watch, flashlight, hiking map, and notebook.

• Let them help around the campsite with setting up and sweeping out the tent, pumping water, cooking meals, washing dishes, and planning activities.

• Keep it fun so they’ll want to go again year after year.

Camping with Pets

Bring your pets only if you can comply with the following rules:

• Keep pets on a leash at all times. Loose pets disturb the homes and habitats of native wildlife, not to mention fellow campers.

• Never leave pets unattended at the campground.

• Don’t allow dogs to bark at or intimidate other campers or wildlife.

• Consider using a Bluetooth enabled pet-tracking device like Pawscout, to help quickly find your pet if it runs away.

RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RESERVATIONS

Rules vary between campgrounds, or more accurately, between how various branches of local, state, and federal governments (and their subcontracted concessionaires) manage their campgrounds. Please note that all fees and rules in this guidebook were current as of Spring 2020 and are subject to change.

National Parks and Monuments

Colorado has four national parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mesa Verde National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. There are eight national monuments plus a selection of national recreation areas, historic sites, historic trails, and national river corridors for good measure. Most allow camping by permit in the backcountry and most offer one or more frontcountry campgrounds. Many of these campgrounds are run by one of several private concessionaires that operate in Colorado, but are very basic. You’ll usually find potable running water (but not always), bathrooms, but rarely hookups or electricity. They range from walk-in tent sites to RV parks. Fees and regulations vary, but most campsites are limited to eight people and two vehicles or one vehicle and one camping unit. Stay limits range from 7 days to 14 days. Leashed pets are permitted in campgrounds but are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. Campfires are only allowed in fire rings and hammocks are prohibited on trees. At smaller campgrounds, trash must be packed out. At most national parks and monuments, you are not allowed to forage for firewood and must purchase firewood locally (to prevent the spread of disease). When fire restrictions are in place, follow them! Quiet hours are enforced by rangers and camp hosts. Permits are required for backcountry camping.