6 experienced campers detail Colorado’s best summer spots

Summertime is in full bloom in Colorado, meaning perfect temperatures and picturesque backdrops for some hiking, camping and stargazing along the Front Range and beyond.

But in such a saturated state for adoring nature, plus those weekend crowds on I-70, how do you know where to start? Just like trying to pin down a hike on AllTrails, it can feel like spotting a needle in a haystack.

You don’t want somewhere too crowded, too far away or all booked up with reservations. Plus, where you pitch a tent for the night may determine the extent of supplies you’ll need.

The Colorado Trust for Local News asked experienced locals where to start when looking for ideal camping nights in the Centennial State. Take notes from the testimonials below.

Important note: Always check campground rules and regulations before hitting the road and settling down for the night. Camping in the wrong areas is illegal and could result in fines or criminal charges.

“There are a couple of places south of Buena Vista. There’s a road out there that I like going to. It’s a little bit more traveled, but I found camping there last weekend … it’s really close to town near Browns Creek Trailhead. And this is dispersed camping (I camp with a camper. I’m not a tent camper, I’m a camper camper). It gets real close to town, and it’s quiet back in here, and there’s a trailhead right there where I like to camp.”

-Joe Lopez, Arvada

“Down just off US 285, just south of it, that whole region is called the South Platte. In the northern portion of the South Platte, the Deckers area as a whole, there’s a lot of open space land and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. In that, you can find a lot of awesome spaces there. Potentially, some of them are free to just go camp. You just pull your car right to the spot. There’s no one around, usually, and you just pitch your tent or park your RV and you’re camping.”

-Angus Applegarth, Evergreen Fire Protection District

“There is one trail that leads you to Horse Shoe Campground in Golden Gate State Park, which is a backpack-in-and-out situation, really nice and not a crazy hike, but very beautiful. Then Wolford Reservoir is great for next-to-water camping and large groups. For a camper-accessible option, the River Campsite near Estes Park would be a good option.”

-Lori Abbey, Arvada

“Poudre Canyon is probably my No. 1. It’s easily accessible and the drive out is beautiful. Along the canyon is the Poudre River that has accessible beaches for chilling, fishing and tubing. There’s also guided white water rafting before my favorite spot, a restaurant/venue called Mishawaka Amphitheater, which is always a good stop for a beer and lunch by the water. The great part about the canyon is that there’s camping by the water and up on the mountain. Some spots are paid, but others are BLM.

I also really enjoy the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. There’s a load of free camping nearby and it’s a jaw-dropping experience, from the drop off to the views. I remember getting in late for my first visit and setting up camp, excited for the canyon. Waking up, I expected nothing, but walked out and felt like I was shot back to prehistoric times. Absolute beauty.”

-Jimmy Garcia, Northglenn

“We really enjoy camping at the Great Sand Dunes, for obvious reasons. Zapata Falls is only about seven miles south of the sand dunes. It’s a really wonderful spot to go visit, and right now it’s actually glacial, so you need crampons to get up in there, but it’s beautiful. We camp a lot at Carter Lake just because it’s so convenient. It’s relatively inexpensive, it’s a good place to go fish and go exploring.

We have a 30-foot camper, travel trailer, so we have to rent a space like six months in advance. But there are tent sides all over the place. The cool thing about that, too, is you can go from dome tent campsites to the walk-in, double-room ones. It’s all really flat. On the south campground, there’s a boathouse so you can rent whatever you need. If you go to the marina, you can actually rent a boat and kick around. We like to take our paddle boards into a couple coves … gosh, just lay on your back, stare at the sky and fall asleep for a while, let the water just take you where you go.”

–Keith Hancock, Thornton

“I love Guanella Pass because it’s easily accessible, provides beautiful water and valley views and feels secluded and private.”

-Shelby Andress, Denver

What’s your favorite summer camping spot in Colorado? Email me at john@cotln.org and let me know.