Here's where to head for the best camping in Colorado.
Colorado is a prime destination spot for anyone looking for outdoor recreation. And for good reason. Majestic mountain peaks, bountiful wildlife, and some of the best trout streams in the country beckon outdoorsmen and women everywhere to come and bask in the Centennial State's many wonders of nature.
From national and state parks to private campgrounds, Colorado holds more than 13,000 campsites. Whether you're looking for a recreation area with biking, boating and kayaking options or a backcountry launchpad for mountain biking and stargazing, Colorado has the perfect place for you.
Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds
Probably the biggest outdoor draw for the Centennial State, Rocky Mountain National Park offers five different campgrounds, all with something special to offer. Glacier Basin boasts breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and close proximity to all the Estes Park attractions. Moraine Park Campground is open year-round and gives campers a great opportunity to spot wildlife, including bear, moose, and bighorn sheep. High-altitude Longs Peak is reserved for tent camping only. But it offers excellent overlooks. The Aspenglen camping area showcases the park's seasonal wildflowers and offers drive-in camping spots for car camping. And Timber Creek Campground is the only option on the western part of the park.
Angel of Shavano Campground
Located in San Isabel National Forest along the Arkansas River - which is great for whitewater rafting - this campground is a great option that doesn't receive a ton of foot traffic. Hikers love it for its easy access to Mount Shavano via the Blanks Cabin Trailhead and the 500-mile Colorado Trail. The campground is equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, a fire ring, and drinking water. Just a warning for those who don't like roughing it, there are no hookups are available. Angel of Shavano Campground is located near amenities in Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. It's also close to excellent trout fishing in the North Fork Reservoir.
Piñon Flats Campground
Situated within Great Sand Dunes National Park, Piñon Flats is the place to go for quick access to the tallest dunes in North America - some visitors even sandboard down them! Hiking trails through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the shallow Medano Creek, and beautiful Zapata Falls are located nearby. For a weekend getaway in the summer months, this makes a great camping experience.
Bear Lake Campground
Inside San Isabel National Park, Bear Lake Campground provides campers with beautiful views of the Culebra Range Mountains. Its namesake lake is just a mile from the campsite and offers great fishing along with the tributaries of the Cuchara River. Just north of the campground is Indian Creek Trail #1300 Trailhead, where campers can enjoy horseback riding, biking, motorcycle riding and more on the 23 miles of ground.
Wherever you head for your next Colorado camping trip, make sure you're prepared with the necessary gear and leave no trace!
NEXT: CALIFORNIA NATIONAL PARKS: THE TOP DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
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